A study was conducted to investigate the antiviral activity of aqueous extracts from Orthosiphon stamineus (OS).
Extraction was done using different parts of OS. The whole plant except root (WPOS), leaves (LOS) and flowers (FOS) of
OS were extracted using aqueous extraction method. Cytotoxicity was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyl
tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Plaque reduction assays were carried out to evaluate the antiviral activity of OS extract
against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). These include post-treatment, pre-treatment and virucidal assays. High
antiviral activity was observed in post-treatment and virucidal assay with 100% reduction of HSV-1 plaque at 0.39 mg/
mL in LOS, FOS and WPOS. In pre-treatment assay, 79%, 84% and 97% plaque reduction using the same concentration
was observed in FOS, LOS and WPOS, respectively. In conclusion, this study showed that OS aqueous extract has promising
potential to be explored as anti-HSV-1 agent regardless of the mode of treatment.
A balanced interaction between osteoblast and osteoclast plays a major role in maintaining bone strength and structural
integrity. Tocotrienol, a palm derivative with potent antioxidant properties showed an anti-osteoporotic effect but little
is known about its mechanism of action. Hence, this research was conducted to determine the effects of palm tocotrienol
on the surface osteoblast and osteoclast of the the glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic bones. The study involved
40 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g which were randomly divided into an equal number of Baseline,
Sham, Adrx+Dexa (adrenalectomized with dexamethasone), Adrx+Dexa+ATF (adrenalectomized with dexamethasone
supplemented with α-tocopherol) and Adrx+Dexa+PTT (adrenalectomized with dexamethasone supplemented with
palm tocotrienol). Bloods were taken prior to sacrifice for serum biomarkers and either tibia or femur was harvested
for bone biomarkers, gene expressions analysis and histological studies. A double-blinded experiment was performed
to calculate the number of total cells (osteoblasts and osteoclast) with intact nuclei within five fields of view. While
serum osteocalcin and gene expression did not show any changes, CTX level was increased in the Adrx+Dexa group
but reduced after the supplementation of palm tocotrienol. Supplementation of palm tocotrienol also significantly
decrease the osteoclast population (p<0.05) compared to Adrx+Dexa group. In contrast, osteoblast population showed
no significant difference across the groups. The result showed that palm tocotrienol acts by modulating the osteoclasts
but not osteoblast, which revert the dynamics of bone cells population in the osteoporotic bone to its pre-osteoporotic
levels. Supplements of tocotrienol in daily diet may be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis.
This paper presents the design and evaluation of a high force density fishbone shaped electrostatic comb drive actuator. This comb drive actuator has a branched structure similar to a fishbone, which is intended to increase the capacitance of the electrodes and hence increase the electrostatic actuation force. Two-dimensional finite element analysis was used to simulate the motion of the fishbone shaped electrostatic comb drive actuator and compared against the performance of a straight sided electrostatic comb drive actuator. Performances of both designs are evaluated by comparison of displacement and electrostatic force. For both cases, the active area and the minimum gap distance between the two electrodes were constant. An active area of 800 × 300 μm, which contained 16 fingers of fishbone shaped actuators and 40 fingers of straight sided actuators, respectively, was used. Through simulation, improvement of drive force of the fishbone shaped electrostatic comb driver is approximately 485% higher than conventional electrostatic comb driver. These results indicate that the fishbone actuator design provides good potential for applications as high force density electrostatic microactuator in MEMS systems.
Fatigue cracking is an essential problem of asphalt concrete that contributes to pavement damage. Although stone matrix asphalt (SMA) has significantly provided resistance to rutting failure, its resistance to fatigue failure is yet to be fully addressed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) on stiffness and fatigue properties of SMA mixtures at optimum binder content, using four different modification levels, namely, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12% CRM by weight of the bitumen. The testing undertaken on the asphalt mix comprises the dynamic stiffness (indirect tensile test), dynamic creep (repeated load creep), and fatigue test (indirect tensile fatigue test) at temperature of 25°C. The indirect tensile fatigue test was conducted at three different stress levels (200, 300, and 400 kPa). Experimental results indicate that CRM-reinforced SMA mixtures exhibit significantly higher fatigue life compared to the mixtures without CRM. Further, higher correlation coefficient was obtained between the fatigue life and resilient modulus as compared to permanent strain; thus resilient modulus might be a more reliable indicator in evaluating the fatigue life of asphalt mixture.
This paper studies the effect of atomic layer deposition (ALD) temperature on the performance of top-down ZnO nanowire transistors. Electrical characteristics are presented for 10-μm ZnO nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs) and for deposition temperatures in the range 120°C to 210°C. Well-behaved transistor output characteristics are obtained for all deposition temperatures. It is shown that the maximum field-effect mobility occurs for an ALD temperature of 190°C. This maximum field-effect mobility corresponds with a maximum Hall effect bulk mobility and with a ZnO film that is stoichiometric. The optimized transistors have a field-effect mobility of 10 cm(2)/V.s, which is approximately ten times higher than can typically be achieved in thin-film amorphous silicon transistors. Furthermore, simulations indicate that the drain current and field-effect mobility extraction are limited by the contact resistance. When the effects of contact resistance are de-embedded, a field-effect mobility of 129 cm(2)/V.s is obtained. This excellent result demonstrates the promise of top-down ZnO nanowire technology for a wide variety of applications such as high-performance thin-film electronics, flexible electronics, and biosensing.
In the title compound, C14H12ClN5, the di-hydro-pyridine ring adopts a shallow boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the plane of this ring and that of the chloro-benzene ring is 69.15 (15)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯N and N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, generating (001) sheets.
In the title mol-ecular salt, C4H6ClN4 (+)·C5H7O4 (-), the cation is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.037 (1) Å for all non-H atoms. The anions are self-assembled through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a supra-molecular zigzag chain with graph-set notation C(8). In the crystal, the protonated N atom and the 2-amino group of the cation are hydrogen bonded to the carboxyl-ate O atoms of the anion via a pair of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds with an R 2 (2)(8) ring motif. This motif further self-organizes through N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating an array of six hydrogen bonds, the rings having graph-set notation R 3 (2)(8), R 2 (2)(8), R 4 (2)(8), R 2 (2)(8) and R 3 (2)(8). In addition, another type of R 2 (2)(8) motif is formed by inversion-related pyrimidinium cations via N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (101).
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the relations of rubber size, rubber content, and binder content in determination of optimum binder content for open graded friction course (OGFC). Mix gradation type B as specified in Specification for Porous Asphalt produced by the Road Engineering Association of Malaysia (REAM) was used in this study. Marshall specimens were prepared with four different sizes of rubber, namely, 20 mesh size [0.841 mm], 40 mesh [0.42 mm], 80 mesh [0.177 mm], and 100 mesh [0.149 mm] with different concentrations of rubberised bitumen (4%, 8%, and 12%) and different percentages of binder content (4%-7%). The appropriate optimum binder content is then selected according to the results of the air voids, binder draindown, and abrasion loss test. Test results found that crumb rubber particle size can affect the optimum binder content for OGFC.
Semi-flexible pavement surfacing is a composite pavement that utilizes the porous pavement structure of the flexible bituminous pavement, which is subsequently grouted with appropriate cementitious materials. This study aims to investigate the compressive strength, flexural strength, and workability performance of cementitious grout. The grout mixtures are designed to achieve high strength and maintain flow properties in order to allow the cement slurries to infiltrate easily through unfilled compacted skeletons. A paired-sample t-test was carried out to find out whether water/cement ratio, SP percentages, and use of silica fume influence the cementitious grout performance. The findings showed that the replacement of 5% silica fume with an adequate amount of superplasticizer and water/cement ratio was beneficial in improving the properties of the cementitious grout.
Recent studies revealed a possible reciprocal relationship between the skeletal system and obesity and lipid metabolism, mediated by osteocalcin, an osteoblast-specific protein. This study aimed to validate the relationship between serum osteocalcin and indices of obesity and lipid parameters in a group of Malaysian men.
Thermoelectricity, by converting heat energy directly into useable electricity, offers a promising technology to convert heat from solar energy and to recover waste heat from industrial sectors and automobile exhausts. In recent years, most of the efforts have been done on improving the thermoelectric efficiency using different approaches, that is, nanostructuring, doping, molecular rattling, and nanocomposite formation. The applications of thermoelectric polymers at low temperatures, especially conducting polymers, have shown various advantages such as easy and low cost of fabrication, light weight, and flexibility. In this review, we will focus on exploring new types of polymers and the effects of different structures, concentrations, and molecular weight on thermoelectric properties. Various strategies to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials will be discussed. In addition, a discussion on the fabrication of thermoelectric devices, especially suited to polymers, will also be given. Finally, we provide the challenge and the future of thermoelectric polymers, especially thermoelectric hybrid model.
In the title mol-ecule, C23H22N2OS, the di-phenyl-acetyl and ethyl-benzene groups adopt a trans-cis conformation, respectively, with respect to the S atom across the (S=)C-N bonds. This conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond and a weak C-H⋯S hydrogen bond. The ethyl-substituted benzene ring forms dihedral angles of 87.53 (15) and 73.94 (15)° with the phenyl rings. In the crystal, N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into chains along [100]. A weak C-H⋯π inter-action is also observed.
Osteoporosis is a major global health problem. Osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of bone mass and strength which leads to an increased risk of fracture. Glucocorticoid treatment is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. Glucocorticoid action in bone depends upon the expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD1). The oestrogen deficient state causes osteoporosis due to enhancement of osteoclastogenesis by oxidative stress which leads to increased bone resorption. Piper sarmentosum (Daun Kaduk) is commonly used in the local cuisine of South East Asia. It is also traditionally used to treat many diseases such as inflammation, dermatitis and joint pain. Studies have revealed antioxidant properties through its flavonoids compound naringenin which acts as a superoxide scavenger that may help in the endogenous antioxidant defence system to protect bone against osteoporosis. Recent studies found that Ps extract has the ability to inhibit the expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 in adipose tissue and bone which restored bone structure and strength. It also accelerates fracture healing in the oestrogen deficient state through its antioxidant properties. The cost of conventional treatment is high and together with the adverse effects it leads to noncompliance. Treatment modalities with herbal medicine, less side effects and is cheaper need to be explored.This review focused on the therapeutic effect of Ps extract on fracture healing in ovariectomized rats and its protective effects against glucocorticoid induced osteoporotic rats.
The title mol-ecule, C22H17F3N2OS, adopts a trans-cis conformation with respect to the positions of the carbonyl and tri-fluoro-methyl-benzene groups against the thio-carbonyl group across the C-N bonds. The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond with an S(6) ring motif. The tri-fluoro-methyl-substituted benzene ring forms dihedral angles of 66.05 (9) and 47.19 (9)° with the terminal phenyl rings and is twisted from the O=C-N-(C=S)-N carbonyl-thio-urea plane [maximum deviation = 0.0535 (12) Å], making a dihedral angle of 63.59 (8)°. In the crystal, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a layer parallel to the bc plane. A C-H⋯π inter-action is also observed.
In the title compound, C25H26N2OS, the diethyl-substituted benzene ring forms dihedral angles of 67.38 (9) and 55.32 (9)° with the terminal benzene rings. The mol-ecule adopts a trans-cis conformation with respect to the orientations of the di-phenyl-methane and 1,3-di-ethyl-benzene groups with respect to the S atom across the C-N bonds. This conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring. In the crystal, pairs of N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into inversion dimers, forming R 2 (2)(6) loops. The dimer linkage is reinforced by a pair of C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, which generate R 2 (2)(8) loops. Weak C-H⋯π and π-π [centroid-centroid seperation = 3.8821 (10) Å] inter-actions also occur in the crystal structure.
In the title compound, C(27)H(20)BrNO(3), two intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds both form S(6) rings. The pyrrolidine ring adopts a twisted conformation about the C-C bond bearing the indane ring systems. The other two five-membered rings within the indane systems are in shallow envelope conformations, with the spiro C atoms as the flap atoms. The mean plane of the pyrrolidine ring [maximum deviation = 0.275 (1) Å] makes dihedral angles of 65.25 (7), 78.33 (6) and 75.25 (6)° with the bromo-substituted benzene ring and the mean planes of the mono- and dioxo-substituted indane rings, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. In addition, C-H⋯π inter-actions are observed.
The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(27)H(32)N(4)O(4)·H(2)O, contains two independent benzimidazole-5-carboxyl-ate mol-ecules and two water mol-ecules. In both main mol-ecules, the pyrrolidine rings are in an envelope conformation with a methyl-ene C atom as the flap. The morpholine rings adopt chair conformations. Both benzimidazole rings are essentially planar, with maximum deviations of 0.008 (1) Å, and form dihedral angles of 37.65 (6) and 45.44 (6)° with the benzene rings. In one mol-ecule, an intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bond forms an S(7) ring motif. In the crystal, O-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds connect pairs of main mol-ecules and pairs of water mol-ecules into two independent centrosymmetric four-compoment aggregates. These aggregates are connect by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds leading to the formation of a three-dimensional network, which is stabilized by C-H⋯π interactions.
There has been no effective treatment or agent that is available for corneal injury in promoting corneal wound healing. Previous studies on edible bird's nest extract (EBN) had reported the presence of hormone-like substance; avian epidermal growth factor that could stimulate cell division and enhance regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EBN on corneal keratocytes proliferative capacity and phenotypical changes.
A dimeric iron(II) complex, trans-[Fe2(CH3COO)4(L1)2] (1), and a trinuclear iron(II) complex, [Fe3(CH3COO)4(H2O)4(L2)] (2), were studied as potential dye-sensitised solar cell materials. The structures of both complexes were deduced by a combination of instrumental analyses and molecular modelling. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data suggested that 1 was made up of 56.8% high-spin (HS) and 43.2% low-spin (LS) Fe(II) atoms at 294 K and has a moderate antiferromagnetic interaction (J=-81.2 cm(-1)) between the two Fe(II) centres, while 2 was made up of 27.7% HS and 72.3% LS Fe(II) atoms at 300 K. The optical band gaps (Eo) for 1 were 1.9 eV (from absorption spectrum) and 2.2 eV (from fluorescence spectrum), electrochemical bandgap (Ee) was 0.83 eV, excited state lifetime (τ) was 0.67 ns, and formal redox potential (E'(FeIII/FeII)) was +0.63 V. The corresponding values for 2 were 3.5 eV (from absorption spectrum), 1.8 eV (from fluorescence spectrum), 0.69 eV, 2.8 ns, and +0.41 V.
The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently put the world under stress, resulting in a global pandemic. Currently, there are no approved treatments or vaccines, and this severe respiratory illness has cost many lives. Despite the established antimicrobial and immune-boosting potency described for honey, to date there is still a lack of evidence about its potential role amid COVID-19 outbreak. Based on the previously explored antiviral effects and phytochemical components of honey, we review here evidence for its role as a potentially effective natural product against COVID-19. Although some bioactive compounds in honey have shown potential antiviral effects (i.e., methylglyoxal, chrysin, caffeic acid, galangin and hesperidinin) or enhancing antiviral immune responses (i.e., levan and ascorbic acid), the mechanisms of action for these compounds are still ambiguous. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work exclusively summarizing all these bioactive compounds with their probable mechanisms of action as antiviral agents, specifically against SARS-CoV-2.