Displaying publications 1141 - 1160 of 1650 in total

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  1. Description of a new sandstone-dwelling species of genus Cnemaspis (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Gunung Santubong National Park, southwestern Sarawak, Malaysia
    Kurita T, Nishikawa K, Hossman MY, Mizuno T, Sato H, Gumal M
    Zootaxa, 2024 Jun 12;5468(2):361-378.
    PMID: 39646172 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5468.2.7
    A newly discovered sandstone-dwelling species of the rock gecko, genus Cnemaspis, is described from Santubong National Park, 25 km north of Kuching, southwestern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed that Cnemaspis puterisantubongae sp. nov. is closely related to other Cnemaspis species in southwestern Sarawak, except for C. kendallii, although these relationships remain unclear. The new species differs from closely related species in having a moderate snout-vent length of up to 66.7 mm; 10-14 precloacal pores in males; 9-14 obviously-convex precloacal pore-bearing scales in females; enlarged, smooth, flat median subcaudal scales; sharp-edged, broad black markings on the trunk dorsum; and a black-gray banding pattern on the posterior part of the original tail, with white median subcaudal scales in males. This discovery of this new species from Santubong National Park, which is highly accessible due to its proximity to Kuching, highlights the need for extensive inventory surveys throughout the national parks of Sarawak.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animal Structures/growth & development
  2. A new granite cave dwelling endemic species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hon Son Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam
    Tran TG, Lam NQ, Nguyen TMN, Nguyen NT, Nguyen TTP, Smith J, et al.
    Zootaxa, 2024 Nov 28;5541(4):485-512.
    PMID: 39646132 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5541.4.4
    During field work on Hon Son Island, we discovered a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus inferred from genetic and morphological evidence. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial gene ND2, delimit Cyrtodactylus borgattaorum sp. nov. as a new species in the C. intermedius group and the strongly supported sister species of C. phuquocensis in both Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses. The new species is distinguished from all other members of the intermedius group by having the combination of 12 supralabials; 10 or 11 infralabials; 22 or 23 small, rounded, smooth, paravertebral tubercles; 12 rows of small, rounded, smooth, longitudinally arranged body tubercles; 35-39 ventrals; 8-10 expanded subdigital lamellae, 12 or 13 unexpanded subdigital lamellae, and 21 or 22 total subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; 21 or 22 enlarged femorals; 8 or 9 enlarged precloacals; 8 or 9 precloacal pores in males; three rows of enlarged post-precloacals; postcloacal tubercles; enlarged femorals and enlarged precloacals not continuous; proximal femorals nearly same size of distal femorals; body tubercles smooth, greatly reduced; no pocketing between digits on the hands and feet; two dark-colored pigmented blotches on top of head; four dark-colored dorsal bands lacking lightened centers, thinner than light-colored interspaces between bands, bordered by prominent white tubercles; no dark body markings in light-colored interspaces between bands; limbs bearing white tubercles; and six dark-colored and light-colored caudal bands. Cyrtodactylus borgattaorum sp. nov. lives in syntopy with Cyrtodactylus eisenmanae which is the first record of syntopy between granite cave dwelling Cyrtodactylus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animal Structures/growth & development
  3. Efficacy of fungal antagonists against aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and fumonisins at different pathogen:antagonist inoculum ratios on grain corn agar and grain corn kernel
    Yazid SNE, Selamat J, Ismail SI, Sanny M, Samsudin NIP
    J Appl Microbiol, 2025 Mar 03;136(3).
    PMID: 40042983 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxaf049
    AIM: The present work investigated the efficacy of native biocontrol candidates (antagonists) against aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisins produced by native mycotoxigenic fungi isolated from Malaysia at different pathogen: antagonist inoculum ratios on grain corn agar and grain corn kernels.

    METHODS AND RESULTS: Five pathogen: antagonist inoculum ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) were employed. Non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Af1KD and Af5TD, and Penicillium janthinellum were used against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) by A. flavus. Against OTA by A. niger, and fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) by Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum, respectively, the antagonists Trichoderma asperelloides, T. asperellum, and T. harzianum were used. Non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus Af1KD was the most effective against AFB1 and AFB2 at all tested ratios and substrates. All Trichoderma spp. were effective against OTA by A. niger on grain corn agar at all tested ratios. Trichoderma asperelloides and T. asperellum were effective against FB1 and FB2 produced by F. verticillioides at all tested ratios and substrates. Trichoderma asperelloides was effective against FB1 and FB2 by F. proliferatum at all tested ratios and substrates.

    CONCLUSION: The native biocontrol candidates were effective against mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxin production on grain corn agar and grain corn kernels, and could be developed into biocontrol agents.

    Matched MeSH terms: Aspergillus niger/growth & development
  4. New species, new locality records and descriptions of calling songs of Phaneropterinae from Sabah
    Tan MK, Damit DFBA, Japir R, Chung AYC, Robillard T
    Zootaxa, 2025 Mar 17;5604(4):505-528.
    PMID: 40174189 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5604.4.4
    Based on recent sampling of orthopterans in Maliau Basin and Meligan (including near Long Pasia and Sinipung Hill), Sabah, Borneo, we present here notes on some of the katydids from the subfamily Phaneropterinae. Two new species were discovered and are described: Tapiena dimidia sp. nov. from Maliau Basin and Tapiena munae sp. nov. from Sinipung Hill near Long Pasia and Meligan. New locality records for Elbenia (Elbenia) paradigitata Gorochov, 2023, Stictophaula multa Gorochov & Voltshenkova, 2009, Holochlora falcata Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, 2024 and possibly Psyrana (Psyrana) nr. imitativa Gorochov, 2024. Calling songs of four species of Phaneropterinae are described for the first time: Elbenia (Elbenia) paradigitata Gorochov, 2023, Elbenia (Elbenia) ?tenera Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878, Rectimarginalis ensis (Haan, 1843) and Tapiena ?incisa Karny, 1923.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animal Structures/growth & development
  5. Replacing yellow maize with Illipe nut (Shorea stenoptera) improves growth performance and meat quality of porker pigs
    Evelyn LLL, Abu Daud NH, Loh TC, Candyrine SCL
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2024 Dec 23;57(1):8.
    PMID: 39710747 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04264-9
    The effects of incorporating Illipe nut into the diet of pigs, in replacement of yellow maize, on their growth performance and meat quality was investigated in a 60 days feeding trial. Twenty-four male pigs were divided into two treatments and fed diets with 0% (T1) or 15% (T2) Illipe nut inclusion. Feed intake, live weight (LW) and backfat thickness (BFT) were taken and used to calculate average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increase in backfat (IBF). At the end of the trial, final LW and BFT were measured. Pigs were then slaughtered and hot carcass weight (HCW), pH45mins, pH24hrs and dressing percentage (DP) were determined. Other analysis, including total moisture, thawing loss (TL), cooking loss (CL) and water holding capacity (WHC), were conducted on pork samples. Nutritional content and fatty acid (FA) composition of pork samples were analyzed, and nutritional indices were calculated. Improvements (P growth performance and meat quality.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sus scrofa/growth & development
  6. A makeover for the world's most hated crop
    Yan W
    Nature, 2017 Mar 15;543(7645):306-308.
    PMID: 28300119 DOI: 10.1038/543306a
    Matched MeSH terms: Crops, Agricultural/growth & development
  7. The PAL2 promoter activities in relation to structural development and adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana
    Wong JH, Namasivayam P, Abdullah MP
    Planta, 2012 Feb;235(2):267-77.
    PMID: 21874349 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-011-1506-9
    Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) plays a major role in plant growth, development and adaptation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the enzyme is encoded by four genes, namely PAL1, PAL2, PAL3, and PAL4 with PAL1 and PAL2 being closely related phylogenetically and functionally. PAL1 promoter activities are associated with plant development and are inducible by various stress agents. However, PAL2 promoter activities have not been functionally analysed. Here, we show that the PAL2 promoter activities are associated with the structural development of a plant and its organs. This function was inducible in an organ-specific manner by the avirulent strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (JL1065). The PAL2 promoter was active throughout the course of the plant development particularly in the root, rosette leaf, and inflorescence stem that provide the plant with structural support. In aerial organs, the levels of PAL2 promoter activities were negatively correlated with relative positions of the organs to the rosette leaves. The promoter was inducible in the root following an inoculation by JL1065 in the leaf suggesting PAL2 to be part of an induced defence system. Our results demonstrate how the PAL2 promoter activities are being coordinated and synchronised for the structural development of the plant and its organs based on the developmental programme. Under certain stress conditions the activity may be induced in favour of certain organs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Arabidopsis/growth & development; Plant Roots/growth & development; Plants, Genetically Modified/growth & development; Plant Components, Aerial/growth & development
  8. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone promoter-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein expression decreases during aging in female rats
    Soga T, Kitahashi T, Clarke IJ, Parhar IS
    Endocrinology, 2014 May;155(5):1944-55.
    PMID: 24605826 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1786
    Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) neurons project to GnRH neurons to negatively regulate reproductive function. To fully explore the projections of the GnIH neurons, we created transgenic rats carrying an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) tagged to the GnIH promoter. With these animals, we show that EGFP-GnIH neurons are localized mainly in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMN) and project to the hypothalamus, telencephalon, and diencephalic thalamus, which parallels and confirms immunocytochemical and gene expression studies. We observed an age-related reduction in c-Fos-positive GnIH cell numbers in female rats. Furthermore, GnIH fiber appositions to GnRH neurons in the preoptic area were lessened in middle-aged females (70 weeks old) compared with their younger counterparts (9-12 weeks old). The fiber density in other brain areas was also reduced in middle-aged female rats. The expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors mRNA in subsets of EGFP-GnIH neurons was shown in laser-dissected single EGFP-GnIH neurons. We then examined estradiol-17β and progesterone regulation of GnIH neurons, using c-Fos presence as a marker. Estradiol-17β treatment reduced c-Fos labeling in EGFP-GnIH neurons in the DMN of young ovariectomized adult females but had no effect in middle-aged females. Progesterone had no effect on the number of GnIH cells positive for c-Fos. We conclude that there is an age-related decline in GnIH neuron number and GnIH inputs to GnRH neurons. We also conclude that the response of GnIH neurons to estrogen diminishes with reproductive aging.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diencephalon/growth & development; Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus/growth & development; Hypothalamus/growth & development; Telencephalon/growth & development
  9. Fulltext Growth inhibitory response and ultrastructural modification of oral-associated candidal reference strains (ATCC) by Piper betle L. extract
    Nordin MA, Wan Harun WH, Abdul Razak F, Musa MY
    Int J Oral Sci, 2014 Mar;6(1):15-21.
    PMID: 24406634 DOI: 10.1038/ijos.2013.97
    Candida species have been associated with the emergence of strains resistant to selected antifungal agents. Plant products have been used traditionally as alternative medicine to ease mucosal fungal infections. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Piper betle extract on the growth profile and the ultrastructure of commonly isolated oral candidal cells. The major component of P. betle was identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS). Seven ATCC control strains of Candida species were cultured in yeast peptone dextrose broth under four different growth environments: (i) in the absence of P. betle extract; and in the presence of P. betle extract at respective concentrations of (ii) 1 mg⋅mL(-1); (iii) 3 mg⋅mL(-1); and (iv) 6 mg⋅mL(-1). The growth inhibitory responses of the candidal cells were determined based on changes in the specific growth rates (µ). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe any ultrastructural alterations in the candida colonies. LC-MS/MS was performed to validate the presence of bioactive compounds in the extract. Following treatment, it was observed that the µ-values of the treated cells were significantly different than those of the untreated cells (P<0.05), indicating the fungistatic properties of the P. betle extract. The candidal population was also reduced from an average of 13.44×10(6) to 1.78×10(6) viable cell counts (CFU)⋅mL(-1). SEM examination exhibited physical damage and considerable morphological alterations of the treated cells. The compound profile from LC-MS/MS indicated the presence of hydroxybenzoic acid, chavibetol and hydroxychavicol in P. betle extract. The effects of P. betle on candida cells could potentiate its antifungal activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Candida/growth & development; Candida albicans/growth & development; Candida tropicalis/growth & development; Candida glabrata/growth & development
  10. Modulatory effects of condensed tannin fractions of different molecular weights from a Leucaena leucocephala hybrid on the bovine rumen bacterial community in vitro
    Saminathan M, Sieo CC, Gan HM, Ravi S, Venkatachalam K, Abdullah N, et al.
    J Sci Food Agric, 2016 Oct;96(13):4565-74.
    PMID: 26910767 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7674
    BACKGROUND: Condensed tannin (CT) fractions of different molecular weights (MWs) may affect rumen microbial metabolism by altering bacterial diversity. In this study the effects of unfractionated CTs (F0) and five CT fractions (F1-F5) of different MWs (F1, 1265.8 Da; F2, 1028.6 Da; F3, 652.2 Da; F4, 562.2 Da; F5, 469.6 Da) from Leucaena leucocephala hybrid-Rendang (LLR) on the structure and diversity of the rumen bacterial community were investigated in vitro.

    RESULTS: Real-time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that the total bacterial population was not significantly (P > 0.05) different among the dietary treatments. Inclusion of higher-MW CT fractions F1 and F2 significantly (P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Clostridiales/growth & development; Prevotella/growth & development; Fibrobacter/growth & development*; Ruminococcus/growth & development*
  11. The draft genome of tropical fruit durian (Durio zibethinus)
    Teh BT, Lim K, Yong CH, Ng CCY, Rao SR, Rajasegaran V, et al.
    Nat Genet, 2017 Nov;49(11):1633-1641.
    PMID: 28991254 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3972
    Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a Southeast Asian tropical plant known for its hefty, spine-covered fruit and sulfury and onion-like odor. Here we present a draft genome assembly of D. zibethinus, representing the third plant genus in the Malvales order and first in the Helicteroideae subfamily to be sequenced. Single-molecule sequencing and chromosome contact maps enabled assembly of the highly heterozygous durian genome at chromosome-scale resolution. Transcriptomic analysis showed upregulation of sulfur-, ethylene-, and lipid-related pathways in durian fruits. We observed paleopolyploidization events shared by durian and cotton and durian-specific gene expansions in MGL (methionine γ-lyase), associated with production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). MGL and the ethylene-related gene ACS (aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase) were upregulated in fruits concomitantly with their downstream metabolites (VSCs and ethylene), suggesting a potential association between ethylene biosynthesis and methionine regeneration via the Yang cycle. The durian genome provides a resource for tropical fruit biology and agronomy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fruit/growth & development; Bombacaceae/growth & development
  12. Fulltext Upregulation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) Enhances Ethylene Biosynthesis and Accelerates Flower Senescence in Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum L
    Dek MSP, Padmanabhan P, Sherif S, Subramanian J, Paliyath AG
    Int J Mol Sci, 2017 Jul 15;18(7).
    PMID: 28714880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071533
    Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a key enzyme that phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol at 3'-hydroxyl position of the inositol head group initiating the generation of several phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols, collectively referred to as phosphoinositides. The function of PI3K in plant senescence and ethylene signal transduction process was studied by expression ofSolanum lycopersicumPI3K in transgenicNicotiana tabacum, and delineating its effect on flower senescence. Detached flowers of transgenic tobacco plants with overexpressedSl-PI3K(OX) displayed accelerated senescence and reduced longevity, when compared to the flowers of wild type plants. Flowers from PI3K-overexpressing plants showed enhanced ethylene production and upregulated expression of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase 1 (ACO1). Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed thatPI3Kwas expressed at a higher level in OX flowers than in the control. Seedlings of OX-lines also demonstrated a triple response phenotype with characteristic exaggerated apical hook, shorter hypocotyls and increased sensitivity to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate than the control wild type seedlings. In floral tissue from OX-lines,Solanum lycopersicumphosphatidylinositol 3-kinase green fluorescent protein (PI3K-GFP) chimera protein was localized primarily in stomata, potentially in cytoplasm and membrane adjacent to stomatal pores in the guard cells. Immunoblot analysis of PI3K expression in OX lines demonstrated increased protein level compared to the control. Results of the present study suggest that PI3K plays a crucial role in senescence by enhancing ethylene biosynthesis and signaling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tobacco/growth & development*; Flowers/growth & development*
  13. Fulltext Antibacterial effects of 18 medicinal plants used by the Khyang tribe in Bangladesh
    Hossan MS, Jindal H, Maisha S, Samudi Raju C, Devi Sekaran S, Nissapatorn V, et al.
    Pharm Biol, 2018 Dec;56(1):201-208.
    PMID: 29529970 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2018.1446030
    CONTEXT: The resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is raising serious concern globally. Asian medicinal plants could improve the current treatment strategies for bacterial infections. The antibacterial properties of medicinal plants used by the Khyang tribe in Bangladesh have not been investigated.

    OBJECTIVE: The present study examines the antibacterial properties of 18 medicinal plants used by the Khyang tribe in day-to-day practice against human pathogenic bacteria.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, roots and rhizomes from collected plants were successively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The corresponding 54 extracts were tested against six human pathogenic bacteria by broth microdilution assay. The antibacterial mode of actions of phytoconstituents and their synergistic effect with vancomycin and cefotaxime towards MRSA was determined by time-killing assay and synergistic interaction assay, respectively.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Hexane extract of bark of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl. (Lauraceae) inhibited the growth of MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii with MIC values below 100 µg/mL. From this plant, cinnamaldehyde evoked at 4 × MIC in 1 h an irreversible decrease of MRSA count Log10 (CFU/mL) from 6 to 0, and was synergistic with vancomycin for MRSA with fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.3.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that the medicinal plants in Bangladesh have high potential to improve the current treatment strategies for bacterial infection.

    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria/growth & development; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/growth & development
  14. Genotoxicity assessment of raw and treated water samples using Allium cepa assay: evidence from Perak River, Malaysia
    Malakahmad A, Manan TSBA, Sivapalan S, Khan T
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Feb;25(6):5421-5436.
    PMID: 29209979 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0721-8
    Allium cepa assay was carried out in this study to evaluate genotoxic effects of raw and treated water samples from Perak River in Perak state, Malaysia. Samples were collected from three surface water treatment plants along the river, namely WTPP, WTPS, and WTPK. Initially, triplicates of equal size Allium cepa (onions) bulbs, 25-30 mm in diameter and average weight of 20 g, were set up in distilled water for 24 h at 20 ± 2 °C and protected from direct sunlight, to let the roots to grow. After germination of roots (0.5-1.0 cm in length), bulbs were transferred to collected water samples each for a 96-h period of exposure. The root physical deformations were observed. Genotoxicity quantification was based on mitotic index and genotoxicity level. Statistical analysis using cross-correlation function for replicates from treated water showed that root length has inverse correlation with mitotic indices (r = - 0.969) and frequencies of cell aberrations (r = - 0.976) at lag 1. Mitotic indices and cell aberrations of replicates from raw water have shown positive correlation at lag 1 (r = 0.946). Genotoxicity levels obtained were 23.4 ± 1.98 (WTPP), 26.68 ± 0.34 (WTPS), and 30.4 ± 1.13 (WTPK) for treated water and 17.8 ± 0.18 (WTPP), 37.15 ± 0.17 (WTPS), and 47.2 ± 0.48 (WTPK) for raw water. The observed cell aberrations were adherence, chromosome delay, C-metaphase, chromosome loss, chromosome bridge, chromosome breaks, binucleated cell, mini cell, and lobulated nuclei. The morphogenetic deformations obtained were likely due to genotoxic substances presence in collected water samples. Thus, water treatment in Malaysia does not remove genotoxic compounds.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Roots/growth & development; Onions/growth & development
  15. Fulltext Berberine nanoparticles with enhanced in vitro bioavailability: characterization and antimicrobial activity
    Sahibzada MUK, Sadiq A, Faidah HS, Khurram M, Amin MU, Haseeb A, et al.
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2018;12:303-312.
    PMID: 29491706 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S156123
    BACKGROUND: Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses such as hypertension and inflammatory conditions, and as an anticancer and hepato-protective agent. Berberine has low oral bioavailability due to poor aqueous solubility and insufficient dissolution rate, which can reduce the efficacy of drugs taken orally. In this study, evaporative precipitation of nanosuspension (EPN) and anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump (APSP) were used to address the problems of solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability of berberine.

    METHODS: Semi-crystalline nanoparticles (NPs) of 90-110 nm diameter for APSP and 65-75 nm diameter for EPN were prepared and then characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD). Thereafter, drug content solubility and dissolution studies were undertaken. Berberine and its NPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activity.

    RESULTS: The results indicate that the NPs have significantly increased solubility and dissolution rate due to conversion of the crystalline structure to a semi-crystalline form.

    CONCLUSION: Berberine NPs produced by both APSP and EPN methods have shown promising activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts, with NPs prepared through the EPN method showing superior results compared to those made with the APSP method and the unprocessed drug.

    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria/growth & development; Candida/growth & development
  16. Investigation on solution-to-gel characteristic of thermosensitive and mucoadhesive biopolymers for the development of moxifloxacin-loaded sustained release periodontal in situ gels
    Sheshala R, Quah SY, Tan GC, Meka VS, Jnanendrappa N, Sahu PS
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2019 04;9(2):434-443.
    PMID: 29392681 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0488-6
    The objectives of present research were to develop and characterize thermosensitive and mucoadhesive polymer-based sustained release moxifloxacin in situ gels for the treatment of periodontal diseases. Poloxamer- and chitosan-based in situ gels are in liquid form at room temperature and transform into gel once administered into periodontal pocket due to raise in temperature to 37 °C. Besides solution-to-gel characteristic of polymers, their mucoadhesive nature aids the gel to adhere to mucosa in periodontal pocket for prolonged time and releases the drug in sustained manner. These formulations were prepared using cold method and evaluated for pH, solution-gel temperature, syringeability and viscosity. In vitro drug release studies were conducted using dialysis membrane at 37 °C and 50 rpm. Antimicrobial studies carried out against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.A.) and Streptococcus mutans (S. Mutans) using agar cup-plate method. The prepared formulations were clear and pH was at 7.01-7.40. The viscosity of formulations was found to be satisfactory. Among the all, formulations comprising of 21% poloxamer 407 and 2% poloxamer 188 (P5) and in combination with 0.5% HPMC (P6) as well as 2% chitosan and 70% β-glycerophosphate (C6) demonstrated an ideal gelation temperature (33-37 °C) and sustained the drug release for 8 h. Formulations P6 and C6 showed promising antimicrobial efficacy with zone of inhibition of 27 mm for A.A. and 55 mm for S. Mutans. The developed sustained release in situ gel formulations could enhance patient's compliance by reducing the dosing frequency and also act as an alternative treatment to curb periodontitis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Streptococcus mutans/growth & development; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/growth & development
  17. Fulltext Characterization and safety evaluation of partially purified bacteriocin produced by Escherichia coli E isolated from fermented pineapple Ananas comosus (L.) Merr
    Le VT, Leelakriangsak M, Lee SW, Panphon S, Utispan K, Koontongkaew S
    Braz J Microbiol, 2019 Jan;50(1):33-42.
    PMID: 30637641 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-018-0014-5
    Antibacterial activity of cell-free supernatant from Escherichia coli E against selected pathogenic bacteria in food and aquaculture was the highest against Edwardsiella tarda 3, a significant aquaculture pathogen. Biochemical properties of the bacteriocins were studied and bacteriocin was found to be sensitive to proteinase K, demonstrating its proteinaceous nature. In addition, pH and temperature affected bacteriocin activity and stability. The bacteriocins were partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation. The antibacterial activity was only detected in 20% ammonium sulfate fraction and direct detection of its activity was performed by overlaying on the indicator strains. The inhibition zone associated with the antibacterial activity was detected in the sample overlaid by E. tarda 3 and Staphylococcus aureus DMST8840 with the relative molecular mass of about 27 kDa and 10 kDa, respectively. Bacteriocin showed no cytotoxic effect on NIH-3T3 cell line; however, two virulence genes, aer and sfa, were detected in the genome of E. coli E by PCR. The characteristics of bacteriocins produced by E. coli E exhibited the antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria and the safe use determined by cytotoxicity test which may have interesting biotechnological applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Negative Bacteria/growth & development; Gram-Positive Bacteria/growth & development
  18. Synthesis of 2-Furyl[(4-aralkyl)-1-piperazinyl]methanone derivatives as suitable antibacterial agents with mild cytotoxicity
    Abbasi MA, Nazeer MM, Rehman A, Siddiqui SZ, Hussain G, Shah SA, et al.
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2018 Nov;31(6):2477-2485.
    PMID: 30473521
    The aim of the present research work was synthesis of some 2-furyl[(4-aralkyl)-1-piperazinyl]methanone derivatives and to ascertain their antibacterial potential. The cytotoxicity of these molecules was also checked to find out their utility as possible therapeutic agents. The synthesis was initiated by reacting furyl(-1-piperazinyl)methanone (1) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and lithium hydride with different aralkyl halides (2a-j) to afford 2-furyl[(4-aralkyl)-1-piperazinyl]methanone derivatives (3a-j). The structural confirmation of all the synthesized compounds was done by IR, EI-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectral techniques and through elemental analysis. The results of in vitro antibacterial activity of all the synthesized compounds were screened against Gram-negative (S. typhi, E. coli, P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) bacteria and were found to be decent inhibitors. Amongst the synthesized molecules, 3e showed lowest minimum inhibitory concentration MIC = 7.52±0.μg/mL against S. Typhi, credibly due to the presence of 2-bromobenzyl group, relative to the reference standard, ciprofloxacin, having MIC = 7.45±0.58μg/mL.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Negative Bacteria/growth & development; Gram-Positive Bacteria/growth & development
  19. Fulltext Secondary Metabolites Profiling of Acinetobacter baumannii Associated with Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) Leaves and Concentration Dependent Antioxidant and Prooxidant Properties
    Monowar T, Rahman MS, Bhore SJ, Raju G, Sathasivam KV
    Biomed Res Int, 2019;2019:6951927.
    PMID: 30868071 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6951927
    Secondary bioactive compounds of endophytes are inevitable biomolecules of therapeutical importance. In the present study, secondary metabolites profiling of an endophytic bacterial strain, Acinetobacter baumannii, were explored using GC-MS study. Presence of antioxidant substances and antioxidant properties in chloroform (CHL), diethyl ether (DEE), and ethyl acetate (EA) crude extracts of the endophytic bacteria were studied. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and ferrous ion chelating assay were evaluated. A total of 74 compounds were identified from the GC-MS analysis of the EA extract representing mostly alkane compounds followed by phenols, carboxylic acids, aromatic heterocyclic compounds, ketones, aromatic esters, aromatic benzenes, and alkenes. Among the two phenolic compounds, namely, phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- and phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, the former was found in abundance (11.56%) while the latter was found in smaller quantity (0.14%). Moreover, the endophytic bacteria was found to possess a number of metal ions including Fe(II) and Cu(II) as 1307.13 ± 2.35 ppb and 42.38 ± 0.352 ppb, respectively. The extracts exhibited concentration dependent antioxidant and prooxidant properties at high and low concentrations, respectively. The presence of phenolic compounds and metal ions was believed to play an important role in the antioxidant and prooxidant potentials of the extracts. Further studies are suggested for exploring the untapped resource of endophytic bacteria for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Capsicum/growth & development; Plant Leaves/growth & development
  20. Fulltext A P. falciparum NF54 Reporter Line Expressing mCherry-Luciferase in Gametocytes, Sporozoites, and Liver-Stages
    Marin-Mogollon C, Salman AM, Koolen KMJ, Bolscher JM, van Pul FJA, Miyazaki S, et al.
    Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 2019;9:96.
    PMID: 31058097 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00096
    Transgenic malaria parasites expressing fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins are valuable tools to interrogate malaria-parasite biology and to evaluate drugs and vaccines. Using CRISPR/Cas9 methodology a transgenic Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) NF54 line was generated that expresses a fusion of mCherry and luciferase genes under the control of the Pf etramp10.3 gene promoter (line mCherry-luc@etramp10.3). Pf etramp10.3 is related to rodent Plasmodium uis4 and the uis4 promoter has been used to drive high transgene expression in rodent parasite sporozoites and liver-stages. We examined transgene expression throughout the complete life cycle and compared this expression to transgenic lines expressing mCherry-luciferase and GFP-luciferase under control of the constitutive gapdh and eef1a promoters. The mCherry-luc@etramp10.3 parasites express mCherry in gametocytes, sporozoites, and liver-stages. While no mCherry signal was detected in asexual blood-stage parasites above background levels, luciferase expression was detected in asexual blood-stages, as well as in gametocytes, sporozoites and liver-stages, with the highest levels of reporter expression detected in stage III-V gametocytes and in sporozoites. The expression of mCherry and luciferase in gametocytes and sporozoites makes this transgenic parasite line suitable to use in in vitro assays that examine the effect of transmission blocking inhibitors and to analyse gametocyte and sporozoite biology.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plasmodium falciparum/growth & development*; Sporozoites/growth & development
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