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Fulltext A Planar Ultrawideband Patch Antenna Array for Microwave Breast Tumor Detection

Hossain A, Islam MT, Islam MT, Chowdhury MEH, Rmili H, Samsuzzaman M

Materials (Basel), 2020 Nov 02;13(21).
PMID: 33147702 DOI: 10.3390/ma13214918

In this paper, a compact planar ultrawideband (UWB) antenna and an antenna array setup for microwave breast imaging are presented. The proposed antenna is constructed with a slotted semicircular-shaped patch and partial trapezoidal ground. It is compact in dimension: 0.30λ × 0.31λ × 0.011λ, where λ is the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency. For design purposes, several parameters are assumed and optimized to achieve better performance. The prototype is applied in the breast imaging scheme over the UWB frequency range 3.10-10.60 GHz. However, the antenna achieves an operating bandwidth of 8.70 GHz (2.30-11.00 GHz) for the reflection coefficient under-10 dB with decent impedance matching, 5.80 dBi of maximum gain with steady radiation pattern. The antenna provides a fidelity factor (FF) of 82% and 81% for face-to-face and side-by-side setups, respectively, which specifies the directionality and minor variation of the received pulses. The antenna is fabricated and measured to evaluate the antenna characteristics. A 16-antenna array-based configuration is considered to measure the backscattering signal of the breast phantom where one antenna acts as transmitter, and 15 of them receive the scattered signals. The data is taken in both the configuration of the phantom with and without the tumor inside. Later, the Iteratively Corrected Delay and Sum (IC-DAS) image reconstructed algorithm was used to identify the tumor in the breast phantom. Finally, the reconstructed images from the analysis and processing of the backscattering signal by the algorithm are illustrated to verify the imaging performance.
Fulltext Recurrent Empyema Thoracic Secondary to Pulmonary Nocardiosis in Immunocompetent Patients

Sukahri S, Zainudin LD, Hadi MF, Firdaus MAM, Hafidz MIA

Case Rep Pulmonol, 2020;2020:8840920.
PMID: 33178475 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8840920

Pulmonary nocardiosis is a rare disorder that mainly affects immune-compromised patients. We report a 37-year-old male who presented with persistent fever associated with productive cough. During this course of therapy, he had recurrent admissions for empyema thoracic. Clinically, his vital signs were normal. Blood investigations show leukocytosis with a significantly raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) was scanty 1+ and sputum mycobacterium culture was negative. Chest X-ray (CXR) showed consolidative changes with mild to moderate pleural effusion on the right side. Skin biopsy was taken and showed Paecilomyces species. A computed tomography scan (CT thorax) was performed and revealed a multiloculated collection within the right hemithorax with a split pleura sign. Decortications were performed and tissue culture and sensitivity (C+S) growth of Nocardia species. And it is sensitive to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and completed treatment for 4 months. This case highlights that pulmonary nocardiosis should be kept in mind in also immune-competent patients, especially in suspected cases of tuberculosis not responding to antitubercular therapy.
Fulltext Fractal-Fractional Mathematical Model Addressing the Situation of Corona Virus in Pakistan

Shah K, Arfan M, Mahariq I, Ahmadian A, Salahshour S, Ferrara M

Results Phys, 2020 Dec;19:103560.
PMID: 33200064 DOI: 10.1016/j.rinp.2020.103560

This work is the consideration of a fractal fractional mathematical model on the transmission and control of corona virus (COVID-19), in which the total population of an infected area is divided into susceptible, infected and recovered classes. We consider a fractal-fractional order

SIR

type model for investigation of Covid-19. To realize the transmission and control of corona virus in a much better way, first we study the stability of the corresponding deterministic model using next generation matrix along with basic reproduction number. After this, we study the qualitative analysis using "fixed point theory" approach. Next, we use fractional Adams-Bashforth approach for investigation of approximate solution to the considered model. At the end numerical simulation are been given by matlab to provide the validity of mathematical system having the arbitrary order and fractal dimension.
Fulltext Determining Soil Microbial Communities and Their Influence on Ganoderma Disease Incidences in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) via High-Throughput Sequencing

Goh YK, Zoqratt MZHM, Goh YK, Ayub Q, Ting ASY

Biology (Basel), 2020 Nov 27;9(12).
PMID: 33260913 DOI: 10.3390/biology9120424

Basal stem rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma boninense, is the most devastating oil palm disease in South East Asia, costing US$500 million annually. Various soil physicochemical parameters have been associated with an increase in BSR incidences. However, very little attention has been directed to understanding the relationship between soil microbiome and BSR incidence in oil palm fields. The prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial diversities of two coastal soils, Blenheim soil (Typic Quartzipsamment-calcareous shell deposits, light texture) with low disease incidence (1.9%) and Bernam soil (Typic Endoaquept-non-acid sulfate) with high disease incidence (33.1%), were determined using the 16S (V3-V4 region) and 18S (V9 region) rRNA amplicon sequencing. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable cations, micronutrients, and soil physical parameters) were also analyzed for the two coastal soils. Results revealed that Blenheim soil comprises higher prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversities, accompanied by higher pH and calcium content. Blenheim soil was observed to have a higher relative abundance of bacterial taxa associated with disease suppression such as Calditrichaeota, Zixibacteria, GAL15, Omnitrophicaeota, Rokubacteria, AKYG587 (Planctomycetes), JdFR-76 (Calditrichaeota), and Rubrobacter (Actinobacteria). In contrast, Bernam soil had a higher proportion of other bacterial taxa, Chloroflexi and Acidothermus (Actinobacteria). Cercomonas (Cercozoa) and Calcarisporiella (Ascomycota) were eukaryotes that are abundant in Blenheim soil, while Uronema (Ciliophora) and mammals were present in higher abundance in Bernam soil. Some of the bacterial taxa have been reported previously in disease-suppressive and -conducive soils as potential disease-suppressive or disease-inducible bacteria. Furthermore, Cercomonas was reported previously as potential bacterivorous flagellates involved in the selection of highly toxic biocontrol bacteria, which might contribute to disease suppression indirectly. The results from this study may provide valuable information related to soil microbial community structures and their association with soil characteristics and soil susceptibility to Ganoderma.
Identification and characterization of antibacterial compound(s) of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

Ali SM, Siddiqui R, Ong SK, Shah MR, Anwar A, Heard PJ, et al.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2017 Jan;101(1):253-286.
PMID: 27743045 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7872-2

Infectious diseases remain a significant threat to human health, contributing to more than 17 million deaths, annually. With the worsening trends of drug resistance, there is a need for newer and more powerful antimicrobial agents. We hypothesized that animals living in polluted environments are potential sources of antimicrobials. Under polluted milieus, organisms such as cockroaches encounter different types of microbes, including superbugs. Such creatures survive the onslaught of superbugs and are able to ward off disease by producing antimicrobial substances. Here, we characterized antibacterial properties in extracts of various body organs of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and showed potent antibacterial activity in crude brain extract against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1. The size-exclusion spin columns revealed that the active compound(s) are less than 10 kDa in molecular mass. Using cytotoxicity assays, it was observed that pre-treatment of bacteria with lysates inhibited bacteria-mediated host cell cytotoxicity. Using spectra obtained with LC-MS on Agilent 1290 infinity liquid chromatograph, coupled with an Agilent 6460 triple quadruple mass spectrometer, tissues lysates were analysed. Among hundreds of compounds, only a few homologous compounds were identified that contained the isoquinoline group, chromene derivatives, thiazine groups, imidazoles, pyrrole-containing analogs, sulfonamides, furanones, and flavanones and known to possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and analgesic properties. Further identification, characterization, and functional studies using individual compounds can act as a breakthrough in developing novel therapeutics against various pathogens including superbugs.
Bioequivalence assessment of two enteric-coated aspirin brands, Nu-Seals and Loprin, after a single oral dose of 150 mg in healthy male adults

Bukhari NI, Zafar A, Shamsi Wu, Bashir MA, Mirza AA

Therapie, 2005 Mar-Apr;60(2):167-73.
PMID: 15969319

AIM: The bioequivalence of aspirin from two enteric-coated brands, Nu-seals and Loprin, identified as the reference (R) and test (T) products, respectively, was assessed.

METHODS: A two-period randomised crossover design with a washout interval of 15 days was used in this study. The study results were determined in 16 healthy volunteers, all males with ages ranging from 19-28 (23.33 +/- 3.74) years and bodyweights of 52-92 (65.89 +/- 11.39) kg. After oral ingestion of 150mg of the either brand with 200 mL of water, serial blood samples were obtained over a period of 24 hours. Plasma, harvested from blood was analysed for the concentration of salicylic acid, a deacetylated metabolite of aspirin, by a validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for both formulations by an interactive computer-assisted PK II procedure. A general linear model for repeated measures and 90% confidence intervals (CI) was employed to assess the sequence of treatment effects and to exclude differences between the parameters due to the product and period of administration, respectively.

RESULTS: The observed 90% CI ratios (Loprin/Nu-seals) for peak concentration, time to reach the peak and area under the plasma-concentration time curve from zero to infinity of 1.03,1.08; 1.04,1.05 and 1.01,1.15, respectively, were within the bioequivalence range (0.80,1.25) stipulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CONCLUSION: On the basis of the findings, the test (Loprin) and reference drug (Nu-seals) were deemed bioequivalent.
Fulltext Isolated Pancreatic Tail Injury in Paediatrics; A Case Report and Literature Review

Al Kuddoos NM, Ismail AK, Shen KWC, Shibraumalisi NA, Yunus AY

Bull Emerg Trauma, 2020 Oct;8(4):249-252.
PMID: 33426141 DOI: 10.30476/beat.2020.85719

Pancreatic injury in paediatrics is a rare condition and can be difficult to diagnose. The diagnostic challenge is due to its symptom of vague abdominal pain which usually results in late presentation. Elevated biochemical markers such as amylase and lipase can aid in the evaluation of pancreatic injury, however, it is not specific and is only evident after several hours of trauma. Ultrasound is commonly used as a primary modality to evaluate abdominal organ injuries, but its role in detecting pancreatic injury is limited due to low sensitivity. High index of suspicion is needed to avoid undiagnosed pancreatic injury which could be lethal to children. We herein report a case of delayed presentation of isolated pancreatic tail injury in a child who was sufficiently diagnosed with ultrasound and treated conservatively. Proper initial assessment and diagnosis will allow appropriate management of pancreatic injury. Conservative management should include serial imaging to look at the evolution of pancreatic injury and detect complications such as pseudocyst or abscess formation.
Fulltext An investigation of microstructural, magnetic and microwave absorption properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4

Mustaffa MS, Azis RS, Abdullah NH, Ismail I, Ibrahim IR

Sci Rep, 2019 Oct 29;9(1):15523.
PMID: 31664142 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52233-2

The enhancement of microwave absorbing properties in nickel zinc ferrite (Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) via multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) growth is studied in this research work. Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 was initially synthesized by mechanical alloying followed by sintering at 1200 °C and the microstructural, electromagnetic and microwave characteristics have been scrutinized thoroughly. The sintered powder was then used as a catalyst to grow MWCNT derived from chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The sample was mixed with epoxy resin and a hardener for preparation of composites. The composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 shown a maximum reflection loss (RL) of -19.34 dB at the frequency and bandwidth of 8.46 GHz and 1.24 GHz for an absorber thickness of 3 mm for losses less than -10 dB. This acquired result indicates that multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 could be used as a microwave absorber application in X-band.
Fulltext Synthesis of new isoquinoline-base-oxadiazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase and molecular docking study

Zaman K, Rahim F, Taha M, Wadood A, Shah SAA, Ahmed QU, et al.

Sci Rep, 2019 11 05;9(1):16015.
PMID: 31690793 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52100-0

Here in this study regarding the over expression of TP, which causes some physical, mental and socio problems like psoriasis, chronic inflammatory disease, tumor angiogenesis and rheumatoid arthritis etc. By this consideration, the inhibition of this enzyme is vital to secure life from serious threats. In connection with this, we have synthesized twenty derivatives of isoquinoline bearing oxadiazole (1-20), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as HREI-MS, 1H- NMR and 13C-NMR and evaluated for thymidine phosphorylase inhibition. All analogues showed outstanding inhibitory potential ranging in between 1.10 ± 0.05 to 54.60 ± 1.50 µM. 7-Deazaxanthine (IC50 = 38.68 ± 1.12 µM) was used as a positive control. Through limited structure activity relationships study, it has been observed that the difference in inhibitory activities of screened analogs are mainly affected by different substitutions on phenyl ring. The effective binding interactions of the most active analogs were confirmed through docking study.
Fulltext Phylogenetic surveillance of travel-related Zika virus infections through whole-genome sequencing methods

Kamelian K, Montoya V, Olmstead A, Dong W, Harrigan R, Morshed M, et al.

Sci Rep, 2019 Nov 11;9(1):16433.
PMID: 31712570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52613-8

In 2018, the World Health Organization identified the Zika virus (ZIKV) as a pathogen that should be prioritized for public health research due to its epidemic potential. In this study, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of travel-acquired ZIKV infections was used to examine the limitations of phylogenetic analysis. WGS and phylogenetic analysis were performed to investigate geographic clustering of samples from five Canadians with travel-acquired ZIKV infections and to assess the limitations of phylogenetic analysis of ZIKV sequences using a phylogenetic cluster approach. Genomic variability of ZIKV samples was assessed and for context, compared with hepatitis C virus (HCV) samples. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the suspected region of ZIKV infection for one of five samples and one sample failed to cluster with sequences from its suspected country of infection. Travel-acquired ZIKV samples depicted low genomic variability relative to HCV samples. A floating patristic distance threshold classified all pre-2000 ZIKV sequences into separate clusters, while only Cambodian, Peruvian, Malaysian, and South Korean sequences were similarly classifiable. While phylogenetic analysis of ZIKV data can identify the broad geographical region of ZIKV infection, ZIKV's low genomic variability is likely to limit precise interpretations of phylogenetic analysis of the origins of travel-related cases.
Measuring energy and environmental efficiency interactions towards CO2 emissions reduction without slowing economic growth in central and western Europe

Zhang J, Patwary AK, Sun H, Raza M, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Iram R

J Environ Manage, 2021 Feb 01;279:111704.
PMID: 33348188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111704

Given the economic growth and energy consumption patterns, most countries are striving to solve the problems of CO2 emissions reduction to achieve sustainable development. This paper employs an improved DEA model to measure energy and environmental efficiency for some selected countries in central and western Europe. In addition, the DEA window evaluation technique is applied to measure cross-sectional efficiency using two inputs (energy consumption, labor force), a desirable output (gross domestic product), and an undesirable output (CO2 emission) for the period from 2010 to 2014. The study finds that the UK ranks the highest position in term of energy and environmental efficiency. This shows that the UK has more effective policies regarding energy efficiency, consumption, production, import and energy intensity measures for sustainable economic growth as well as environmental protection. Ireland is the second-best country after the United Kingdom. The efficiency scores of the two countries are 0.99 and 0.89 respectively. On the empirical outcomes, this study suggests effective reforms in energy sector for countries with less energy efficiency that are still facing the problem of environmental degradation.
Design, synthesis, in vitro evaluation, molecular docking and ADME properties studies of hybrid bis-coumarin with thiadiazole as a new inhibitor of Urease

Alomari M, Taha M, Imran S, Jamil W, Selvaraj M, Uddin N, et al.

Bioorg Chem, 2019 11;92:103235.
PMID: 31494327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103235

Hybrid bis-coumarin derivatives 1-18 were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro urease inhibitory potential. All compounds showed outstanding urease inhibitory potential with IC50 value (The half maximal inhibitory concentration) ranging in between 0.12 SD 0.01 and 38.04 SD 0.63 µM (SD standard deviation). When compared with the standard thiourea (IC50 = 21.40 ± 0.21 µM). Among these derivatives, compounds 7 (IC50 = 0.29 ± 0.01), 9 (IC50 = 2.4 ± 0.05), 10 (IC50 = 2.25 ± 0.05) and 16 (IC50 = 0.12 ± 0.01) are better inhibitors of the urease compared with thiourea (IC50 = 21.40 ± 0.21 µM). To find structure-activity relationship molecular docking as well as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies were also performed. Various spectroscopic techniques like 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and EI-MS were used for characterization of all synthesized analogs. All compounds were tested for cytotoxicity and found non-toxic.
Identification and relative abundances of mRNA for a gene encoding the vWD domain and three Kazal-type domains in the ovary of giant freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Faiz ZM, Mardhiyyah MP, Mohamad A, Hidir A, Nurul-Hidayah A, Wong L, et al.

Anim. Reprod. Sci., 2019 Oct;209:106143.
PMID: 31514941 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106143

Understanding Macrobrachium rosenbergii ovarian maturation control at the genome level is an important aspect for increasing larvae production. In this study, an ovarian maturation related gene, M. rosenbergii vWD domain and three Kazal-type domains of a gene (MrvWD-Kazal) have been studied. The MrvWD-Kazal gene was isolated using a rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) method and the relative abundances of MrvWD-Kazal mRNA in the ovary, hepatopancreas, stomach, intestine and gill were determined by using the quantitative PCR technique. The MrvWD-Kazal gene is composed of 2194 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1998 bp encoding 665 amino acids and has great similarity to the M. nipponense vWD-Kazal gene (91%). The qPCR analyses indicated the relative abundance of MrvWD-Kazal mRNA transcript varied among different stages of ovarian function (P < 0.05), but there were no differences abundance in hepatopancreas, stomach, intestine and gill (P> 0.05). In the ovary, relative abundance of MrvWD-Kazal mRNA transcript gradually increased with ovarian maturation from Stages 1 (Spent; 1.00-fold), to 2 (Proliferative; 3.47-fold) to 3 (Premature; 6.18-fold) and decreased at Stage 4 (Mature; 1.31-fold). Differential relative abundances of MrvWD-Kazal mRNA transcript in the ovary indicate the MrvWD-Kazal protein may have an important function in ovarian maturation of M. rosenbergii. The results of this study also indicate the MrvWD-Kazal is not involved in regulation of the reproductive related function of the hepatopancreas, digestive system (stomach and intestine) and respiratory system (gill).
The In Vitro Anti-Cancer Activities of 17βH-Neriifolin Isolated from Cerbera odollam and its Binding Activity on Na+, K+-ATPase

Yunos NM, Osman A, Jauri MH, Sallehudin NJ, Mutalip SSM

Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2020;21(1):37-44.
PMID: 31530258 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190917154850

BACKGROUND: 17βH-neriifolin, a cardiac glycoside compound had been successfully isolated from Cerbera odollam leaves based on the bioassay guided-isolation procedure. The aim of these studies were to determine the in vitro anti-cancer and binding effects of 17βH-neriifolin on Na+, K+-ATPase.
METHODS: The in vitro anti-cancer effects were evaluated using Sulphorhodamine B and Hoescht 33342 assays. The Na+, K+-ATPase assay was carried out using Malachite Green assay. In silico molecular docking studies and in vitro malachite green assay were used to predict the binding activities of 17βH-neriifolin on Na+, K+-ATPase and ouabain was also included as for comparison studies.
RESULTS: The compound was tested against breast (MCF-7, T47D), colorectal (HT-29), ovarian (A2780, SKOV-3) and skin (A375) cancer cell lines that gave IC50 values ranged from 0.022 ± 0.0015 to 0.030 ± 0.0018 μM. The mechanism of cell death of 17βH-neriifolin was further evaluated using Hoescht 33342 assay and it was found that the compound killed the cancer cells via apoptosis. 17βHneriifolin and ouabain both bound at α-subunit in Na+, K+-ATPase and their binding energy were - 8.16 ± 0.74 kcal/mol and -8.18 ± 0.48 kcal/mol respectively.
CONCLUSION: The results had confirmed the anti-proliferative effects exerted by 17βH-neriifolin in the breast, colorectal, ovarian and skin cancer cell lines. 17βH-neriifolin had shown to cause apoptotic cell death in the respective cancer cell lines.17βH-neriifolin and ouabain both bound at α-subunit in Na+, K+-ATPase and their binding energy were -8.16 ± 0.74 kcal/mol and -8.18 ± 0.48 kcal/mol respectively. This is the first report to reveal that 17βH-neriifolin managed to bind to the pocket of α-subunit of Na+.K+-ATPase.
Fulltext Electrochemical-Based Biosensors on Different Zinc Oxide Nanostructures: A Review

Napi MLM, Sultan SM, Ismail R, How KW, Ahmad MK

Materials (Basel), 2019 Sep 15;12(18).
PMID: 31540160 DOI: 10.3390/ma12182985

Electrochemical biosensors have shown great potential in the medical diagnosis field. The performance of electrochemical biosensors depends on the sensing materials used. ZnO nanostructures play important roles as the active sites where biological events occur, subsequently defining the sensitivity and stability of the device. ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized into four different dimensional formations, which are zero dimensional (nanoparticles and quantum dots), one dimensional (nanorods, nanotubes, nanofibers, and nanowires), two dimensional (nanosheets, nanoflakes, nanodiscs, and nanowalls) and three dimensional (hollow spheres and nanoflowers). The zero-dimensional nanostructures could be utilized for creating more active sites with a larger surface area. Meanwhile, one-dimensional nanostructures provide a direct and stable pathway for rapid electron transport. Two-dimensional nanostructures possess a unique polar surface for enhancing the immobilization process. Finally, three-dimensional nanostructures create extra surface area because of their geometric volume. The sensing performance of each of these morphologies toward the bio-analyte level makes ZnO nanostructures a suitable candidate to be applied as active sites in electrochemical biosensors for medical diagnostic purposes. This review highlights recent advances in various dimensions of ZnO nanostructures towards electrochemical biosensor applications.
Fulltext Does psychosocial work environment factors predict stress and mean arterial pressure in the Malaysian industry workers?

Javaid MU, Isha ASN, Sabir AA, Ghazali Z, Nübling M

Biomed Res Int, 2018;2018:9563714.
PMID: 29568773 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9563714

Psychosocial risks are considered as a burning issue in the Asia-Pacific region. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of psychosocial work environment factors on health of petrochemical industry workers of Malaysia. In lieu to job demands-resources theory, significant positive associations were found between quantitative demands, work-family conflict, and job insecurity with stress, while a significant negative association of role clarity as a resource factor with stress was detected. We also found that quantitative demands were significantly associated with the mean arterial pressure (MAP). Multistage sampling procedure was used to collect study sample. Structural Equation Modeling was used to identify relationship between the endogenous and exogenous variables. Finally, the empirically tested psychosocial work environment model will further help in providing a better risk assessment in different industries and enterprises.
Carbon nanotube scaffolds as emerging nanoplatform for myocardial tissue regeneration: A review of recent developments and therapeutic implications

Gorain B, Choudhury H, Pandey M, Kesharwani P, Abeer MM, Tekade RK, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2018 Aug;104:496-508.
PMID: 29800914 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.066

Myocardial infarction (cardiac tissue death) is among the most prevalent causes of death among the cardiac patients due to the inability of self-repair in cardiac tissues. Myocardial tissue engineering is regarded as one of the most realistic strategies for repairing damaged cardiac tissue. However, hindrance in transduction of electric signals across the cardiomyocytes due to insulating properties of polymeric materials worsens the clinical viability of myocardial tissue engineering. Aligned and conductive scaffolds based on Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have gained remarkable recognition due to their exceptional attributes which provide synthetic but viable microenvironment for regeneration of engineered cardiomyocytes. This review presents an overview and critical analysis of pharmaceutical implications and therapeutic feasibility of CNT based scaffolds in improving the cardiac tissue regeneration and functionality. The expository analysis of the available evidence revealed that inclusion of single- or multi-walled CNT into fibrous, polymeric, and elastomeric scaffolds results in significant improvement in electrical stimulation and signal transduction through cardiomyocytes. Moreover, incorporation of CNT in engineering scaffolds showed a greater potential of augmenting cardiomyocyte proliferation, differentiation, and maturation and has improved synchronous beating of cardiomyocytes. Despite promising ability of CNT in promoting functionality of cardiomyocytes, their presence in scaffolds resulted in substantial improvement in mechanical properties and structural integrity. Conclusively, this review provides new insight into the remarkable potential of CNT aligned scaffolds in improving the functionality of engineered cardiac tissue and signifies their feasibility in cardiac tissue regenerative medicines and stem cell therapy.
Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of naphthofuranquinones from the twigs of tropical mangrove Avicennia officinalis

Assaw S, Mohd Amir MIH, Khaw TT, Bakar K, Mohd Radzi SA, Mazlan NW

Nat Prod Res, 2020 Aug;34(16):2403-2406.
PMID: 30600710 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1538220

Mangrove plants are endowed with various biologically active compounds which have potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In present study, a bioactivity-guided fractionation for antibacterial and antioxidant active metabolites from the twigs of Avicennia officinalis collected from Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor, Malaysia gave 13 major fractions. The antibacterial activity of A. officinalis fractions using well-diffusion showed strong selectivity on the Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus and Bacillus subtilis) with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values of 0.156-5.00 mg/mL. However, no antibacterial activities were observed on the Gram-negative bacteria (Vibrio cholera, Enterobacter cloacae and Escherichia coli). The active antibacterial fractions were further isolated using several chromatographic techniques to give two naphthofuranquinones, namely, avicenol C (1) and stenocarpoquinone B (2). Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity of A. officinalis fractions were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay exhibited low antioxidant activities. Molecular structure of the naphthofuranquinones was elucidated using 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopy.
The need for educating healthcare professionals regarding good musculoskeletal health practice

Mohd Yusoff NS, Firdaus MKZH, Jamaludin FIC, Che Hasan MK

Enferm Clin, 2019 09;29 Suppl 2:579-584.
PMID: 31281003 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.04.089

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of body mechanics towards preserving musculoskeletal health in daily routine activities of HCPs (medical officers, staff nurses, community health nurses, assistant medical officers, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses) from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with convenience sampling employed across five different departments. The departments were a department of medical, surgical, orthopedics, emergency and rehabilitation. The samples were selected according to a minimum of two years of clinical experience without any history of low back surgery. An instrument consists of socio-demographic background, knowledge on body mechanics and Owestry Low Back Pain Disability Index Questionnaire was used in this study.
RESULTS: A total of 139 HCPs were recruited including medical officers, staff nurses, community health nurses, assistant medical officers, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses. A self-administered questionnaire pertaining to knowledge revealed that 73.4% of HCPs had inadequate knowledge of musculoskeletal body mechanics. Among all, 90.6% (minimal: 9.4%, moderate: 43.2%, severe: 42.4%, crippled: 5.0%) of HCPs showed moderate to crippled disability using Oswestry Disability Index classifications indicating the poor practice of body mechanics while working.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that a lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals lead to the inadequate practice of preserving musculoskeletal health while carrying out duty in caring patients. It is suggested that enforcing and emphasizing health education for healthcare professionals is urgently needed towards reducing the risk of the musculoskeletal problem among healthcare professionals.
Fulltext Potential Antimicrobial Applications of Chitosan Nanoparticles (ChNP)

Rozman NAS, Tong WY, Leong CR, Tan WN, Hasanolbasori MA, Abdullah SZ

J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2019 Jul 28;29(7):1009-1013.
PMID: 31288302 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1904.04065

Polymeric nanoparticles are widely used for drug delivery due to their biodegradability property. Among the wide array of polymers, chitosan has received growing interest among researchers. It was widely used as a vehicle in polymeric nanoparticles for drug targeting. This review explored the current research on the antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNP) and the impact on the clinical applications. The antimicrobial activities of ChNP were widely reported against bacteria, fungi, yeasts and algae, in both in vivo and in vitro studies. For pharmaceutical applications, ChNP were used as antimicrobial coating for promoting wound healing, preventing infections and combating the rise of infectious disease. Besides, ChNP also exhibited significant inhibitory on foodborne microorganisms, particularly on fruits and vegetables. It is noteworthy that ChNP can be also applied to deliver antimicrobial drugs, which further enhance the efficiency and stability of the antimicrobial agent. The present review addresses the potential antimicrobial applications of ChNP from these few aspects.

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