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Fulltext The effect of increased consumption of edible palm oil on the nutritional status, lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation among malaysian aboriginestc

Alias IZ, Mdisa Z, Abdulkadir K, Ali O

Malays J Nutr, 2002 Sep;8(2):137-56.
PMID: 22692473

This study was conducted to determine the effects of increased edible palm oil consumption on community health status in the aboriginal communities in Tual Post (treatment group) and Sinderut Post (control group), Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Nutritional status, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose (FBG), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels and lipid peroxidation product (malonaldehyde) levels were taken as indicators of health status. This is a pre-and post-controlled community trial in which similar variables were measured in each group. Every family of 2-6 household members was given 2-5 kg cooking palm oil per month for a period of 18 months. All subjects were measured for height (cm), weight (kg) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). For calorie intake measurement, house-to-house interviews were conducted using 24-hour dietary recall method. Blood pressure, percent body fat, lipid profiles, namely total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were also measured. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels and lipid peroxidation products (MDA) were also determined. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in percent body fat (28.1%) and calorie intake (17.2%) following palm oil consumption. The proportion of fat intake as an energy source also increased from 4.6% to 33.9%. There was a reduction in the systolic blood pressure following consumption (p<0.05). However, diastolic blood pressure did not change. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride. No particular pattern in fasting blood glucose levels was observed among the indigenous inhabitants following palm oil consumption. There was a significant increase in alpha-tocopherol levels (p<0.0001) and a decrease in MDA levels (p<0.0001) following consumption. In conclusion, high consumption of edible palm oil for 18 months was found to be not harmful to health. For the Malaysian aborigines, it serves as a good source of fat and energy.
Controlled release of a plant growth regulator, alpha-naphthaleneacetate from the lamella of Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide nanocomposite

bin Hussein MZ, Zainal Z, Yahaya AH, Foo DW

J Control Release, 2002 Aug 21;82(2-3):417-27.
PMID: 12175754

Formation of the so-called organic-inorganic nanohybrid material was exploited for the preparation of a controlled release formulation. The inorganic Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was used as a matrix, hosting an active agent or a guest, alpha-naphthaleneacetate (NAA), a plant growth regulator by self-assembly technique. The reverse process, i.e., the deintercalation or release of the guest, NAA was found to be rapid initially, followed by a more sustained release thereafter and this behavior was dependent on the pH of the release medium, the aqueous solution. The mechanism of release has been interpreted on the basis of the ion-exchange process between the NAA anion intercalated in the lamella host and nitrate or hydroxyl anions in the aqueous solution.
Fulltext Association between secondhand smoke exposure at home and cognitive performance among rural primary school children in Malaysia

Ellis-Suriani Z, Norsa'adah B, Othman A, Siti-Azrin AH

Tob Induc Dis, 2021;19:27.
PMID: 33867904 DOI: 10.18332/tid/133638

INTRODUCTION: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is linked to a series of serious health problems. Children may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of SHS exposure at home. This study aimed to determine the association between SHS exposure at home and cognitive performance in school children.
METHODS: A multistage sampling was performed across rural primary schools in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and the children aged 10-11 years (n=312) were subjected to cognitive tests including digit span, letter-number sequencing, coding, and symbol search. Cognitive performance was tested using subscales derived from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.
RESULTS: The prevalence of SHS exposure at home was 55.8%, where 11.9% of children lived with one smoker, while 43.9% of children lived with ≥2 smokers. There was a significant difference in the mean score of the combined cognitive tests between SHS-exposed and non-exposed children after adjustment for sex, parental educational level, family income and academic performance [Pillai's Trace=0.084, F statistic (df)=6.803 (4302), p<0.001].
CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the primary school children in rural Kuala Krai were exposed to SHS from at least one smoker at home. There was a significant association between SHS exposure at home and cognitive performance.
Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini and Its Associated Risk Factors in the Phon Sawan District of Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand

Srithai C, Chuangchaiya S, Jaichuang S, Idris ZM

Iran J Parasitol, 2021 10 12;16(3):474-482.
PMID: 34630593 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i3.7101

Background: Opisthorchis viverrini is one of the endemic helminths in Thailand. Nonetheless, O. viverrini still exist and raise concerns regarding public health. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of O. viverrini infections and underlying risk factors among rural communities in Northeast Thailand.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between Sep and Dec 2019 in Phon Sawan district in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. The participants were selected using a voluntary sampling method after the proportional allocation of the total sample size. Demographic data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. One stool sample was collected from each participant and the presence of O. viverrini and other intestinal parasite infections were determined using the modified Kato-Katz technique.
Results: Overall, 250 participants aged 21 yr or older were enrolled. Overall, the prevalence of O. viverrini and Strongyloides stercoralis was 24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.8-29.8) and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.2-3.5), respectively. Of the positive O. viverrini cases, the parasite rate significantly differed between gender, age group and in those who had a history of eating raw fish and taking the anti-helminthic drug (all P<0.05). Nevertheless, multivariate regression analysis among O. viverrini cases revealed that only being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9 [95% CI: 1.1 - 3.6], P = 0.033) and aged ≥61 yr (aOR 6.7 [95% CI: 1.4 - 32.5], P=0.018) were positively associated with a higher risk of O. viverrini infection.
Conclusion: Opisthorchiasis and strongyloidiasis are still endemic in this area and there is a need for projects to eliminate these parasites.
Fulltext PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 Mixed Matrix Film Photocatalyst for Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye

Mukhair HM, Abdullah AH, Zainal Z, Lim HN

Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 27;13(11).
PMID: 34071758 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111746

In the present study, we explored the effectiveness of PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 film photocatalyst in degrading methyl orange dye under visible light irradiation. The PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 film photocatalyst was prepared via a non-solvent-induced phase inversion process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser scanning microscopy (LSM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), UV-diffuse reflectance (DRS), and water contact angle. The incorporation of the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite into the PES matrix improved the pristine PES film's hydrophilicity, as evidenced by the reduction of water contact angle from 79.03° to 54.33° for a film containing 15 wt % of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite. The film's photoactivity showed that 13 wt % was the best loading of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite, and the degradation performance was maintained up to three cycles. The •O2- and h+ were the predominant species responsible for the methyl orange degradation.
Fulltext Functionalized Activated Carbon Derived from Palm Kernel Shells for the Treatment of Simulated Heavy Metal-Contaminated Water

Baby R, Hussein MZ, Zainal Z, Abdullah AH

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2021 Nov 20;11(11).
PMID: 34835897 DOI: 10.3390/nano11113133

Heavy metal contamination in water poses a great risk to human health as well as to the lives of other creatures. Activated carbon is a useful material to be applied for the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated water. In this study, functionalized activated carbon (FAC) was produced by the induction of nitro groups onto activated carbon using nitric acid. The resulting material was characterized in detail using the XRD, Raman, BET, FTIR, and FESEM techniques. The FAC was used for the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated water using different adsorption parameters, i.e., solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage and heavy metal ion concentrations, and these parameters were systematically optimized. It was found that FAC requires 90 min for the maximum adsorption of the heavy metal ions; Cr6+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+. The kinetic study revealed that the metal ion adsorption follows the pseudo-second-order. The Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were applied to determine the best fitting adsorption isotherm models. The adsorption capacities were also determined for each metal ion.
Fulltext Synthesis of nanocrystalline SnO(x) (x = 1-2) thin film using a chemical bath deposition method with improved deposition time, temperature and pH

Ebrahimiasl S, Yunus WM, Kassim A, Zainal Z

Sensors (Basel), 2011;11(10):9207-16.
PMID: 22163690 DOI: 10.3390/s111009207

Nanocrystalline SnO(x) (x = 1-2) thin films were prepared on glass substrates by a simple chemical bath deposition method. Triethanolamine was used as complexing agent to decrease time and temperature of deposition and shift the pH of the solution to the noncorrosive region. The films were characterized for composition, surface morphology, structure and optical properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that SnO(x) thin films consist of a polycrystalline structure with an average grain size of 36 nm. Atomic force microscopy studies show a uniform grain distribution without pinholes. The elemental composition was evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The average O/Sn atomic percentage ratio is 1.72. Band gap energy and optical transition were determined from optical absorbance data. The film was found to exhibit direct and indirect transitions in the visible spectrum with band gap values of about 3.9 and 3.7 eV, respectively. The optical transmittance in the visible region is 82%. The SnO(x) nanocrystals exhibit an ultraviolet emission band centered at 392 nm in the vicinity of the band edge, which is attributed to the well-known exciton transition in SnO(x). Photosensitivity was detected in the positive region under illumination with white light.
Fulltext Herbicide-intercalated zinc layered hydroxide nanohybrid for a dual-guest controlled release formulation

Hussein MZ, Rahman NS, Sarijo SH, Zainal Z

Int J Mol Sci, 2012;13(6):7328-42.
PMID: 22837696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13067328

Herbicides, namely 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyrate (DPBA) and 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionate (CPPA), were intercalated simultaneously into the interlayers of zinc layered hydroxide (ZLH) by direct reaction of zinc oxide with both anions under aqueous environment to form a new nanohybrid containing both herbicides labeled as ZCDX. Successful intercalation of both anions simultaneously into the interlayer gallery space of ZLH was studied by PXRD, with basal spacing of 28.7 Å and supported by FTIR, TGA/DTG and UV-visible studies. Simultaneous release of both CPPA and DPBA anions into the release media was found to be governed by a pseudo second-order equation. The loading and percentage release of the DPBA is higher than the CPPA anion, which indicates that the DPBA anion was preferentially intercalated into and released from the ZLH interlayer galleries. This work shows that layered single metal hydroxide, particularly ZLH, is a suitable host for the controlled release formulation of two herbicides simultaneously.
Fulltext Photocatalytic degradation of p-cresol by zinc oxide under UV irradiation

Abdollahi Y, Abdullah AH, Zainal Z, Yusof NA

Int J Mol Sci, 2012;13(1):302-15.
PMID: 22312253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13010302

Photocatalytic degradation of p-cresol was carried out using ZnO under UV irradiation. The amount of photocatalyst, concentration of p-cresol and pH were studied as variables. The residual concentration and mineralization of p-cresol was monitored using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer, respectively. The intermediates were detected by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC). The highest photodegradation of p-cresol was observed at 2.5 g/L of ZnO and 100 ppm of p-cresol. P-cresol photocatalytic degradation was favorable in the pH range of 6-9. The detected intermediates were 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and 4-methyl-1,2-benzodiol. TOC studies show that 93% of total organic carbon was removed from solution during irradiation time. Reusability shows no significant reduction in photocatalytic performance in photodegrading p-cresol.
Fulltext Anticancer nanodelivery system with controlled release property based on protocatechuate-zinc layered hydroxide nanohybrid

Barahuie F, Hussein MZ, Abd Gani S, Fakurazi S, Zainal Z

Int J Nanomedicine, 2014;9:3137-49.
PMID: 25061291 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S59541

BACKGROUND: We characterize a novel nanocomposite that acts as an efficient anticancer agent.
METHODS: This nanocomposite consists of zinc layered hydroxide intercalated with protocatechuate (an anionic form of protocatechuic acid), that has been synthesized using a direct method with zinc oxide and protocatechuic acid as precursors.
RESULTS: The resulting protocatechuic acid nanocomposite (PAN) showed a basal spacing of 12.7 Å, indicating that protocatechuate was intercalated in a monolayer arrangement, with an angle of 54° from the Z-axis between the interlayers of the zinc layered hydroxide, and an estimated drug loading of about 35.7%. PAN exhibited the properties of a mesoporous type material, with greatly enhanced thermal stability of protocatechuate as compared to its free counterpart. The presence of protocatechuate in the interlayers of the zinc layered hydroxide was further supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Protocatechuate was released from PAN in a slow and sustained manner. This mechanism of release was well represented by a pseudo-second order kinetics model. PAN has shown increased cytotoxicity compared to the free form of protocatechuic acid in all cancer cell lines tested. Tumor growth suppression was extensive, particularly in HepG2 and HT29 cell lines.
CONCLUSION: PAN is suitable for use as a controlled release formulation, and our in vitro evidence indicates that PAN is an effective anticancer agent. PAN may have potential as a chemotherapeutic drug for human cancer.
Fulltext Development of drug delivery systems based on layered hydroxides for nanomedicine

Barahuie F, Hussein MZ, Fakurazi S, Zainal Z

Int J Mol Sci, 2014;15(5):7750-86.
PMID: 24802876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15057750

Layered hydroxides (LHs) have recently fascinated researchers due to their wide application in various fields. These inorganic nanoparticles, with excellent features as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems, have the potential to play an important role in healthcare. Owing to their outstanding ion-exchange capacity, many organic pharmaceutical drugs have been intercalated into the interlayer galleries of LHs and, consequently, novel nanodrugs or smart drugs may revolutionize in the treatment of diseases. Layered hydroxides, as green nanoreservoirs with sustained drug release and cell targeting properties hold great promise of improving health and prolonging life.
Fulltext Incidence and characteristics of injuries during the 2010 FELDA/FAM National Futsal League in Malaysia

Hamid MS, Jaafar Z, Mohd Ali AS

PLoS One, 2014;9(4):e95158.
PMID: 24733140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095158

In Malaysia, futsal is a popular sport played by individuals across all ages and genders. Despite its popularity, information on futsal related injury in Malaysia is not available. The purpose of this study is to examine the injury incidence and injury patterns among amateur men and women futsal players in Malaysia.
Controlled release formulation of agrochemical pesticide based on 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyrate nanohybrid

Hussein MZ, Hashim N, Yahaya AH, Zainal Z

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2009 Mar;9(3):2140-7.
PMID: 19435093

Hybridization of beneficial organic guest with inorganic host affords scientists an opportunity to synthesize various combinations of new organic-inorganic nanohybrids with various potential applications, especially for controlled delivery of beneficial agent and storage. A new layered organic-inorganic nanohybrid material containing an agrochemical, 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyrate (DPBA) in Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide inorganic interlayer was synthesised by direct and indirect methods. Both methods yielded mesoporous-type, phase pure, well-ordered layered nanohybrids with similar basal spacing of 28.5-28.7 angstroms and organic loading of around 54.3%. Compared to the material prepared by direct method, the ion exchanged product inherited more of the host's properties especially the pore structure and the organic moiety is also more easily released. This shows that the method of preparation plays an important role in determining the resulting physicochemical properties, in particular the release property and therefore can be used as a means to tune up the release property of the beneficial agent.
Photocatalytic treatment of 4-chlorophenol in aqueous ZnO suspensions: intermediates, influence of dosage and inorganic anions

Gaya UI, Abdullah AH, Zainal Z, Hussein MZ

J Hazard Mater, 2009 Aug 30;168(1):57-63.
PMID: 19268454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.01.130

The photocatalytically driven removal of eco-persistent 4-chlorophenol from water using ZnO is reported here. Kinetic dependence of transformation rate on operating variables such as initial 4-chlorophenol concentration and photocatalyst doses was investigated. A complete degradation of 4-chlorophenol at 50 mg L(-1) levels was realised in 3h. Analytical profiles on 4-chlorophenol transformation were consistent with the best-line fit of the pseudo zero-order kinetics. The addition of small amounts of inorganic anions as SO(4)(2-), HPO(4)(-), S(2)O(8)(2-) and Cl(-) revealed two anion types: active site blockers and rate enhancers. Fortunately, Cl(-) and SO(4)(2-) commonly encountered in contaminated waters enhanced the rate of 4-chlorophenol degradation. The reaction intermediates and route to 4-chlorophenol mineralisation were elucidated by combined RP-HPLC and GC-MS methods. In addition to previously reported pathway products of 4-chlorophenol photo-oxidation catechol was detected. A radical mechanism involving o-hydroxylation is proposed to account for the formation of catechol.
Effect of incoming and outgoing exchangeable anions on the release kinetics of phenoxyherbicides nanohybrids

Sarijo SH, Hussein MZ, Yahaya AH, Zainal Z

J Hazard Mater, 2010 Oct 15;182(1-3):563-9.
PMID: 20633986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.06.070

The release of chlorophenoxyherbicides agrochemicals, namely 2-chloro- (2CPA), 4-chloro and 2,4,5-trichloro (TCPA) phenoxyacetates from their nanohybrids into various aqueous solutions; carbonate, sulfate and chloride was found to be controlled by pseudo-second order rate expression. The percentage saturated released was found to be anionic-dependent, in the order of carbonate>sulfate>chloride for the release media and 2CPA>4CPA>TCPA for the anionic guests. This study demonstrates that the release of the phenoxyherbicides agrochemicals from the nanohybrid compounds can be tuned by choosing the right combination of exchangeable anions both the incoming and the outgoing anions.
Fabrication of highly ordered TiO2 nanotubes from fluoride containing aqueous electrolyte by anodic oxidation and their photoelectrochemical response

Chin LY, Zainal Z, Hussein MZ, Tee TW

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2011 Jun;11(6):4900-9.
PMID: 21770120

The fabrication of TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) was carried out by electrochemical anodization of Ti in aqueous electrolyte containing NH4F. The effect of electrolyte pH, applied voltage, fluoride concentration and anodization duration on the formation of TNT was investigated. It was observed that self-organized TNT can be formed by adjusting the electrolyte to pH 2-4 whereby applied voltage of 10-20 V can be performed to produce highly ordered, well-organized TNT. At 20 V, TNT can be fabricated in the concentration range of 0.07 M to 0.20 M NH4F. Higher fluoride concentration leads to etching of Ti surface and reveals the Ti grain boundaries. The prepared TNT films also show an increase in depth and in size with time and the growth of TNT films reach a steady state after 120 minutes. The morphology and geometrical aspect of the TNT would be an important factor influencing the photoelectrochemical response, with higher photocurrent response is generally associated with thicker layer of TNT. Consequently, one can tailor the resulting TNT to desired surface morphologies by simply manipulating the electrochemical parameters for wide applications such as solar energy conversion and photoelectrocatalysis.
Fulltext Development of antiproliferative nanohybrid compound with controlled release property using ellagic acid as the active agent

Hussein MZ, Al Ali SH, Zainal Z, Hakim MN

Int J Nanomedicine, 2011;6:1373-83.
PMID: 21796241 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S21567

An ellagic acid (EA)-zinc layered hydroxide (ZLH) nanohybrid (EAN) was synthesized under a nonaqueous environment using EA and zinc oxide (ZnO) as the precursors. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that the basal spacing of the nanohybrid was 10.4 Å, resulting in the spatial orientation of EA molecules between the interlayers of 22.5° from z-axis with two negative charges at 8,8' position of the molecules pointed toward the ZLH interlayers. FTIR study showed that the intercalated EA spectral feature is generally similar to that of EA, but with bands slightly shifted. This indicates that some chemical bonding of EA presence between the nanohybrid interlayers was slightly changed, due to the formation of host-guest interaction. The nanohybrid is of mesopores type with 58.8% drug loading and enhanced thermal stability. The release of the drug active, EA from the nanohybrid was found to be sustained and therefore has good potential to be used as a drug controlled-release formulation. In vitro bioassay study showed that the EAN has a mild effect on the hepatocytes cells, similar to its counterpart, free EA.
Synthesis of 4-chlorophenoxyacetate-zinc-aluminium-layered double hydroxide nanocomposite: physico-chemical and controlled release properties

Hussein MZ, Sarijo SH, Yahaya AH, Zainal Z

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2007 Aug;7(8):2852-62.
PMID: 17685307

Layered organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite material was synthesised using 4-chlorophenoxyacetate (4CPA) as guest anion intercalated into the Zn-Al layered double hydroxide inorganic host by direct co-precipitation method at pH = 7.5 and Zn to Al molar ratio of 4. Both PXRD and FTIR results confirmed that the 4CPA was successfully intercalated into the Zn-AI-LDH interlayer. As a result, a well-ordered nanolayered organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite, with the expansion of the basal spacing from 8.9 angstroms in the layered double hydroxide to 20.1 angstroms in the resulting nanocomposite was observed. The FTIR spectrum of the nanocomposite (ZAC) showed that it composed spectral features of Zn-AI-LDH (ZAL) and 4CPA. The nanocomposites synthesized in this work are of mesoporous-type containing 39.8% (w/w) of 4CPA with mole fraction of Al3+ in the inorganic brucite-like layers (xAI) of 0.224. The release studies showed a rapid release of the 4CPA for the first 600 min, and more sustained thereafter. The total amount of 4CPA released from the nanocomposite interlayer into the aqueous solution were 21%, 66%, and 72% in 0.0001, 0.00025, and 0.0005 M sodium carbonate, respectively. In distilled water, about 75, 35, and 57% of 4CPA could be released in 1000 min, when the pH of the release media was set at 3, 6.25, and 12, respectively. In comparison with a structurally similar organic moiety with one more chlorine atom at the 2-position of the aromatic ring, namely 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (24D), the 4CPA showed a slower release rate. The slightly bulkier organic moiety of 24D together with the presence of chlorine atom at the 2-position presumably had contributed to its higher release rate, and it seems that these factors may be exploited for tuning the release rate of intercalated guest anions with similar properties. This study suggests that layered double hydroxide can be used as a carrier for an active agent and the chemical structure of the intercalated moiety can be used to tune the desired release kinetics of the beneficial agent.
Fulltext Emerging Technology for Healthy Lifestyle of the Middle-Age and Elderly: A Scoping Review

Hamid S, Faith F, Jaafar Z, Abdul Ghani N, Yusop FD

Iran J Public Health, 2023 Feb;52(2):230-242.
PMID: 37089153 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i2.11877

BACKGROUND: Emerging technology research focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles for the middle-aged and elderly is paramount in recent literature. However, limited evidence is available for the middle-aged population. This paper reviews how emerging technologies can help in promoting a healthy lifestyle for the middle-aged and elderly.
METHODS: A scoping literature review method was employed. Articles were extracted from online databases published within 2010-2021. Overall, 3,152 articles related to the topic were obtained and 2979 articles were archived via different search procedures. Moreover, 173 articles that met the inclusion criteria underwent qualitative synthesize for conclusive inferences.
RESULTS: Most studies focused on people aged 60 and up, leaving the middle-aged population under-studied and unprepared to age. Older adults have high technology anxiety and resistance to change. Limited studies are available to support technology-based healthy lifestyle promotion for middle-aged people. The emerging technologies that are useful in promoting healthy lifestyle behavior among middle-aged people include: robotics, virtual reality, wearables, artificial intelligence, smart textiles, as well as centralized health information systems.
CONCLUSION: This review sets as a pace-setter for future research on how emerging technologies can aid in the development of healthy lifestyles for the middle-aged and elderly population, allowing them to live a quality life as they age.
Propolis ameliorates tumor nerosis factor-α, nitric oxide levels, caspase-3 and nitric oxide synthase activities in kainic acid mediated excitotoxicity in rat brain

Swamy M, Suhaili D, Sirajudeen KN, Mustapha Z, Govindasamy C

Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2014;11(5):48-53.
PMID: 25395704

BACKGROUND: Increased nitric oxide (NO), neuronal inflammation and apoptosis have been proposed to be involved in excitotoxicity plays a part in many neurodegenerative diseases. To understand the neuro-protective effects of propolis, activities of Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and caspase-3 along with NO and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were studied in cerebral cortex (CC), cerebellum (CB) and brain stem (BS) in rats supplemented with propolis prior to excitotoxic injury with kainic acid (KA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=6 rats per group) as Control, KA, Propolis and KA+Propolis. The control group and KA group have received vehicle and saline. Propolis group and propolis + KA group were orally administered with propolis (150 mg/kg body weight), five times every 12 hours. KA group and propolis +KA group were injected subcutaneously with kainic acid (15 mg/kg body weight) and were sacrificed after 2 hrs. CC, CB and BS were separated, homogenized and used for estimation of NOS, caspase-3, NO and TNF-α by commercial kits. Results were analyzed by one way ANOVA, reported as mean + SD (n=6 rats), and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The concentration of NO, TNF-α, NOS and caspase-3 activity were increased significantly (p<0.001) in all the three brain regions tested in KA group compared to the control. Propolis supplementation significantly (p<0.001) prevented the increase in NOS, NO, TNF-α and caspase-3 due to KA.
CONCLUSION: Results of this study clearly demonstrated that the propolis supplementation attenuated the NOS, caspase-3 activities, NO, and TNF-α concentration and in KA mediated excitotoxicity. Hence propolis can be a possible potential protective agent against excitotoxicity and neurodegenerative disorders.

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