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Haplotype diversity in 11 candidate genes across four populations

Beaty TH, Fallin MD, Hetmanski JB, McIntosh I, Chong SS, Ingersoll R, et al.

Genetics, 2005 Sep;171(1):259-67.
PMID: 15965248

Analysis of haplotypes based on multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) is becoming common for both candidate gene and fine-mapping studies. Before embarking on studies of haplotypes from genetically distinct populations, however, it is important to consider variation both in linkage disequilibrium (LD) and in haplotype frequencies within and across populations, as both vary. Such diversity will influence the choice of "tagging" SNPs for candidate gene or whole-genome association studies because some markers will not be polymorphic in all samples and some haplotypes will be poorly represented or completely absent. Here we analyze 11 genes, originally chosen as candidate genes for oral clefts, where multiple markers were genotyped on individuals from four populations. Estimated haplotype frequencies, measures of pairwise LD, and genetic diversity were computed for 135 European-Americans, 57 Chinese-Singaporeans, 45 Malay-Singaporeans, and 46 Indian-Singaporeans. Patterns of pairwise LD were compared across these four populations and haplotype frequencies were used to assess genetic variation. Although these populations are fairly similar in allele frequencies and overall patterns of LD, both haplotype frequencies and genetic diversity varied significantly across populations. Such haplotype diversity has implications for designing studies of association involving samples from genetically distinct populations.
Fulltext Effect of online intervention based on life skills for mental health, self-efficacy and coping skills among Arab adolescents in the Klang Valley, Malaysia: A cluster randomised controlled trial protocol

Sherif Y, Fattah Azman AZ, Said SM, Siddiqah Alimuddin A, Awang H, Mohammadzadeh M

PLoS One, 2024;19(2):e0298627.
PMID: 38394185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298627

BACKGROUND: Migrant children and adolescents face a significantly increased risk of mental health issues. Focusing on this population's mental health issues is fundamental and requires more attention to detect and reduce these burdens in adulthood. Nevertheless, life skills intervention can improve mental health. Its effects on Arab migrant adolescents have not been tested. Here, an evaluation protocol of the effect of an online life skills-based intervention for improving depression, anxiety, stress, self-efficacy, and coping skills among Arab adolescents in Malaysia will be examined.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) will involve 207 Arab students (14-18 years old) from 12 Arabic schools in the Klang Valley. The schools will be assigned randomly to an intervention (online life skills programme) or control group at a 1:1 ratio. The researcher will deliver eight one-hour sessions to the intervention group weekly. The control group will receive the intervention at the evaluation end. Both groups will complete assessments at baseline, and immediately and three months after the intervention. The primary outcome is anxiety, depression, and stress [Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)]. The secondary outcomes are self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale) and coping skills (Brief COPE Inventory). Data analysis will involve the Generalised Estimation Equation with a 95% confidence interval. P < .05 will indicate significant inter- and intra-group differences.
DISCUSSION: This will be the first cluster RCT of an online life skills education programme involving Arab adolescent migrants in Malaysia. The results could support programme effectiveness for improving the participants' mental health problems (depression, anxiety, stress), increasing their self-efficacy, and enhancing their coping skills. The evidence could transform approaches for ameliorating migrant children and adolescents' mental well-being.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: NCT05370443).
Fulltext Combating obesity through healthy eating behavior: a call for system dynamics optimization

Abidin NZ, Mamat M, Dangerfield B, Zulkepli JH, Baten MA, Wibowo A

PLoS One, 2014;9(12):e114135.
PMID: 25502170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114135

Poor eating behavior has been identified as one of the core contributory factors of the childhood obesity epidemic. The consequences of obesity on numerous aspects of life are thoroughly explored in the existing literature. For instance, evidence shows that obesity is linked to incidences of diseases such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and some cancers, as well as psychosocial problems. To respond to the increasing trends in the UK, in 2008 the government set a target to reverse the prevalence of obesity (POB) back to 2000 levels by 2020. This paper will outline the application of system dynamics (SD) optimization to simulate the effect of changes in the eating behavior of British children (aged 2 to 15 years) on weight and obesity. This study also will identify how long it will take to achieve the government's target. This paper proposed a simulation model called Intervention Childhood Obesity Dynamics (ICOD) by focusing the interrelations between various strands of knowledge in one complex human weight regulation system. The model offers distinct insights into the dynamics by capturing the complex interdependencies from the causal loop and feedback structure, with the intention to better understand how eating behaviors influence children's weight, body mass index (BMI), and POB measurement. This study proposed a set of equations that are revised from the original (baseline) equations. The new functions are constructed using a RAMP function of linear decrement in portion size and number of meal variables from 2013 until 2020 in order to achieve the 2020 desired target. Findings from the optimization analysis revealed that the 2020 target won't be achieved until 2026 at the earliest, six years late. Thus, the model suggested that a longer period may be needed to significantly reduce obesity in this population.
Fulltext Ocular syphilis: resurgence of an old disease in modern Malaysian society

Mustapha M, Abdollah Z, Ahem A, Mohd Isa H, Bastion MC, Din NM

Int J Ophthalmol, 2018;11(9):1573-1576.
PMID: 30225238 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.09.25
Fulltext Diagnostic evaluation of optical coherence tomography parameters in normal, preperimetric and perimetric glaucoma patients

Yusof AMZ, Othman O, Tang SF, Hassan MR, Din NM

Int J Ophthalmol, 2022;15(11):1782-1790.
PMID: 36404967 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2022.11.08

AIM: To compare the diagnostic ability of glaucoma parameters measured by the optical coherence tomography (OCT) in normal, preperimetric glaucoma (PPG) and perimetric glaucoma (PG) patients.
METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study includes 127 eyes of 127 subjects. Patients were divided into PPG (51 eyes), PG (46 eyes), and normal controls (30 eyes) based on clinical optic disc assessment and Humphrey visual field changes. The Heidelberg Spectralis OCT machine using Glaucoma Module Premium Edition software was used to measure the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) to assess the optic nerve head and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness in the macula.
RESULTS: RNFL, MRW, and GCL thickness were all significantly thinner in PG compared to PPG and the normal group. The BMO-MRW parameters showed better specificity (>70%) at 90% specificity compared to both RNFL and GCL parameters to discriminate normal, PPG, and PG patients. All BMO-MRW parameters showed higher area under curves (AUC) compared to RNFL and GCL parameters with the highest AUC observed in the superotemporal sector of the BMO-MRW (AUC=0.819 and and 0.897 between normal and PPG and PG groups respectively).
CONCLUSION: While the BMO-MRW best discriminates PPG and PG against normal eyes, GCL parameters poorly differentiate the three groups.
Fulltext Efficacy and safety of latanoprost/timolol fixed combination dosed twice daily compared to once daily in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

Azal AB, Hussein SH, Tang SF, Othman O, Din NM

Int J Ophthalmol, 2023;16(8):1243-1249.
PMID: 37602343 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2023.08.09

AIM: To evaluate whether latanoprost/timolol fixed combination (LTFC) dosed twice daily may provide further intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and evaluate the safety profile at this dose.
METHODS: This is an open-labeled, randomized, prospective crossover study on fourty primary open angle glaucoma patients. Two weeks of washout period were followed by randomization to either once daily (OD, group A) or twice daily dosing (BD, group B) of LTFC for 4wk. After another 2-week washout period, the patients' treatment dose was crossed-over for another 4wk. IOP reduction alongside ocular and systemic side effects were evaluated.
RESULTS: Mean baseline IOP was 18.57±2.93 and 17.8±3.01 mm Hg before OD and BD dose respectively, (P=0.27). Mean IOP after BD dose was statistically lower (12.49±1.59 mm Hg) compared to OD (13.48±1.81 mm Hg, P=0.017). Although IOP reduction after BD dose was more (5.32±3.24 mm Hg, 29.89%) than after OD dosing (5.04 mm Hg, 27.14%), it did not reach statistical significance (P=0.68). Patients switched from OD to BD (group A) showed mean IOP reduction by 0.69 mm Hg [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.09 to 1.48 mm Hg, P=0.078]; but patients switched from BD to OD (group B) had significantly higher mean IOP by 1.25 mm Hg (95%CI: -2.04 to -0.46 mm Hg, P=0.006). BD dose had more ocular side effects albeit mild.
CONCLUSION: Mean IOP after LTFC dosed twice daily is statistically lower, with additional mild side effects.
Fulltext Metagenomic analysis and biodiversity of bacteria in traditional fermented fish or Budu from West Sumatera, Indonesia

Marlida Y, Susalam MK, Harnentis H, Jamsari J, Huda N, Noordin WNM, et al.

J Adv Vet Anim Res, 2023 Dec;10(4):801-808.
PMID: 38370893 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2023.j736

OBJECTIVE: This research aims to investigate the microbial diversity of Budu prepared from fresh and frozen fish from the Pariaman and Pasaman districts in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, as well as provide basic information about Budu quality.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: To obtain the bacterial microbial composition, deoxyribonucleic acid extraction was carried out using amplicon-sequencing of the 16S-rRNA gene in the V3-V4 region from two types of Budu and carried out in duplicate.
RESULTS: Budu prepared with fresh (Pariaman) or frozen (Pasaman) fish was dominated by Firmicutes (78.455%-92.37%) and Proteobacteria (6.477%-7.23%) phyla. The total microbial species in Budu from Pariaman were higher (227 species) than in Pasaman (153 species). The bacterial species found are Lentibacillus kimchi (1.878%-2.21%), Staphylococcus cohnii (0.597%-0.70%), Peptostreptococcus russeli (0.00%-0.002%), Clostridium disporicum (0.073%-0.09%), Clostridium novyi (0.00%-0.01%), Nioella sediminis (0.00%-0.001%), and Shewanella baltica (0.00%-0.003%). Lentibacillus kimchi, S. cohnii, and C. disporicum are found in both Budu. Nioella sediminis and S. baltica are found in Budu Pariaman. Peptostreptococcus russeli and C. novyi were found in Budu Pasaman.
CONCLUSION: Metagenomic analysis of Budu from different fish, Pariaman (fresh fish) and Pasaman (frozen fish) showed that the biodiversity of bacteria was barely different. Both Budu found lactic acid bacteria from the Enterococcaceae family, genus Vagococcus, and pathogenic bacteria, such as S. cohnii, P. russeli, C. disporicum, and S. baltica. The discovery of various species of pathogenic bacteria indicates that development is still needed in the Budu production process to improve Budu quality.
Fulltext Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice on self-care with over-the-counter medicines among pregnant women

Nirmani K, Danthanarayana C, Nisansala PMT, Michael J, Shyamali A, Dunukara J, et al.

Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm, 2024 Mar;13:100413.
PMID: 38357614 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100413

BACKGROUND: Self-care during pregnancy is a crucial topic to be discussed due to its effects on both the mother and fetus. In Sri Lanka, specifically regarding self-care with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, usage among the pregnant population is scarce.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on self-care with OTC medicine usage among pregnant women attending maternity clinics in the Colombo Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas, Sri Lanka.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 399 pregnant women enrolled through simple random sampling using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected on knowledge, attitudes, practices, and sociodemographic characteristics. SPSS version 27 was used for descriptive statistical analysis.
RESULTS: There were satisfactory levels of KAP on self-care with OTC medicines identified among participants. The Mean ± SD for knowledge was 4.38 ± 0.873, and for attitude and practice, 27.56 ± 3.752 and 20.35 ± 4.235, respectively. Significant positive linear correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.375, p
Fulltext Unsupervised novelty detection for time series using a deep learning approach

Hossen MJ, Hoque JMZ, Aziz NABA, Ramanathan TT, Raja JE

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 15;10(3):e25394.
PMID: 38356518 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25394

In the Smart Homes and IoT devices era, abundant available data offers immense potential for enhancing system intelligence. However, the need for effective anomaly detection models to identify and rectify unusual data and behaviors within Smart Home Systems (SHS) remains a critical challenge. This research delves into the relatively unexplored domain of novelty anomaly detection, particularly in the context of unlabeled datasets. Introducing the novel DeepMaly method, this approach provides a practical tool for SHS developers. Functioning seamlessly in an unsupervised manner, DeepMaly distinguishes between seasonal and actual anomalies through a unique process of training on unlabeled pristine features extracted from time series data. Leveraging a combination of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN), the model is primed to detect anomalies in real-time. The research culminates in a comprehensive data prediction and classification process into normal and abnormal data based on specified anomaly thresholds and fraction percentages. Notably, this function operates seamlessly unsupervised, eliminating the need for labeled datasets. The study concludes with a complete data forecasting and sorting method that divides data into normal and abnormal categories based on defined anomaly thresholds and fraction percentages. Working in an unsupervised mode reduces the requirement for labeled datasets. The results highlight the model's prowess in new detection, which has been successfully applied to benchmark datasets. However, there is a restriction since deep learning algorithms can recognize noise as abnormalities. Finally, the investigation enhances SHS anomaly detection, providing a crucial tool for real-time anomaly identification in the ever-changing IoT and Smart Homes scene.
Fulltext Impact of simulated acid rain on chemical properties of Nyalau series soil and its leachate

Ibrahim MH, Kasim S, Ahmed OH, Mohd Rakib MR, Hasbullah NA, Islam Shajib MT

Sci Rep, 2024 Feb 12;14(1):3534.
PMID: 38347036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52758-1

Greenhouse gases can cause acid rain, which in turn degrades soil chemical properties. This research was conducted to determine the effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on the chemical properties of Nyalau series (Typic paleudults). A 45-day laboratory leaching and incubation study (control conditions) was conducted following standard procedures include preparing simulated acid rain with specific pH levels, followed by experimental design/plan and systematically analyzing both soil and leachate for chemical changes over the 45-day period. Six treatments five of which were SAR (pH 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5) and one control referred to as natural rainwater (pH 6.0) were evaluated. From the study, the SAR had significant effects on the chemical properties of the soil and its leachate. The pH of 3.5 of SAR treatments decreased soil pH, K+, and fertility index. In contrast, the contents of Mg2+, Na+, SO42-, NO3-, and acidity were higher at the lower SAR pH. Furthermore, K+ and Mg2+ in the leachate significantly increased with increasing acidity of the SAR. The changes in Ca2+ and NH4+ between the soil and its leachate were positively correlated (r = 0.84 and 0.86), whereas the changes in NO3- negatively correlated (r = - 0.82). The novelty of these results lies in the discovery of significant alterations in soil chemistry due to simulated acid rain (SAR), particularly impacting soil fertility and nutrient availability, with notable positive and negative correlations among specific ions where prolonged exposure to acid rain could negatively affect the moderately tolerant to acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Acid rain can negatively affect soil fertility and the general soils ecosystem functions. Long-term field studies are required to consolidate the findings of this present study in order to reveal the sustained impact of SAR on tropical forest ecosystems, particularly concerning soil health, plant tolerance, and potential shifts in biodiversity and ecological balance.
Prevalence of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome using three different definitions and identifying associated risk factors among apparently healthy adults in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional survey in the year 2022

Adil SO, Musa KI, Uddin F, Khan A, Khan I, Shakeel A, et al.

Arch Public Health, 2024 Feb 20;82(1):22.
PMID: 38378657 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01250-3

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome (MetS) using three different definitions among apparently healthy adults of Karachi, Pakistan.
METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2022 to August 2022. A total of 1065 healthy individuals aged 25-80 years of any gender were consecutively included. MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program for Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III guidelines, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and modified NCEP-ATP III.
RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was highest with the modified NCEP-ATP III definition at 33.9% (95% CI: 31-36), followed by the IDF definition at 32.2% (95% CI: 29-35). In contrast, the prevalence was lower at 22.4% (95% CI: 19-25) when using the NCEP ATP III definition. The risk of MetS significantly increases with higher BMI, as defined by the IDF criteria (adjusted OR [ORadj] 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-2.43), NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.19), and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.20). Current smokers had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the IDF (ORadj 2.72, 95% CI 1.84-4.03), NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 3.93, 95% CI 2.55-6.06), and modified NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.88). Areca nut use was associated with higher odds of MetS according to both IDF (ORadj 1.71, 95% CI 1.19-2.47) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.58, 95% CI 1.10-2.72). Furthermore, low physical activity had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.84) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26).
CONCLUSION: One-third of the healthy individuals were diagnosed with MetS based on IDF, NCEP-ATP III, and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria. A higher BMI, current smoking, areca nut use, and low physical activity were significant factors.
Fulltext Induction and analysis of the alkaloid mitragynine content of a Mitragyna speciosa suspension culture system upon elicitation and precursor feeding

Mohamad Zuldin NN, Said IM, Mohd Noor N, Zainal Z, Jin Kiat C, Ismail I

ScientificWorldJournal, 2013;2013:209434.
PMID: 24065873 DOI: 10.1155/2013/209434

This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations and combinations of the phytohormones 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on callus induction and to demonstrate the role of elicitors and exogenous precursors on the production of mitragynine in a Mitragyna speciosa suspension culture. The best callus induction was achieved from petiole explants cultured on WPM that was supplemented with 4 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-D (70.83%). Calli were transferred to liquid media and agitated on rotary shakers to establish Mitragyna speciosa cell suspension cultures. The optimum settled cell volume was achieved in the presence of WPM that contained 3 mg L⁻¹ 2,4-D and 3% sucrose (9.47 ± 0.4667 mL). The treatment of cultures with different concentrations of yeast extract and salicylic acid for different inoculation periods revealed that the highest mitragynine content as determined by HPLC was achieved from the culture treated with 250 mg L⁻¹ yeast extract (9.275 ± 0.082 mg L⁻¹) that was harvested on day 6 of culturing; salicylic acid showed low mitragynine content in all concentrations used. Tryptophan and loganin were used as exogenous precursors; the highest level of mitragynine production was achieved in cultures treated with 3 μM tryptophan and harvested at 6 days (13.226 ± 1.98 mg L⁻¹).
Fulltext Embryonic, larval, and early juvenile development of the tropical sea urchin, Salmacis sphaeroides (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Rahman MA, Yusoff FM, Arshad A, Shamsudin MN, Amin SM

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:938482.
PMID: 23055824 DOI: 10.1100/2012/938482

Salmacis sphaeroides (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the regular echinoids, occuring in the warm Indo-West Pacific, including Johor Straits, between Malaysia and Singapore. In order to investigate the developmental basis of morphological changes in embryos and larvae, we documented the ontogeny of S. sphaeroides in laboratory condition. Gametes were obtained from adult individuals by 0.5 M KCl injection into the coelomic cavity. Fertilization rate at limited sperm concentration (10(-5) dilution) was 96.6 ± 1.4% and the resulting embryos were reared at 24°C. First cleavage (2-cell), 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, 32-cell, and multicell (Morulla) stages were achieved 01.12, 02.03, 02.28, 02.51, 03.12, and 03.32 h postfertilization. Ciliated blastulae with a mean length of 174.72 ± 4.43 μm hatched 08.45 h after sperm entry. The gastrulae formed 16.15 h postfertilization and the archenteron elongated constantly while ectodermal red-pigmented cells migrated synchronously to the apical plate. Pluteus larva started to feed unicellular algae in 2 d, grew continuously, and finally attained metamorphic competence in 35 d after fertilization. Metamorphosis took approximately 1 h 30 min from attachment to the complete resorption of larval tissues and the development of complete juvenile structure with adult spines, extended tubefeet and well-developed pedicellaria, the whole event of which usually took place within 1 d postsettlement. This study represents the first successful investigation on embryonic, larval, and early juvenile development of S. sphaeroides. The findings would greatly be helpful towards the understanding of ontogeny and life-history strategies, which will facilitate us to develop the breeding, seed production, and culture techniques of sea urchins in captive condition.
Fulltext A Review of Malaysian Herbal Plants and Their Active Constituents with Potential Therapeutic Applications in Sepsis

Liew KY, Hafiz MF, Chong YJ, Harith HH, Israf DA, Tham CL

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2020;2020:8257817.
PMID: 33193799 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8257817

Sepsis refers to organ failure due to uncontrolled body immune responses towards infection. The systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria, is accompanied by the release of various proinflammatory mediators that can lead to organ damage. The progression to septic shock is even more life-threatening due to hypotension. Thus, sepsis is a leading cause of death and morbidity globally. However, current therapies are mainly symptomatic treatment and rely on the use of antibiotics. The lack of a specific treatment demands exploration of new drugs. Malaysian herbal plants have a long history of usage for medicinal purposes. A total of 64 Malaysian plants commonly used in the herbal industry have been published in Malaysian Herbal Monograph 2015 and Globinmed website (http://www.globinmed.com/). An extensive bibliographic search in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus revealed that seven of these plants have antisepsis properties, as evidenced by the therapeutic effect of their extracts or isolated compounds against sepsis-associated inflammatory responses or conditions in in vitro or/and in vivo studies. These include Andrographis paniculata, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Syzygium aromaticum, Momordica charantia, and Centella asiatica. Among these, Z. officinale is the most widely studied plant and seems to have the highest potential for future therapeutic applications in sepsis. Although both extracts as well as active constituents from these herbal plants have demonstrated potential antisepsis activity, the activity might be primarily contributed by the active constituent(s) from each of these plants, which are andrographolide (A. paniculata), 6-gingerol and zingerone (Z. officinale), curcumin (C. longa), piperine and pellitorine (P. nigrum), biflorin (S. aromaticum), and asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassoside (C. asiatica). These active constituents have shown great antisepsis effects, and further investigations into their clinical therapeutic potential may be worthwhile.
Fulltext Microwave-assisted fibrous decoration of mPE surface utilizing Aloe vera extract for tissue engineering applications

Balaji A, Jaganathan SK, Supriyanto E, Muhamad II, Khudzari AZ

Int J Nanomedicine, 2015;10:5909-23.
PMID: 26425089 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S84307

Developing multifaceted, biocompatible, artificial implants for tissue engineering is a growing field of research. In recent times, several works have been reported about the utilization of biomolecules in combination with synthetic materials to achieve this process. Accordingly, in this study, the ability of an extract obtained from Aloe vera, a commonly used medicinal plant in influencing the biocompatibility of artificial material, is scrutinized using metallocene polyethylene (mPE). The process of coating dense fibrous Aloe vera extract on the surface of mPE was carried out using microwaves. Then, several physicochemical and blood compatibility characterization experiments were performed to disclose the effects of corresponding surface modification. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed characteristic vibrations of several active constituents available in Aloe vera and exhibited peak shifts at far infrared regions due to aloe-based mineral deposition. Meanwhile, the contact angle analysis demonstrated a drastic increase in wettability of coated samples, which confirmed the presence of active components on glazed mPE surface. Moreover, the bio-mimic structure of Aloe vera fibers and the influence of microwaves in enhancing the coating characteristics were also meticulously displayed through scanning electron microscopy micrographs and Hirox 3D images. The existence of nanoscale roughness was interpreted through high-resolution profiles obtained from atomic force microscopy. And the extent of variations in irregularities was delineated by measuring average roughness. Aloe vera-induced enrichment in the hemocompatible properties of mPE was established by carrying out in vitro tests such as activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, platelet adhesion, and hemolysis assay. In conclusion, the Aloe vera-glazed mPE substrate was inferred to attain desirable properties required for multifaceted biomedical implants.
Hot water extract of Chlorella vulgaris induced DNA damage and apoptosis

Yusof YA, Saad SM, Makpol S, Shamaan NA, Ngah WZ

Clinics (Sao Paulo), 2010;65(12):1371-7.
PMID: 21340229

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of hot water extracts of Chlorella vulgaris on hepatoma cell line HepG2.
INTRODUCTION: The search for food and spices that can induce apoptosis in cancer cells has been a major study interest in the last decade. Chlorella vulgaris, a unicellular green algae, has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. However, its chemopreventive effects in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells have not been studied in great detail.
METHODS: HepG2 liver cancer cells and WRL68 normal liver cells were treated with various concentrations (0-4 mg/ml) of hot water extract of C. vulgaris after 24 hours incubation. Apoptosis rate was evaluated by TUNEL assay while DNA damage was assessed by Comet assay. Apoptosis proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS: Chlorella vulgaris decreased the number of viable HepG2 cells in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05), with an IC50 of 1.6 mg/ml. DNA damage as measured by Comet assay was increased in HepG2 cells at all concentrations of Chlorella vulgaris tested. Evaluation of apoptosis by TUNEL assay showed that Chlorella vulgaris induced a higher apoptotic rate (70%) in HepG2 cells compared to normal liver cells, WRL68 (15%). Western blot analysis showed increased expression of pro-apoptotic proteins P53, Bax and caspase-3 in the HepG2 cells compared to normal liver cells WRL68, and decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.
CONCLUSIONS: Chlorella vulgaris may have anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis signaling cascades via an increased expression of P53, Bax and caspase-3 proteins and through a reduction of Bcl-2 protein, which subsequently lead to increased DNA damage and apoptosis.
Fulltext Meta-analysis supports GWAS-implicated link between GRM3 and schizophrenia risk

Saini SM, Mancuso SG, Mostaid MS, Liu C, Pantelis C, Everall IP, et al.

Transl Psychiatry, 2017 Aug 08;7(8):e1196.
PMID: 28786982 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.172

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) evidence has identified the metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (GRM3) gene as a potential harbor for schizophrenia risk variants. However, previous meta-analyses have refuted the association between GRM3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and schizophrenia risk. To reconcile these conflicting findings, we conducted the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis of 14 SNPs in GRM3 from a total of 11 318 schizophrenia cases, 13 820 controls and 486 parent-proband trios. We found significant associations for three SNPs (rs2237562: odds ratio (OR)=1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-1.11, P=0.017; rs13242038: OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.85-0.96, P=0.016 and rs917071: OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.91-0.97, P=0.003). Two of these SNPs (rs2237562, rs917071) were in strong-to-moderate linkage disequilibrium with the top GRM3 GWAS significant SNP (rs12704290) reported by the Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. We also found evidence for population stratification related to rs2237562 in that the 'risk' allele was dependent on the population under study. Our findings support the GWAS-implicated link between GRM3 genetic variation and schizophrenia risk as well as the notion that alleles conferring this risk may be population specific.
Fulltext Crystal structure of 3-{5-[3-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-1-isopropyl-1H-indol-2-yl]-1H-pyrazol-1-yl}indolin-2-one ethanol monosolvate

Rahman ML, Kulkarni AD, Mohd Yusoff M, Kwong HC, Quah CK

Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2016 Mar 01;72(Pt 3):283-6.
PMID: 27006787 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989016001614

The title indolin-2-one compound, C28H23FN4O·C2H6O, crystallizes as a 1:1 ethanol solvate. The ethanol mol-ecule is disordered over two positions with refined site occupancies of 0.560 (14) and 0.440 (14). The pyrazole ring makes dihedral angles of 84.16 (10) and 85.33 (9)° with the indolin-2-one and indole rings, respectively, whereas the dihedral angle between indolin-2-one and indole rings is 57.30 (7)°. In the crystal, the components are linked by N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming an inversion mol-ecule-solvate 2:2 dimer with R 4 (4)(12) ring motifs. The crystal structure is consolidated by π-π inter-action between pairs of inversion-related indolin-2-one rings [inter-planar spacing = 3.599 (2) Å].
Fulltext Crystal structure of 4-({(1E,2E)-3-[3-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-1-isopropyl-1H-indol-2-yl]allyl-idene}amino)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione

Kulkarni AD, Rahman ML, Mohd Yusoff M, Kwong HC, Quah CK

Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2015 Dec 01;71(Pt 12):1525-7.
PMID: 26870420 DOI: 10.1107/S205698901502201X

The asymmetric unit of the titled compound, C22H20FN5S, comprises two independent mol-ecules (A and B), both of which have a trans conformation with respect to the methene C=C [1.342 (2) and 1.335 (2) Å] and the acyclic N=C [1.283 (2) and 1.281 (2) Å] bonds. In mol-ecule A, the triazole ring makes dihedral angles of 55.01 (12) and 18.17 (9)° with the benzene and indole rings, respectively. The corresponding dihedral angles for mol-ecule B are 54.54 (11) and 14.60 (10)°, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are consolidated into -A-B-A-B- chains along [010] via N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. The chains are further linked into layers parallel to the ac plane via π-π inter-actions involving inversion-related triazole rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.3436 (11)-3.4792 (13) Å].
Fulltext Bis{4-methylbenzyl 2-[4-(propan-2-yl)benzyl-idene]hydrazine-carbodi-thio-ato-κ2N2,S}nickel(II): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis

Yusof EN, Ravoof TB, Tahir MI, Jotani MM, Tiekink ER

Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2017 Mar 01;73(Pt 3):397-402.
PMID: 28316818 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989017002419

The complete mol-ecule of the title hydrazine carbodi-thio-ate complex, [Ni(C19H21N2S2)2], is generated by the application of a centre of inversion. The NiII atom is N,S-chelated by two hydrazinecarbodi-thio-ate ligands, which provide a trans-N2S2 donor set that defines a distorted square-planar geometry. The conformation of the five-membered chelate ring is an envelope with the NiII atom being the flap atom. In the crystal, p-tolyl-C-H⋯π(benzene- i Pr), i Pr-C-H⋯π(p-tol-yl) and π-π inter-actions [between p-tolyl rings with inter-centroid distance = 3.8051 (12) Å] help to consolidate the three-dimensional architecture. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface confirms the importance of H-atom contacts in establishing the packing.

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