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Fulltext Ultrasonic Assisted Synthesis of Size-Controlled Cu-Metal-Organic Framework Decorated Graphene Oxide Composite: Sustainable Electrocatalyst for the Trace-Level Determination of Nitrite in Environmental Water Samples

Arul P, Gowthaman NSK, John SA, Lim HN

ACS Omega, 2020 Jun 23;5(24):14242-14253.
PMID: 32596560 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03829

Excess levels of nitrite ion in drinking water interact with amine functionalized compounds to form carcinogenic nitrosamines, which cause stomach cancer. Thus, it is indispensable to develop a simple protocol to detect nitrite. In this paper, a Cu-metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) with graphene oxide (GO) composite was synthesized by ultrasonication followed by solvothermal method and then fabricated on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode for the sensitive and selective determination of nitrite contamination. The SEM image of the synthesized Cu-MOF showed colloidosome-like structure with an average size of 8 μm. Interestingly, the Cu-MOF-GO composite synthesized by ultrasonic irradiation followed by solvothermal process produce controlled size of 3 μm colloidosome-like structure. This was attributed to the formation of an exfoliated sheet-like structure of GO by ultrasonication in addition to the obvious influence of GO providing the oxygen functional groups as a nucleation node for size-controlled growth. On the other hand, the composite prepared without ultrasonication exhibited 6.6 μm size agglomerated colloidosome-like structures, indicating the crucial role of ultrasonication for the formation of size-controlled composites. XPS results confirmed the presence of Cu(II) in the as-synthesized Cu-MOF-GO based on the binding energies at 935.5 eV for Cu 2p3/2 and 955.4 eV for Cu 2p1/2. The electrochemical impedance studies in [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- redox couple at the composite fabricated electrode exhibited more facile electron transfer than that with Cu-MOF and GO modified electrodes, which helped to utilize Cu-MOF-GO for trace level determination of nitrite in environmental effluent samples. The Cu-MOF-GO fabricated electrode offered a superior sensitive platform for nitrite determination than the Cu-MOF and GO modified electrodes demonstrating oxidation at less positive potential with enhanced oxidation current. The present sensor detects nitrite in the concentration range of 1 × 10-8 to 1 × 10-4 M with the lowest limit of detection (LOD) of 1.47 nM (S/N = 3). Finally, the present Cu-MOF-GO electrode was successfully exploited for nitrite ion determination in lake and dye contaminated water samples.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen
Carotenoid composition and antioxidant potential of Eucheuma denticulatum, Sargassum polycystum and Caulerpa lentillifera

Balasubramaniam V, June Chelyn L, Vimala S, Mohd Fairulnizal MN, Brownlee IA, Amin I

Heliyon, 2020 Aug;6(8):e04654.
PMID: 32817893 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04654

Three species of Malaysian edible seaweed (Eucheuma denticulatum, Sargassum polycystum and Caulerpa lentillifera) were analyzed for their carotenoid composition using a combination of high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS), while the antioxidant capacities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. The HPTLC analysis exhibited a distinct carotenoid pattern among the three seaweed groups. The UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed fucoxanthin as the major carotenoid present in S. polycystum while lutein and zeaxanthin in E. denticulatum. For C. lentillifera, β-carotene and canthaxanthin were the major carotenoids. Some of the carotenoids, such as rubixanthin, dinoxanthin, diatoxanthin and antheraxanthin, were also tentatively detected in E. denticulatum and S. polycystum. For antioxidant activity, S. polycystum (20 %) and E. denticulatum (1128 μmol TE/g) showed the highest activity in the DPPH and ORAC assays, respectively. The findings suggest the three edible varieties of seaweeds may provide a good dietary source with a potential to reduce antioxidative stress.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity
Fulltext Effects of pH on Phosphorus Recovery from Different Composition of Food Waste Using Anaerobic Batch Digestion

Selaman, R., Newati Wid

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018;12(101):63-64.
MyJurnal

Anaerobic digestion is a process by which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. The process involves hydrolysis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis stages. Anaerobic digestion of food waste has been widely investigated for biogas recovery but limited study was performed on phosphorus recovery, which is reported depleting. Food waste is produced every day and dumped on landfill for final disposal which may lead to environmental issues such as odour problems and greenhouse gases release, due to decomposing of food waste, hence impacts global climate change. In anaerobic digestion pH is a very crucial parameter in an attempt to recover phosphorus as it highly influences the production of organic acids during acidogenesis.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen
Endophytic strains of Trichoderma increase plants' photosynthetic capability

Harman GE, Doni F, Khadka RB, Uphoff N

J Appl Microbiol, 2021 Feb;130(2):529-546.
PMID: 31271695 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14368

The world faces two enormous challenges that can be met, at least in part and at low cost, by making certain changes in agricultural practices. There is need to produce enough food and fibre for a growing population in the face of adverse climatic trends, and to remove greenhouse gases to avert the worst consequences of global climate change. Improving photosynthetic efficiency of crop plants can help meet both challenges. Fortuitously, when crop plants' roots are colonized by certain root endophytic fungi in the genus Trichoderma, this induces up-regulation of genes and pigments that improve the plants' photosynthesis. Plants under physiological or environmental stress suffer losses in their photosynthetic capability through damage to photosystems and other cellular processes caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). But certain Trichoderma strains activate biochemical pathways that reduce ROS to less harmful molecules. This and other mechanisms described here make plants more resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. The net effect of these fungi's residence in plants is to induce greater shoot and root growth, increasing crop yields, which will raise future food production. Furthermore, if photosynthesis rates are increased, more CO2 will be extracted from the atmosphere, and enhanced plant root growth means that more sequestered C will be transferred to roots and stored in the soil. Reductions in global greenhouse gas levels can be accelerated by giving incentives for climate-friendly carbon farming and carbon cap-and-trade programmes that reward practices transferring carbon from the atmosphere into the soil, also enhancing soil fertility and agricultural production.

Matched MeSH terms: Reactive Oxygen Species
Fulltext Synthesis of lignin based composites of TiO2 for potential application as radical scavengers in sunscreen formulation

Ibrahim MNM, Iqbal A, Shen CC, Bhawani SA, Adam F

BMC Chem, 2019 Dec;13(1):17.
PMID: 31384766 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-019-0537-3

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is added in sunscreens due to its ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. However, upon irradiation of UV light, reactive oxygen species particularly hydroxyl radical which can damage human skin will be generated. In this study, lignin/TiO2 composites were employed to quench the hydroxyl radicals generated by the TiO2. The lignin was extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) via kraft and soda pulping processes. The kraft lignin composite was labelled as KL/TiO2 whereas the soda lignin composite was labelled as SL/TiO2. The lignins and the composites were characterized by FTIR, UV spectroscopy, 13C NMR, SEM, EDX, and XRD. The relative hydroxyl radical production of composites and TiO2 were compared through photo-oxidation of coumarin to 7-hydroxycoumarin as a test medium. The effect of types and amounts of lignin used were studied. The KL/TiO2 composite showed the least radical production due to higher phenolic hydroxyl content of kraft lignin. The activity of the hydroxyl radicals will be quenched when it abstract hydrogen atoms from the phenolic hydroxyl groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Reactive Oxygen Species
SLEEP-GOAL: A multicenter success criteria outcome study on 302 obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients

Pang KP, Baptista PM, Olszewska E, Braverman I, Carrasco-Llatas M, Kishore S, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2020 03;75(2):117-123.
PMID: 32281591

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate SLEEP-GOAL as a more holistic and comprehensive success criterion for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) treatment.
METHODS: A prospective 7-country clinical trial of 302 OSA patients, who met the selection criteria, and underwent nose, palate and/or tongue surgery. Pre- and post-operative data were recorded and analysed based on both the Sher criteria (apnoea hypopnea index, AHI reduction 50% and <20) and the SLEEP-GOAL.
RESULTS: There were 229 males and 73 females, mean age of 42.4±17.3 years, mean BMI 27.9±4.2. The mean VAS score improved from 7.7±1.4 to 2.5±1.7 (p<0.05), mean Epworth score (ESS) improved from 12.2±4.6 to 4.9±2.8 (p<0.05), mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 27.9±4.2 to 26.1±3.7 (p>0.05), gross weight decreased from 81.9±14.3kg to 76.6±13.3kg. The mean AHI decreased 33.4±18.9 to 14.6±11.0 (p<0.05), mean lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) improved 79.4±9.2% to 86.9±5.9% (p<0.05), and mean duration of oxygen <90% decreased from 32.6±8.9 minutes to 7.3±2.1 minutes (p<0.05). The overall success rate (302 patients) based on the Sher criteria was 66.2%. Crosstabulation of respective major/minor criteria fulfilment, based on fulfilment of two major and two minor or better, the success rate (based on SLEEP-GOAL) was 69.8%. Based solely on the Sher criteria, 63 patients who had significant blood pressure reduction, 29 patients who had BMI reduction and 66 patients who had clinically significant decrease in duration of oxygen <90% would have been misclassified as "failures".
CONCLUSION: AHI as a single parameter is unreliable. Assessing true success outcomes of OSA treatment, requires comprehensive and holistic parameters, reflecting true end-organ injury/function; the SLEEP-GOAL meets these requirements.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen
Fulltext Synthesis of New Star-Shaped Liquid Crystalline Cyclotriphosphazene Derivatives with Fire Retardancy Bearing Amide-Azo and Azo-Azo Linking Units

Jamain Z, Khairuddean M, Guan-Seng T

Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Jun 16;21(12).
PMID: 32560033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124267

Two series of new hexasubstituted cyclotriphosphazene derivatives were successfully synthesized and characterized. These derivatives are differentiated by two types of linking units in the molecules such as amide-azo (6a-j) and azo-azo (8a-j). The homologues of the same series contain different terminal substituents such as heptyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, chloro, nitro, and amino groups. All the intermediates and final compounds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen (CHN) elemental analysis. Liquid crystal properties for all compounds were determined using polarized optical microscope (POM). It was found that only intermediates 2a-e with nitro and alkoxyl terminal chains showed a smectic A phase. All the final compounds with alkoxyl substituents are mesogenic with either smectic A or C phases. However, other intermediates and compounds were found to be non-mesogenic. The study on the fire retardancy of final compounds was determined using limiting oxygen index (LOI) method. The LOI value of pure polyester resin (22.53%) was increased up to 24.71% after treating with 1 wt% of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). Moreover, all the compounds gave positive results on the LOI values and compound 6i with the nitro terminal substituent showed the highest LOI value of 27.54%.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen
Fulltext Performance of Salvinia molesta plants in tertiary treatment of domestic wastewater

Mustafa HM, Hayder G

Heliyon, 2021 Jan;7(1):e06040.
PMID: 33537482 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06040

The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of different weight of Salvinia molesta plants in biological treatment of domestic wastewater. Three treatment systems containing 280g (GS1), 140g (GS2) and 70g (GS3) of S. molesta plants were used for the phytoremediation process. Physicochemical analysis such as pH, colour, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) of the influent and effluent water samples were performed according to spectrophotometric methods. The outcome of the study demonstrated that the different weight of S. molesta plants played a significant role in improving the quality of the wastewater samples, in which GS1 removed 96.8% (colour), 91% (BOD5), and 82.6% (COD). While up to 88.6% (colour), 87.1% (BOD5), and 81.1% (COD) reduction was observed for GS2 treatment systems, and GS3 was efficient in removing 85.5% (colour), 86.1% (BOD5), and 68.3% (COD). Also, a pH value of 6.29-7.19, 5.97-7.07, and 6.17-7.42 was obtained from GS1, GS2 and GS3 treatment systems, respectively. Thus, the treatment system with the highest quantity of S. molesta (GS1) demonstrated better performance compared to the other two systems (GS2 and GS3). The findings of this research can be applied in addressing the goals of sustainable development through the use of green technology to reduce the threat of water pollution in natural water bodies. Perhaps existing and future water scarcity can be resolved through the use of phytoremediation technology.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
Fulltext Transcriptional regulation of Lonicera japonica Thunb. during flower development as revealed by comprehensive analysis of transcription factors

Wang T, Yang B, Guan Q, Chen X, Zhong Z, Huang W, et al.

BMC Plant Biol, 2019 May 14;19(1):198.
PMID: 31088368 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1803-1

BACKGROUND: Lonicera japonica Thunb. flower has been used for the treatment of various diseases for a long time and attracted many studies on its potential effects. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate extensive biological processes during plant development. As the restricted reports of L. japonica on TFs, our work was carried out to better understand the TFs' regulatory roles under different developmental stages in L. japonica.
RESULTS: In this study, 1316 TFs belonging to 52 families were identified from the transcriptomic data, and corresponding expression profiles during the L. japonica flower development were comprehensively analyzed. 917 (69.68%) TFs were differentially expressed. TFs in bHLH, ERF, MYB, bZIP, and NAC families exhibited obviously altered expression during flower growth. Based on the analysis of differentially expressed TFs (DETFs), TFs in MYB, WRKY, NAC and LSD families that involved in phenylpropanoids biosynthesis, senescence processes and antioxidant activity were detected. The expression of MYB114 exhibited a positive correlation with the contents of luteoloside; Positive correlation was observed among the expression of MYC12, chalcone synthase (CHS) and flavonol synthase (FLS), while negative correlation was observed between the expression of MYB44 and the synthases; The expression of LSD1 was highly correlated with the expression of SOD and the total antioxidant capacity, while the expression of LOL1 and LOL2 exhibited a negative correlation with them; Many TFs in NAC and WRKY families may be potentially involved in the senescence process regulated by hormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression of NAC19, NAC29, and NAC53 exhibited a positive correlation with the contents of ABA and H2O2, while the expression of WRKY53, WRKY54, and WRKY70 exhibited a negative correlation with the contents of JA, SA and ABA.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided a comprehensive characterization of the expression profiles of TFs during the developmental stages of L. japonica. In addition, we detected the key TFs that may play significant roles in controlling active components biosynthesis, antioxidant activity and flower senescence in L. japonica, thereby providing valuable insights into the molecular networks underlying L. japonica flower development.

Matched MeSH terms: Reactive Oxygen Species
Algae utilization and its role in the development of green cities

Chew KW, Khoo KS, Foo HT, Chia SR, Walvekar R, Lim SS

Chemosphere, 2020 Dec 15;268:129322.
PMID: 33359993 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129322

With the rapid urbanisation happening around the world followed by the massive demand for clean energy resources, green cities play a pivotal role in building a sustainable future for the people. The continuing depletion of natural resources has led to the development of renewable energy with algae as the promising source. The high growth rate of microalgae and their strong bio-fixation ability to convert CO2 into O2 have been gaining attention globally and intensive research has been conducted regarding the microalgae benefits. The focus on potential of microalgae in contributing to the development of green cities is rising. The advantage of microalgae is their ability to gather energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide, followed by transforming the nutrients into biomass and oxygen. This leads to the creation of green cities through algae cultivation as waste and renewable materials can be put to good use. The challenges that arise when using algae and the future prospect in terms of SDGs and economy will also be covered in this review. The future of green cities can be enhanced with the adaptation of algae as the source of renewable plants to create a better outlook of an algae green city.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen
Fulltext CHARACTERISTIC OF PRASEODYMIUM OXIDE DOPED MANGANESE/RUTHENIUM CATALYST IN METHANATION: EFFECT CALCINATION TEMPERATURE

Salmiah Jamal Mat Rosid, Susilawati Toemen, Wan Azelee Wan Abu Bakar, Sarina Mat Rosid, Wan Nazwanie Wan Abdullah, Siti Maisarah Aziz

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2021;9(1):49-55.
MyJurnal

Lanthanide element in the methanation reaction gives an excellent catalytic performance at low reaction temperature. Praseodymium is one of lanthanide element and was chosen due to its properties which are thermally stable and provide excess of oxygen in the oxide lattice. Therefore, a catalyst of Ru/Mn/Pr (5:30:65)/Al2O3 (RMP, 5:30:65/Al2O3) was prepared via wetness impregnation method and the effect of calcination temperature on the catalyst performance was investigated using FTIR analysis. The RMP/Al2O3 catalyst calcined at 800 o C was chosen as an excel catalyst with CO2 conversion of 96.9% and CH4 formation of 45.1% at 350 o C reaction temperature. From the EDX mapping, it can be observed that the distribution of all element is homogeneous at 800 o C and 900 o C except Ru, O and Al at 1000 o C calcination temperature. The image from FESEM also shows the presence of some crystal shape on the catalyst surface. From the FTIR analysis, the peak stretching and bending mode of O-H bond decreased when the calcination temperature increased.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen
Effects of land use configuration, seasonality and point source on water quality in a tropical watershed: A case study of the Johor River Basin

Pak HY, Chuah CJ, Yong EL, Snyder SA

Sci Total Environ, 2021 Aug 01;780:146661.
PMID: 34030308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146661

Land use plays a significant role in determining the spatial patterns of water quality in the Johor River Basin (JRB), Malaysia. In the recent years, there have been several occurrences of pollution in these rivers, which has generated concerns over the long-term sustainability of the water resources in the JRB. Specifically, this water resource is a shared commodity between two states, namely, Johor state of Malaysia and Singapore, a neighbouring country adjacent to Malaysia. Prior to this study, few research on the influence of land use configuration on water quality have been conducted in Johor. In addition, it is also unclear how water quality varies under different seasonality in the presence of point sources. In this study, we investigated the influence of land use and point sources from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on the water quality in the JRB. Two statistical techniques - Multivariate Linear Regression (MLR) and Redundancy Analysis (RA) were undertaken to analyse the relationships between river water quality and land use configuration, as well as point sources from WWTPs under different seasonality. Water samples were collected from 49 sites within the JRB from March to December in 2019. Results showed that influence from WWTPs on water quality was greater during the dry season and less significant during the wet season. In particular, point source was highly positively correlated with ammoniacal‑nitrogen (NH3-N). On the other hand, land use influence was greater than point source influence during the wet season. Residential and urban land use were important predictors for nutrients and organic matter (chemical oxygen demand); and forest land use were important sinks for heavy metals but a significant source of manganese.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticles: New Insights into Alleviating Diabetes

Tang KS

Curr Diabetes Rev, 2021;17(4):496-502.
PMID: 33045978 DOI: 10.2174/1573399816999201012201111

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that requires immediate attention. Oxidative stress that leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species is a contributing factor to the disease progression. Yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y2O3 NPs) have a profound effect on alleviating oxidative damage.
METHODS: The literature related to Y2O3 NPs and oxidative stress has been thoroughly searched using PubMed and Scopus databases and relevant studies from inception until August 2020 were included in this scoping review.
RESULTS: Y2O3 NPs altered oxidative stress-related biochemical parameters in different disease models including diabetes.
CONCLUSION: Although Y2O3 NPs are a promising antidiabetic agent due to their antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties, more studies are required to further elucidate the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these nanoparticles.

Matched MeSH terms: Reactive Oxygen Species
Fulltext Cardioprotection by isosteviol derivate JC105: A unique drug property to activate ERK1/2 only when cells are exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation

Mohammed Abdul KS, Rayadurgam J, Faiz N, Jovanović A, Tan W

J Cell Mol Med, 2020 09;24(18):10924-10934.
PMID: 32794652 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15721

In the present study, we have investigated potential cardioprotective properties of Isosteviol analogue we recently synthesized and named JC105. Treatment of heart embryonic H9c2 cells with JC105 (10 μM) significantly increased survival of cells exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation. JC105 (10 μM) activated ERK1/2, DRP1 and increased levels of cardioprotective SUR2A in hypoxia-reoxygenation, but did not have any effects on ERK1/2, DRP1 and/or SUR2A in normoxia. U0126 (10 μM) inhibited JC105-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and DRP1 without affecting AKT or AMPK, which were also not regulated by JC105. Seahorse bioenergetic analysis demonstrated that JC105 (10 μM) did not affect mitochondria at rest, but it counteracted all mitochondrial effects of hypoxia-reoxygenation. Cytoprotection afforded by JC105 was inhibited by U0126 (10 μM). Taken all together, these demonstrate that (a) JC105 protects H9c2 cells against hypoxia-reoxygenation and that (b) this effect is mediated via ERK1/2. The unique property of JC105 is that selectively activates ERK1/2 in cells exposed to stress, but not in cells under non-stress conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen/pharmacology*; Oxygen Consumption/drug effects
Fulltext Coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress markers, and sperm DNA damage in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia

Alahmar AT, Sengupta P, Dutta S, Calogero AE

Clin Exp Reprod Med, 2021 Jun;48(2):150-155.
PMID: 34078008 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.04084

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the etiology of unexplained male infertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that may improve semen quality and OS in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of CoQ10 on OS markers and sperm DNA damage in infertile patients with idiopathic OAT.
METHODS: This prospective controlled study included 50 patients with idiopathic OAT and 50 fertile men who served as controls. All patients underwent a comprehensive medical assessment. Patients and controls received 200 mg of oral CoQ10 once daily for 3 months. Semen and blood were collected and analyzed for sperm parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and serum hormonal profile.
RESULTS: The administration of CoQ10 to patients with idiopathic OAT significantly improved sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status and significantly reduced total ROS and SDF levels compared to pretreatment values.
CONCLUSION: CoQ10, at a dose of 200 mg/day for 3 months, may be a potential therapy for infertile patients with idiopathic OAT, as it improved sperm parameters and reduced OS and SDF in these patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Reactive Oxygen Species
Fulltext Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Spondias mombin Extract and Their Antimicrobial Activity against Biofilm-Producing Bacteria

Samuggam S, Chinni SV, Mutusamy P, Gopinath SCB, Anbu P, Venugopal V, et al.

Molecules, 2021 May 03;26(9).
PMID: 34063685 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092681

Multidrug resistant bacteria create a challenging situation for society to treat infections. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the reason for biofilm bacteria to cause chronic infection. Plant-based nanoparticles could be an alternative solution as potential drug candidates against these MDR bacteria, as many plants are well known for their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Spondias mombin is a traditional plant which has already been used for medicinal purposes as every part of this plant has been proven to have its own medicinal values. In this research, the S. mombin extract was used to synthesise AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized and further tested for their antibacterial, reactive oxygen species and cytotoxicity properties. The characterization results showed the synthesized AgNPs to be between 8 to 50 nm with -11.52 of zeta potential value. The existence of the silver element in the AgNPs was confirmed with the peaks obtained in the EDX spectrometry. Significant antibacterial activity was observed against selected biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria. The cytotoxicity study with A. salina revealed the LC50 of synthesized AgNPs was at 0.81 mg/mL. Based on the ROS quantification, it was suggested that the ROS production, due to the interaction of AgNP with different bacterial cells, causes structural changes of the cell. This proves that the synthesized AgNPs could be an effective drug against multidrug resistant bacteria.

Matched MeSH terms: Reactive Oxygen Species
Shape-Controlled Fabrication of ZnO Architectures for Palm Oil Mill Effluent Degradation

Wong KA, Lam SM, Sin JC

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2019 08 01;19(8):5271-5278.
PMID: 30913844 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2019.16816

Shaped-controlled ZnO architectures including spherical, rod, rice-like and flower-like were fabricated via a reflux method in which the morphology, crystallinity, functional group and optical properties were tailored under different pH values in the precursor solution. The photoactivities of the prepared ZnO were evaluated under UV irradiation and the findings implied that the flower-like ZnO synthesized at pH 12 displayed superior activities on palm oil mil effluent degradation than those of other structures. The photocatalytic enhancement of flower-like ZnO was ascribed to its unique architecture, good crystallinity and superior optical properties. The flower-like ZnO with excellent photocatalytic performance have been confirmed by formation of hydroxyl radicals using a terephthalic acid-photoluminescence test. There was an optimal photocatalyst amount of 1.0 g/L, at which a maximum chemical oxygen demand removal of palm oil mill effluent was achieved under exposure of UV light. The phytotoxicity experiment via mung beans demonstrated a decrease in phytotoxicity.

Matched MeSH terms: Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
Fulltext Effects of a Herbal Ergogenic Drink on Cycling Performance in Young Cyclists

Malays J Nutr, 2001;7(1):-.
MyJurnal

It is essential to replace fluids lost so as to remain well hydrated during exercise. The intake of fluids is considered a physiological ergogenic aid to enhance exercise performance. There are currently several products in the market that are believed to have ergogenic properties which act as fluid replacement drinks during exercise. One such drink available in the Malaysian market is â€˜AgroMasÂ®â€™ herbal drink whose efficacy is yet to be proven. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effects of acute ingestion of this herbal drink (H) or a coloured water placebo (P) on cycling performance. Nine healthy and trained young male cyclists (age: 16.2 Â± 0.5 years) exercised on a cycle ergometer at 71.9 Â± 0.7% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) until exhaustion on two occasions at 1-week intervals. During each exercise bout, subjects received 3ml kg-1 body weight of H or P every 20 min in a double-blind randomised study design. There was no significant difference between H and P trials in the total work time to exhaustion (83.7 Â± 4.6 and 81.5 Â± 5.0 min respectively). Changes in oxygen consumption, heart rate and perceived rate of exertion were similar for both types of drinks. These results demonstrate that the herbal drink and the placebo elicited similar physiological responses and exercise performance during endurance cycling. It is therefore concluded that AgroMasÂ® herbal drink and water ingestion resulted in a similar ergogenic response on cycling performance in young cyclists.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen Consumption
Fulltext Spatial and Temporal Variation of Physico-chemical Parameters in the Merbok Estuary, Kedah, Malaysia

Fatema K, Wan Maznah WO, Isa MM

Trop Life Sci Res, 2014 Dec;25(2):1-19.
PMID: 27073596 MyJurnal

In this study, factor analysis (FA) was applied to extract the hidden factors responsible for water quality variations during both wet and dry seasons. Water samples were collected from six sampling stations (St. 1 Lalang River, St. 2 Semeling River, St. 3 Jagung River, St. 4 Teluk Wang River, St. 5 Gelam River and St. 6 Derhaka River) in the Merbok estuary, Malaysia from January to December 2011; the samples were further analysed in the laboratory. Correlation analysis of the data sets showed strong correlations between the parameters. Nutrients such as nitrate (NO3 (-)), nitrite (NO2 (-)), ammonia (NH3) and phosphate (PO4 (3-)) were determined to be critical indicators of water quality throughout the year. Influential water quality parameters during the wet season were conductivity, salinity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO) and chlorophyll a (Chla), whereas total suspended solid (TSS) and pH were critical water quality indicators during the dry season. The Kruskal-Wallis H test showed that water quality parameters were significantly different among the sampling months and stations (p<0.05), and Mann-Whitney U tests further revealed that the significantly different parameters were temperature, pH, DO, TSS, NO2 (-) and BOD (p<0.01), whereas salinity, conductivity, NO3 (-), PO4 (3-), NH3 and Chla were not significantly different (p>0.05). Water quality parameters in the estuary varied on both temporal and spatial scales and these results may serve as baseline information for estuary management, specifically for the Merbok estuary.

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen
Fulltext Monitoring of water quality and microalgae species composition of Penaeus monodon ponds in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Asma Liyana Shaari, Misni Surif, Faazaz Abd. Latiff, Wan Maznah Wan Omar, Mohd Noor Ahmad

Trop Life Sci Res, 2011;22(1):-.
MyJurnal

Many reports have revealed that the abundance of microalgae in shrimp ponds vary with changes in environmental factors such as light, temperature, pH, salinity and nutrient level throughout a shrimp culture period. In this study, shrimp cultivation period was divided into three stages (initial = week 0–5, mid = week 6–10 and final = week 11–15). Physical and chemical parameters throughout the cultivation period were studied and species composition of microalgae was monitored. Physical parameters were found to
fluctuate widely with light intensity ranging between 182.23–1278 µmol photon m–2s–1, temperature between 29.56ºC –31.59ºC, dissolved oxygen (DO) between 4.56–8.21 mg/l, pH between 7.65–8.49 and salinity between 20‰–30‰. Ammonium (NH4+-N), nitrite (NO2– -N), nitrate (NO3– -N), and orthophosphate (PO43– -P) concentrations in the pond at all cultivation stages ranged from 0.017 to 0.38 mg/l, 0.24 to 2.12 mg/l, 0.06 to 0.98 mg/l and 0.16 to 1.93 mg/l respectively. Statistical test (ANOVA) showed that there were no significant difference (p

Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen

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