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Fulltext The Teledentistry, Impact, Current Trends, and Application in Dentistry: A Global Study

Maqsood A, Sadiq MSK, Mirza D, Ahmed N, Lal A, Alam MK, et al.

Biomed Res Int, 2021;2021:5437237.
PMID: 34845437 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5437237

Objective: The present study was aimed at assessing the impact of teledentistry, its application, and trends in uplifting dental practice and clinical care around the world. Material and Methods. The present observational study comprised of an electronic survey distributed among dental professionals around the globe. The validated survey form consisted of a total 26 questions with 5-point Likert scale response. The questionnaire used was divided into four domains: usefulness of teledentistry for patients, its usefulness in dental practice, its capacity to improve the existing practice, and the concerns attached to its use. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-25. ANOVA test was used to assess the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. A p value of ≤0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: A total of 506 dental professionals participated in the study with the response rate of 89.39%. More than half of the participants (50-75%) endorsed that teledentistry is a useful tool for improving clinical practice as well as patient care. Two-thirds of the participants (69.96%) considered that teledentistry would reduce cost for the dental practices. On the other hand, about 50-70% of dental professionals expressed their concerns regarding the security of the data and consent of patients. The most preferred communication tool for teledentistry was reported to be videoconference followed by phone. The majority of participants recommended the use of teledentistry in the specialty of oral medicine, operative dentistry, and periodontics. There was a significant difference between the age, experience of dentists, and their qualifications with domains of teledentistry.
Conclusions: The overall impact of dental professionals towards teledentistry was positive with adequate willingness to incorporate this modality in their clinical practice. However, the perceived concerns pertaining to teledentistry are significant impediments towards its integration within the oral health system. An in-depth study of its business model and cost-benefit needs of time, especially in the context of developing countries, in order to avail the optimum benefits of teledentistry.
Fulltext Effectiveness of Instructional Strategies Designed for Older Adults in Learning Digital Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review

Ahmad NA, Abd Rauf MF, Mohd Zaid NN, Zainal A, Tengku Shahdan TS, Abdul Razak FH

SN Comput Sci, 2022;3(2):130.
PMID: 35039803 DOI: 10.1007/s42979-022-01016-0

An ageing population is a universal phenomenon experienced worldwide. In parallel with these demographic changes, a significant breakthrough in digital devices has also influenced this digital age. Designing instructional strategies to promote meaningful learning among older adult learners has been a long-standing challenge. To enhance older adults' life-long learning experiences, implementing instructional strategies in the process through which such adults learn can help to improve effective learning. Despite significant calls for research in this area, there is still insufficient research that systematically reviews the existing literature on older adult learning needs and preferences. Hence, in the present article, a systematic literature review was conducted of the effectiveness of instructional strategies designed for older adult learners through the use of digital technologies. The review was guided by the publication standard, which is ROSES (Reporting Standard for Systematic Evidence Syntheses). This study involves articles selected from two established databases, Web of Science and Scopus. Data from the articles were then analysed using the thematic analysis, which resulted in six main themes: (1) collaborative learning; (2) informal learning setting; (3) teaching aids; (4) pertinence; (5) lesson design; and (6) obtaining and providing feedback. The six main themes produced a further 15 sub-themes. The results from this study make significant contributions in the areas of instructional design and gerontology. The findings from this study highlight several important strategies of teaching digital technology, particularly for older adults, as follows: (1) to enhance instructional design use in teaching digital technology based on the needs and preferences of older adult learners; and (2) to highlight the factors for, and impact of, learning digital technologies among older adults.
Microplastics and nanoplastics: Recent literature studies and patents on their removal from aqueous environment

Hanif MA, Ibrahim N, Dahalan FA, Md Ali UF, Hasan M, Jalil AA

Sci Total Environ, 2022 Mar 01;810:152115.
PMID: 34896138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152115

The presence of microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) in the environment poses significant hazards towards microorganisms, humans, animals and plants. This paper is focused on recent literature studies and patents discussing the removal process of these plastic pollutants. Microplastics and nanoplastics can be quantified by counting, weighing, absorbance and turbidity and can be further analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and Raman tweezers. Mitigation methods reported are categorized depending on the removal characteristics: (i) Filtration and separation method: Filtration and separation, electrospun nanofiber membrane, constructed wetlands; (ii) Capture and surface attachment method: coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation (CFS), electrocoagulation, adsorption, magnetization, micromachines, superhydrophobic materials and microorganism aggregation; and (iii) Degradation method: photocatalytic degradation, microorganism degradation and thermal degradation; where removal efficiency between 58 and 100% were reported. As these methods are significantly distinctive, the parameters which affect the MP/NP removal performance e.g., pH, type of plastics, presence of interfering chemicals or ions, surface charges etc. are also discussed. 42 granted international patents related to microplastics and nanoplastics removal are also reviewed where the majority of these patents are focused on separation or filtration devices. These devices are efficient for microplastics up to 20 μm but may be ineffective for nanoplastics or fibrous plastics. Several patents were found to focus on methods similar to literature studies e.g., magnetization, CFS, biofilm and microorganism aggregation; with the addition of another method: thermal degradation.
Fulltext MicroRNA regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells and its significance in cardiovascular diseases

Nguyen DND, Chilian WM, Zain SM, Daud MF, Pung YF

Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 2021 Sep;99(9):827-838.
PMID: 33529092 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0581

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), regulatory molecules that repress protein expression, have attracted considerable attention in CVD research. The vasculature plays a big role in CVD development and progression and dysregulation of vascular cells underlies the root of many vascular diseases. This review provides a brief introduction of the biogenesis of miRNAs and exosomes, followed by overview of the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) intracellular signaling during phenotypic switching, senescence, calcification, and neointimal hyperplasia. Evidence of extracellular signaling of VSMCs and other cells via exosomal and circulating miRNAs is also presented. Lastly, current drawbacks and limitations of miRNA studies in CVD research and potential ways to overcome these disadvantages are discussed in detail. In-depth understanding of VSMC regulation via miRNAs will add substantial knowledge and advance research in diagnosis, disease progression, and (or) miRNA-derived therapeutic approaches in CVD research.
Fulltext Indole-3-acetamides: As Potential Antihyperglycemic and Antioxidant Agents; Synthesis, In Vitro α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity, Structure-Activity Relationship, and In Silico Studies

Kanwal, Khan KM, Chigurupati S, Ali F, Younus M, Aldubayan M, et al.

ACS Omega, 2021 Jan 26;6(3):2264-2275.
PMID: 33521466 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05581

Indole-3-acetamides (1-24) were synthesized via coupling of indole-3-acetic acid with various substituted anilines in the presence of coupling reagent 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole. The structures of synthetic molecules were elucidated through different spectroscopic techniques including electron ionization-mass spectroscopy (EI-MS), 1H-, 13C NMR, and high-resolution EI-MS (HREI-MS). These compounds were screened for their antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potentials. All compounds displayed good to moderate inhibition against α-amylase enzyme with IC50 values ranging between 1.09 ± 0.11 and 2.84 ± 0.1 μM compared to the standard acarbose (IC50 = 0.92 ± 0.4 μM). Compound 15 (IC50 = 1.09 ± 0.11 μM) was the most active compound of the series and exhibited good inhibition against α-amylase; in addition, this compound also exhibited good antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 0.35 ± 0.1 and 0.81 ± 0.25 μM in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, respectively. The binding interactions of synthetic molecules with the enzyme's active site were confirmed via in silico studies. The current study had identified a number of lead molecules as potential antihyperglycemic and antioxidant agents.
Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass: A practical journey towards the development of emulsifying agent

Safian MT, Sekeri SH, Yaqoob AA, Serrà A, Jamudin MD, Mohamad Ibrahim MN

Talanta, 2022 Mar 01;239:123109.
PMID: 34864531 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123109

With each passing year, the agriculture and wood processing industries generate increasingly high tonnages of biomass waste, which instead of being burned or left to accumulate should be utilized more sustainably. In parallel, advances in green technology have encouraged large companies and nations to begin using eco-friendly materials, including eco-friendly emulsifiers, which are used in various industries and in bio-based materials. The emulsion-conducive properties of lignocellulosic materials such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, the building blocks of plant and wood structures, have demonstrated a particular ability to alter the landscape of emulsion technology. Beyond that, the further modification of their structure may improve emulsion stability, which often determines the performance of emulsions. Considering those trends, this review examines the performance of lignocellulosic materials after modification according to their stability, droplet size, and distribution by size, all of which suggest their outstanding potential as materials for emulsifying agents.
Fulltext Impact of sustainable project management on project plan and project success of the manufacturing firm: Structural model assessment

Chow TC, Zailani S, Rahman MK, Qiannan Z, Bhuiyan MA, Patwary AK

PLoS One, 2021;16(11):e0259819.
PMID: 34818357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259819

This study has aimed to investigate the impact of sustainable project management on sustainable project planning and success in manufacturing firms. Data was collected from project management professionals in a manufacturing firm in Malaysia. A total of 231 responses were analyzed using the partial least square (PLS) method. The findings revealed that sustainable project management has a significant impact on sustainable project success and sustainable project planning. Sustainable project planning is positively correlated with sustainable project success. The results also indicated that sustainable project planning mediates the effect of sustainable project management on sustainable project success. The findings have significant insight into the body of knowledge of the project life cycle and indicated that sustainable project planning is a crucial tool attributed to project management towards the project success of the manufacturing firm. The results can be used as a guideline for organizations, providing direction in project management to achieve sustainable development for business.
High frequency multiscale relationships among major cryptocurrencies: portfolio management implications

Mensi W, Rehman MU, Shafiullah M, Al-Yahyaee KH, Sensoy A

Financ Innov, 2021;7(1):75.
PMID: 35024291 DOI: 10.1186/s40854-021-00290-w

This paper examines the high frequency multiscale relationships and nonlinear multiscale causality between Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Dash, Ripple, and Litecoin. We apply nonlinear Granger causality and rolling window wavelet correlation (RWCC) to 15 min-data. Empirical RWCC results indicate mostly positive co-movements and long-term memory between the cryptocurrencies, especially between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. The nonlinear Granger causality tests reveal dual causation between most of the cryptocurrency pairs. We advance evidence to improve portfolio risk assessment, and hedging strategies.
Comparative performance of Scirpus grossus for phytotreating mixed dye wastewater in batch and continuous pilot subsurface constructed wetland systems

Almaamary EAS, Abdullah SRS, Ismail N', Idris M, Kurniawan SB, Imron MF

J Environ Manage, 2022 Apr 01;307:114534.
PMID: 35065382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114534

Dye is one of the pollutants found in water bodies because of the increased growth of the textile industry. In this study, Scirpus grossus was planted inside a constructed wetland to treat mixed dye (methylene blue and methyl orange)-containing wastewater under batch and continuous modes. The plants were exposed to various concentrations (0, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L) of mixed dye for 72 days (with hydraulic retention time of 7 days for the continuous system). Biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, pH, temperature, ionic content, and plant growth parameters were measured. Results showed that S. grossus can withstand all the tested dye concentrations until the end of the treatment period. Color removal efficiencies of 86, 84, and 75% were obtained in batch mode, whereas 90%, 85%, and 79% were obtained in continuous mode for 50, 75, and 100 mg/L dye concentrations, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed the transformation of dye compounds after treatment and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that most of the intermediate compounds were not absorbed into plants but adsorbed onto the surface of the root structure.
Fulltext Highly Active Biphasic Anatase-Rutile Ni-Pd/TNPs Nanocatalyst for the Reforming and Cracking Reactions of Microplastic Waste Dissolved in Phenol

Nabgan W, Nabgan B, Tuan Abdullah TA, Ikram M, Jadhav AH, Jalil AA, et al.

ACS Omega, 2022 Feb 01;7(4):3324-3340.
PMID: 35128243 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05488

Solvent-based recycling of plastic can offer the main improvement when it is employed for pyrolysis-catalytic steam reforming. In this research, plastic waste dissolved in phenol was used as a feed for catalytic cracking and steam reforming reactions for valuable liquid fuels and hydrogen production, which is gaining the attention of researchers globally. Microplastic wastes (MPWs) are tiny plastic particles that arise due to product creation and breakdown of larger plastics. They can be found mainly in several habitats, including seas and freshwater ecosystems. MPWs harm aquatic species, turtles, and birds and were chosen to recover in this study that can be reacted on the catalyst surface. Biphasic anatase-rutile TiO2 with spherical-shaped support for Ni and Pd metals with nanosized particles was synthesized via the hydrothermal treatment method, and its chemical and physical properties were characterized accordingly. According to temperature-programmed desorption of carbon dioxide (CO2-TPD) and temperature-programmed reduction of hydrogen (H2-TPR) results, the incorporation of Pd into Ni/TNPs enhanced the basicity of the support surface and the redox properties of catalysts, which were strongly linked to the improved hydrogen yield (71%) and phenol conversion (79%) at 600 °C. The Ni-Pd/TNPs nanocatalyst, with remarkable stability for 72 h of time on stream, is a promising catalyst for the MPW-phenol cracking and steam reforming reactions toward H2 production for clean energy generation and other environmental applications. Besides, this study has also highlighted the opportunities of overcoming the risk of microplastic waste and converting it into valuable fuels such as decamethyltetrasiloxane, phenanthrene, methyl palmitate, benzenepropanoic acid, benzoic acid, azulene, xanthene, anisole, biphenyl, phthalic acid, diisooctyl phthalate, etc.
Alternative animal models in predictive toxicology

Khabib MNH, Sivasanku Y, Lee HB, Kumar S, Kue CS

Toxicology, 2022 01 15;465:153053.
PMID: 34838596 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153053

Toxicity testing relies heavily on animals, especially rodents as part of the non-clinical laboratory testing of substances. However, the use of mammalians and the number of animals employed in research has become a concern for institutional ethics committees. Toxicity testing involving rodents and other mammals is laborious and costly. Alternatively, non-rodent models are used as replacement, as they have less ethical considerations and are cost-effective. Of the many alternative models that can be used as replacement models, which ones can be used in predictive toxicology? What is the correlation between these models and rodents? Are there standardized protocols governing the toxicity testing of these commonly used predictive models? This review outlines the common alternative animal models for predictive toxicology to address the importance of these models, the challenges, and their standard testing protocols.
Generation and selection of naïve Fab library for parasitic antigen: Anti-BmSXP antibodies for lymphatic filariasis

Omar N, Hamidon NH, Yunus MH, Noordin R, Choong YS, Lim TS

Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2018 May;65(3):346-354.
PMID: 28833498 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1591

Phage display has been applied successfully as a tool for the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Naive antibody libraries are unique as they are able to overcome several limitations associated with conventional mAb generation methods like the hybridoma technology. Here, we performed an in vitro selection and generation of Fab antibodies against Brugia malayi SXP protein (BmSXP), a recombinant antigen for the detection of lymphatic filariasis. We developed a naïve multi ethnic Fab antibody library with an estimated diversity of 2.99 × 109 . The antibody library was used to screen for mAbs against BmSXP recombinant antigen. Soluble monoclonal Fab antibodies against BmSXP were successfully isolated from the naïve library. The Fab antibodies obtained were expressed and analyzed to show its binding capability. The diversity obtained from a pool of donors from various ethnic groups allowed for a diverse antibody library to be generated. The mAbs obtained were also functional in soluble form, which makes it useful for further downstream applications. We believe that the Fab mAbs are valuable for further studies and could also contribute to improvements in the diagnosis of filariasis.
Synthesis, in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential and molecular docking studies of quinolines

Bano B, Arshia, Khan KM, Kanwal, Fatima B, Taha M, et al.

Eur J Med Chem, 2017 Oct 20;139:849-864.
PMID: 28865280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.08.052

In this study synthesis and β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential of 3/5/8 sulfonamide and 8-sulfonate derivatives of quinoline (1-40) are discussed. Studies reveal that all the synthetic compounds were found to have good inhibitory activity against β-glucuronidase. Nonetheless, compounds 1, 2, 5, 13, and 22-24 having IC50 values in the range of 1.60-8.40 μM showed superior activity than the standard saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 = 48.4 ± 1.25 μM). Moreover, molecular docking studies of selected compounds were also performed to see interactions between active compounds and binding sites. Structures of all the synthetic compounds were confirmed through (1)H NMR, EI-MS and HREI-MS spectroscopic techniques.
Thymoquinone-rich fraction nanoemulsion (TQRFNE) decreases Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels by modulating APP processing, up-regulating IDE and LRP1, and down-regulating BACE1 and RAGE in response to high fat/cholesterol diet-induced rats

Ismail N, Ismail M, Azmi NH, Bakar MFA, Yida Z, Abdullah MA, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2017 Nov;95:780-788.
PMID: 28892789 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.074

Though the causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are yet to be understood, much evidence has suggested that excessive amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation due to abnormal amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) processing and Aβ metabolism are crucial processes towards AD pathogenesis. Hence, approaches aiming at APP processing and Aβ metabolism are currently being actively pursued for the management of AD. Studies suggest that high cholesterol and a high fat diet have harmful effects on cognitive function and may instigate the commencement of AD pathogenesis. Despite the neuropharmacological attributes of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) extracts and its main active compound, thymoquinone (TQ), limited records are available in relation to AD research. Nanoemulsion (NE) is exploited as drug delivery systems due to their capacity of solubilising non-polar active compounds and is widely examined for brain targeting. Herewith, the effects of thymoquinone-rich fraction nanoemulsion (TQRFNE), thymoquinone nanoemulsion (TQNE) and their counterparts' conventional emulsion in response to high fat/cholesterol diet (HFCD)-induced rats were investigated. Particularly, the Aβ generation; APP processing, β-secretase 1 (BACE1), γ-secretases of presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and presenilin 2 (PSEN2), Aβ degradation; insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), Aβ transportation; low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were measured in brain tissues. TQRFNE reduced the brain Aβ fragment length 1-40 and 1-42 (Aβ40 and Aβ42) levels, which would attenuate the AD pathogenesis. This reduction could be due to the modulation of β- and γ-secretase enzyme activity, and the Aβ degradation and transportation in/out of the brain. The findings show the mechanistic actions of TQRFNE in response to high fat and high cholesterol diet associated to Aβ generation, degradation and transportation in the rat's brain tissue.
Fulltext Essential Oils from the Malaysian Citrus (Rutaceae) Medicinal Plants

Md Othman SNA, Hassan MA, Nahar L, Basar N, Jamil S, Sarker SD

Medicines (Basel), 2016 Jun 03;3(2).
PMID: 28930124 DOI: 10.3390/medicines3020013

This review article appraises the extraction methods, compositions, and bioactivities of the essential oils from the Citrus species (family: Rutaceae) endemic to Malaysia including C. aurantifolia, C. grandis, C. hystrix, and C. microcarpa. Generally, the fresh peels and leaves of the Citrus species were extracted using different methods such as steam and water distillation, Likens-Nikerson extraction, solvent extraction, and headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME). Most of the Citrus oils were found to be rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons with limonene (1) as the major component identified in the peels of C. aurantifolia (39.3%), C. grandis (81.6%-96.9%), and C. microcarpa (94.0%), while sabinene (19) was the major component in the peels of C. hystrix (36.4%-48.5%). In addition, citronellal (20) (61.7%-72.5%), linalool (18) (56.5%), and hedycaryol (23) (19.0%) were identified as the major components in the oil of C. hystrix leaves, C. grandis blossom and C. microcarpa leaves, respectively. The C. hystrix essential oil has been experimentally shown to have antimicrobial and antifeedant activities, while no bioactivity study has been reported on the essential oils of other Malaysian Citrus species.
Fulltext Discriminative Analysis of Different Grades of Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.) via ¹H-NMR-Based Metabolomics Using PLS-DA and Random Forests Classification Models

Ismail SN, Maulidiani M, Akhtar MT, Abas F, Ismail IS, Khatib A, et al.

Molecules, 2017 Sep 25;22(10).
PMID: 28946701 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22101612

Gaharu (agarwood, Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.) is a valuable tropical rainforest product traded internationally for its distinctive fragrance. It is not only popular as incense and in perfumery, but also favored in traditional medicine due to its sedative, carminative, cardioprotective and analgesic effects. The current study addresses the chemical differences and similarities between gaharu samples of different grades, obtained commercially, using ¹H-NMR-based metabolomics. Two classification models: partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and Random Forests were developed to classify the gaharu samples on the basis of their chemical constituents. The gaharu samples could be reclassified into a 'high grade' group (samples A, B and D), characterized by high contents of kusunol, jinkohol, and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol; an 'intermediate grade' group (samples C, F and G), dominated by fatty acid and vanillic acid; and a 'low grade' group (sample E and H), which had higher contents of aquilarone derivatives and phenylethyl chromones. The results showed that ¹H- NMR-based metabolomics can be a potential method to grade the quality of gaharu samples on the basis of their chemical constituents.
Modified Dioscorea hispida starch-based hydrogels and their in-vitro cytotoxicity study on small intestine cell line (FHS-74 Int)

Ashri A, Amalina N, Kamil A, Fazry S, Sairi MF, Nazar MF, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Feb;107(Pt B):2412-2421.
PMID: 29056465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.10.125

Starch-based hydrogels are promising smart materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, which offer exciting perspectives in biophysical research at molecular level. This work was intended to develop, characterize and explore the properties of hydrogel from starch extracted from new source, Dioscorea hispida Dennst. Starch-mediated hydrogels were successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization method with varying concentrations of acrylic acid (AA),N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in aqueous system. The grafting reaction between starch and AA was examined by observing the decline in intensity peak of hydrogel FTIR spectrum at 3291cm-1 and peak around 1600-1680cm-1, indicating the stretching of hydroxyl group (OH) and stretching of carbon-carbon double bond (CC) respectively. The effects of cross-linker, monomer and NaOH concentration on swelling ratio and gel content in different medium and conditions were also evaluated. The thermal stability and structural morphology of as-synthesized hydrogels were studied by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In-vitro cytotoxicity study using small intestine cell line (FHS-74 Int) revealed that the as-formulated eco-friendly-hydrogel was free from any harmful material and safe to use for future product development.
Immunomodulatory effects of a bioactive fraction of Strobilanthes crispus in NMU-induced rat mammary tumor model

Yankuzo HM, Baraya YS, Mustapha Z, Wong KK, Yaacob NS

J Ethnopharmacol, 2018 Mar 01;213:31-37.
PMID: 29100935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.10.024

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Strobilanthes crispus Blume is traditionally consumed among local Malay and indigenous communities for the treatment of cancer and other ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory wounds of snake bite and immune system activation amongst others. We previously demonstrated that a bioactive fraction of S. crispus leaves (F3) was cytotoxic to breast cancer cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced breast cancer rat model. F3 also normalized the white blood cell count in the tumor-bearing animals, indicating its potential immuno-stimulatory effect.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the immune stimulatory effects of F3 from S. crispus in NMU-induced rat mammary tumor model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry analysis of cellular immune parameters (CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, CIITA, MHC-II and CD68) was performed on NMU-induced rat mammary tumor nodules, followed by evaluation of the serum level of 34 cytokines using the cytokine antibody array.
RESULTS: Significant increase in MHC-II, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell and CIITA expression by tumor cells was observed in F3-treated rats compared to the tumor control group. F3-treated rats also displayed a significant decrease in the serum level of CCL2 and CD68+ infiltrating macrophages. Serum IFN-γ level in this group was increased by 1.7-fold suggesting enhanced infiltration of T cells, and upregulation of CIITA and MHC-II expression in the tumor cells might be triggered by F3-induced production of IFN-γ.
CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated for the first time that a subfraction from S. crispus, F3, is capable of activating the immune system in rats-bearing NMU-induced mammary tumor, which may contribute to the anticancer effects of F3, and additionally support the traditional use of S. crispus leaves to boost the immune system.
Synthesis of piperazine sulfonamide analogs as diabetic-II inhibitors and their molecular docking study

Taha M, Irshad M, Imran S, Chigurupati S, Selvaraj M, Rahim F, et al.

Eur J Med Chem, 2017 Dec 01;141:530-537.
PMID: 29102178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.10.028

Piperazine Sulfonamide analogs (1-19) have been synthesized, characterized by different spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for α-amylase Inhibition. Analogs 1-19 exhibited a varying degree of α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging in between 1.571 ± 0.05 to 3.98 ± 0.397 μM when compared with the standard acarbose (IC50 = 1.353 ± 0.232 μM). Compound 1, 2, 3 and 7 showed significant inhibitory effects with IC50 value 2.348 ± 0.444, 2.064 ± 0.04, 1.571 ± 0.05 and 2.118 ± 0.204 μM, respectively better than the rest of the series. Structure activity relationships were established. Molecular docking studies were performed to understand the binding interaction of the compounds.
Stigmasterol: An adjuvant for beta lactam antibiotics against beta-lactamase positive clinical isolates

Yenn TW, Arslan Khan M, Amiera Syuhada N, Chean Ring L, Ibrahim D, Tan WN

Steroids, 2017 Dec;128:68-71.
PMID: 29104098 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.10.016

The emergence of beta lactamase producing bacterial strains eliminated the use of beta lactam antibiotics as chemotherapeutic alternative. Beta lactam antibiotics can be coupled with non-antibiotic adjuvants to combat these multidrug resistant strains. We study the synergistic antibiotic effect of stigmasterol as adjuvant of ampicillin against clinical isolates. Ampicillin was used in this study as a beta lactam antibiotic model. All test bacteria were beta lactamase producing clinical isolates. The combination showed significantly better antibiotic activity on all bacteria tested. The two test substances have synergistic antibiotic activity, and the effect was observed in both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The synergistic antibiotic effect of stigmasterol and ampicillin was evident by the low fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index on Checkerboard Assay. The results suggest that the combination of ampicillin and stigmasterol acts additively in the treatment of infections caused by beta-lactamase producing pathogens. In bacterial growth reduction assay, ampicillin and stigmasterol alone exhibited very weak inhibitory effect on the bacterial growth, relative to ethanol control. Comparatively, combination of stigmasterol-ampicillin greatly reduced the colony counts at least by 98.7%. In conclusion, we found synergistic effects of stigmasterol and ampicillin against beta lactamase producing clinical isolates. This finding is important as it shows potential application of stigmasterol as an antibiotic adjuvant.

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