Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 983 in total

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  1. Cytoprotective Effect of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction and α-Tocopherol Vitamin E Isoforms Against Glutamate-Induced Cell Death in Neuronal Cells
    Rati Selvaraju T, Khaza'ai H, Vidyadaran S, Sokhini Abd Mutalib M, Ramachandran V, Hamdan Y
    Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2014;84(3-4):140-51.
    PMID: 26098478 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000201
    Glutamate is the major mediator of excitatory signals in the mammalian central nervous system. Extreme amounts of glutamate in the extracellular spaces can lead to numerous neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to clarify the potential of the following vitamin E isomers, tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) and α-tocopherol (α-TCP), as potent neuroprotective agents against glutamate-induced injury in neuronal SK-N-SH cells. Cells were treated before and after glutamate injury (pre- and post-treatment, respectively) with 100-300 ng/ml TRF/α-TCP. Exposure to 120 mM glutamate significantly reduced cell viability to 76% and 79% in the pre- and post-treatment studies, respectively; however, pre- and post-treatment with TRF/α-TCP attenuated the cytotoxic effect of glutamate. Compared to the positive control (glutamate-injured cells not treated with TRF/α-TCP), pre-treatment with 100, 200, and 300 ng/ml TRF significantly improved cell viability following glutamate injury to 95.2%, 95.0%, and 95.6%, respectively (p<0.05).The isomers not only conferred neuroprotection by enhancing mitochondrial activity and depleting free radical production, but also increased cell viability and recovery upon glutamate insult. Our results suggest that vitamin E has potent antioxidant potential for protecting against glutamate injury and recovering glutamate-injured neuronal cells. Our findings also indicate that both TRF and α-TCP could play key roles as anti-apoptotic agents with neuroprotective properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  2. Fulltext Hydroxypropylcellulose as a novel green reservoir for the synthesis, stabilization, and storage of silver nanoparticles
    Hussain MA, Shah A, Jantan I, Shah MR, Tahir MN, Ahmad R, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2015;10:2079-88.
    PMID: 25844038 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S75874
    Polysaccharides are attracting the vigil eye of researchers in order to design the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) of diverse size, shape, and application. We report an environmentally friendly method to synthesize Ag NPs where no physical reaction conditions were employed. Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) was used as a template nanoreactor, stabilizer, and capping agent to obtain Ag NPs. Different concentrations of AgNO3 solutions (50 mmol, 75 mmol, and 100 mmol) were mixed with a concentrated aqueous solution of HPC and the progress of the reaction was monitored by noting color changes of the reaction mixture at different reaction times for up to 24 hours. Characteristic ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis) absorption bands of Ag NPs were observed in the range of 388-452 nm. The morphology of the Ag NPs was studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy. The TEM images confirmed that the size of the Ag NPs was in the range of 25-55 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction studies showed that the crystal phase of the Ag NPs was face-centered cubic. The as-prepared Ag NPs were found to be stable, and no changes in size and morphology were observed after storage in HPC thin films over 1 year, as indicated by UV/Vis spectra. So, the present work furnishes a green and economical strategy for the synthesis and storage of stable Ag NPs. As-synthesized Ag NPs showed significant antimicrobial activity against different bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungal strains (Actinomycetes and Aspergillus niger).
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  3. A comprehensive study on antidiabetic and antibacterial activities of ZnO nanoparticles biosynthesized using Silybum marianum L seed extract
    Mohammadi Arvanag F, Bayrami A, Habibi-Yangjeh A, Rahim Pouran S
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2019 Apr;97:397-405.
    PMID: 30678925 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.12.058
    Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using the plants' extract and their potential application have driven a tremendous interest in recent years. This study reports a green microwave-assisted method for synthesis of ZnO NPs using Silybum marianum L. seed extract. Characteristics of the as-prepared sample was explored in terms of crystalline phase, morphology, composition, surface area, optical, and thermal properties. The particles of the biosynthesized sample (ZnO/extract) had smaller sizes than the chemically produced one (ZnO). The existence of biomolecules from Silybum marianum L seed extract linked to the ZnO/extract sample was approved by various analyses. The ZnO/extract sample was used for treating alloxan-induced diabetic rats and its efficiency was compared with ZnO, extract, and insulin treatments. For this purpose, the levels of blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein were measured before and after treating with the studied treatment agents and compared with each other. Moreover, the antibacterial activities of both ZnO samples were investigated against E. coli to assess their potential antibacterial application. From the results, ZnO/extract NPs represented an outstanding performance in overcoming the diabetic disorders and good antibacterial activity against the studied bacteria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  4. Fulltext A quaternary ammonium silane antimicrobial triggers bacterial membrane and biofilm destruction
    Daood U, Matinlinna JP, Pichika MR, Mak KK, Nagendrababu V, Fawzy AS
    Sci Rep, 2020 07 03;10(1):10970.
    PMID: 32620785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67616-z
    To study the antimicrobial effects of quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) exposure on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterial biofilms at different concentrations. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus biofilms were cultured on dentine disks, and incubated for bacterial adhesion for 3-days. Disks were treated with disinfectant (experimental QAS or control) and returned to culture for four days. Small-molecule drug discovery-suite was used to analyze QAS/Sortase-A active site. Cleavage of a synthetic fluorescent peptide substrate, was used to analyze inhibition of Sortase-A. Raman spectroscopy was performed and biofilms stained for confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Dentine disks that contained treated dual-species biofilms were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of DAPI within biofilms was performed using CLSM. Fatty acids in bacterial membranes were assessed with succinic-dehydrogenase assay along with time-kill assay. Sortase-A protein underwent conformational change due to QAS molecule during simulation, showing fluctuating alpha and beta strands. Spectroscopy revealed low carbohydrate intensities in 1% and 2% QAS. SEM images demonstrated absence of bacterial colonies after treatment. DAPI staining decreased with 1% QAS (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  5. Fulltext Isothiocyanate from Moringa oleifera seeds mitigates hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and preserved morphological features of human neuronal cells
    Jaafaru MS, Nordin N, Shaari K, Rosli R, Abdull Razis AF
    PLoS One, 2018;13(5):e0196403.
    PMID: 29723199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196403
    Reactive oxygen species are well known for induction of oxidative stress conditions through oxidation of vital biomarkers leading to cellular death via apoptosis and other process, thereby causing devastative effects on the host organs. This effect is believed to be linked with pathological alterations seen in several neurodegenerative disease conditions. Many phytochemical compounds proved to have robust antioxidant activities that deterred cells against cytotoxic stress environment, thus protect apoptotic cell death. In view of that we studied the potential of glucomoringin-isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) or moringin to mitigate the process that lead to neurodegeneration in various ways. Neuroprotective effect of GMG-ITC was performed on retinoic acid (RA) induced differentiated neuroblastoma cells (SHSY5Y) via cell viability assay, flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence microscopy by means of acridine orange and propidium iodide double staining, to evaluate the anti-apoptotic activity and morphology conservation ability of the compound. Additionally, neurite surface integrity and ultrastructural analysis were carried out by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy to assess the orientation of surface and internal features of the treated neuronal cells. GMG-ITC pre-treated neuron cells showed significant resistance to H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death, revealing high level of protection by the compound. Increase of intracellular oxidative stress induced by H2O2 was mitigated by GMG-ITC. Thus, pre-treatment with the compound conferred significant protection to cytoskeleton and cytoplasmic inclusion coupled with conservation of surface morphological features and general integrity of neuronal cells. Therefore, the collective findings in the presence study indicated the potentials of GMG-ITC to protect the integrity of neuron cells against induced oxidative-stress related cytotoxic processes, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  6. Novel docetaxel chitosan-coated PLGA/PCL nanoparticles with magnified cytotoxicity and bioavailability
    Badran MM, Alomrani AH, Harisa GI, Ashour AE, Kumar A, Yassin AE
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2018 Oct;106:1461-1468.
    PMID: 30119220 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.07.102
    In the present study, docetaxel (DTX)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles were successfully prepared and coated with chitosan (CS). The prepared nanoparticles (NPs) were evaluated for their particle size, zeta potential, particle morphology, drug entrapment efficiency (EE%), and in vitro drug release profile. The anticancer activity of DTX-loaded NPs was assessed in human HT29 colon cancer cell line utilizing MTT assay. The pharmacokinetics of DTX-loaded NPs was monitored in Wistar rats in comparison to DTX solution. The prepared NPs exhibited particle sizes in the range 177.1 ± 8.2-287.6 ± 14.3 nm. CS decorated NPs exhibited a significant increase in particle size and a switch of zeta potential from negative to positive. In addition, high EE% values were obtained for CS coated PCL NPs and PLGA NPs as 67.1 and 76.2%, respectively. Moreover, lowering the rate of DTX in vitro release was achieved within 48 h by using CS coated NPs. Furthermore, a tremendous increase in DTX cytotoxicity was observed by CS-decorated PLGA NPs compared to all other NPs including DTX-free-NPs and pure DTX. The in vivo study revealed significant enhancement in DTX bioavailability from CS-decorated PLGA NPs with more than 4-fold increase in AUC compared to DTX solution. In conclusion, CS-decorated PLGA NPs are a considerable DTX-delivery carrier with magnificent antitumor efficacy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  7. Bacillus thuringiensis parasporal proteins induce cell-cycle arrest and caspase-dependant apoptotic cell death in leukemic cells
    Chan KK, Wong RS, Mohamed SM, Ibrahim TA, Abdullah M, Nadarajah VD
    J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 2012;31(1):75-86.
    PMID: 22591286
    Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) parasporal proteins with selective anticancer activity have recently garnered interest. This study determines the efficacy and mode of cell death of Bt 18 parasporal proteins against 3 leukemic cell lines (CEM-SS, CCRF-SB and CCRF-HSB-2).Cell-based biochemical analysis aimed to determine cell viability and the percentage of apoptotic cell death in treated cell lines; ultrastructural analysis to study apoptotic changes and Western blot to identify the parasporal proteins' binding site were performed. Bt 18 parasporal proteins moderately decreased viability of leukemic cells but not that of normal human T lymphocytes. Further purification of the proteins showed changes in inhibition selectivity. Phosphatidylserine externalization, active caspase-3, cell cycle, and ultrastructural analysis confirmed apoptotic activity and S-phase cell-cycle arrest. Western blot analysis demonstrated glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a binding protein. We suggest that Bt 18 parasporal proteins inhibit leukemic cell viability by cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis and that glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase binding initiates apoptosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  8. Preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of insulin-loaded PLA-PEG microspheres for controlled parenteral drug delivery
    Sheshala R, Peh KK, Darwis Y
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2009 Nov;35(11):1364-74.
    PMID: 19832637 DOI: 10.3109/03639040902939213
    AIM: The aim of this study was to prepare insulin-loaded poly(lactic acid)-polyethylene glycol microspheres that could control insulin release at least for 1 week and evaluate their in vivo performance in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.
    METHODS: The microspheres were prepared using a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Different formulation variables influencing the yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release profiles were investigated. The pharmacokinetic study of optimized formulation was performed with single dose in comparison with multiple dose of Humulin 30/70 as a reference product in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
    RESULTS: The optimized formulation of insulin microspheres was nonporous, smooth-surfaced, and spherical in structure under scanning electron microscope with a mean particle size of 3.07 microm and entrapment efficiency of 42.74% of the theoretical amount incorporated. The in vitro insulin release profiles was characterized by a bimodal behavior with an initial burst release because of the insulin adsorbed on the microsphere surface, followed by slower and continuous release corresponding to the insulin entrapped in polymer matrix.
    CONCLUSIONS: The optimized formulation and reference were comparable in the extent of absorption. Consequently, these microspheres can be proposed as new controlled parenteral delivery system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  9. Inhibitory effects of (+)-spectaline and iso-6-spectaline from Senna spectabilis on the growth and ultrastructure of human-infective species Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream form
    Lim KT, Amanah A, Chear NJ, Zahari Z, Zainuddin Z, Adenan MI
    Exp Parasitol, 2018 Jan;184:57-66.
    PMID: 29175017 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.11.007
    In our ongoing work searching for new trypanocidal lead compounds from Malaysian plants, two known piperidine alkaloids (+)-spectaline (1) and iso-6-spectaline (2) were isolated from the leaves of Senna spectabilis (sin. Cassia spectabilis). Analysis of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra showed that 1 and 2 presented analytical and spectroscopic data in full agreement with those published in the literature. All compounds were screened in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in comparison to the standard drug pentamidine. Compound 1 and 2 inhibited growth of T. b. rhodesiense with an IC50 value of 0.41 ± 0.01 μM and 0.71 ± 0.01 μM, without toxic effect on L6 cells with associated a selectivity index of 134.92 and 123.74, respectively. These data show that piperidine alkaloids constitute a class of natural products that feature a broad spectrum of biological activities, and are potential templates for the development of new trypanocidal drugs. To our knowledge, the compounds are being reported for the first time to have inhibitory effects on T. b. rhodesiense. The ultrastructural alterations in the trypanosome induced by 1 and 2, leading to programmed cell death were characterized using electron microscopy. These alterations include wrinkling of the trypanosome surface, formation of autophagic vacuoles, disorganization of kinetoplast, and swelling of the mitochondria. These findings evidence a possible autophagic cell death.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  10. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in combination with silymarin regulate hepatocyte growth factor expression and genotoxicity in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
    Aithal AP, Bairy LK, Seetharam RN, Rao MK
    J Cell Biochem, 2019 08;120(8):13026-13036.
    PMID: 30873677 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28573
    BACKGROUND: To evaluate the antimutagenic potential of combination treatment of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) and silymarin and its effect on hepatocyte growth factor levels in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

    METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in adult female Wistar rats using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ). Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups with six rats in each group: Group 1 (normal control group), Group 2 (received only CCl 4 ), Group 3 (CCl 4 +low dose BM-MSCs), Group 4 (CCl 4 +high dose BM-MSCs), Group 5 (CCl 4  + silymarin), Group 6 (CCl 4 +silymarin+high dose BM-MSCs). Thirty days after the treatment, blood samples were collected for hepatocyte growth factor estimation. The rats were then killed, bone marrow was extracted for chromosomal aberration assay. Liver tissue was processed for evaluating the DNA fragmentation assay, histopathology, and scanning electron microscopy study.

    RESULTS: Combination treatment of silymarin and high dose BM-MSCs significantly (P electron microscopy study.

    CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the treatment of BM-MSCs in combination with silymarin had a better hepatoprotective and antimutagenic effect and represents a novel strategy for the treatment of hepatotoxicity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  11. Fulltext The Antimicrobial efficacy of Elaeis guineensis: characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies
    Vijayarathna S, Zakaria Z, Chen Y, Latha LY, Kanwar JR, Sasidharan S
    Molecules, 2012 Apr 26;17(5):4860-77.
    PMID: 22538489 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17054860
    The urgent need to treat multi-drug resistant pathogenic microorganisms in chronically infected patients has given rise to the development of new antimicrobials from natural resources. We have tested Elaeis guineensis Jacq (Arecaceae) methanol extract against a variety of bacterial, fungal and yeast strains associated with infections. Our studies have demonstrated that E. guineensis exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo against the bacterial and fungal strains tested. A marked inhibitory effect of the E. guineensis extracts was observed against C. albicans whereby E. guineensis extract at ½, 1, or 2 times the MIC significantly inhibited C. albicans growth with a noticeable drop in optical density (OD) of the bacterial culture. This finding confirmed the anticandidal activity of the extract on C. albicans. Imaging using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy was done to determine the major alterations in the microstructure of the extract-treated C. albicans. The main abnormalities noted via SEM and TEM studies were the alteration in morphology of the yeast cells. In vivo antimicrobial activity was studies in mice that had been inoculated with C. albicans and exhibited good anticandidal activity. The authors conclude that the extract may be used as a candidate for the development of anticandidal agent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  12. Fulltext Engineering electrospun multicomponent polyurethane scaffolding platform comprising grapeseed oil and honey/propolis for bone tissue regeneration
    Chao CY, Mani MP, Jaganathan SK
    PLoS One, 2018;13(10):e0205699.
    PMID: 30372449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205699
    Essential oils play an important role in reducing the pain and inflammation caused by bone fracture.In this study, a scaffold was electrospun based on polyurethane (PU), grape seed oil, honey and propolis for bone tissue-engineering applications. The fiber diameter of the electrospun PU/grape seed oil scaffold and PU/grape seed oil/honey/propolis scaffold were observed to be reduced compared to the pristine PU control. FTIR analysis revealed the existence of grape seed oil, honey and propolis in PU identified by CH band peak shift and also hydrogen bond formation. The contact angle of PU/grape seed oil scaffold was found to increase owing to hydrophobic nature and the contact angle for the PU/grape seed/honey oil/propolis scaffold were decreased because of hydrophilic nature. Further, the prepared PU/grape seed oil and PU/grape seed oil/honey/propolis scaffold showed enhanced thermal stability and reduction in surface roughness than the control as revealed in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Further, the developed nanocomposite scaffold displayed delayed blood clotting time than the pristine PU in the activated prothrombin time (APTT) and partial thromboplastin time (PT) assay. The hemolytic assay and cytocompatibility studies revealed that the electrospun PU/grape seed oil and PU/grape seed oil/honey/propolis scaffold possess non-toxic behaviour to red blood cells (RBC) and human fibroblast cells (HDF) cells indicating better blood compatibility and cell viability rates. Hence, the newly developed electrospun nanofibrous composite scaffold with desirable characteristics might be used as an alternative candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  13. Deleterious effects of nicotine on the ultrastructure of oocytes: role of gamma-tocotrienol
    Rajikin MH, Latif ES, Mar MR, Mat Top AG, Mokhtar NM
    Med Sci Monit, 2009 Dec;15(12):BR378-83.
    PMID: 19946227
    Previous studies have shown that nicotine enhances oxidative DNA damage and leads to increased lipid peroxidation, which affects embryo development. The present study investigated the effect of daily supplementation of gamma-tocotrienol on oocytes of nicotine-treated mice.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  14. Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of desensitizing agents in dentine tubule occlusion using scanning electron microscopy
    Chen CL, Parolia A, Pau A, Celerino de Moraes Porto IC
    Aust Dent J, 2015 Mar;60(1):65-72.
    PMID: 25721280 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12275
    Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) occurs on exposed dentine and is dependent on the patency of dentinal tubules. This study compared the effectiveness of red propolis extract (RPE), calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Novamin) and arginine-calcium carbonate (ACC) in occluding dentine tubules.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  15. Fulltext One pot light assisted green synthesis, storage and antimicrobial activity of dextran stabilized silver nanoparticles
    Hussain MA, Shah A, Jantan I, Tahir MN, Shah MR, Ahmed R, et al.
    J Nanobiotechnology, 2014;12:53.
    PMID: 25468206 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-014-0053-5
    Green synthesis of nanomaterials finds the edge over chemical methods due to its environmental compatibility. Herein, we report green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) mediated with dextran. Dextran was used as a stabilizer and capping agent to synthesize Ag NPs using silver nitrate (AgNO3) under diffused sunlight conditions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  16. Microencapsulation of alginate-immobilized bagasse with Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL 442: enhancement of survivability and thermotolerance
    Shaharuddin S, Muhamad II
    Carbohydr Polym, 2015 Mar 30;119:173-81.
    PMID: 25563958 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.11.045
    The aim of this research was to enhance the survivability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL 442 against heat exposure via a combination of immobilization and microencapsulation processes using sugarcane bagasse (SB) and sodium alginate (NaA), respectively. The microcapsules were synthesized using different alginate concentration of 1, 2 and 3% and NaA:SB ratio of 1:0, 1:1 and 1:1.5. This beneficial step of probiotic immobilization before microencapsulation significantly enhanced microencapsulation efficiency and cell survivability after heat exposure of 90°C for 30s. Interestingly, the microcapsule of SB-immobilized probiotic could obtain protection from heat using microencapsulation of NaA concentration as low as 1%. SEM images illustrated the incorporation of immobilized L. rhamnosus within alginate matrices and its changes after heat exposure. FTIR spectra confirmed the change in functional bonding in the presence of sugarcane bagasse, probiotic and alginate. The results demonstrated a great potential in the synthesis of heat resistant microcapsules for probiotic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  17. The utilization of SiNWs/AuNPs-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) in fabrication of electrochemical DNA sensor
    Rashid JI, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Hashim U, Hajian R
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2014 Dec;45:270-6.
    PMID: 25491829 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.09.010
    This work describes the incorporation of SiNWs/AuNPs composite as a sensing material for DNA detection on indium tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass slide. The morphology of SiNWs/AuNPs composite as the modifier layer on ITO was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The morphological studies clearly showed that SiNWs were successfully decorated with 20 nm-AuNPs using self-assembly monolayer (SAM) technique. The effective surface area for SiNWs/AuNPs-modified ITO enhanced about 10 times compared with bare ITO electrode. SiNWs/AuNPs nanocomposite was further explored as a matrix for DNA probe immobilization in detection of dengue virus as a bio-sensing model to evaluate its performance in electrochemical sensors. The hybridization of complementary DNA was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using methylene blue (MB) as the redox indicator. The fabricated biosensor was able to discriminate significantly complementary, non-complementary and single-base mismatch oligonucleotides. The electrochemical biosensor was sensitive to target DNA related to dengue virus in the range of 9.0-178.0 ng/ml with detection limit of 3.5 ng/ml. In addition, SiNWs/AuNPs-modified ITO, regenerated up to 8 times and its stability was up to 10 weeks at 4°C in silica gel.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  18. Fulltext The neuroprotective effects of tocotrienol rich fraction and alpha tocopherol against glutamate injury in astrocytes
    Selvaraju TR, Khaza'ai H, Vidyadaran S, Abd Mutalib MS, Vasudevan R
    Bosn J Basic Med Sci, 2014 Nov 16;14(4):195-204.
    PMID: 25428670 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2014.4.91
    Tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) is an extract of palm oil, which consists of 25% alpha tocopherol (α-TCP) and 75% tocotrienols. TRF has been shown to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotection, and cholesterol lowering activities. Glutamate is the main excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammalian, which can be excitotoxic, and it has been suggested to play a key role in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. In this present study, the effects of vitamin E (TRF and α-TCP) in protecting astrocytes against glutamate injury were elucidated. Astrocytes induced with 180 mM of glutamate lead to significant cell death. However, glutamate mediated cytotoxicity was diminished via pre and post supplementation of TRF and α-TCP. Hence, vitamin E acted as a potent antioxidant agent in recovering mitochondrial injury due to elevated oxidative stress, and enhanced better survivability upon glutamate toxicity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  19. Synergistic effects of chitosan scaffold and TGFβ1 on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
    Farea M, Husein A, Halim AS, Abdullah NA, Mokhtar KI, Lim CK, et al.
    Arch Oral Biol, 2014 Dec;59(12):1400-11.
    PMID: 25222336 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.08.015
    Multipotent stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) represent a promising cell source for tissue regeneration. In the present study we decided to test the inductive effect of chitosan and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) as a scaffold/factor combination on SHED proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  20. Fulltext Impact strength and flexural properties enhancement of methacrylate silane treated oil palm mesocarp fiber reinforced biodegradable hybrid composites
    Eng CC, Ibrahim NA, Zainuddin N, Ariffin H, Yunus WM
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:213180.
    PMID: 25254230 DOI: 10.1155/2014/213180
    Natural fiber as reinforcement filler in polymer composites is an attractive approach due to being fully biodegradable and cheap. However, incompatibility between hydrophilic natural fiber and hydrophobic polymer matrix restricts the application. The current studies focus on the effects of incorporation of silane treated OPMF into polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL)/nanoclay/OPMF hybrid composites. The composites were prepared by melt blending technique and characterize the composites with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra indicated that peak shifting occurs when silane treated OPMF was incorporated into hybrid composites. Based on mechanical properties results, incorporation of silane treated OPMF enhances the mechanical properties of unmodified OPMF hybrid composites with the enhancement of flexural and impact strength being 17.60% and 48.43%, respectively, at 10% fiber loading. TGA thermogram shows that incorporation of silane treated OPMF did not show increment in thermal properties of hybrid composites. SEM micrographs revealed that silane treated OPMF hybrid composites show good fiber/matrix adhesion as fiber is still embedded in the matrix and no cavity is present on the surface. Water absorption test shows that addition of less hydrophilic silane treated OPMF successfully reduces the water uptake of hybrid composites.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
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