This study describe the reproductive biological characteristics and population parameters of the goby, Pseudapocryptes elongatus (Cuvier, 1816), in the coastal mud flat areas of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 1058 specimens was collected from January 2004 to June 2005 and results showed that the breeding season occurred with two spawning peaks in July and October. Length at first maturity (L(m)) was 15.4 and 16.3 cm for females and males, respectively. The batch fecundity estimates ranged from 2,652 to 29,406 hydrated oocytes per ovary in the fish ranging from 12.8 to 22.4 cm TL. Length frequency data of the goby ranging from 9.0 to 24.0 cm TL were analyzed using the FiSAT II software. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were determined as L8 = 25.9 cm, K = 0.66 year(-1) and t(o) = - 0.26 year(-1). The longevity (t(max)) of the goby was estimated to be 4.55 years. There were two recruitment peaks with very different magnitudes and the means of these two peaks were separated by an interval of 5 months. Length at first capture (L(c)) was 10.05 cm, the instantaneous fishing mortality rate (F = 1.38 year(-1)) and natural mortality rate (M = 1.46 year(-1)) accounted for 49 and 51% of the total mortality (Z = 2.84 year(-1)), respectively. Relative yield-per-recruit and biomass-per-recruit analyses gave E(max) = 0.65, E0.1 = 0.55 and E0.5 = 0.33. Results show that the fish stock is subjected to growth overexploitation.
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The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anxiolytic-like effect of Tualang honey in stressed ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The animals were divided into; (i) nonstressed sham-operated control rats, (ii) sham-operated control rats exposed to stress, (iii) nonstressed OVX rats, (iv) OVX rats exposed to stress, (v) OVX rats exposed to stress and treated with 17 β-oestradiol (E2) (20 μg daily, sc), and (vi) OVX rats exposed to stress and treated with Tualang honey (0.2 g/kg body weight, orally). The open field test was used to evaluate the anxiety-like behaviour and ELISA kits were used to measure oxidant/antioxidant status of the brain homogenates. The result showed that anxiety-like behavior was significantly increased in stressed OVX compared to other groups, and administering either E2 or Tualang honey significantly decreased anxiety-like behaviour in stressed OVX rats. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) were significantly decreased while the levels/activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferases (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly increased in the brain homogenates of treated stressed OVX groups compared to untreated stressed OVX. In conclusion, Tualang honey has protective effects against brain oxidative stress and may be useful alternative anxiolytic agent especially for postmenopausal women.
Recent nanotechnological advancements have enabled novel innovations in protective polymer nanocomposites (PNC) coatings for anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and self-healing services on material surfaces. Nanotechnology encompases research, manufacturing, and application of nanoparticulate architectures, tubular structures, sheets or plates exhibiting sizes below 100 nanometers (nm) in at least a single dimension. Inclusions of nanoparticles into organic entities have demonstrated enhanced properties essential for attainiment of aesthetics, anti-corrosion, thermal stability for high-temperature performances, mechanical strength essential for resisting coating deterioration in harsh environments, nano-architectural cross-linking capable of hindering penetration of corrosive, and biofouling entities. Unlike previously published literature, this paper elucidates very recently emerging important advancements in novel techniques utilized in developing PNC coatings for applications in aerospace, packaging, automotive, biomedicine, maritime, and oil and gas industries for attaining superior anti-fouling, anti-corrosion, and self-healing behaviors on critical material surfaces. Emerging market structures and novel applications are also presented.
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using nonmetallic printed circuit board (PCB) waste as filler in recycled HDPE (rHDPE) in production of rHDPE/PCB composites. Maleic anhydride modified linear low-density polyethylene (MAPE) was used as compatibilizer. In particular, the effects of nonmetallic PCB and MAPE on mechanical properties of the composites were assessed through tensile, flexural and impact testing. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the dispersion of nonmetallic PCB and MAPE in the matrix. Nonmetallic PCB was blended with rHDPE from 0-30 wt% and prepared by counter-rotating twin screw extruder followed by molding into test samples via hot press for analysis. A good balance between stiffness, strength and toughness was achieved for the system containing 30 wt% PCB. Thus, this system was chosen in order to investigate the effect of the compatibilizer on the mechanical properties of the composites. The results indicate that MAPE as a compatiblizer can effectively promote the interfacial adhesion between nonmetallic PCB and rHDPE. The addition of 6 phr MAPE increased the flexural strength, tensile strength and impact strength by 71%, 98% and 44% respectively compared to the uncompatibilized composites.
Depression is one of the common post-menopausal symptoms. In addition to estrogen deficiency, social instability stress may contribute as an additional underlying factor in the development of depressive behaviour in females. Therefore, this study was aimed at examining the influence of social instability stress on depressive behaviour in ovariectomized rats.
Romidepsin, also known as NSC630176, FR901228, FK-228, FR-901228, depsipeptide, or Istodax®, is a natural molecule produced by the Chromobacterium violaceum bacterium that has been approved for its anti-cancer effect. This compound is a selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, which modifies histones and epigenetic pathways. An imbalance between HDAC and histone acetyltransferase can lead to the down-regulation of regulatory genes, resulting in tumorigenesis. Inhibition of HDACs by romidepsin indirectly contributes to the anticancer therapeutic effect by causing the accumulation of acetylated histones, restoring normal gene expression in cancer cells, and promoting alternative pathways, including the immune response, p53/p21 signaling cascades, cleaved caspases, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and other events. Secondary pathways mediate the therapeutic action of romidepsin by disrupting the endoplasmic reticulum and proteasome and/or aggresome, arresting the cell cycle, inducing intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modifying the tumor microenvironment. This review aimed to highlight the specific molecular mechanisms responsible for HDAC inhibition by romidepsin. A more detailed understanding of these mechanisms can significantly improve the understanding of cancer cell disorders and pave the way for new therapeutic approaches using targeted therapy.
Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber that keep a significant role in the functioning of the human body to refrain human health benefits. The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different concentrations of IAA on the seedless pod, chlorophyll, vitamin and mineral content of okra as human health benefits. The innovative seed soaking method of application using 0, 25, 50, 100 & 200 mg/l of IAA concentrations was used in okra before germination and cultured in vitro and in vivo. The lower concentrations (25 and 50 mg/l) of IAA significantly increased the pod setting compared to the higher concentration (100 and 200 mg/l). The higher concentration (100 and 200 mg/l) had lower fruit settings than the lower concentration (25 &50) had higher fruit settings. The higher pod size was obtained in the concentration of 100 & 200 mg/l of IAA (34.18 cm²) as compared to the control and other concentrations. In addition, the highest soluble solid content was obtained by 100 and 200 mg/l of IAA concentration as compared to the other concentrations. The maximum vitamin C was found in the concentration of 100 mg/l of IAA as compared to the control and other concentrations. Moreover, higher mineral contents like K, Ca, Mg, Na and Fe were found in 100 & 200 mg/l of IAA. The higher concentrations (100 and 200 mg/l) of IAA greatly increased the seedless okra percentage as compared to the lower concentration. It seemed that 100 and 200 mg/l concentration IAA was a better concentration for mineral content and seedless okra production as compared to the other concentrations.
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common malignancy in the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and cancer. The occurrence and development of BC are closely linked to genetic factors. Human leukocyte antigens G and E (HLA-G and HLA-E) are non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. These molecules play an important role in immune surveillance by inhibiting the cytotoxic and natural killer T cells responsible for immune escape. The expression of HLA-G and HLA-E has been associated with several diseases, including tumors. The HLA system plays a key role in the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. This review aims to determine the correlation between BC susceptibility and HLA markers specific HLA alleles such as HLA-B07, HLA-DRB111, HLA-DRB113, and HLA-DRB115 are associated with an increased risk of developing BC. Furthermore, HLA-G mutations have been attributed to an elevated likelihood of metastasis in BC patients. Understanding the complex associations between the HLA system and BC development is critical for developing novel cancer prevention, detection, and treatment strategies. This review emphasizes the importance of analyzing HLA polymorphisms in the management of BC patients, as well as the urgent need for further research in this area.
A total of 227 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia were amplified for the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene to detect point mutations 11 years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Saudi Arabia. The pfmdr1 86Y mutation was found in 11.5% (26/227) of the isolates while the N86 wild allele was detected in 88.5%. Moreover, 184F point mutations dominated (86.3%) the instances of pfmdr1 polymorphism while no mutation was observed at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246. Three pfmdr1 haplotypes were identified, NFSND (74.9%), NYSND (13.7%) and YFSND (11.4%). Associations of the prevalence of 86Y mutation and YFSND haplotype with participants' nationality, residency and parasitaemia level were found to be significant (P
This study investigated the polymorphism in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) gene 11 years after chloroquine (CQ) cessation in Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and thirty-five P. falciparum isolates were amplified to detect mutations in the pfcrt gene. The pfcrt 76 T molecular marker for CQ resistance was detected in 66.4% (156/235) of the isolates, while the K76 CQ-sensitive wild type was detected in 33.6%. The pfcrt 74I and pfcrt 75E point mutations were each found to be present in 56.2% of isolates, while only four isolates (1.7%) were found to carry the pfcrt 72S mutation. Moreover, four pfcrt haplotypes were identified as follows: the CVIET triple-allele (56.2%), SVMET double-allele (1.7%) and CVMNT single-allele (8.5%) mutant haplotypes and the CVMNK wild haplotype (33.6%). The analysis also revealed significant associations between the prevalence of mutant pfcrt alleles and haplotypes and the age group, governorate and nationality of the patients as well as the parasitaemia level (p
The regulation of gene expression is fundamental to health and life and is essentially carried out at the promoter region of the DNA of each gene. Depending on the molecular context, this region may be accessible or non-accessible (possibility of integration of RNA polymerase or not at this region). Among enzymes that control this process, DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMTs), are responsible for DNA demethylation at the CpG islands, particularly at the promoter regions, to regulate transcription. The aberrant activity of these enzymes, i.e. their abnormal expression or activity, can result in the repression or overactivation of gene expression. Consequently, this can generate cellular dysregulation leading to instability and tumor development. Several reports highlighted the involvement of DNMTs in human cancers. The inhibition or activation of DNMTs is a promising therapeutic approach in many human cancers. In the present work, we provide a comprehensive and critical summary of natural bioactive molecules as primary inhibitors of DNMTs in human cancers. The active compounds hold the potential to be developed as anti-cancer epidrugs targeting DNMTs.
Polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites reinforced with hybrid montmorillonite/cellulose nanowhiskers [MMT/CNW(SO4)] were prepared by solution casting. The CNW(SO4) nanofiller was first isolated from microcrystalline cellulose using acid hydrolysis treatment. PLA/MMT/CNW(SO4) hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by the addition of various amounts of CNW(SO4) [1-9 parts per hundred parts of polymer (phr)] into PLA/MMT nanocomposite at 5 phr MMT content, based on highest tensile strength values as reported previously. The biodegradability, thermal, tensile, morphological, water absorption and transparency properties of PLA/MMT/CNW(SO4) hybrid nanocomposites were investigated. The Biodegradability, thermal stability and crystallinity of hybrid nanocomposites increased compared to PLA/MMT nanocomposite and neat PLA. The highest tensile strength of hybrid nanocomposites was obtained by incorporating 1 phr CNW(SO4) [∼ 36 MPa]. Interestingly, the ductility of hybrid nanocomposites increased significantly by 87% at this formulation. The Young's modulus increased linearly with increasing CNW(SO4) content. This is due to the relatively good dispersion of nanofillers in the hybrid nanocomposites, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the formation of some polar interactions. In addition, water resistance of the hybrid nanocomposites improved and the visual transparency of neat PLA film did not affect by addition of CNW(SO4).
Rh molecular studies have been previously mainly conducted in Caucasians and African population. There is a limited data on the molecular basis for Rh genotypes among Asians.
To investigate the presence and/or agenesis of third molar (M3) tooth germs in orthodontics patients in Malaysian Malay and Chinese population and evaluate the relationship between presence and/or agenesis of M3 with different skeletal malocclusion patterns and sagittal maxillomandibular jaw dimensions. Pretreatment records of 300 orthodontic patients (140 males and 160 females, 219 Malaysian Malay and 81 Chinese, average age was 16.27±4.59) were used. Third-molar agenesis was calculated with respect to race, genders, number of missing teeth, jaws, skeletal malocclusion patterns and sagittal maxillomandibular jaw dimensions. The Pearson chi-square test and ANOVA was performed to determine potential differences. Associations between various factors and M3 presence/agenesis groups were assessed using logistic regression analysis. The percentages of subjects with 1 or more M3 agenesis were 30%, 33% and 31% in the Malaysian Malay, Chinese and total population, respectively. Overall prevalence of M3 agenesis in male and female was equal (P>0.05). The frequency of the agenesis of M3s is greater in maxilla as well in the right side (P>0.05). The prevalence of M3 agenesis in those with a Class III and Class II malocclusion was relatively higher in Malaysian Malay and Malaysian Chinese population respectively. Using stepwise regression analyses, significant associations were found between Mx (P<0.05) and ANB (P<0.05) and M3 agenesis. This multivariate analysis suggested that Mx and ANB were significantly correlated with the M3 presence/agenesis.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the QTc interval between low and high dose methadone groups and evaluate the pattern of QTc variation.
METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study conducted from December 2010 till August 2011 at Malaysian University of Science's Hospital. Forty six subjects, grouped in high dose (>80mg) and low dose (<80mg) oral methadone, were followed-up at 4-weekly for QTc measurements. Relevant demographic and biochemical profiles were taken at intervals with concurrent QTc measurements.
RESULTS: No significant QTc differences between methadone dosage groups were found at Week 0 (434ms vs 444ms, p = 0.166) and week 8 (446.5ms vs 459ms, p = 0.076), but not at week 4(435ms vs 450ms, p = 0.029). However, there were significant associations between the groups with QTc prolongation at week 0 and 4 (OR 4.29(95% CI 1.01, 18.72) p=0.044 and OR 5.18 (95% CI 1.34, 20.06) p =0.013, respectively) but not at week 8 (OR 2.44 (95% CI 0.74, 8.01) p=0.139). On multivariate analysis, dose group was the sole significant factor for QTc prolongation for week 0 and 4 (p values 0.047 and 0.017, respectively), but not at week 8.
CONCLUSION: High-dose methadone group is more likely to develop prolonged QTc than low-dose group. However, such effects were inconsistent and occurred even during chronic methadone therapy, mandating judicious QTc and serum methadone monitoring.
KEYWORDS: High Dose; Low Dose; Methadone; QTc
Wounds with full-thickness skin loss are commonly managed by skin grafting. In the absence of a graft, reepithelialization is imperfect and leads to increased scar formation. Biomaterials can alter wound healing so that it produces more regenerative tissue and fewer scars. This current study use the new chitosan based biomaterial in full-thickness wound with impaired healing on rat model. Wounds were evaluated after being treated with a chitosan dermal substitute, a chitosan skin substitute, or duoderm CGF. Wounds treated with the chitosan skin substitute showed the most re-epithelialization (33.2 ± 2.8%), longest epithelial tongue (1.62 ± 0.13 mm), and shortest migratory tongue distance (7.11 ± 0.25 mm). The scar size of wounds treated with the chitosan dermal substitute (0.13 ± 0.02 cm) and chitosan skin substitute (0.16 ± 0.05 cm) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with duoderm (0.45 ± 0.11 cm). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression on days 7, 14, and 21 revealed the presence of human hair follicle stem cells and fibroblasts that were incorporated into and surviving in the irradiated wound. We have proven that a chitosan dermal substitute and chitosan skin substitute are suitable for wound healing in full-thickness wounds that are impaired due to radiation.
In this work, polylactic acid (PLA) composites filled with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from oil palm biomass were successfully prepared through solution casting. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicates that there are no significant changes in the peak positions, suggesting that incorporation of MCC in PLA did not result in any significant change in chemical structure of PLA. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on the samples. The T50 decomposition temperature improved with addition of MCC, showing increase in thermal stability of the composites. The synthesized composites were characterized in terms of tensile properties. The Young's modulus increased by about 30%, while the tensile strength and elongation at break for composites decreased with addition of MCC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the composites fractured surface shows that the MCC remained as aggregates of crystalline cellulose. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographic image of the composite surfaces show clustering of MCC with uneven distribution.
This study aims to compare the effects of social instability stress on memory and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour between sham-operated controls and ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups, (n = 10 per group). These were non-stressed sham-operated control rats, stressed sham-operated control rats, non-stressed OVX rats, and stressed OVX rats. The rats were subjected to social instability stress procedure for 15 days. Novel object recognition, open field, and forced swim tests were conducted after the stress procedure. Serum estradiol, ACTH and corticosterone levels were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Lower serum estradiol level and uterine weight with higher weight gain were observed in OVX rats compared to sham-operated controls. Serum ACTH, and corticosterone levels were higher in stressed compared to non-stressed groups. Memory deficit and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour were significantly increased in stressed compared to non-stressed OVX rats but these changes were not seen in sham-operated controls. These results suggest that the high circulating corticosterone acts synergistically with low circulating estradiol to exert negative effects on mood and memory function.
The level of the implant above the marginal bone and flap design have an effect on the bone resorption during the healing period. The aim of this study is to detect the relationship between the level of the implant at the implant placement and the bone level at the healing period in the mesial and distal side of implants placed with flapless (FL) and full-thickness flap (FT) methods.