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  1. Physicochemical modification of chitosan with fly ash and tripolyphosphate for removal of reactive red 120 dye: Statistical optimization and mechanism study
    Mohammed IA, Jawad AH, Abdulhameed AS, Mastuli MS
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Oct 15;161:503-513.
    PMID: 32534088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.069
    Chitosan (CS) was physically modified with fly ash (FA) powder and subjected to chemical cross-linking reaction with tripolyphosphate (TPP) to produce a cross-linked CS-TPP/FA composite as adsorbent for removal of reactive orange 120 (RR120) dye. Different ratios of FA such as 25% FA particles (CS-TPP/FA-25) and 50% FA particles (CS-TPP/FA-50) were loaded into the molecular structure of CS-TPP. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize the input variables that affected the synthesis of the adsorbent and the adsorption of RR120 dye. These variables included FA loading (A: 0-50%), adsorbent dose (B: 0.04-0.1 g), solution pH (C: 4-10), temperature (D: 30 °C-60 °C), and time (E: 30-90 min). Results revealed that the highest removal (88.8%) of RR120 dye was achieved by CS-TPP/FA-50 at adsorbent dosage of 0.07 g, solution of pH 4, temperature of 45 °C, and time of 60 min. The adsorption equilibrium was described by the Freundlich model, with 165.8 mg/g at 45 °C as the maximum adsorption capacity of CS-TPP/FA-50 for RR120 dye. This work introduces CS-TPP/FA-50 as an ideal composite adsorbent for removal of textile dyes from the aqueous environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Azo Compounds/chemistry; Coloring Agents/chemistry*; Polyphosphates/chemistry*; Sulfuric Acid Esters/chemistry; Triazines/chemistry*; Water/chemistry; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry; Chitosan/chemistry*; Coal Ash/chemistry*
  2. Factors affecting nucleolytic efficiency of some ternary metal complexes with DNA binding and recognition domains. Crystal and molecular structure of Zn(phen)(edda)
    Seng HL, Ong HK, Rahman RN, Yamin BM, Tiekink ER, Tan KW, et al.
    J Inorg Biochem, 2008 Nov;102(11):1997-2011.
    PMID: 18778856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2008.07.015
    The binding selectivity of the M(phen)(edda) (M=Cu, Co, Ni, Zn; phen=1,10-phenanthroline, edda=ethylenediaminediacetic acid) complexes towards ds(CG)(6), ds(AT)(6) and ds(CGCGAATTCGCG) B-form oligonucleotide duplexes were studied by CD spectroscopy and molecular modeling. The binding mode is intercalation and there is selectivity towards AT-sequence and stacking preference for A/A parallel or diagonal adjacent base steps in their intercalation. The nucleolytic properties of these complexes were investigated and the factors affecting the extent of cleavage were determined to be: concentration of complex, the nature of metal(II) ion, type of buffer, pH of buffer, incubation time, incubation temperature, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide or ascorbic acid as exogenous reagents. The fluorescence property of these complexes and its origin were also investigated. The crystal structure of the Zn(phen)(edda) complex is reported in which the zinc atom displays a distorted trans-N(4)O(2) octahedral geometry; the crystal packing features double layers of complex molecules held together by extensive hydrogen bonding that inter-digitate with adjacent double layers via pi...pi interactions between 1,10-phenanthroline residues. The structure is compared with that of the recently described copper(II) analogue and, with the latter, included in molecular modeling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cobalt/chemistry; Copper/chemistry; DNA/chemistry*; Edetic Acid/chemistry; Intercalating Agents/chemistry; Nickel/chemistry*; Organometallic Compounds/chemistry*; Phenanthrolines/chemistry*; Zinc/chemistry*
  3. Fulltext Antidiabetic Drugs and Their Nanoconjugates Repurposed as Novel Antimicrobial Agents against Acanthamoeba castellanii
    Anwar A, Siddiqui R, Raza Shah M, Khan NA
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2019 May 28;29(5):713-720.
    PMID: 31030451 DOI: 10.4014/jmb/1903.03009
    Acanthamoeba castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype may cause a fatal brain infection known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and the vision-threatening eye infection Acanthamoeba keratitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiamoebic effects of three clinically available antidiabetic drugs, Glimepiride, Vildagliptin and Repaglinide, against A. castellanii belonging to the T4 genotype. Furthermore, we attempted to conjugate these drugs with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance their antiamoebic effects. Amoebicidal, encystation, excystation, and host cell cytotoxicity assays were performed to unravel any antiacanthamoebic effects. Vildagliptin conjugated silver nanoparticles (Vgt-AgNPs) characterized by spectroscopic techniques and atomic force microscopy were synthesized. All three drugs showed antiamoebic effects against A. castellanii and significantly blocked the encystation. These drugs also showed significant cysticidal effects and reduced host cell cytotoxicity caused by A. castellanii. Moreover, Vildagliptin-coated silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and are shown to enhance its antiacanthamoebic potency at significantly reduced concentration. The repurposed application of the tested antidiabetic drugs and their nanoparticles against free-living amoeba such as Acanthamoeba castellanii described here is a novel outcome that holds tremendous potential for future applications against devastating infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Amebicides/chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry; Carbamates/chemistry; Hypoglycemic Agents/chemistry; Piperidines/chemistry; Silver/chemistry; Sulfonylurea Compounds/chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry; Nanoconjugates/chemistry*
  4. Fulltext Characterisation of the Convective Hot-Air Drying and Vacuum Microwave Drying of Cassia alata: Antioxidant Activity, Essential Oil Volatile Composition and Quality Studies
    Chua LYW, Chua BL, Figiel A, Chong CH, Wojdyło A, Szumny A, et al.
    Molecules, 2019 Apr 24;24(8).
    PMID: 31022967 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081625
    The preservation of active constituents in Cassia alata through the removal of moisture is crucial in producing a final product with high antioxidant activity. This study aims to determine the influences of various drying methods and drying conditions on the antioxidant activity, volatiles and phytosterols content of C. alata. The drying methods used were convective drying (CD) at 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C; freeze drying; vacuum microwave drying (VMD) at 6, 9 and 12 W/g; and two-stage convective pre-drying followed by vacuum microwave finish drying (CPD-VMFD) at 50 °C and 9 W/g. The drying kinetics of C. alata are best described by the thin-layer model (modified Page model). The highest antioxidant activity, TPC and volatile concentration were achieved with CD at 40 °C. GC-MS analysis identified the presence of 51 volatiles, which were mostly present in all samples but with quantitative variation. The dominant volatiles in fresh C. alata are 2-hexenal (60.28 mg 100 g-1 db), 1-hexanol (18.70 mg 100 g-1 db) and salicylic acid (15.05 mg 100 g-1 db). The concentration of phytosterols in fresh sample was 3647.48 mg 100 g-1 db, and the major phytosterols present in fresh and dried samples were β-sitosterol (1162.24 mg 100 g-1 db). CPD-VMFD was effective in ensuring the preservation of higher phytosterol content in comparison with CD at 50 °C. The final recommendation of a suitable drying method to dehydrate C. alata leaves is CD at 40 °C.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hexanols/chemistry; Aldehydes/chemistry; Antioxidants/chemistry*; Cassia/chemistry*; Oils, Volatile/chemistry*; Phytosterols/chemistry; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Salicylic Acid/chemistry; Volatile Organic Compounds/chemistry*
  5. Fulltext Anticorrosive and Microbial Inhibition Performance of a Coating Loaded with Andrographis paniculata on Stainless Steel in Seawater
    Kamaruzzaman WMIWM, Fekeri MFM, Nasir NAM, Hamidi NASM, Baharom MZ, Adnan A, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Jun 03;26(11).
    PMID: 34205014 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113379
    With the trend for green technology, the study focused on utilizing a forgotten herb to produce an eco-friendly coating. Andrographis paniculata or the kalmegh leaves extract (KLE) has been investigated for its abilities in retarding the corrosion process due to its excellent anti-oxidative and antimicrobial properties. Here, KLE was employed as a novel additive in coatings and formulations were made by varying its wt%: 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. These were applied to stainless steel 316L immersed in seawater for up to 50 days. The samples were characterized and analyzed to measure effectiveness of inhibition of corrosion and microbial growth. The best concentration was revealed to be 6 wt% KLE; it exhibited the highest performance in improving the ionic resistance of the coating and reducing the growth of bacteria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry; Antioxidants/chemistry; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Seawater/chemistry*; Stainless Steel/chemistry; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemistry; Andrographis/chemistry*; Green Chemistry Technology
  6. Preparation and characterization of an amylase-triggered dextrin-linked graphene oxide anticancer drug nanocarrier and its vascular permeability
    Kiew SF, Ho YT, Kiew LV, Kah JCY, Lee HB, Imae T, et al.
    Int J Pharm, 2017 Dec 20;534(1-2):297-307.
    PMID: 29080707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.10.045
    We synthesized a dextrin (DEX)-conjugated graphene oxide (GO) nanocarrier (GO100-DEX) as a potential drug delivery system to respond to a tumor-associated stimulus, α-amylase, that has high permeability through the fenestrated endothelial barrier to the tumor site. At acidic pH and in the presence of α-amylase to simulate tumor conditions, GO100-DEX released a 1.5-fold higher amount of doxorubicin (DOX) than of GO100. Under the same conditions, the cytotoxic effects of GO100-DEX/DOX were 2-fold greater than those of free DOX and 2.9-fold greater than those of GO100/DOX. Employing an in vitro biomimetic microfluidic blood vessel model lined with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, we evaluated the tumor vasculature endothelial permeation of GO100-DEX and GO100 using dextrans of 10 and 70kDa for comparison and as standards to validate the microfluidic blood vessel model. The results showed that the permeabilities of GO100-DEX and GO100 were 4.3- and 4.9-fold greater than that of 70kDa dextran and 2.7- and 3.1-fold higher than that of 10kDa dextran, thus demonstrating the good permeability of the GO-based nanocarrier through the fenestrated endothelial barrier.
    Matched MeSH terms: Amylases/chemistry*; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry*; Dextrans/chemistry; Dextrins/chemistry*; Doxorubicin/chemistry; Drug Carriers/chemistry*; Graphite/chemistry*; Oxides/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  7. Optimization of headspace solid-phase microextraction for the determination of pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits
    Chai M, Tan G, Lal A
    Anal Sci, 2008 Feb;24(2):273-6.
    PMID: 18270422
    A headspace solid-phase microextraction method has been developed for the determination of 8 pesticides in vegetables and fruits by using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Two types of fibers (polyacrylate, 85 microm and polydimethylsiloxane, 100 microm) have been assayed and compared. The main factors: extraction and desorption parameters, ionic strength, and the effects of dilution and organic solvents, were studied and optimized. The optimized procedures resulted in more than 80% recovery for all the investigated vegetable and fruit samples with RSD values below 10%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acetone/chemistry; Acrylates/chemistry; Methanol/chemistry; Dimethylpolysiloxanes/chemistry; Fruit/chemistry*; Silicones/chemistry; Sodium Chloride/chemistry; Vegetables/chemistry*; Water/chemistry
  8. Adsorption properties of cationic rhodamine B dye onto metals chloride-activated castor bean residue carbons
    Zhi LL, Zaini MA
    Water Sci Technol, 2017 02;75(3-4):864-880.
    PMID: 28234287 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2016.568
    This work was aimed to evaluate the feasibility of castor bean residue based activated carbons prepared through metals chloride activation. The activated carbons were characterized for textural properties and surface chemistry, and the adsorption data of rhodamine B were established to investigate the removal performance. Zinc chloride-activated carbon with specific surface area of 395 m(2)/g displayed a higher adsorption capacity of 175 mg/g. Magnesium chloride and iron(III) chloride are less toxic and promising agents for composite chemical activation. The adsorption data obeyed Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The rate-limiting step in the adsorption of rhodamine B is film diffusion. The positive values of enthalpy and entropy indicate that the adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous at high temperature.
    Matched MeSH terms: Castor Bean/chemistry*; Charcoal/chemistry*; Chlorides/chemistry*; Ferric Compounds/chemistry; Rhodamines/chemistry; Seeds/chemistry; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry; Magnesium Chloride/chemistry; Zinc Compounds/chemistry
  9. Cellulose nanocomposite films with in situ generated silver nanoparticles using Cassia alata leaf extract as a reducing agent
    Sivaranjana P, Nagarajan ER, Rajini N, Jawaid M, Rajulu AV
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2017 Jun;99:223-232.
    PMID: 28237574 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.02.070
    Cotton linters were dissolved in aq. (8% LiOH+15% urea) that was pre-cooled to -12.5°C. Using this solution cellulose gel films were prepared by regeneration method with ethyl alcohol as a coagulant. These wet films were diffused with 10wt% Cassia alata leaf extract that acted as a reducing agent. The leaf extract diffused cellulose wet films were used as the matrix. The wet matrix films were dipped individually in lower concentrated 1-5mM aq.AgNO3 source solutions in the presence of sunlight and allowed the solutions to react with the diffused leaf extract reducing agent which in situ generated the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) inside the films as well as in the source solution. The AgNPs formed in the source solution were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) while those formed in situ the films were observed by SEM and the particle size distribution was determined. The cellulose/AgNP composite films showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria. These nanocomposite films were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile tests. At temperatures below 300°C, the thermal stability of the nanocomposite films was lower than that of the matrix due to the catalytic effect of AgNPs. The nanocomposite films also possessed good tensile properties. The ecofriendly cellulose/AgNP composite films with good antibacterial activity and tensile properties can be considered for medical applications like dressing materials.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry; Cassia/chemistry*; Cellulose/chemistry*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Silver/chemistry*; Plant Leaves/chemistry*; Reducing Agents/chemistry; Nanocomposites/chemistry*; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  10. Fulltext Optimization of process parameters in preparation of tocotrienol-rich red palm oil-based nanoemulsion stabilized by Tween80-Span 80 using response surface methodology
    Chong WT, Tan CP, Cheah YK, B Lajis AF, Habi Mat Dian NL, Kanagaratnam S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(8):e0202771.
    PMID: 30142164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202771
    Red palm oil (RPO) is a natural source of Vitamin E (70-80% tocotrienol). It is a potent natural antioxidant that can be used in skin-care products. Its antioxidant property protects skin from inflammation and aging. In our work, a tocotrienol-rich RPO-based nanoemulsion formulation was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and formulated using high pressure homogenizer. Effect of the concentration of three independent variables [surfactant (5-15 wt%), co-solvent (10-30 wt%) and homogenization pressure (500-700 bar)] toward two response variables (droplet size, polydispersity index) was studied using central composite design (CCD) coupled to RSM. RSM analysis showed that the experimental data could be fitted into a second-order polynomial model and the coefficients of multiple determination (R2) is 0.9115. The optimized formulation of RPO-based nanoemulsion consisted of 6.09 wt% mixed surfactant [Tween 80/Span 80 (63:37, wt)], 20 wt% glycerol as a co-solvent via homogenization pressure (500 bar). The optimized tocotrienol-rich RPO-based nanoemulsion response values for droplet size and polydispersity index were 119.49nm and 0.286, respectively. The actual values of the formulated nanoemulsion were in good agreement with the predicted values obtained from RSM, thus the optimized compositions have the potential to be used as a nanoemulsion for cosmetic formulations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Emulsions/chemistry*; Hexoses/chemistry*; Polysorbates/chemistry; Surface-Active Agents/chemistry*; Water/chemistry; Tocotrienols/chemistry; Nanostructures/chemistry*; Lipid Droplets/chemistry
  11. Tunable Schiff's base-cross-linked chitosan composite for the removal of reactive red 120 dye: Adsorption and mechanism study
    Jawad AH, Mubarak NSA, Abdulhameed AS
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Jan 01;142:732-741.
    PMID: 31760013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.014
    In this study, tunable Schiff's base-cross-linked chitosan-glutaraldehyde (CS-GLA) was modified and applied to remove reactive red 120 (RR120) dye from an aqueous solution. Different ratios of TiO2 nanoparticles, such as 25% TiO2 nanoparticles (CS-GLA/TNC-25) and 50% TiO2 nanoparticles (CS-GLA/TNC-50), were loaded into the CS-GLA's molecular structure. The adsorptive properties of CS-GLA, CS-GLA/TNC-25, and CS-GLA/TNC-50 for the RR120 dye in the aqueous solution were evaluated. CS-GLA/TNC-25 exhibited the best adsorptive property possibly because of the perfect balancing between the surface area and available amine (NH2) groups in the composite formulation. The impact of adsorption key parameters, such as adsorbent dosage (0.01-1.2 g), RR120 dye concentration (30-400 mg/L), solution pH (3-12), and contact time (0-400 min) were explored by batch adsorption mode. The adsorption was well described by the Freundlich model and pseudo-second order kinetic model. The adsorption capacity of CS-GLA/TNC-25 for RR120 dye was 103.1 mg/g at 303K. The adsorption mechanism of RR120 on the CS-GLA/TNC-25 surface can be assigned to various interactions, such as electrostatic attraction, n-π stacking, and H-bonding. Results indicate the potential application of CS-GLA/TNC-25 as environment-friendly biosorbent for removing acid and/or textile dyes, such as RR120, from aqueous environments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Amines/chemistry; Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry*; Glutaral/chemistry*; Schiff Bases/chemistry*; Titanium/chemistry*; Triazines/chemistry*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry; Chitosan/chemistry*; Nanocomposites/chemistry*
  12. Fulltext Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Some Dominant Algerian Medicinal Plants
    Salhi N, Mohammed Saghir SA, Terzi V, Brahmi I, Ghedairi N, Bissati S
    Biomed Res Int, 2017;2017:7526291.
    PMID: 29226147 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7526291
    Aim: This study investigated the antifungal properties of aqueous extracts obtained from indigenous plants that grow spontaneously in the Northern Sahara of Algeria. The activities of these plants in controlling two fungal species that belong to Fusarium genus were evaluated in an in vitro assay.

    Materials and Methods: Fresh aerial parts of four plant species (Artemisia herba alba, Cotula cinerea, Asphodelus tenuifolius, and Euphorbia guyoniana) were collected for the preparation of aqueous extracts. Two levels of dilution (10% and 20%) of the pure extracts were evaluated against Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium sporotrichioides.

    Results: The results of this study revealed that the A. herba alba, C. cinerea, A. tenuifolius, and E. guyoniana aqueous extracts are effective at both concentrations of 10% and 20% for the Fusarium mycelia growth inhibition. In particular, A. tenuifolius extract is effective against F. graminearum, whereas F. sporotrichioides mycelium growth is strongly affected by the E. guyoniana 20% extract. The phytochemical characterization of the compositions of the aqueous extracts has revealed that the presence of some chemical compounds (tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids) is likely to be responsible for the antifungal activities sought.

    Conclusion: The antifungal properties of A. herba alba, C. cinerea, A. tenuifolius, and E. guyoniana make these plants of potential interest for the control of fungi affecting both wheat yield and safety.

    Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids/chemistry; Antifungal Agents/chemistry; Flavonoids/chemistry; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry*; Saponins/chemistry; Steroids/chemistry; Tannins/chemistry; Artemisia/chemistry*
  13. Aqueous chlorination of acebutolol: kinetics, transformation by-products, and mechanism
    Khalit WN, Tay KS
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Feb;23(3):2521-9.
    PMID: 26423291 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5470-y
    This study investigated the reaction kinetics and the transformation by-products of acebutolol during aqueous chlorination. Acebutolol is one of the commonly used β-blockers for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It has been frequently detected in the aquatic environment. In the kinetics study, the second-order rate constant for the reaction between acebutolol and chlorine (k app) was determined at 25 ± 0.1 °C. The degradation of acebutolol by free available chlorine was highly pH dependence. When the pH increased from 6 to 8, it was found that the k app for the reaction between acebutolol and free available chlorine was increased from 1.68 to 11.2 M(-1) min(-1). By comparing with the reported k app values, the reactivity of acebutolol toward free available chlorine was found to be higher than atenolol and metoprolol but lower than nadolol and propranolol. Characterization of the transformation by-products formed during the chlorination of acebutolol was carried out using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry. Seven major transformation by-products were identified. These transformation by-products were mainly formed through dealkylation, hydroxylation, chlorination, and oxidation reactions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acebutolol/chemistry*; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/chemistry; Antihypertensive Agents/chemistry*; Atenolol/chemistry; Chlorine/chemistry; Propranolol/chemistry; Water/chemistry; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry*; Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists/chemistry*
  14. Fulltext Degradability enhancement of poly(lactic acid) by stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanolayers
    Eili M, Shameli K, Ibrahim NA, Wan Yunus WMZ
    Int J Mol Sci, 2012;13(7):7938-7951.
    PMID: 22942682 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13077938
    Recent environmental problems and societal concerns associated with the disposal of petroleum based plastics throughout the world have triggered renewed efforts to develop new biodegradable products compatible with our environment. This article describes the preparation, characterization and biodegradation study of poly(lactic acid)/layered double hydroxide (PLA/LDH) nanocomposites from PLA and stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH. A solution casting method was used to prepare PLA/stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanocomposites. The anionic clay Zn(3)Al LDH was firstly prepared by co-precipitation method from a nitrate salt solution at pH 7.0 and then modified by stearate anions through an ion exchange reaction. This modification increased the basal spacing of the synthetic clay from 8.83 Å to 40.10 Å. The morphology and properties of the prepared PLA/stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests as well as biodegradation studies. From the XRD analysis and TEM observation, the stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH lost its ordered stacking-structure and was greatly exfoliated in the PLA matrix. Tensile test results of PLA/stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanocomposites showed that the presence of around 1.0-3.0 wt % of the stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH in the PLA drastically improved its elongation at break. The biodegradation studies demonstrated a significant biodegradation rate improvement of PLA in the presence of stearate-Zn(3)Al LDH nanolayers. This effect can be caused by the catalytic role of the stearate groups in the biodegradation mechanism leading to much faster disintegration of nanocomposites than pure PLA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Enzymes, Immobilized/chemistry; Hydroxides/chemistry*; Nitrates/chemistry*; Polymers/chemistry*; Stearates/chemistry*; Aluminum Compounds/chemistry*; Zinc Compounds/chemistry*; Lactic Acid/chemistry*; Nanocomposites/chemistry
  15. Fulltext Impact of soil field water capacity on secondary metabolites, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), maliondialdehyde (MDA) and photosynthetic responses of Malaysian kacip fatimah (Labisia pumila Benth)
    Jaafar HZ, Ibrahim MH, Mohamad Fakri NF
    Molecules, 2012 Jun 13;17(6):7305-22.
    PMID: 22695235 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17067305
    A randomized complete block design 2 × 4 experiment was designed and conducted for 15 weeks to characterize the relationships between production of total phenolics, flavonoid, anthocyanin, leaf gas exchange, total chlorophyll, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in two varieties of Labisia pumila Benth, namely the var. alata and pumila, under four levels of evapotranspiration replacement (ER) (100%; well watered), (75%, moderate water stress), (50%; high water stress) and (25%; severe water stress). The production of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanin, soluble sugar and relative leaf water content was affected by the interaction between varieties and SWC. As the ER levels decreased from 100% to 25%, the production of PAL and MDA activity increased steadily. At the highest (100%) ER L. pumila exhibited significantly higher net photosynthesis, apparent quantum yield, maximum efficiency of photosystem II (f(v)/f(m)) and lower dark respiration rates compared to the other treatment. The production of total phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanin was also found to be higher under high water stress (50% ER replacement) compared to severe water stress (25% ER). From this study, it was observed that as net photosynthesis, apparent quantum yield and chlorophyll content were downregulated under high water stress the production of total phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanin were upregulated implying that the imposition of high water stress can enhance the medicinal properties of L. pumila Benth.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anthocyanins/chemistry; Chlorophyll/chemistry; Flavonoids/chemistry; Phenols/chemistry; Soil/chemistry*; Sucrose/chemistry; Water/chemistry*; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Primulaceae/chemistry
  16. Fulltext Dehalogenases: From Improved Performance to Potential Microbial Dehalogenation Applications
    Ang TF, Maiangwa J, Salleh AB, Normi YM, Leow TC
    Molecules, 2018 05 07;23(5).
    PMID: 29735886 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23051100
    The variety of halogenated substances and their derivatives widely used as pesticides, herbicides and other industrial products is of great concern due to the hazardous nature of these compounds owing to their toxicity, and persistent environmental pollution. Therefore, from the viewpoint of environmental technology, the need for environmentally relevant enzymes involved in biodegradation of these pollutants has received a great boost. One result of this great deal of attention has been the identification of environmentally relevant bacteria that produce hydrolytic dehalogenases—key enzymes which are considered cost-effective and eco-friendly in the removal and detoxification of these pollutants. These group of enzymes catalyzing the cleavage of the carbon-halogen bond of organohalogen compounds have potential applications in the chemical industry and bioremediation. The dehalogenases make use of fundamentally different strategies with a common mechanism to cleave carbon-halogen bonds whereby, an active-site carboxylate group attacks the substrate C atom bound to the halogen atom to form an ester intermediate and a halide ion with subsequent hydrolysis of the intermediate. Structurally, these dehalogenases have been characterized and shown to use substitution mechanisms that proceed via a covalent aspartyl intermediate. More so, the widest dehalogenation spectrum of electron acceptors tested with bacterial strains which could dehalogenate recalcitrant organohalides has further proven the versatility of bacterial dehalogenators to be considered when determining the fate of halogenated organics at contaminated sites. In this review, the general features of most widely studied bacterial dehalogenases, their structural properties, basis of the degradation of organohalides and their derivatives and how they have been improved for various applications is discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria/chemistry; Bacterial Proteins/chemistry*; Environmental Pollutants/chemistry*; Esters/chemistry; Halogens/chemistry; Hydrocarbons, Halogenated/chemistry*; Hydrolases/chemistry*; Isoenzymes/chemistry; Pesticides/chemistry
  17. Fulltext The impact of local surface changes in Borneo on atmospheric composition at wider spatial scales: coastal processes, land-use change and air quality
    Pyle JA, Warwick NJ, Harris NR, Abas MR, Archibald AT, Ashfold MJ, et al.
    Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 2011 Nov 27;366(1582):3210-24.
    PMID: 22006963 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0060
    We present results from the OP3 campaign in Sabah during 2008 that allow us to study the impact of local emission changes over Borneo on atmospheric composition at the regional and wider scale. OP3 constituent data provide an important constraint on model performance. Treatment of boundary layer processes is highlighted as an important area of model uncertainty. Model studies of land-use change confirm earlier work, indicating that further changes to intensive oil palm agriculture in South East Asia, and the tropics in general, could have important impacts on air quality, with the biggest factor being the concomitant changes in NO(x) emissions. With the model scenarios used here, local increases in ozone of around 50 per cent could occur. We also report measurements of short-lived brominated compounds around Sabah suggesting that oceanic (and, especially, coastal) emission sources dominate locally. The concentration of bromine in short-lived halocarbons measured at the surface during OP3 amounted to about 7 ppt, setting an upper limit on the amount of these species that can reach the lower stratosphere.
    Matched MeSH terms: Atmosphere/chemistry*; Bromine/chemistry; Butadienes/chemistry; Carbanilides/chemistry; Formaldehyde/chemistry; Nitrogen Oxides/chemistry; Ozone/chemistry; Pentanes/chemistry; Trees/chemistry*; Arecaceae/chemistry*; Hemiterpenes/chemistry; Volatile Organic Compounds/chemistry
  18. Properties of the tray adhesive of an addition polymerizing silicone to impression tray materials
    Sulong MZ, Setchell DJ
    J Prosthet Dent, 1991 Dec;66(6):743-7.
    PMID: 1805022
    Adhesive bond strength studies for the tray adhesive of an addition vinyl polysiloxane (President) impression material were conducted with an acrylic resin, chromium-plated brass, and plastic trays. Tensile and shear stress studies were performed on the Instron Universal testing machine. Acrylic resin specimens roughened with 80-grit silicon carbide paper exhibited appreciably higher bond strengths compared with different types of tray material and methods of surface preparation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acrylic Resins/chemistry*; Adhesives/chemistry*; Alloys/chemistry; Carbon/chemistry; Chromium/chemistry; Copper/chemistry; Dental Impression Materials/chemistry*; Polystyrenes/chemistry; Polyvinyls/chemistry*; Silicon/chemistry; Siloxanes/chemistry*; Zinc/chemistry
  19. Particle size analysis of nanocrystals: improved analysis method
    Keck CM
    Int J Pharm, 2010 May 5;390(1):3-12.
    PMID: 19733647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.08.042
    The influence of optical parameters, additional techniques (e.g. PIDS technology) and the importance of light microscopy were investigated by comparing laser diffraction data obtained via the conventional method and an optimized analysis method. Also the influence of a possible dissolution of nanocrystals during a measurement on the size result obtained was assessed in this study. The results reveal that dissolution occurs if unsaturated medium or microparticle saturated medium is used for the measurements. The dissolution is erratic and the results are not reproducible. Dissolution can be overcome by saturating the measuring medium prior to the measurement. If nanocrystals are analysed the dispersion medium should be saturated with the nanocrystals, because the solubility is higher than for coarse micro-sized drug material. The importance of using the optimized analysis method was proven by analysing 40 different nanosuspensions via the conventional versus the optimized sizing method. There was no large difference in the results obtained for the 40 nanosuspensions using the conventional method. This would have led to the conclusion, that all the 40 formulations investigated are physically stable. However, the analysis via the optimized method revealed that from 40 formulations investigated only four were physically stable. In conclusion an optimized analysis saves time and money and avoids misleading developments, because discrimination between "stable" and "unstable" can be done reliably at a very early stage of the development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/instrumentation; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/methods*; Excipients/chemistry; Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry; Polysorbates/chemistry; Rutin/chemistry; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate/chemistry; Vitamin E/chemistry; Cyclosporine/chemistry; Poloxamer/chemistry; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  20. Fulltext Chemical Profile, Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Malaysian Heterotrigona itama Bee Bread
    Suleiman JB, Mohamed M, Abu Bakar AB, Nna VU, Zakaria Z, Othman ZA, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Aug 15;26(16).
    PMID: 34443531 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164943
    The aim of the study was to determine the chemical profile, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities of Heterotrigona itama bee bread from Malaysia. The pH, presence of phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), as well as antimicrobial activities, were assessed. Results revealed a decrease in the pH of bee bread water extract (BBW) relative to bee bread ethanolic extract (BBE) and bee bread hot water extract (BBH). Further, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, resins, glycosides and xanthoproteins were detected in BBW, BBH and BBE. Also, significant decreases in TPC, TFC, DPPH activity and FRAP were detected in BBW relative to BBH and BBE. We detected phenolic acids such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, trans-ferulic acid, trans 3-hydroxycinnamic acid and 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, and flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin and mangiferin in BBE using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The strongest antimicrobial activity was observed in Klebsilla pneumonia (MIC50 1.914 µg/mL), followed by E. coli (MIC50 1.923 µg/mL), Shigella (MIC50 1.813 µg/mL) and Salmonella typhi (MIC50 1.617 µg/mL). Bee bread samples possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Bee bread contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, and could be beneficial in the management and treatment of metabolic diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alkaloids/chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry; Antioxidants/chemistry; Bees/chemistry*; Flavonoids/chemistry; Glycosides/chemistry; Hymenoptera/chemistry; Phenols/chemistry; Propolis/chemistry; Saponins/chemistry; Tannins/chemistry; Terpenes/chemistry
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