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Fulltext Determinants of stakeholders' attitudes towards biodiesel

Amin L, Hashim H, Mahadi Z, Ibrahim M, Ismail K

Biotechnol Biofuels, 2017;10:219.
PMID: 28932261 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-017-0908-8

BACKGROUND: Concern about the inevitable depletion of global energy resources is rising and many countries are shifting their focus to renewable energy. Biodiesel is one promising energy source that has garnered much public attention in recent years. Many believe that this alternative source of energy will be able to sustain the need for increased energy security while at the same time being friendly to the environment. Public opinion, as well as proactive measures by key players in industry, may play a decisive role in steering the direction of biodiesel development throughout the world. Past studies have suggested that public acceptance of biofuels could be shaped by critical consideration of the risk-benefit perceptions of the product, in addition to the impact on the economy and environment.
RESULTS: The purpose of this study was to identify the relevant factors influencing stakeholders' attitudes towards biodiesel derived from crops such as palm oil for vehicle use, as well as to analyse the interrelationships of these factors in an attitude model. A survey of 509 respondents, consisting of various stakeholder groups in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia, was undertaken. The results of the study have substantiated the premise that the most important direct predictor of attitude to biodiesel is the perceived benefits (β = 0.80, p
Fulltext Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Post COVID-19 Vaccination

Foo LM, Wan Hitam WH, Ibrahim M, Sonny Teo KS

Cureus, 2023 Jan;15(1):e33637.
PMID: 36788859 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33637

Extensive cerebral sinus thrombosis following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination is rare. We report the case of a 42-year-old man who presented with a severe generalized headache that was not relieved by analgesics for nine days. It started four days after he received the third dose of BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer). He also complained of numbness at the back of the neck, vomiting, mild blurring of vision, and diplopia. The visual acuity (VA) in the right eye was 6/9 (improved to 6/7.5 with a pinhole) and 6/6 in the left eye. He was not able to abduct both eyes and noticed a double image at lateral gaze. Fundoscopy showed swollen optic discs with the presence of disc hemorrhages. A computed tomography venogram (CTV) of the brain showed loss of normal signal void with filling defects in the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, bilateral transverse sinuses, bilateral sigmoid sinuses, and bilateral internal jugular veins. The nasopharyngeal swab sample was negative for SARS-CoV-2. His platelet was normal (271x109/L) and his coagulation profile was normal. Workup for connective tissue disease was negative. He was diagnosed with extensive cerebral vascular thrombosis post-vaccination. He received a one-week course of subcutaneous clexane, followed by oral anticoagulant treatment. After treatment, his headache was relieved, and the diplopia subsided. The venous thrombosis was partially resolved. Both the swollen optic discs improved, and his VA improved to 6/6 in both eyes.
Effect of L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine, an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, on murine immune response induced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide

Sosroseno W, Musa M, Ravichandran M, Fikri Ibrahim M, Bird PS, Seymour GJ

J Periodontal Res, 2007 Apr;42(2):124-30.
PMID: 17305870

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity is known to regulate the immune response. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (L-NIL), an iNOS inhibitor, on the induction of immune response to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide in mice.
Fulltext A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing bipolar plasma kinetic resection of the prostate versus conventional monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Kong CH, Ibrahim MF, Zainuddin ZM

Ann Saudi Med, 2009;29(6):429-32.
PMID: 19847078 DOI: 10.4103/0256-4947.57163

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: For treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Plasma Kinetic loop Resection of the Prostate (PKRP) is an alternative to conventional monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). We compared outcomes with the two treatments in a randomized trial.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a one-year period, we randomly assigned patients with an indication for surgery for BPH and who met inclusion criteria to treatment with either PKRP or TURP. We measured prostate volume by transrectal ultrasound, relief of bladder outlet obstruction, operative time, decline in serum sodium and hemoglobin, weight of resected prostatic chips, duration of catheterization and hospital stay. Patients were evaluated one month after discharge for obstructive symptoms. Complications were also recorded.
RESULTS: Of 102 patients enrolled, 51 underwent PKRP and 51 underwent TURP. Relief of obstructive symptoms and mean operative time showed no statistically significant difference. The PKRP group had a smaller decline in hemoglobin than the TURP group (0.6 g/dL vs 1.8 g/dL, P=.01), a lower reduction in serum sodium levels (1.03 mmol/L vs 5.01 mmol/L, P=.01), a shorter catheterization time (37.2 hours versus 57.7 hours, P=.03) and a shorter hospital stay (1.5 days versus 2.6 days, P=.02). One patient in the bipolar PKRP group needed recatheterization versus four patients in the TURP group.
CONCLUSION: PKRP reduces morbidity with an outcome similar to conventional monopolar TURP in the treatment of BPH.
Fulltext A nested case-control study on relapse predictors among tuberculosis patients treated in Yemen's NTCP

Anaam MS, Ibrahim MI, Al Serouri AW, Bassili A, Aldobhani A

Public Health Action, 2012 Dec 21;2(4):168-73.
PMID: 26392978 DOI: 10.5588/pha.12.0044

SETTING: The National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme in Yemen.
OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with TB relapse.
METHODS: In a prospective nested case-control study, relapse cases were recruited from a cohort of pulmonary TB patients registered between July 2007 and June 2008. Four controls per case were randomly selected from the list of non-relapse patients. Three forms were used for data collection, which included interviews with the participants and review of their medical cards and TB registers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for relapse.
RESULTS: A relapse rate of 5.7% was found. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that unemployment, smoking, presence of cavitations, weight gain, weight loss, non-adherence during the continuation phase and diabetes were significantly associated with relapse (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Relapse rates can be reduced by ensuring that patients take their treatment regularly and are counselled effectively to stop smoking. Reinforcing the implementation of the DOTS strategy and strengthening the anti-smoking campaigns are important actions. Action to help unemployed patients, including free services and the creation of new job opportunities, should be adopted. Using rifampicin-based regimens in the treatment of cavitary TB and bi-directional screening in TB and diabetes patients are recommended.
Prevalence of refractive error in malay primary school children in suburban area of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Hashim SE, Tan HK, Wan-Hazabbah WH, Ibrahim M

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2008 Nov;37(11):940-6.
PMID: 19082201

INTRODUCTION: Refractive error remains one of the primary causes of visual impairment in children worldwide, and the prevalence of refractive error varies widely. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of refractive error and study the possible associated factors inducing refractive error among primary school children of Malay ethnicity in the suburban area of Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was performed from January to July 2006 by random selection on Standard 1 to Standard 6 students of 10 primary schools in the Kota Bharu district. Visual acuity assessment was measured using logMAR ETDRS chart. Positive predictive value of uncorrected visual acuity equal or worse than 20/40, was used as a cut-off point for further evaluation by automated refraction and retinoscopic refraction.
RESULTS: A total of 840 students were enumerated but only 705 were examined. The prevalence of uncorrected visual impairment was seen in 54 (7.7%) children. The main cause of the uncorrected visual impairment was refractive error which contributed to 90.7% of the total, and with 7.0% prevalence for the studied population. Myopia is the most common type of refractive error among children aged 6 to 12 years with prevalence of 5.4%, followed by hyperopia at 1.0% and astigmatism at 0.6%. A significant positive correlation was noted between myopia development with increasing age (P <0.005), more hours spent on reading books (P <0.005) and background history of siblings with glasses (P <0.005) and whose parents are of higher educational level (P <0.005). Malays in suburban Kelantan (5.4%) have the lowest prevalence of myopia compared with Malays in the metropolitan cities of Kuala Lumpur (9.2%) and Singapore (22.1%).
CONCLUSION: The ethnicity-specific prevalence rate of myopia was the lowest among Malays in Kota Bharu, followed by Kuala Lumpur, and is the highest among Singaporean Malays. Better socio-economic factors could have contributed to higher myopia rates in the cities, since the genetic background of these ethnic Malays are similar.
Isolated sphenoid sinus fungal mucoceles: A rare entity with a high propensity for causing neurological complications

Ibrahim M, Alqunaee M, Najibullah M, Shabbir Z, Azab WA

Surg Neurol Int, 2024;15:444.
PMID: 39640329 DOI: 10.25259/SNI_849_2024

BACKGROUND: Isolated sphenoid sinus fungal mucoceles are extremely rare and potentially associated with visual disturbances, cranial nerve (CN) deficits, or pituitary dysfunction. Their initial symptoms are often absent or nonspecific, and routine examination offers little information, resulting in diagnostic and therapeutic delays. A high index of suspicion and a thorough understanding of their clinical presentation, neuroradiological features, microbiological implications, and complication profile are crucial for early diagnosis and prompt management. We, herein, analyze a series of consecutive cases of isolated sphenoid sinus fungal mucoceles whom we treated, add to the currently existing published cases, and review the pertinent literature.
METHODS: From the databases of endoscopic endonasal skull base and rhinological surgical procedures maintained by our groups, all cases with isolated sphenoid sinus fungal mucoceles were retrieved and included in the study. Clinical and radiological findings, histopathologic evidence of fungal rhinosinusitis, culture results, clinicopathological designation, treatment details, and outcome of CN neuropathies were analyzed.
RESULTS: Headache was the most common symptom (seven cases). Oculomotor (three cases) and abducens (two cases) nerve palsies were encountered in five out of eight patients. Visual loss was seen in two cases. Hypopituitarism was seen in one case. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal wide bilateral sphenoidectomy. CN palsies improved in four out of five cases.
CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal wide sphenoidectomy is the surgical treatment of choice and should be performed in a timely manner to prevent permanent sequelae. Histopathological and microbiological examination findings should both be obtained as they dictate the next steps of therapeutic intervention.
Special focus on the role of α(1D)-adrenoreceptors in the assessment of renal tubular sodium re-absorptive responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats subjected to high sodium diet

Kazi RN, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Khan MA, Rathore HA, Abdulla MH, et al.

Yakugaku Zasshi, 2011 Mar;131(3):431-6.
PMID: 21372540

α(1D)-adrenoceptors are involved in the genesis/maintenance of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). This study aims to investigate the role of α(1D)-adrenoceptors in the antinatriuretic and antidiuretic responses in SHR subjected to high sodium (SHRHNa) and normal sodium (SHRNNa) intake for six weeks. Renal inulin clearance study was performed in which the antinatriuretic and antidiuretic responses to phenylephrine were examined in the presence and absence of α(₁D)-adrenoceptors blocker BMY7378. Data, mean±S.E.M. were subjected to ANOVA with significance at p<0.05. Results show that feeding SHR for six weeks with high salt did not cause any change in blood pressure. SHRHNa had higher (all p<0.05) urine flow rate (UFR), fractional and absolute excretion of sodium (FE(Na) and U(Na)V) compared to SHRNNa. Phenylephrine infusion produced significant reduction in UFR, FE(Na) and U(Na)V in both SHRHNa and SHRNNa. The antidiuretic and antinatriuretic responses to phenylephrine in both groups were attenuated in the presence of BMY7378. Moreover, the antidiuretic and antinatriuretic responses to phenylephrine and BMY7378 were independent on any significant changes in renal and glomerular hemodynamics in both groups. Thus we conclude that high sodium intake did not bring any further increase in blood pressure of SHR, however, it results in exaggerated natriuresis and diuresis in SHRHNa. Irrespective of dietary sodium changes, α₁-adrenoceptors are involved in mediating the antinatriuretic and antidiuretic responses to phenylephrine in SHR. Further, high sodium intake did not significantly influence the functionality of α(₁D)-adrenoceptors in mediating the adrenergically induced antinatriuresis and antidiuresis.
Fulltext In vitro pharmacodynamic profile of Loranthus ferrugineus: evidence for noncompetitive antagonism of norepinephrine-induced vascular contraction

Ameer OZ, Salman IM, Najim HS, Abdullah GZ, Abdulkarim MF, Yam MF, et al.

J Acupunct Meridian Stud, 2010 Dec;3(4):272-82.
PMID: 21185543 DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(10)60048-9

The mode by which Loranthus ferrugineus methanol extract antagonizes and/or modulates norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction was investigated in rat aortic rings. The vascular effects of three different concentrations of this extract were challenged against cumulative additions of norepinephrine. Phentolamine, a nonselective α-adrenoceptor antagonist, verapamil, an L-type calcium channel blocker, and papaverine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, were used in three different concentrations as positive controls. Log concentration-response curves and double-reciprocal plots were constructed for the extract and each vasorelaxant. To characterize antagonism reversibility, the norepinephrine maximum contractile effect was examined before extract addition to the aortic ring chamber and after its removal. Phentolamine shifted the norepinephrine log concentration-response curve to the right with no significant depression in the maximum response. Similar to verapamil and papaverine, the extract produced a rightward shift in norepinephrine log concentration-response curve and a significant drop in maximum response. The double-reciprocal plots showed comparable y-intercept values for all phentolamine concentrations, a characteristic of competitive antagonism. In contrast, different y-intercept values on double-reciprocal plots were obtained for each concentration of extract, verapamil, and papaverine, typical of noncompetitive antagonism. The norepinephrine maximum contractile response was approximately similar before the addition of extract and after its removal. The data collectively showed that L. ferrugineus methanol extract exerted its vascular effect by reversible noncompetitive antagonism of norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction. These findings add to the understanding of the cardiovascular mechanisms by which L. ferrugineus, a plant traditionally used for the management of hypertension, elicits its action.
Fulltext In vitro cholinomimetic effect of Loranthus ferrugineus in isolated guinea pig ileum

Ameer OZ, Salman IM, Siddiqui MJ, Yam MF, Sriramaneni RN, Sadikun A, et al.

J Acupunct Meridian Stud, 2009 Dec;2(4):288-93.
PMID: 20633504 DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(09)60070-4

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism(s) of the spasmogenic action of Loranthus ferrugineus in isolated guinea pig ileum. Thus the contractile responses of guinea pig ileum to graded additions of either L. ferrugineus methanol extract or its n-butanol fraction were tested in the presence and absence of various pharmacological interventions. The data showed that L. ferrugineus methanol extract and the n-butanol fraction produced a concentration-dependent spasmogenic effect in isolated guinea pig ileum segments. These effects were significantly inhibited in the presence of 1 microM atropine. In contrast, the response to the lowest concentrations of L. ferrugineus methanol extract (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/mL) and n-butanol fraction of L. ferrugineus (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL) were considerably enhanced in the presence of 0.05 microM neostigmine. Neither L. ferrugineus methanol extract nor n-butanol fraction contractile responses were affected upon the incubation of the ileal segments with 100 microM hexamethonium. The results of this study show that the spasmogenic effect of L. ferrugineus is possibly mediated through a direct action on intestinal muscarinic receptors. It is suggested that the bioactive constituents of L. ferrugineus serve as a substrate for acetylcholinesterase.
Renal ischemic injury affects renal hemodynamics and excretory functions in Sprague Dawley rats: involvement of renal sympathetic tone

Salman IM, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Ameer OZ, Yam MF, Kaur G, et al.

Ren Fail, 2010 Jan;32(1):96-102.
PMID: 20113274 DOI: 10.3109/08860220903389196

The role of renal sympathetic nerves in the pathogenesis of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) and the immediate changes in the renal excretory functions following renal ischemia were investigated. Two groups of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were anesthetized (pentobarbitone sodium, 60 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and subjected to unilateral renal ischemia by clamping the left renal artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion. In group 1, the renal nerves were electrically stimulated and the responses in the renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were recorded, while group 2 was used to study the early changes in the renal functions following renal ischemia. In post-ischemic animals, basal RBF and the renal vasoconstrictor reperfusion to renal nerve stimulation (RNS) were significantly lower (all p < 0.05 vs. control). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), basal RVR, urine flow rate (UFR), absolute and fractional excretions of sodium (U(Na)V and FE(Na)), and potassium (U(K)V and FE(K)) were higher in ARF rats (all p < 0.05 vs. control). Post-ischemic animals showed markedly lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p < 0.05 vs. control). No appreciable differences were observed in urinary sodium to potassium ratio (U(Na)/U(K)) during the early reperfusion phase of renal ischemia (p > 0.05 vs. control). The data suggest an immediate involvement of renal sympathetic nerve action in the pathogenesis of ischemic ARF primarily through altered renal hemodynamics. Diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis due to impaired renal tubular functions are typical responses to renal ischemia and of comparable magnitudes.
Valorization of biodiesel side stream waste glycerol for rhamnolipids production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa RS6

Baskaran SM, Zakaria MR, Mukhlis Ahmad Sabri AS, Mohamed MS, Wasoh H, Toshinari M, et al.

Environ Pollut, 2021 Feb 13;276:116742.
PMID: 33621735 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116742

Biodiesel side stream waste glycerol was identified as a cheap carbon source for rhamnolipids (RLs) production which at the same time could improve the management of waste. The present study aimed to produce RLs by using Pseudomonas aeruginosa RS6 utilizing waste glycerol as a substrate and to evaluate their physico-chemicals properties. Fermentation conditions such as temperature, initial medium pH, waste glycerol concentration, nitrogen sources and concentrations resulted in different compositions of the mono- and di-RLs produced. The maximum RLs production of 2.73 g/L was obtained when P. aeruginosa RS6 was grown in a basal salt medium supplemented with 1% waste glycerol and 0.2 M sodium nitrate at 35 °C and pH 6.5. At optimal fermentation conditions, the emulsification index (E24) values of cooking oil, diesel oil, benzene, olive oil, petroleum, and kerosene were all above E24=50%. The surface tension reduction obtained from 72.13 mN/m to 29.4-30.4 mN/m was better than the surface activity of some chemical-based surfactants. The RLs produced possessed antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with values ranging from 37% to 77% of growth inhibition when 1 mg/mL of RLs was used. Concentrations of RLs below 1500 μg/mL did not induce phytotoxicity effects on the tested seeds (Vigna radiata) compared to the chemical-based- surfactant, SDS. Furthermore, RLs tested on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos only exhibited low acute toxicity with an LC50 value of 72.97 μg/mL at 48 h of exposure suggesting a green and eco-biochemical worthy of future applications to replace chemical-based surfactants.
Role of the renal sympathetic nervous system in mediating renal ischaemic injury-induced reductions in renal haemodynamic and excretory functions

Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Yam MF, Najim HS, et al.

Pathology, 2010 Apr;42(3):259-66.
PMID: 20350220 DOI: 10.3109/00313021003631304

We investigated the role of renal sympathetic innervation in the deterioration of renal haemodynamic and excretory functions during the early post-ischaemic phase of renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Renal sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity in early streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney disease

Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Yam MF, Abdullah GZ, et al.

Neurourol Urodyn, 2011 Mar;30(3):438-46.
PMID: 21284025 DOI: 10.1002/nau.21007

We assessed the role of renal sympathetic nervous system in the deterioration of renal hemodynamic and excretory functions in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Characterization of the possible mechanisms underlying the hypotensive and spasmogenic effects of Loranthus ferrugineus methanolic extract

Ameer OZ, Salman IM, Siddiqui MJ, Yam MF, Sriramaneni RN, Sadikun A, et al.

Am J Chin Med, 2009;37(5):991-1008.
PMID: 19885958

In the present study, L. ferrugineus methanol extract (LFME) was evaluated for its blood pressure lowering effect in anesthetized normotensive Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and its spasmogenic effect in isolated guinea pig ileum. The possible mechanism(s) of action were also investigated. LFME was obtained by Soxhlet extraction. The rats were fasted overnight and anesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone (60 mg/kg i.p.). LFME was administered in i.v. boluses in the concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively, with concomitant monitoring of mean arterial pressure (MAP). It was found that LFME dose-dependently reduced MAP. An i.v. bolus injection of atropine significantly decreased the blood pressure lowering effect of LFME. Similarly, L-NAME (Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) significantly lowered both the MAP and the action duration. Conversely, no significant change in MAP was seen following i.v. injections of neostigmine, hexamethonium, prazosin and propranolol. LFME also produced a dose-dependent contractile effect in guinea pig ileum. This contraction was significantly reduced in atropine pre-incubated tissue segments, yet it was significantly enhanced in the presence of neostigmine. No appreciable change in the ability of LFME to contract guinea pig ileum was seen in the presence of hexamethonium. Accordingly, it can be postulated that LFME possesses a marked hypotensive effect that can be attributed to stimulation of muscarinic receptors and/or stimulation of nitric oxide (NO) release. Moreover, LFME retains a considerable spasmogenic action due to its cholinergic properties. The hypotensive and spasmogenic effects of LFME justify its traditional uses.
CO2 from waste to resource by developing novel mixed matrix membranes

Shakoor A, Khan AL, Akhter P, Aslam M, Bilad MR, Maafa IM, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Mar;28(10):12397-12405.
PMID: 32651793 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10044-3

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated by the hydrothermal synthesis of ordered mesoporous KIT-6 type silica and incorporating in polyimide (P84). KIT-6 and MMMs were characterized to evaluate morphology, thermal stability, surface area, pore volume, and other characteristics. SEM images of synthesized MMMs and permeation data of CO2 suggested homogenous dispersion of mesoporous fillers and their adherence to the polymer matrix. The addition of KIT-6 to polymer matrix improved the permeability of CO2 due to the increase in diffusivity through porous particles. The permeability was 3.2 times higher at 30% loading of filler. However, selectivity showed a slight decrease with the increase in filler loadings. The comparison of gas permeation results of KIT-6 with the well-known MCM-41 revealed that KIT-6 based MMMs showed 14% higher permeability than that of MMMs composed of mesoporous MCM-41. The practical commercial viability of synthesized membranes was examined under different operating temperatures and mixed gas feeds. Mesoporous KIT-6 silica is an attractive additive for gas permeability enhancement without compromising the selectivity of MMMs. Graphical abstract.
Fulltext Effect of dragon fruit extract on oxidative stress and aortic stiffness in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Anand Swarup KR, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Abdulla MH, Salman IM, Rathore HA, et al.

Pharmacognosy Res, 2010 Jan;2(1):31-5.
PMID: 21808536 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.60582

Cardiovascular complications are consistently observed in diabetic patients across all age groups. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Hylocereus undatus (DFE) on aortic stiffness and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Twenty-four male, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: I (control), II (diabetic), III (DFE, 250 mg/kg) and IV (DFE 500 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced in groups II, III and IV by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of STZ (40 mg/kg). After confirmation of diabetes, group III and IV received DFE for 5 weeks. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used as a marker of aortic stiffness and was determined at the end of 5 weeks. DFE significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, but not to normal levels. Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and PWV were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats at the end of 5 weeks in comparison with control group. DFE treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) these elevations. Oxidative damage was observed in group II after 5 weeks. Plasma malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity significantly increased (P < 0.05) with DFE treatment in comparison with group II. These data demonstrate that DFE treatment was effective in controlling oxidative damage and decreasing the aortic stiffness measured by PWV in STZ-induced diabetes in rats.
Carbohydrate polymers-based surface modified nano delivery systems for enhanced target delivery to colon cancer - A review

Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Alanazi IM, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Falemban AH, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Dec 31;253(Pt 2):126581.
PMID: 37652322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126581

Carbohydrate polymers-based surface-modified nano-delivery systems have gained significant attention in recent years for enhancing targeted delivery to colon cancer. These systems leverage carbohydrate polymers' unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controlled release. These properties make them suitable candidates for drug delivery applications. Nano-delivery systems loaded with bioactive compounds are well-studied for targeted colorectal cancer delivery. However, those drugs' target reach is still limited in various nano-delivery systems. To overcome this limitation, surface modification of nanoparticles with carbohydrate polymers like chitosan, pectin, alginate, and guar gum showed enhanced target-reaching capacity along with enhanced anticancer efficacy. Recently, a chitosan-decorated PLGA nanoparticle was constructed with tannic acid and vitamin E and showed long-term release of specific targets along with higher anticancer efficacy. Similarly, Chitosan-conjugated glucuronic acid-coated silica nanoparticles loaded with capecitabine were studied against colon cancer and found to be the pH-responsive controlled release of capecitabine with higher anticancer efficacy. Surface-modified carbohydrate polymers have promising potential for improving colon cancer target delivery. By leveraging the unique properties of these polymers, such as surface modification, pH responsiveness, mucoadhesion, controlled drug release, and combination therapy, researchers are working toward developing more effective and targeted treatment strategies for colon cancer.
Fulltext Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide/Polyethylene Glycol/Folic Acid/Brucine Nanocomposites and Their Anticancer Activity on HepG2 Cells

Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Alanazi IM, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Falemban AH, et al.

Int J Nanomedicine, 2024;19:1109-1124.
PMID: 38344441 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S445206

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is the sixth most prevalent form of cancer and the second major cause of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. Cancer nanotechnology has the ability to fundamentally alter cancer treatment, diagnosis, and detection.
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we explained the development of graphene oxide/polyethylene glycol/folic acid/brucine nanocomposites (GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs) and evaluated their antimicrobial and anticancer effect on the liver cancer HepG2 cells.
METHODOLOGY: The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs were prepared using the co-precipitation technique and characterized using various techniques. The cytotoxicity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against both liver cancer HepG2 and non-malignant Vero cells using an MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against several pathogens using the well diffusion technique. The effects of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs on endogenous ROS accumulation, apoptosis, and MMP levels were examined using corresponding fluorescent staining assays, respectively. The apoptotic protein expressions, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspases, were studied using the corresponding kits.
RESULTS: The findings of various characterization assays revealed the development of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs with face-centered spherical morphology and an agglomerated appearance with an average size of 197.40 nm. The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs treatment remarkably inhibited the growth of the tested pathogens. The findings of the MTT assay evidenced that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs effectively reduced the HepG2 cell growth while not showing toxicity to the Vero cells. The findings of the fluorescent assay proved that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs increased ROS generation, reduced MMP levels, and promoted apoptosis in the HepG2 cells. The levels of Bax, caspase-9, and -3 were increased, and Bcl-2 was reduced in the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs-treated HepG2 cells.
CONCLUSION: The results of this work demonstrate that GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs suppress viability and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells, indicating their potential as an anticancer candidate.
Fulltext 3-Methyl-1-{(E)-[1-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-idene]amino}-thio-urea: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis

Lai LC, Rahman CNBCA, Tahir MIM, Ravoof TBSA, Jotani MM, Tiekink ERT

Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2018 Feb 01;74(Pt 2):256-260.
PMID: 29850066 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989018001305

The title disubstituted thio-urea derivative, C10H14N4S, features an almost planar imine (E configuration, C3N) core flanked by thio-urea (CN2S) and methyl-pyridyl (C5N) residues (each plane has a r.m.s. deviation of the respective fitted atoms of 0.0066 Å). The dihedral angles between the core and the thio-urea and pyridyl residues are 20.25 (8) and 7.60 (9)°, respectively, indicating twists in the mol-ecule; the dihedral angle between the outer planes is 13.62 (7)°. There is an anti-disposition of the amine-N-H atoms which allows for the formation of an intra-molecular amine-N-H⋯N(imine) hydrogen bond that closes an S(5) loop. In the crystal, amine-N-H⋯N(pyrid-yl) hydrogen bonds lead to zigzag (glide symmetry) supra-molecular chains along the c-axis direction. These are connected into a supra-molecular layer propagating in the bc plane by thio-amide-N-H⋯S(thione) hydrogen bonds via eight-membered thio-amide {⋯HNCS}2 synthons.

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