Displaying publications 4921 - 4940 of 6739 in total

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  1. 5-Bromo-2-aryl benzimidazole derivatives as non-cytotoxic potential dual inhibitors of α-glucosidase and urease enzymes
    Arshad T, Khan KM, Rasool N, Salar U, Hussain S, Asghar H, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2017 06;72:21-31.
    PMID: 28346872 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.03.007
    On the basis of previous report on promising α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 5-bromo-2-aryl benzimidazole derivatives, these derivatives were further screened for urease inhibitory and cytotoxicity activity in order to get more potent and non-cytotoxic potential dual inhibitor for the patients suffering from diabetes as well as peptic ulcer. In this study, all compounds showed varying degree of potency in the range of (IC50=8.15±0.03-354.67±0.19μM) as compared to standard thiourea (IC50=21.25±0.15μM). It is worth mentioning that derivatives 7 (IC50=12.07±0.05μM), 8 (IC50=10.57±0.12μM), 11 (IC50=13.76±0.02μM), 14 (IC50=15.70±0.12μM) and 22 (IC50=8.15±0.03μM) were found to be more potent inhibitors than standard. All compounds were also evaluated for cytotoxicity towards 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line and found to be completely non-toxic. Previously benzimidazole 1-25 were also showed α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. In silico studies were performed on the lead molecules i.e.2, 7, 8, 11, 14, and 22, in order to rationalize the binding interaction of compounds with the active site of urease enzyme.
  2. Clinical responses in cows vaccinated with a developed prototype killed Staphylococcus aureus mastitis vaccine
    Hambali IU, Bhutto KR, Jesse FFA, Lawan A, Odhah MN, Wahid AH, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2018 Nov;124:101-105.
    PMID: 30114463 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.08.017
    Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the udder that occurs as a result of the release of leucocytes into the udder in a response to bacterial invasion. The major causes of mastitis are an array of gram positive and negative bacteria, however, algae, virus, fungi, mechanical or thermal injury to the gland have also been identified as possible causes. Mastitis vaccines are yet to be developed using Malaysian local isolate of bacteria. The objective of the present experimental trial was to develop a monovalent vaccine against mastitis using S. aureus of Malaysian isolate and to evaluate the clinical responses such as temperature, respiratory rates and heart rates in vaccinated cows. S. aureus is a major causative bacteria in clinical and subclinical types of mastitis in cows. Four concentrations of the bacterin (106, 107, 108 and 109 cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were prepared using Aluminium potassium sulfate adjuvant. Thirty cows were grouped into four treatment groups (B, C, D and E) with a fifth group as control (A). These groups were vaccinated intramuscularly(IM) with the prepared monovalent vaccine and its influence on the vital signs were intermittently measured. The mean of rectal temperature was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at 0hr Post Vaccination [1]" in groups D and E (39.5 ± 0.15 °C and 39.4 ± 0.15 °C respectively) and at 3 h PV in groups C, D and E (39.8 ± 0.14 °C, 39.9 ± 0.14 °C and 40.3 ± 0.14 °C respectively) compared to the control group. This indicated a sharp increased rectal temperatures between 0hr and 3 h PV in groups C, D and E which later declined at 24 h PV. The mean of rectal temperature of group E was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at weeks 1 and 2 PV (39.87 ± 0.19 °C and 39.80 ± 0.18 °C respectively) compared to the control group. The mean of heart rate was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 1 PV in groups D and E (83.0 ± 3.8 beats/minute and 80.0 ± 3.8 °C respectively) compared to control. A trending decrease was however observed in heart rates of group E from weeks through 4 PV and in group D from weeks 1 through 3 PV. The mean of respiratory rates was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 3 PV in group B and D (31.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute and 28.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute) compared to control. In conclusion, this study highlights responses of these vital signs due to vaccination against S. aureus causing mastitis in cows. To the best of our knowledge the findings of this study adds value to the shallow literature on vital signs alterations in cows vaccinated against mastitis as elevated levels of temperature and heart rates of group D and E indicated obvious response.
  3. Periodic vicissitudes of different concentrations of a developed prototype killed S. aureus mastitis vaccine on immune modulators, mediators and immunoglobulins in cows
    Hambali IU, Abdullah FFJB, Bhutto KR, Mohd Azmi ML, Wahid AH, Zakaria Z, et al.
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2019 May;51(4):781-789.
    PMID: 30449009 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1755-8
    Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland due to microbial infiltration causing a reduced mammary function. This study aims at developing a vaccine using Malaysian local isolate of Staphylococcus aureus and evaluating serum amyloid A, Interleukin-10, IgM and IgG responses periodically. Four bacterin concentrations (106, 107, 108 and 109 cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were adjuvanted with aluminium potassium sulphate. Thirty cows grouped into 4 treatment groups (G-) were vaccinated (2 ml) intramuscularly, with a fifth G-A as control. The mean concentration (MC) of serum amyloid A (SAA) was significantly different (sig-d) (p ˂ 0.05) in G-D at 0 h post vaccination (PV), 3 h PV, 24 h PV, weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 PV (6-, 15-, 5-, 12-, 11-, 4- and 11-fold increased (FI) respectively). The MC of serum amyloid A was also sig-d in G-E at 0 h PV, weeks 1, 2 and 4 PV (3, 8, 5 and 8 FI respectively). The MC of IL-10 was sig-d in G-D and C at 3 h PV and week 2 PV (5 and 2 FI respectively). The IgM MC was sig-d in G-B and C at 3 h PV (5 and 6 FI respectively), at 24 h PV (5 and 9 FI respectively), at week 3 PV(2 and 2 FI respectively) and week 4 PV (3 and 4 FI respectively). The MC of IgG was sig-d in G-E at 0 h, 3 h and week 3 PV(5, 6 and 2 FI respectively) and in G-D at weeks 1-4 (3, 3, 3 and 5 FI respectively). In conclusion, elevated levels of SAA, IgG and IL-10 in G-D(108) informed our choice of best dosage which can be used to evoke immunity in cows.
  4. The Association of Internet Addiction and Perceived Parental Protective Factors Among Malaysian Adolescents
    Awaluddin SMB, Ying Ying C, Yoep N, Paiwai F, Lodz NA, Muhammad EN, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 Nov;31(8_suppl):57S-64S.
    PMID: 31523984 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519872642
    Parental protective factors do play an important role in preventing Internet addiction. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure health risk behaviors among Malaysian adolescents. The prevalence of Internet addiction was significantly higher among adolescents with perceived lack of parental supervision (30.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 28.7-31.4]) and lack of parental connectedness (30.1% [95% CI = 28.5-31.7]), compared with their counterparts. Adolescents who perceived a lack of parental supervision, respect for privacy, connectedness, and bonding were more likely to have Internet addiction: (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.27-1.52), (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.16-1.31), (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02-1.16), (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.00-1.12), respectively. Among girls, Internet addiction was associated with those who perceived lack in all 4 parental factors, while among boys, those who perceived lack of parental supervision and respect for privacy were more prone to Internet addiction.
  5. Synthesis, in vitro alpha-glucosidase inhibitory potential of benzimidazole bearing bis-Schiff bases and their molecular docking study
    Rahim F, Zaman K, Taha M, Ullah H, Ghufran M, Wadood A, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2020 01;94:103394.
    PMID: 31699396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103394
    Voglibose and acarbose are distinguished α-glucosidase inhibitors used for controlling of diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, these distinguished and clinically used inhibitors have also numerous side effects. Subsequently, there is still needed to develop safer therapy. Despite of a broad spectrum of biological importance of benzimidazole, it is occasionally evaluated for α-glucosidase activity. Current study deals with the synthesis and biological screening of benzimidazole bearing bis-Schiff bases (1-19) for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. All analogues exhibited excellent to good inhibitory potential (IC50 = 2.20 ± 0.1to 88.60 ± 1.70 µM) when compared with standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 38.45 ± 0.80 µM). A structure activity relationship has been established on the basis of electronic effects and position of different substituents present on phenyl ring. In order to rationalize the binding interactions of most active analogues with the active site of α-glucosidase enzyme, molecular docking study was conducted.
  6. Fulltext Preliminary study on the expression of endothelial cell biology related genes in the liver of dengue virus infected mice treated with Carica papaya leaf juice
    Mohd Abd Razak MR, Norahmad NA, Md Jelas NH, Jusoh B, Muhammad A, Mohmad Misnan N, et al.
    BMC Res Notes, 2019 Apr 03;12(1):206.
    PMID: 30944031 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4242-z
    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to profile and identify the endothelial cell biology related genes that are affected by dengue virus infection in the liver tissue of AG129 mice, with and without Carica papaya leaf juice treatment.

    RESULTS: The dengue fever mouse model was established by intraperitoneal inoculation of dengue virus, New Guinea C strain at 2 × 106 PFU. Daily oral administration of 1000 mg/kg freeze-dried C. papaya leaf juice (FCPLJ) was done starting from day 1 to day 3 post infection. The RNA was extracted from liver tissues harvested on day 4 post infection. The expression levels of 84 genes related to mouse endothelial cell biology were determined by qRT-PCR technique. Dengue virus infection upregulated 15 genes and downregulated two genes in the liver of AG129 mice. The FCPLJ treatment upregulated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and downregulated intercellular adhesion molecule 1, integrin beta 3 and fibronectin 1 genes during dengue virus infection. The data showed the potential effect of FCPLJ treatment on the expression profile of endothelial cell biology related genes in the liver of dengue virus infected-AG129 mice. Further proteomic studies are needed to determine the functional roles of the genes affected by FCPLJ treatment.

  7. Fulltext Antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic potencies of Pandanus tectorius fruits via increasing scavenger receptor-B1 genes expression and inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity
    Andriani Y, Chaudhry GE, Oksal E, Pangestika I, Ramli NM, Mohamad H, et al.
    J Adv Pharm Technol Res, 2020 3 11;11(1):30-35.
    PMID: 32154156 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_164_19
    Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death worldwide. The adverse side effects of currently available drugs urge to find more effective and safe remedial agents. Alternative candidates from natural resources are of great consequence in the emerging of new drugs. Pandanus tectorius (Pandanaceae) was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to cure certain diseases. Thus, the current study conducted to elucidate the potency of P. tectorius fruit as antiatherosclerosis and antihypercholesterolemia agents through the regulation of high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor (scavenger receptor [SR]-B1) gene expression and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase reductase (HMGCR) in vitro, respectively. The P. tectorius fruit was noncytotoxic against the HepG2 cell line confirmed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The P. tectorius fruit successfully upregulates the SR-B1 gene expression and downregulate the HMGCR. Moreover, anin vivo study showed that P. tectorius has good activity on the upregulation of HDL and subsequently downregulation of total cholesterol level. Moreover, P. tectorius fruit did not show any increase in toxicity biomarkers serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase in vivo. These results found that P. tectorius fruits have potency as the preventive agent for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis via SR-B1 and HMGCR mechanisms of action.
  8. Survival predictors of major salivary gland cancer
    Elhusseiny KM, Abd-Elhay FA, Kamel MG, Abd El Hamid Hassan HH, Muhammad El Tanany HH, Hong HT, et al.
    Ann Oncol, 2018 Nov;29 Suppl 9:ix104.
    PMID: 32177708 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy438.035
  9. Customised weight-based volume contrast media protocol in CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis examination
    Yap LPP, Wong JHD, Muhammad Gowdh NF, Ng WL, Chung E, Eturajulu RC, et al.
    J Med Imaging Radiat Sci, 2021 06;52(2):257-264.
    PMID: 33531272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2021.01.003
    INTRODUCTION: Fixed volume (FV) contrast media administration during CT examination is the standard practice in most healthcare institutions. We aim to validate a customised weight-based volume (WBV) method and compare it to the conventional FV methods, introduced in a regional setting.

    METHODS: 220 patients underwent CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis (CAP) using a standard FV protocol, and subsequently, a customised 1.0 mL/kg WBV protocol within one year. Both image sets were assessed for contrast enhancement using CT attenuation at selected regions-of-interest (ROIs). The visual image quality was evaluated by three radiologists using a 4-point Likert scale. Quantitative CT attenuation was correlated with the visual quality assessment to determine the HU's enhancement indicative of the image quality grades. Contrast media usage was calculated to estimate cost-savings from both protocols.

    RESULTS: Mean patient age was 61 ± 14 years, and weight was 56.1 ± 8.7 kg. FV protocol produced higher contrast enhancement than WBV, p 

  10. Chitosan-Coated 5-Fluorouracil Incorporated Emulsions as Transdermal Drug Delivery Matrices
    Khan TA, Azad AK, Fuloria S, Nawaz A, Subramaniyan V, Akhlaq M, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 29;13(19).
    PMID: 34641162 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193345
    The purpose of the present study was to develop emulsions encapsulated by chitosan on the outer surface of a nano droplet containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a model drug. The emulsions were characterized in terms of size, pH and viscosity and were evaluated for their physicochemical properties such as drug release and skin permeation in vitro. The emulsions containing tween 80 (T80), sodium lauryl sulfate, span 20, and a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and T20 exhibited a release of 88%, 86%, 90% and 92%, respectively. Chitosan-modified emulsions considerably controlled the release of 5-FU compared to a 5-FU solution (p < 0.05). All the formulations enabled transportation of 5-FU through a rat's skin. The combination (T80, PEG) formulation showed a good penetration profile. Different surfactants showed variable degrees of skin drug retention. The ATR-FTIR spectrograms revealed that the emulsions mainly affected the fluidization of lipids and proteins of the stratum corneum (SC) that lead to enhanced drug permeation and retention across the skin. The present study concludes that the emulsions containing a combination of surfactants (Tween) and a co-surfactant (PEG) exhibited the best penetration profile, prevented the premature release of drugs from the nano droplet, enhanced the permeation and the retention of the drug across the skin and had great potential for transdermal drug delivery. Therefore, chitosan-coated 5-FU emulsions represent an excellent possibility to deliver a model drug as a transdermal delivery system.
  11. Fulltext Risk Factors Associated with Mortality Among Patients with Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Africa
    Mohammed M, Muhammad S, Mohammed FZ, Mustapha S, Sha'aban A, Sani NY, et al.
    J Racial Ethn Health Disparities, 2021 10;8(5):1267-1272.
    PMID: 33051749 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00888-3
    BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China and later spread rapidly to other parts of the world, including Africa. Africa was projected to be devastated by COVID-19. There is currently limited data regarding regional predictors of mortality among patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the independent risk factors associated with mortality among patients with COVID-19 in Africa.

    METHODS: A total of 1028 confirmed cases of COVID-19 from Africa with definite survival outcomes were identified retrospectively from an open-access individual-level worldwide COVID-19 database. The live version of the dataset is available at https://github.com/beoutbreakprepared/nCoV2019 . Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors that independently predict mortality among patients with COVID-19 in Africa.

    RESULTS: Of the 1028 cases included in study, 432 (42.0%) were females with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 50 (24) years. Older age (adjusted odds ratio {aOR} 1.06; [95% confidence intervals {95% CI}, 1.04-1.08]), presence of chronic disease (aOR 9.63; [95% CI, 3.84-24.15]), travel history (aOR 2.44; [95% CI, 1.26-4.72]), as well as locations of Central Africa (aOR 0.14; [95% CI, 0.03-0.72]) and West Africa (aOR 0.12; [95% CI, 0.04-0.32]) were identified as the independent risk factors significantly associated with increased mortality among the patients with COVID-19.

    CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving gradually in Africa. Among patients with COVID-19 in Africa, older age, presence of chronic disease, travel history, and the locations of Central Africa and West Africa were associated with increased mortality. A regional response should prioritize strategies that will protect these populations. Also, conducting a further in-depth study could provide more insights into additional factors predictive of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

  12. Fulltext Thiolated Chitosan Microneedle Patch of Levosulpiride from Fabrication, Characterization to Bioavailability Enhancement Approach
    Habib R, Azad AK, Akhlaq M, Al-Joufi FA, Shahnaz G, Mohamed HRH, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2022 Jan 20;14(3).
    PMID: 35160403 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030415
    In this study, a first attempt has been made to deliver levosulpiride transdermally through a thiolated chitosan microneedle patch (TC-MNP). Levosulpiride is slowly and weakly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with an oral bioavailability of less than 25% and short half-life of about 6 h. In order to enhance its bioavailability, levosulpiride-loaded thiolated chitosan microneedle patches (LS-TC-MNPs) were fabricated. Firstly, thiolated chitosan was synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thiolated chitosan has been used in different drug delivery systems; herein, thiolated chitosan has been used for the transdermal delivery of LS. LS-TC-MNPs were fabricated from different concentrations of thiolated chitosan solution. Furthermore, the levosulpiride-loaded thiolated chitosan microneedle patch (LS-TC-MNP) was characterized by FTIR spectroscopic analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study, penetration ability, tensile strength, moisture content, patch thickness, and elongation test. LS-TC-MNP fabricated with 3% thiolated chitosan solution was found to have the best tensile strength, moisture content, patch thickness, elongation, drug-loading efficiency, and drug content. Thiolated chitosan is biodegradable, nontoxic and has good absorption and swelling in the skin. LS-TC-MNP-3 consists of 100 needles in 10 rows each with 10 needles. The length of each microneedle was 575 μm; they were pyramidal in shape, with sharp pointed ends and a base diameter of 200 µm. The microneedle patch (LS-TC-MNP-3) resulted in-vitro drug release of 65% up to 48 h, ex vivo permeation of 63.6%, with good skin biocompatibility and enhanced in-vivo pharmacokinetics (AUC = 986 µg/mL·h, Cmax = 24.5 µg/mL) as compared to oral LS dispersion (AUC = 3.2 µg/mL·h, Cmax = 0.5 µg/mL). Based on the above results, LS-TC-MNP-3 seems to be a promising strategy for enhancing the bioavailability of levosulpiride.
  13. Fulltext Computationally Designed Anti-LuxP DNA Aptamer Suppressed Flagellar Assembly- and Quorum Sensing-Related Gene Expression in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
    Yusof NAM, Razali SA, Mohd Padzil A, Lau BYC, Baharum SN, Nor Muhammad NA, et al.
    Biology (Basel), 2022 Nov 01;11(11).
    PMID: 36358301 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111600
    (1) Background: Quorum sensing (QS) is the chemical communication between bacteria that sense chemical signals in the bacterial population to control phenotypic changes through the regulation of gene expression. The inhibition of QS has various potential applications, particularly in the prevention of bacterial infection. QS can be inhibited by targeting the LuxP, a periplasmic receptor protein that is involved in the sensing of the QS signaling molecule known as the autoinducer 2 (AI-2). The sensing of AI-2 by LuxP transduces the chemical information through the inner membrane sensor kinase LuxQ protein and activates the QS cascade. (2) Methods: An in silico approach was applied to design DNA aptamers against LuxP in this study. A method combining molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations was used to select the oligonucleotides that bind to LuxP, which were then further characterized using isothermal titration calorimetry. Subsequently, the bioactivity of the selected aptamer was examined through comparative transcriptome analysis. (3) Results: Two aptamer candidates were identified from the ITC, which have the lowest dissociation constants (Kd) of 0.2 and 0.5 micromolar. The aptamer with the lowest Kd demonstrated QS suppression and down-regulated the flagellar-assembly-related gene expression. (4) Conclusions: This study developed an in silico approach to design an aptamer that possesses anti-QS properties.
  14. Synthesis of indole derivatives as diabetics II inhibitors and enzymatic kinetics study of α-glucosidase and α-amylase along with their in-silico study
    Taha M, Alrashedy AS, Almandil NB, Iqbal N, Anouar EH, Nawaz M, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Nov 01;190:301-318.
    PMID: 34481854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.207
    In this study, we have investigated a series of indole-based compounds for their inhibitory study against pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase activity. Inhibitors of carbohydrate degrading enzymes appear to have an essential role as antidiabetic drugs. All analogous exhibited good to moderate α-amylase (IC50 = 3.80 to 47.50 μM), and α-glucosidase inhibitory interactions (IC50 = 3.10-52.20 μM) in comparison with standard acarbose (IC50 = 12.28 μM and 11.29 μM). The analogues 4, 11, 12, 15, 14 and 17 had good activity potential both for enzymes inhibitory interactions. Structure activity relationships were deliberated to propose the influence of substituents on the inhibitory potential of analogues. Docking studies revealed the interaction of more potential analogues and enzyme active site. Further, we studied their kinetic study of most active compounds showed that compounds 15, 14, 12, 17 and 11 are competitive for α-amylase and non- competitive for α-glucosidase.
  15. Biodiesel synthesis from Prunus bokhariensis non-edible seed oil by using green silver oxide nanocatalyst
    Dawood S, Ahmad M, Zafar M, Asif S, Klemeš JJ, Bokhari A, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Mar;291(Pt 2):132780.
    PMID: 34767846 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132780
    The present work investigates the proficiency of green silver oxide nanocatalyst synthesised from Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) Dcne. leaves extract, and their application for biodiesel synthesis from novel Prunus bokhariensis seed oil (non-edible). The seed oil content of 55% and FFA content of 0.80 mg KOH/g were reported. Several analytical tools (EDX, FT-IR, SEM and XRD) were used to characterise the Ag2O nanocatalyst. Maximum (89%) FAME yield of the PBSOB (Prunus bokhariensis seed oil biodiesel) was achieved at ambient transesterification conditions i.e. 3.5 wt% nanocatalyst loading, 2.5 h reaction time, 130 °C of reaction temperature and 12:1 alcohol to oil ratio. The synthesised PBSOB was additionally characterised by analytical methods like, GC-MS and FT-IR. The different aspects of fuel were identified i.e. flash point (84 °C), kinematic viscosity (4.01 cSt @ 40 °C), sulphur content (0.0003 wt %), density (0.853 kg/L) and acid number (0.167 mg KOH/g). All the above properties were verified and agreed well with biodiesel international standards (European Union (14214), China GB/T (20828) and ASTM (6751, 951). In general, Prunus bokhariensis seed oil and Ag2O nanocatalyst seem to be remarkably active, cheap and stable candidates for the biodiesel industry in future.
  16. Fulltext Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Bone Anabolic Effects of Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson
    Abdul Rahim R, Jayusman PA, Lim V, Ahmad NH, Abdul Hamid ZA, Mohamed S, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:796509.
    PMID: 35111063 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.796509
    Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson [Asteraceae] (B. acmella) is an important medicinal plant native to Brazil, and it is widely known as a toothache plant. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activities of B. acmella and few studies on the stimulatory effects on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion from bone cells; however, there is no study on its antioxidant and anabolic activity on bone cells. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. acmella using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LCTOFMS) along with the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum colorimetric methods. The extracts of B. acmella leaves were used to scavenge synthetic-free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The bone anabolic effects of B. acmella extracts on MC3T3-E1 cells were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoium bromide (MTT) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, Sirius-red and ALP at 7 and 14 days, and Alizarin Red S at 14 and 21 days. Comparatively, ethanol extract of B. acmella (BaE) contributed higher antioxidant activities (IC50 of 476.71 µg/ml and 56.01 ± 6.46 mg L-ascorbic acid/g against DPPH and FRAP, respectively). Anabolic activities in bone proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were also higher in B. acmella of ethanol (BaE) than aqueous (BaA) extracts. Positive correlations were observed between phenolic content (TPC and TFC) to antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP) and anabolic activities. Conversely, negative correlations were present between phenolic content to antioxidant (DPPH) activity. These potential antioxidant and bone anabolic activities in BaE might be due to the phytochemicals confirmed through GCMS and LCTOFMS, revealed that terpenoids of α-cubebene, cryophyllene, cryophyllene oxide, phytol and flavonoids of pinostrobin and apigenin were the compounds contributing to both antioxidant and anabolic effects in BaE. Thus, B. acmella may be a valuable antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis agent. Further study is needed to isolate, characterize and elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and bone anabolic effects.
  17. Fulltext Limitation of nutrients stimulates musty odor production by Streptomyces sp. isolated from a tropical environment
    Shudirman S, Abang Kassim A, Shamsol Anuar NS, Utsumi M, Shimizu K, Muhammad Yuzir MA, et al.
    J Gen Appl Microbiol, 2021 Jul 31;67(3):92-99.
    PMID: 33642451 DOI: 10.2323/jgam.2020.08.001
    Musty odor production by actinomycetes is usually related to the presence of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), which are synthesized by enzymes encoded by the geoA and tpc genes, respectively. Streptomyces spp. strain S10, which was isolated from a water reservoir in Malaysia, has the ability to produce geosmin when cultivated in a basal salt (BS) solid medium, but no 2-MIB production occurred during growth in BS medium. Strain S10 could produce higher levels of geosmin when the phosphate concentration was limited to 0.05 mg/L, with a yield of 17.53 ± 3.12 ✕ 105 ng/L, compared with growth in BS medium. Interestingly, 2-MIB production was suddenly detected when the nitrate concentration was limited to 1.0 mg/L, with a yield of 1.4 ± 0.11 ✕ 105 ng/L. Therefore, it was concluded that phosphate- and nitrate-limiting conditions could induce the initial production of geosmin and 2-MIB by strain S10. Furthermore, a positive amplicon of geoA was detected in strain S10, but no tpc amplicon was detected by PCR analysis. Draft genome sequence analysis showed that one open reading frame (ORF) contained a conserved motif of geosmin synthase with 95% identity with geoA in Streptomyces coelicolor A3 (2). In the case of the tpc genes, it was found that one ORF showed 23% identity to the known tpc gene in S. coelicolor A3(2), but strain S10 lacked one motif in the N-terminus.
  18. Synthesis, spectral analysis and biological evaluation of 2-{[(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]thio}-5-phenyl/aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives
    Ur-Rehman A, Khan SG, Naqvi SAR, Ahmad M, Akhtar N, Bokhari TH, et al.
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2021 Jan;34(1(Special)):441-446.
    PMID: 34275792
    A series of new derivatives of 4-(2-chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride (5) were efficiently synthesized. Briefly, different aromatic organic acids (1a-f) were refluxed to acquire respective esters (2a-f) using conc. H2SO4 as catalyst. The esters were subjected to nucleophillic substitution by monohydrated hydrazine to acquire hydrazides (3a-f). The hydrazides were cyclized with CS2 in the presence of KOH to yield corresponding oxadiazoles (4a-f). Finally, the derivatives, 6a-f, were prepared by reacting oxadiazoles (4a-f) with 5 using NaH as activator. Structures of all the derivatives were elucidated through 1D-NMR EI-MS and IR spectral data. All these molecules were subjected to antibacterial and hemolytic activities and showed good antibacterial and hemolytic potential relative to the reference standards.
  19. Future advances and challenges of nanomaterial-based technologies for electromagnetic interference-based technologies: A review
    Karim SS, Murtaza Z, Farrukh S, Umer MA, Ali SS, Younas M, et al.
    Environ Res, 2022 Apr 01;205:112402.
    PMID: 34838569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112402
    The emerging growth of the electronic devices applications has arisen the serious problems of electromagnetic (EM) wave pollution which resulting in equipment malfunction. Therefore, polymer-based composites have been considered good candidates for better EMI shielding due to their significant characteristics including, higher flexibility, ultrathin, lightweight, superior conductivity, easy fabrication processing, environmentally friendly, corrosion resistive, better adhesion with physical, chemical and thermal stability. This review article focused on the concept of the EMI shielding mechanism and challenges with the fabrication of polymer-based composites. Subsequently, recent advancements in the polymer composites applications have been critically reviewed. In addition, the impact of polymers and polymer nanocomposites with different fillers such as organic, inorganic, 2D, 3D, mixture and hybrid nano-fillers on EMI shielding effectiveness has been explored. Lastly, future research directions have been proposed to overcome the limitations of current technologies for further advancement in EMI shielding materials for industrial applications. Based on reported literature, it has been found that the low thickness based lightweight polymer is considered as a best material for excellent material for next-generation electronic devices. Optimization of polymer composites during the fabrication is required for better EMI shielding. New nano-fillers such as functionalization and composite polymers are best to enhance the EMI shielding and conductive properties.
  20. Seroprevalence of Pteropine orthoreovirus in humans remain similar after nearly two decades (2001-2002 vs. 2017) in Tioman Island, Malaysia
    Leong WJ, Quek XF, Tan HY, Wong KM, Muhammad HS, Mohamed NA, et al.
    J Med Virol, 2022 02;94(2):771-775.
    PMID: 34708881 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27422
    Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) is an emerging zoonotic respiratory virus that can be transmitted from bats to humans. In Malaysia, aside from PRV2P (Pulau virus) being isolated from Pteropus hypomelanus sampled in Tioman Island, PRV3M (Melaka virus), PRV4K (Kampar virus), and PRV7S (Sikamat virus) were all isolated from samples of patients who reported having a disease spectrum from acute respiratory distress to influenza-like illness and sometimes even with enteric symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Screening of sera collected from human volunteers on Tioman Island in 2001-2002 demonstrated that 12.8% (14/109) were positive for PRV2P and PRV3M. Taking all these together, we aim to investigate the serological prevalence of PRV (including PRV4K and PRV7S) among Tioman Island inhabitants again with the assumption that the seroprevalence rate will remain nearly similar to the above reported if human exposure to bats is still happening in the island. Using sera collected from human volunteers on the same island in 2017, we demonstrated seroprevalence of 17.8% (28/157) against PRV2P and PRV3M, respectively. Seropositivity of 11.4% among Tioman Island inhabitants against PRV4K and PRV7S, respectively, was described in this study. In addition, the seroprevalence of 89.5% (17/19), 73.6% (14/19), 63.0% (12/19), and 73.6% (14/19) against PRV2P, PRV3M, PRV4K, and PRV7S, respectively, were observed among pteropid bats in the island. We revealed that the seroprevalence of PRV among island inhabitants remains nearly similar after nearly two decades, suggesting that potential spill-over events in bat-human interface areas in the Tioman Island. We are unclear whether such spillover was directly from bats to humans, as suspected for the PRV3M human cases, or from an intermediate host(s) yet to be identified. There is a high possibility of the viruses circulating among the bats as demonstrated by high seroprevalence against PRV in the bats.
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