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Statins-related peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients

Hammad MA, Syed Sulaiman SA, Alghamdi S, Mangi AA, Aziz NA, Mohamed Noor DA

Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2020 04 09;14(4):341-346.
PMID: 32305775 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.04.005

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a complaint with often unidentified reasons. Some medicines, including statins therapy, are anticipated to be amongst the reasons for PN.
AIMS: This study intended to assess the association of peripheral neuropathy with statins therapy amongst Type 2 diabetic patients.
METHODS: At Penang General Hospital, 757 cases were categorized into two groups (564 with statins therapy and 193 without statins therapy). The diagnosis of PN was investigated retrospectively for a period of 10 years (2006-2016). Confounding risk factors as age, diabetes period, hypertension, glycemic control, other co-morbidity, and prescriptions were matched.
RESULTS: About 129 (22.9%) cases from 564 statins users had PN. Only 30 (15.5%) subjects had PN from 193 statins non-users. Chi-square test showed a significant variance among statins treatment cohort and statin-free cohort in the occurrence of PN (P-value: 0.001). Spearman's investigation presented a positive correlation (r: 0.078, p-value: 0.031) among statins use and PN prevalence. Binary logistic regression was statistically significant for statins therapy as a predictor of peripheral neuropathy incidence (r2: 0.006, p-value: 0.027) amid diabetic patients. The relative risk of peripheral neuropathy connected with statins therapy is (RR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02-2.11). The excess relative risk is 47.1%. While the absolute risk (AR) is 7.3% and the number needed to harm (NNH) is 14.
CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated a positive association between peripheral neuropathy and statins utilization. Peripheral neuropathy was higher amongst statins users than the statins-free group.
Papaya (Carica papaya) leaf methanolic extract modulates in vitro rumen methanogenesis and rumen biohydrogenation

Jafari S, Goh YM, Rajion MA, Jahromi MF, Ahmad YH, Ebrahimi M

Anim Sci J, 2017 Feb;88(2):267-276.
PMID: 27345820 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12634

Papaya leaf methanolic extract (PLE) at concentrations of 0 (CON), 5 (LLE), 10 (MLE) and 15 (HLE) mg/250 mg dry matter (DM) with 30 mL buffered rumen fluid were incubated for 24 h to identify its effect on in vitro ruminal methanogenesis and ruminal biohydrogenation (BH). Total gas production was not affected (P > 0.05) by addition of PLE compared to the CON at 24 h of incubation. Methane (CH4 ) production (mL/250 mg DM) decreased (P
Fulltext Improving pediatric liquid medication labeling of the hospital information system in Malaysia: qualitative analysis of pharmacists' perceptions

Chan HK, Hassali MA, Lim CJ, Saleem F, Ghani NA

Pharm Pract (Granada), 2016 Apr-Jun;14(2):699.
PMID: 27382422 DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2016.02.699

BACKGROUND: Inadequacies of drug labeling have been frequently reported among Malaysian healthcare institutes, in which the Hospital Information System (HIS) is used.
OBJECTIVE: To identify potential areas to improve the existing labels used for pediatric liquid medications.
METHODS: This study was qualitative in nature, whereby focus group discussions (FGDs), face-to-face interviews (FTFIs), and onsite observation were used for data collection. Pharmacists stationed at three units (outpatient, inpatient and clinical pharmacy) of a tertiary hospital were targeted. Both FGDs and FTFIs were facilitated using a semi-structured interview guide, video-recorded and transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were thematically analyzed using content analysis approach.
RESULTS: Thirteen pharmacists participated in FGDs, while five were approached for FTFIs. Data analysis resulted in four major themes: format of labels, presentation of medication instructions, insufficiency of information, and the need for external aids and education. Participants unanimously agreed on the need for enlarging font sizes of key information. Suggestions were made to use more specific instructions for administration times and pictograms to illustrate important directions. The absence of information about storage, stability and handling of liquid medications was also highlighted. While discussion mainly focused on improving drug labeling, participants consistently stressed the need for an instruction sheet and pharmacist-based, one-to-one education regarding medication instructions.
CONCLUSION: This study provides important insights into critical shortcomings in current labeling practice, underlying the need for developing a new label that incorporates a new format, additional information and pictograms for pediatric liquid medications.
KEYWORDS: Child; Drug labeling; Hospital; Hospital Information Systems; Malaysia; Medication Errors; Pharmacy Service
Bio-energy generation in an affordable, single-chamber microbial fuel cell integrated with adsorption hybrid system: effects of temperature and comparison study

Tee PF, Abdullah MO, Tan IAW, Amin MAM, Nolasco-Hipolito C, Bujang K

Environ Technol, 2018 Apr;39(8):1081-1088.
PMID: 28417676 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1320433

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) integrated with adsorption system (MFC-AHS) is tested under various operating temperatures with palm oil mill effluent as the substrate. The optimum operating temperature for such system is found to be at ∼35°C with current, power density, internal resistance (Rin), Coulombic efficiency (CE) and maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 2.51 ± 0.2 mA, 74 ± 6 mW m-3, 25.4 Ω, 10.65 ± 0.5% and 93.57 ± 1.2%, respectively. Maximum current density increases linearly with temperature at a rate of 0.1772 mA m-2 °C-1, whereas maximum power density was in a polynomial function. The temperature coefficient (Q10) is found to be 1.20 between 15°C and 35°C. Present studies have demonstrated better CE performance when compared to other MFC-AHSs. Generally, MFC-AHS has demonstrated higher COD removals when compared to standalone MFC regardless of operating temperatures.
ABBREVIATIONS: ACFF: activated carbon fiber felt; APHA: American Public Health Association; CE: Coulombic efficiency; COD: chemical oxygen demand; ECG: electrocardiogram; GAC: granular activated carbon; GFB: graphite fiber brush; MFC: microbial fuel cell; MFC-AHS: microbial fuel cell integrated with adsorption hybrid system; MFC-GG: microbial fuel cell integrated with graphite granules; POME: palm oil mill effluent; PTFE: polytetrafluoroethylene; SEM: scanning electron microscope.
Development and Psychometric Properties of a Tuberculosis-Specific Multidimensional Health-Related Quality-of-Life Measure for Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abdulelah J, Sulaiman SAS, Hassali MA, Blebil AQ, Awaisu A, Bredle JM

Value Health Reg Issues, 2015 May;6:53-59.
PMID: 29698193 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2015.03.006

BACKGROUND: Various generic instruments exist to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with tuberculosis (TB), but a psychometrically sound disease-specific instrument is lacking.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate a multidimensional TB-specific HRQOL instrument relevant to the value of patients with pulmonary TB in Iraq with an eye toward cross-cultural application.

METHODS: The core general HRQOL questionnaire is composed of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General items. A modular approach was followed for the development of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Tuberculosis (FACIT-TB) questionnaire in which a set of items assessing quality-of-life (QOL) issues not sufficiently covered by the core Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General items, but considered to be relevant to the target population, was added. Moreover, principal-component analysis was used to determine the new subscale structure of the questionnaire.

RESULTS: In addition to the 27 items of the core questionnaire, a set of 20 items referring to disease symptoms related to the site of infection, adverse effects, and additional QOL dimensions such as fatigue, social stigma, and economic burden of the illness was included. Factor analysis demonstrated that the FACIT-TB construct comprised five domains.

CONCLUSIONS: A rigorous method was applied in the development of the FACIT-TB measure to fully understand the impact of TB on patients' QOL. The instrument is psychometrically sound and portrays multiple important dimensions of HRQOL. FACIT-TB is relatively brief, is easy to administer and score, and is appropriate for use in clinical trials and practice.
Fulltext Assessment of attitudes and practices of young Malaysian adults about antibiotics use: a cross-sectional study

Hassali MA, Arief M, Saleem F, Khan MU, Ahmad A, Mariam W, et al.

Pharm Pract (Granada), 2017 Apr-Jun;15(2):929.
PMID: 28690695 DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2017.02.929

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to evaluate the practices and attitudes of young Malaysian adults towards the use of antibiotics, and to determine the socioeconomic factors associated with the antibiotic use.

METHODS: A survey was carried in Cheras community by approaching a conveniently selected sample of 480 participants. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection.

RESULT: Of 480 participants approached, 400 agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 83.3%. The study results showed that 42.75% of the participants exhibited poor attitudes towards antibiotic usage. Chinese race and high income were significantly associated with the positive attitudes towards antibiotic usage. It is shown that the practice of the participants towards antibiotics was relatively poor. The majority of participants agreed that they do not consult a doctor for minor illnesses (64%). The main reason for not consulting a doctor was the high fees of consultation (34.25%) and the inconvenience of visit (29.25%). However, a large proportion of respondents (77.5%) agreed that there is a need to enhance antibiotic education among public.

CONCLUSION: The study results identified some crucial gaps in the attitudes and practices of Cheras community about the use of antibiotics. Thus, improving the public knowledge and changing their attitude towards antibiotic use along with proper interventions to regulate the ease of their availability would play a significant role for the effective use of antibiotics in the community.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms and associated risk factors among medical students, Saudi Arabia

Atta MM, Sayed MH, Zayed MA, Alsulami SA, Al-Maghrabi AT, Kelantan AY

Int J Gen Med, 2019;12:293-298.
PMID: 31692498 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S206995

Background and aims: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disease worldwide that is associated with impaired quality of life and higher risk of complications. The identification of risk factors is necessary for preventive measures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of GERD symptoms as well as its relation to body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors among medical students of Jeddah and Rabigh branches, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia. The study included 197 medical students from Rabigh and Jeddah branches of the university. The study employed a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire which is derived from a self-administered validated GERD questionnaire (GerdQ).
Results: The prevalence of GERD symptoms was 25.9%. The most frequent symptoms were regurgitation and burning sensation. High BMI, family history, energy drinks and fried food were found to be statistically significant risk factors (p<0.05) by univariate analysis. However, the logistic regression for the prediction of GERD symptoms among medical students showed that only family history had a significant correlation (p<0.05).
Conclusion: GERD symptoms were common in medical students of King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Family history was found to be a significant predictor of GERD symptoms. Effective educational strategies for groups with significant risk factors of GERD need to be implemented.
Small Molecules as LIM Kinase Inhibitors

Bukhari SNA, Tandiary MA, Al-Sanea MM, Abdelgawad MA, Chee CF, Hussain MA

Curr Med Chem, 2021 Oct 26.
PMID: 34702151 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211026120335

LIMK1 and LIMK2 are involved in the regulation of cellular functions that depend on the dynamics of actin cytoskeleton. Disregulation of LIM kinases has been associated with diseases, such as tumor progression and metastasis, viral infection, and ocular diseases. Motivated by this, numerous studies have been carried out to discover small organic molecules capable of inhibiting LIM kinase effectively and selectively. In this review, a comprehensive survey of small organic molecules for LIM kinase inhibitors is reported, together with SAR study results, and the synthesis of these inhibitors.
Diabetes knowledge, medication adherence and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes

Al-Qazaz HKh, Sulaiman SA, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Sundram S, Al-Nuri R, et al.

Int J Clin Pharm, 2011 Dec;33(6):1028-35.
PMID: 22083724 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-011-9582-2

BACKGROUND: Most of interventions that have attempted to improve medication adherence in type 2 diabetes have been educational; on the assumption that knowledge regarding diabetes might affect patients' adherence to their treatment regimen.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to investigate any association of knowledge and medication adherence with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Setting The study was conducted at the Diabetes Outpatients Clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 540 adult patients with type 2 diabetes attending the clinic. A questionnaire including previously validated Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used and the patients' medical records were reviewed for haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels and other disease-related information. A total of 35 (6.48%) patients were excluded after data collection due to lack of HbA1C results.
RESULTS: Five hundred and five patients were included in the final analysis, with a mean age of 58.15 years (SD = 9.16), 50.7% males and median HbA1C of 7.6 (IQR was 6.7-8.9). The median total knowledge score was 7.0 (IQR was 5.0-10.0) while the median adherence score was 6.5 (IQR was 4.75-7.75). Significant correlations were found between the three variables (HbA1C, knowledge and adherence). A significantly higher score for knowledge and adherence (P < 0.05) was found in those patients with lower HbA1C. Higher diabetes knowledge, higher medication adherence and using mono-therapy were significant predictors of good glycemic control in the multivariate analysis.
CONCLUSION: Patients' knowledge about diabetes is associated with better medication adherence and better glycemic control. In addition to other factors affecting medication adherence and glycemic control, healthcare providers should pay attention to knowledge about diabetes that the patients carry towards medication adherence.

Study site: Diabetes Outpatients Clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Metabolomics in tea products; a compile of applications for enhancing agricultural traits and quality control analysis of Camellia sinensis

Farag MA, Elmetwally F, Elghanam R, Kamal N, Hellal K, Hamezah HS, et al.

Food Chem, 2023 Mar 15;404(Pt B):134628.
PMID: 36283313 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134628

Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages, with several health benefits. Polyphenols are the predominant constituents to account for its health benefits. Despite the well-known benefits of tea on health, the uniqueness of its aroma, taste, and features is an added value that contribute to the increased popularity of this beverage worldwide, and they are associated with the alterations in the metabolites during tea processing and cultivation. The manufacturing of tea consists of several stages with various processes as withering, fixing, rolling, fermentation and drying. The classification into tea types is according to such processing. The high-quality production of the various tea classes also depends on agricultural conditions, such as shading, plucking, climate, and soil composition. Metabolomics is well recognized as an effective tool for evaluating the quality of tea products. Applications in controlling the quality of tea products and adulterant detection are discussed in this review.
Fulltext A Central Bioactive Region of LTBP-2 Stimulates the Expression of TGF-β1 in Fibroblasts via Akt and p38 Signalling Pathways

Sideek MA, Smith J, Menz C, Adams JRJ, Cowin AJ, Gibson MA

Int J Mol Sci, 2017 Oct 09;18(10).
PMID: 28991210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102114

Latent transforming growth factor-β-1 binding protein-2 (LTBP-2) belongs to the LTBP-fibrillin superfamily of extracellular proteins. Unlike other LTBPs, LTBP-2 does not covalently bind transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) but appears to be implicated in the regulation of TGF-β1 bioactivity, although the mechanisms are largely unknown. In experiments originally designed to study the displacement of latent TGF-β1 complexes from matrix storage, we found that the addition of exogenous LTBP-2 to cultured human MSU-1.1 fibroblasts caused an increase in TGF-β1 levels in the medium. However, the TGF-β1 increase was due to an upregulation of TGF-β1 expression and secretion rather than a displacement of matrix-stored TGF-β1. The secreted TGF-β1 was mainly in an inactive form, and its concentration peaked around 15 h after addition of LTBP-2. Using a series of recombinant LTBP-2 fragments, the bioactivity was identified to a small region of LTBP-2 consisting of an 8-Cys motif flanked by four epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats. The LTBP-2 stimulation of TGF-β expression involved the phosphorylation of both Akt and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling proteins, and specific inactivation of each protein individually blocked TGF-β1 increase. The search for the cell surface receptor mediating this LTBP-2 activity proved inconclusive. Inhibitory antibodies to integrins β1 and αVβ5 showed no reduction of LTBP-2 stimulation of TGF-β1. However, TGF-β1 upregulation was partially inhibited by anti-αVβ3 integrin antibodies, suggestive of a direct or indirect role for this integrin. Overall, the study indicates that LTBP-2 can directly upregulate cellular TGF-β1 expression and secretion by interaction with cells via a short central bioactive region. This may be significant in connective tissue disorders involving aberrant TGF-β1 signalling.
Fulltext Component analysis of nutritionally rich chloroplasts: recovery from conventional and unconventional green plant species

Gedi MA, Briars R, Yuseli F, Zainol N, Darwish R, Salter AM, et al.

J Food Sci Technol, 2017 Aug;54(9):2746-2757.
PMID: 28928514 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2711-8

A study of the literature indicates that chloroplasts synthesise a range of molecules, many of which have nutritional value for humans, but the nutritional credentials of chloroplasts recovered from plant cells are not established. Chloroplast-rich-fractions (CRFs) were prepared from green plant species and the macro- and micro-nutrient composition compared with the whole leaf materials (WLMs). The results indicated that, on a dry weight basis, CRF material from a range of green biomass was enriched in lipids and proteins, and in a range of micronutrients compared with the WLM. Vitamins E, pro-vitamin A, and lutein were all greater in CRF preparations. Of the minerals, iron was most notably concentrated in CRF. Spinach CRFs possessed the highest α-tocopherol [62 mg 100 g-1, dry weight (DW)], β-carotene (336 mg 100 g-1 DW) and lutein (341 mg 100 g-1 DW) contents, whilst grass CRFs had the highest concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (69.5 mg g-1). The higher concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, lutein, ALA and trace minerals (Fe and Mn) in CRFs suggested their potential use as concentrated ingredients in food formulations deficient in these nutrients.
Study on the Shielding Effectiveness of an Arc Thermal Metal Spraying Method against an Electromagnetic Pulse

Lee HS, Choe HB, Baek IY, Singh JK, Ismail MA

Materials (Basel), 2017 Oct 04;10(10).
PMID: 28976931 DOI: 10.3390/ma10101155

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) explodes in real-time and causes critical damage within a short period to not only electric devices, but also to national infrastructures. In terms of EMP shielding rooms, metal plate has been used due to its excellent shielding effectiveness (SE). However, it has difficulties in manufacturing, as the fabrication of welded parts of metal plates and the cost of construction are non-economical. The objective of this study is to examine the applicability of the arc thermal metal spraying (ATMS) method as a new EMP shielding method to replace metal plate. The experimental parameters, metal types (Cu, Zn-Al), and coating thickness (100-700 μm) used for the ATMS method were considered. As an experiment, a SE test against an EMP in the range of 103 to 1010 Hz was conducted. Results showed that the ATMS coating with Zn-Al had similar shielding performance in comparison with metal plate. In conclusion, the ATMS method is judged to have a high possibility of actual application as a new EMP shielding material.
Assessment of health seeking behaviour and self-medication among general public in the state of Penang, Malaysia

Dawood OT, Hassali MA, Saleem F, Ibrahim IR, Abdulameer AH, Jasim HH

Pharm Pract (Granada), 2017 Jul-Sep;15(3):991.
PMID: 28943981 DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2017.03.991

BACKGROUND: Patients' behaviour in making decisions regarding health is currently changing from passive recipients to recipients who play an active role in taking action to control their health and taking self-care initiatives.
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the health seeking behaviour among general public and its associated factors; and to evaluate the medicine taking behaviour in public and the practice of self-medication.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among general public in Penang Island, Malaysia. A convenience sampling of 888 participants successfully completed the survey. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among the residents in the north east of Penang Island.
RESULTS: This study showed that most of the participants chose to consult the physician when they experience any health problems (66.7%), followed by self-medication (20.9%). The first action for consulting the physician was significantly predicted by Malay respondents and retired people (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.04-8.89). The prevalence of self-medication was 54%. The practice of self-medication was significantly associated with Chinese participants, educated people, people with alone living status and people with more self-care orientation.
CONCLUSION: Increasing the awareness of the public about the rational choice of getting medical assistance is a very important issue to control their health. A health education program is needed to increase the awareness about the use of medicines among the general public and to enable them to make the right decisions relating to health problems.
An investigative study on the zoonotic potential of Helicobacter pylori

Shaaban SI, Talat D, Khatab SA, Nossair MA, Ayoub MA, Ewida RM, et al.

BMC Vet Res, 2023 Jan 21;19(1):16.
PMID: 36670434 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03572-w

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections and is widespread globally. It causes a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, though a great proportion of infections are asymptomatic. A total of 143 fresh stool samples were collected from apparently healthy farm and pet animals (43 cattle, 50 buffaloes, 50 sheep, 50 dogs, and 50 cats), in addition to 768 human stool samples. The samples were examined using stool antigen and rapid antibody tests, and further confirmation of glmM "human antigen-positive samples and animal milk samples" was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
RESULTS: The prevalence rates of H. pylori infection in animals were 22.2% and 16% in antibody and stool antigen tests, respectively. The detection rates were 28%, 24%, 12%, 10%, and 4.7% in cats, dogs, buffaloes, sheep, and cattle, respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence rate of H. pylori infection in human stool samples was 74.8%, and a statistically significant association was observed between prevalence and several factors, such as sex, age, and locality. PCR was performed to detect the glmM gene of H. pylori, and this gene was found in 21 of 27 human antigen-positive samples and 5 of 13 animal milk samples.
CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori was detected in both human and animal samples. Furthermore, glmM was found in milk and human samples. Our findings suggest that pet and farm animals could transmit H. pylori infection to humans.
Fulltext Editorial: Sports nutrition and sustainability: Steps towards a healthier planet

Darwish AMG, El Enshasy HA, Gomaa MAE, Mefleh M

Front Sports Act Living, 2023;5:1146970.
PMID: 36909355 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1146970
Two dimensional-QSAR and molecular dynamics studies of a selected class of aldoxime- and hydroxy-functionalized chalcones as monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors

Mathew B, Ravichandran V, Raghuraman S, Rangarajan TM, Abdelgawad MA, Ahmad I, et al.

J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2023 Nov;41(19):9256-9266.
PMID: 36411738 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2146198

Candidates generated from unsaturated ketone (chalcone) demonstrated as strong, reversible and specific monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitory activity. For the research on MAO-B inhibition, our team has synthesized and evaluated a panel of aldoxime-chalcone ethers (ACE) and hydroxylchalcones (HC). The MAO-B inhibitory activity of several candidates is in the micro- to nanomolar range in these series. The purpose of this research was to develop predictive QSAR models and look into the relation between MAO-B inhibition by aldoxime and hydroxyl-functionalized chalcones. It was shown that the molecular descriptors ETA Shape P, MDEO-12, ETA dBetaP, SpMax1 Bhi and ETA EtaP B are significant in the inhibitory action of the MAO-B target. Using the current 2D QSAR models, potential chalcone-based MAO-B inhibitors might be created. The lead molecules were further analyzed by the detailed molecular dynamics study to establish the stability of the ligand-enzyme complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Ultrasound and enzyme assisted preparation of novel lactoferrin-cereal phenolic acid conjugates: structural, physicochemical and functional properties

Li Y, Dong L, Liu Y, Chen Q, Wu Z, Liu L, et al.

Food Chem, 2024 Mar 01;435:137572.
PMID: 37778268 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137572

The effects of covalent binding of protocatechuic acid (PA) and gallic acid (GA) to lactoferrin (LF) on the structure, functional, and antioxidant properties of the protein conjugate were investigated. These protein-phenolic conjugates were produced by laccase cross-linking and ultrasound-assisted free radical grafting, which were characterized using turbidity, particle size, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analyses. Structural changes in conjugates were monitored by endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and circular dichroism (CD). The antioxidant capacities and pH stability were determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and potentiometric analysis. The enzymatic cross-linking and free radical grafting yielded LF-PA/GA conjugates with altered hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential. Spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses revealed that binding to PA/GA altered the molecular structure of LF, with a decrease in LF isoelectric point post binding to PA/GA, without affecting antioxidant activities. In conclusion, LF-PA/GA conjugates present potential applications in the food industry.
Fulltext Role of diabetes in the prognosis and therapeutic outcome of tuberculosis

Syed Suleiman SA, Ishaq Aweis DM, Mohamed AJ, Razakmuttalif A, Moussa MA

Int J Endocrinol, 2012;2012:645362.
PMID: 22570649 DOI: 10.1155/2012/645362

Background. Increased susceptibility of diabetic mellitus (DM) patients to infection, including tuberculosis (TB), is well documented. The prevalence of DM in Malaysia is reaching epidemic proportions. In this study, we sought to assess risk factors for TB and the impact of DM on the outcome of TB treatment. Methods. TB patients, diabetic patients, and diabetic patients with TB were divided into three groups of 200 subjects each. Data were obtained from patients' medical files at the beginning and end of the study period. Prevalence rates of DM and HIV among TB patients were assessed. Prognosis, TB-related complications, anatomical site of infection, and duration of infection and diabetes were also examined. Results. The prevalence rates of HIV and DM amongst TB patients were 7.7 and 30%, respectively. The diabetic TB patient group contained more males (72%) and smokers (45.5%) compared to the nondiabetic group (58.3% and 33.5%, resp.). Approximately 74% of diabetic patients were Mycobacterium sputum positive compared to only 51% of nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients were also more likely to develop pulmonary TB (87%) compared to nondiabetic TB patients (59%). Diabetic TB patients had a higher mortality rate (7.5%) compared to the TB only and DM only groups (1 and 2%, resp.). The duration of TB symptoms was longer in nondiabetic TB patients compared to diabetic TB patients (4.5 versus 2.6 months, resp.). Diabetes antedated TB by a mean time of 4 years. Conclusions. We found a higher number of sputum-smear-positive cases and pulmonary TB cases as well as a greater number of males and higher mortality rate in diabetic patients compared to nondiabetic patients.
Investigating the crude oil biodegradation performance in bioreactor by using a consortium of symbiotic bacteria

Chuah LF, Nawaz A, Dailin DJ, Oloruntobi O, Habila MA, Tong WY, et al.

Chemosphere, 2023 Oct;337:139293.
PMID: 37369285 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139293

Crude oil pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues today, and the clean-up procedure is perhaps the most difficult. Within one to three weeks, the vast majority of oil bacteria may degrade approximately 60% of the crude oil, leaving approximately 40% intact. The by-product metabolites produced during the breakdown of oil are essentially organic molecules in nature. These metabolites inhibit its enzymes, preventing the oil bacteria from further degrading the oil. By combining a variety of different oils with heterotrophic bacteria in a bioreactor, the rate of crude oil biodegradation was accelerated. In this study, two strains of oil-resistant, heterotrophic bacteria (OG1 and OG2-Erythrobacter citreus) and a bacterium that uses hydrocarbons (AR3-Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes) were used. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to investigate the effectiveness of this consortium of symbiotic bacteria in the biodegradation of crude oil. According to gravimetric and gas chromatography analyses, the consortium bacteria digested 69.6% of the crude oil in the bioreactor, while the AR3 single strain was only able to destroy 61.9% of it. Under the same experimental conditions, consortium bacteria degraded approximately 84550.851 ppb (96.3%) of 16 aliphatic hydrocarbons and 9333.178 ppb (70.5%) of 16 aromatic hydrocarbons in the bioreactor. It may be inferred that the novel consortium of symbiotic bacteria accelerated the biodegradation process and had great potential for use in increasing the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated locations.

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