Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 47 in total

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  1. Isolation and identification of a new intracellular antimicrobial peptide produced by Paenibacillus alvei AN5
    Alkotaini B, Anuar N, Kadhum AA, Sani AA
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2014 Apr;30(4):1377-85.
    PMID: 24272828 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-013-1558-z
    A wild-type, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming and motile bacteria has been isolated from palm oil mill sludge in Malaysia. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the bacteria belonged to genus Paenibacillus. With 97 % similarity to P. alvei (AUG6), the isolate was designated as P. alvei AN5. An antimicrobial compound was extracted from P. alvei AN5-pelleted cells using 95 % methanol and was then lyophilized. Precipitates were re-suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), producing an antimicrobial crude extract (ACE). The ACE showed antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Escherichia coli ATCC 29522, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 and Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014. By using SP-Sepharose cation exchange chromatography, Sephadex G-25 gel filtration and Tricine SDS-PAGE, the ACE was purified, which produced a ~2-kDa active band. SDS-PAGE and infrared (IR) spectroscopy indicated the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial compound in the ACE, and liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy and de novo sequencing using an automatic, Q-TOF premier system detected a peptide with the amino acid sequence F-C-K-S-L-P-L-P-L-S-V-K (1,330.7789 Da). This novel peptide was designated as AN5-2. The antimicrobial peptide exhibited stability from pH 3 to 12 and maintained its activity after being heated to 90 °C. It also remained active after incubation with denaturants (urea, SDS and EDTA).
  2. Performance assessment of pilot horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands for removal of diesel from wastewater by Scirpus grossus
    Al-Baldawi IA, Sheikh Abdullah SR, Anuar N, Suja F, Idris M
    Water Sci Technol, 2013;68(10):2271-8.
    PMID: 24292478 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2013.484
    One of the appropriate development technology options for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with diesel is constructed wetlands (CWs). Throughout 72 days of exposure, sampling was carried out for monitoring of physical parameters, plant growth and the efficiency of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal, as an indication for diesel contamination, to assess the pilot-scale performance. Four pilot CWs with a horizontal sub-surface flow system were applied using the bulrush of Scirpus grossus. The CWs were loaded with different diesel concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.25% (Vdiesel/Vwater). The TPH removal efficiencies were 82, 71, and 67% at the end of 72 days for diesel concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.25% respectively. In addition, the high removal efficiency of total suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 100 and 75.4% respectively, for a diesel concentration of 0.1%. It was concluded that S. grossus is a potential plant that can be used in a well-operated CW for restoring 0.1% diesel-contaminated water.
  3. Worldwide distribution and abundance of microplastic: How dire is the situation?
    Shahul Hamid F, Bhatti MS, Anuar N, Anuar N, Mohan P, Periathamby A
    Waste Manag Res, 2018 Oct;36(10):873-897.
    PMID: 30103651 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X18785730
    The widespread occurrence of microplastic has invaded the environment to an extent that it appears to be present throughout the globe. This review investigated the global abundance and distribution of microplastics in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, the issues and challenges have been addressed for better findings in microplastics studies. Findings revealed that the accumulation of microplastics varies geographically, with locations, hydrodynamic conditions, environmental pressure, and time. From this review, it is crucial that proper regulations are proposed and implemented in order to reduce the occurrence of microplastics in the aquatic environment. Without appropriate law and regulations, microplastic pollution will eventually threaten human livelihood.
  4. Fulltext Chemicals Constituents Isolated from Cultivate Alpinia conchigera Griff. and Antimicrobial Activity
    Taib MNAM, Anuar N, Hanafiah KM, Al-Shammary AAK, Saaid M, Awang K
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2020 Apr;31(1):159-178.
    PMID: 32963717 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.1.10
    Alpinia conchigera Griff. is a plant species from the family Zingiberaceae. Coloquially known as wild ginger, Alpinia conchigera Griff. is used as food condiment and for traditional treatment of skin diseases. Isolation studies to identify bioactive compounds of rhizomes of Alpinia conchigera yielded seven compounds; 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (1), trans-p-coumaryl diacetate (2), p-hydroxycinnamyl acetate (3), 1'S-1'-hydroxychavicol acetate (4) p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5), stigmasterol (6) and β-sitosterol (7). Compounds 1, 2 and 5 were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among the compounds tested, Compound 1 showed good antimicrobial activity against the strain of MRSA with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of 0.5 mg/mL. Meanwhile, Compounds 2 and 5 exhibited moderate activity with MIC value between 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL. These findings indicate antimicrobial potential of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (1), compound derived from rhizome of Alpinia conchigera Griff. against MRSA, which warrant further investigation.
  5. Release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 by Burkholderia pseudomallei- stimulated peripheral blood mononucleocytes of acute myeloid leukemia patients
    Zulpa AK, Barathan M, Iyadorai T, Chandramathi S, Vellasamy KM, Vadivelu J, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):180-185.
    PMID: 34172708 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.055
    Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease progressed from abnormal production of immature myeloid cells, which is often associated with concurrent infections after diagnosis. It was widely established that infections are the major contributors to mortality in this group due to the prevalency of neutropenia. Gram-negative Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis. This disease had been reported in several neutropenic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy resulting in severe clinical presentations and high mortalities which is in need of critical attention. Studies show that cytokines are important mediators of melioidosis progression and low neutrophil counts are associated with progression of its severity. However, to date, there are no reports on cytokine production in neutropenic cancer patients who are prone to melioidosis. Hence, here we assessed the cytokine production in neutropenic AML patients by introducing B. pseudomallei to their peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture in vitro. We observed that inflammatory response related cytokines namely TNF-α, IFN-γ IL-6 and IL-10 were highly circulated in infected PBMCs suggesting that these cytokines may play important roles in the progression of severity in melioidosis infected neutropenic patients.
  6. Fulltext Combining ability for germination traits in Jatropha curcas L
    Islam AK, Anuar N, Yaakob Z, Ghani JA, Osman M
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2013;2013:935981.
    PMID: 24222756 DOI: 10.1155/2013/935981
    Six parents of Jatropha curcas were crossed in half diallel fashion, and the F 1s were evaluated to determine the combining ability for nine germination parameters. The ratio between general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances indicated preponderance of additive gene action for all the characters except germination percentage, time of 50% germination, seedling length, and seedling vigor index. The parents P 1 and P 2 were the best general combiner for most of the characters studied. The cross P 1 × P 5 was the best specific combiner for speed of emergence, germination percentage, germination energy, germination index, and seedling vigor index, the cross P 2 × P 5 for mean germination time, time of 50% germination, and seedling length, and the cross P 4 × P 5 for number of days to first germination. The germination percentage varied from 58.06 to 92.76% among the parents and 53.43 to 98.96% among the hybrids. The highest germination (98.96%) was observed in hybrid P 2 × P 4, and none of the hybrids or parents showed 100% germination. The highest germination index (GI) and seedling vigor index (SVI) were found in hybrid P 1 × P 5 and P 2 × P 5, respectively. The results of this study provide clue for the improvement of Jatropha variety through breeding program.
  7. Fulltext Optimization of extraction parameters by using response surface methodology, purification, and identification of anthocyanin pigments in Melastoma malabathricum fruit
    Anuar N, Mohd Adnan AF, Saat N, Aziz N, Mat Taha R
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2013;2013:810547.
    PMID: 24174918 DOI: 10.1155/2013/810547
    Anthocyanins not just have various benefits in food industry but also have been used as natural colourants in cosmetic, coating products and as potential natural photosensitizers in solar cell. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to obtain information on the maximum yield of anthocyanin that can be recovered from Melastoma malabathricum fruit. Factors such as extraction temperature, extraction time, and solid to liquid ratio were identified to be significantly affecting anthocyanin extraction efficiency. By using three-level three-factor Box-Behnken design, the optimized conditions for anthocyanin extraction by acidified methanol (R (2) = 0.972) were temperature of 60°C, time of 86.82 min, and 0.5 : 35 (g/mL) solid to liquid ratio while the optimum extraction conditions by acidified ethanol (R (2) = 0.954) were temperature of 60°C, time of 120 min, and 0.5 : 23.06 (g/mL) solid to liquid ratio. The crude anthocyanin extract was further purified by using Amberlite XAD-7 and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Identification of anthocyanins revealed the presence of cyanidin dihexoside, cyanidin hexoside, and delphinidin hexoside as the main anthocyanins in M. malabathricum fruit.
  8. Visual outcomes after Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Implantation surgeries among patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus
    Lim JJ, Salowi MA, Adnan TH, Anuar NA, Ngah NF, Choo MM
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 03;76(2):190-198.
    PMID: 33742627
    INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the visual outcomes of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (IOL) surgery in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) in Malaysia over a 12-year period and to identify factors that may contribute to poor visual outcome.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was retrieved from the webbased Malaysian Cataract Surgery Registry (CSR). Perioperative data for cataract surgery performed from 2007- 2018 were analysed. Inclusion criteria were age ≥40 years, phacoemulsification and IOL and senile cataract. Combined surgeries, surgeries performed by trainees and ocular comorbidities were excluded. Post-operative Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) were compared. Factors affecting poor visual outcomes among those with DM were analysed using multivariate logistic regression to produce adjusted odds ratio (OR) for variables of interest.

    RESULTS: Total number of cases between 2007-2018 was 442,858, of whom 179,210 qualified for our analysis. DM group consisted of 72,087 cases (40.2%). There were 94.5% cases in DM group and 95.0Ź from non-DM group who achieved BCVA ≥6/12 (p<0.001). Among patients with DM, advanced age (70-79 years old, OR: 2.54, 95% Confidence Interva, 95%CI: 1.91, 3.40; 80-89 years old, OR: 5.50, 95%CI: 4.02, 7.51), ≥90 years, OR: 9.77, 95%CI: 4.18, 22.81), poor preoperative presenting visual acuity [<6/18-6/60] (OR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.84, 3.14) and <6/60-3/60 (OR: 3.00, 95%CI: 2.24, 4.02), <3/60 (OR 3.63, 95%CI: 2.77, 4.74)], presence of intraoperative complication (OR 2.24, 95%CI: 1.86, 2.71) and presence of postoperative complication (OR 5.21, 95%CI: 2.97, 9.16) were significant factors for poor visual outcome.

    CONCLUSIONS: Visual outcomes following phacoemulsification with IOL implantation surgery among cases with DM were poorer compared to cases without DM. Risk factors for poor visual outcomes among cases with DM were identified.

  9. Perception of nurses on the practice environment: experience from Malaysia
    Jawahir S, Mohamad Anuar NN, Sheikh Abdullah SF, Silvernayagam S, Tan EH
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 Jan;76(1):73-79.
    PMID: 33510113
    INTRODUCTION: Positive professional practice environments are crucial to safeguard a healthy and safe working conditions for health workforce, including nurses; so as to ensure provision of quality healthcare and safety of patient.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study to assess nurses' perceptions towards nursing practice environment and factors associated with their perceptions. A validated Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PESNWI) questionnaire was administered to nurses working in two Ministry of Health hospitals. The questionnaire comprises of five subscales: Participation, Foundation, Managers Support, Workforce Adequacy and Physician/Nurse Relations. Mean scores of >2.50 were considered as favourable, and ≤2.50 were considered as unfavourable. Simple linear and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to identify factors associated with their perceptions. Analysis was carried out using STATA version 14.0.

    RESULTS: A total of 366 respondents took part in the study, with a response rate of 98.4%. Majority were working shift (89.6%) and working extended hours (62.3%). In general, the nursing practice environments were rated as favourable. Overall mean score was 2.90±0.03 and four out of five subscales' mean scores were >2.50. Foundation for quality nursing care was perceived as the most favourable subscale, while workforce adequacy was perceived as the least favourable. There were statistically significant association between working extended hours, doing double shift and working during day off with perceived unfavourable workforce adequacy.

    CONCLUSION: Nursing practice environment was perceived as favourable in the studied hospitals. Policy makers, service providers, and hospital managers could explore further on human resource planning and management of nursing personnel to tackle the issue of nurse staffing in the country.

  10. The level of knowledge and acceptance towards the COVID-19 vaccine among the community in Johor Bahru, Johor
    Mohd Anuar AH, Mohamad Anuar NN, Isa SNI, Bahari M
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(Suppl 1):88-95.
    PMID: 38555891
    INTRODUCTION: Several necessary initiatives have been made to create a readily available vaccine against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic. However, the vaccination program's success is dependent on the population's willingness as well as their knowledge of vaccination. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and acceptance towards the COVID-19 vaccine among the community in Johor Bahru, Johor.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey between February and May 2022, with 423 respondents. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, assessment of knowledge level and acceptance level towards COVID-19 vaccine. The descriptive analysis and non-parametric tests were employed to investigate the study outline objectives.

    RESULTS: Of all 423 participants, 293 (69.3%) of the participants had a high level of knowledge about the COVID- 19 vaccine (median knowledge score 6; IQR = 3), and 239 (56.5%) were reported to have a low level of vaccine acceptance (median acceptance scores 4; IQR=2). The knowledge level towards the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly associated with the vaccine acceptance level (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: The community's level of knowledge towards COVID-19 vaccine was high; however, the vaccine acceptance was low.

  11. Exploring measurement tools to optimise hospital physician distribution
    Suan NAM, Soelar SA, Rani RA, Anuar NA, Aziz KAA, Chan HK, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(2):222-233.
    PMID: 38553930
    INTRODUCTION: Equitable healthcare delivery is essential and requires resources to be distributed, which include assets and healthcare workers. To date, there is no gold standard for measuring the correct number of physicians to meet healthcare needs. This rapid review aims to explore measurement tools employed to optimise the distribution of hospital physicians, with a focus on ensuring fair resource allocation for equitable healthcare delivery.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, Emerald Insight and grey literature sources. The key terms used in the search include 'distribution', 'method', and 'physician', focusing on research articles published in English from 2002 to 2022 that described methods or tools to measure hospital-based physicians' distribution. Relevant articles were selected through a two-level screening process and critically appraised. The primary outcome is the measurement tools used to assess the distribution of hospital-based physicians. Study characteristics, tool advantages and limitations were also extracted. The extracted data were synthesised narratively.

    RESULTS: Out of 7,199 identified articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Among the selected articles, 12 were from Asia and one from Africa. The review identified eight measurement tools: Gini coefficients and Lorenz curve, Robin Hood index, Theil index, concentration index, Workload Indicator of Staffing Need method, spatial autocorrelation analysis, mixed integer linear programming model and cohortcomponent model. These tools rely on fundamental data concerning population and physician numbers to generate outputs. Additionally, five studies employed a combination of these tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of physician distribution dynamics.

    CONCLUSION: Measurement tools can be used to assess physician distribution according to population needs. Nevertheless, each tool has its own merits and limitations, underscoring the importance of employing a combination of tools. The choice of measuring tool should be tailored to the specific context and research objectives.

  12. Fulltext Role of Salvinia molesta in biodecolorization of methyl orange dye from water
    Al-Baldawi IA, Abdullah SRS, Almansoory AF, Ismail N', Hasan HA, Anuar N
    Sci Rep, 2020 08 19;10(1):13980.
    PMID: 32814793 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70740-5
    In the present study, the potential of Salvinia molesta for biodecolorization of methyl orange (MO) dye from water was examined. Six glass vessels were filled with 4 L of water contaminated with MO with three concentrations (5, 15, and 25 mg/L), three with plants and another three without plant as contaminant control. The influence of operational parameters, including initial dye concentration, pH, temperature, and plant growth, on the efficacy of the biodecolorization process by S. molesta was determined. Temperature and pH was in the range of 25-26 °C and 6.3 to 7.3, respectively. Phytotransformation was monitored after 10 days through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and a significant variation in the peak positions was demonstrated when compared to the control plant spectrum, indicating the adsorption of MO. The highest biodecolorization was 42% in a 5 mg/L MO dye concentration at pH 7.3 and at 27 °C. According to the FTIR results, a potential method for the biodecolourization of MO dye by S. molesta was proven. Salvinia molesta can be successfully used for upcoming eco-friendly phytoremediation purposes for dye removal.
  13. Fulltext Potential Utilisation of Dark-Fermented Palm Oil Mill Effluent in Continuous Production of Biomethane by Self-Granulated Mixed Culture
    Mahmod SS, Azahar AM, Luthfi AAI, Abdul PM, Mastar MS, Anuar N, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 Jun 08;10(1):9167.
    PMID: 32514030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65702-w
    Two-stage anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a promising method for converting the waste from the largest agricultural industry in Southeast Asia into a clean and sustainable energy. This study investigates the degradation of acid-rich effluent from the dark fermentation stage for the production of biomethane (BioCH4) in a 30-L continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The continuous methanogenic process was operated with varied HRTs (10 - 1 day) and OLRs (4.6-40.6 gCOD/L.d-1) under thermophilic conditions. Methanothermobacter sp. was the dominant thermophilic archaea that was responsible for the production rate of 4.3 LCH4/LPOME.d-1 and methane yield of 256.77 LCH4kgCOD at HRT of 2 d, which is the lowest HRT reported in the literature. The process was able to digest 85% and 64% of the initial POME's COD and TSS, respectively. The formation of methane producing granules (MPG) played a pivotal role in sustaining the efficient and productive anaerobic system. We report herein that the anaerobic digestion was not only beneficial in reducing the contaminants in the liquid effluent, but generating BioCH4 gas with a positive net energy gain of 7.6 kJ/gCOD.
  14. Fulltext Scientific and Islamic perspectives in relation to the Halal status of cultured meat
    Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim M, Abdul Haris AA, Abd Mutalib S, Anuar N, Shahimi S
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2023 Jan;30(1):103501.
    PMID: 36466219 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.103501
    Cultured meat is meat produced from stem cell biopsies of cattle. Stem cells were cultured in a bioreactor in the presence of serum to grow the flesh to maturity. Cultured meat technology originated from regenerative medical technology; however, it has been given a new lease of life to produce cultured meat as an innovative food source in the future without involving cattle breeding. This technology can reduce the negative environmental impacts of global warming, water use, soil, and unethical handling of animals. In the excitement of accepting this new technology, the halal status of cultured meat is in question, as it can be produced from embryonic stem cells and myosatellite cells, each of which can be disputed for their halal status. Additionally, the process of culturing and maturation of stem cells involves the use of an impure medium derived from animal blood. Thus, cultured meat is acceptable to Muslims only if the stem cells, medium and scaffold biomaterials used to manufacture it are from Halal sources and shall be in line with the six principles discussed in this study. The discussion is based on Halal and haram animals; Animal slaughtering; Not derived from a source of najs (impurity); Istihalah tammah (perfect substance change); Maslahah (public interest or benefit) and mafsadah (damage); and Darurat (exigency) of cultured meat)).
  15. The effect of aeration, agitation and light on biohydrogen production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides NCIMB 8253
    Jaapar SZ, Kalil MS, Anuar N
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2009 Sep 15;12(18):1253-9.
    PMID: 20384278
    Photo fermentation is a biological process that can be applied for hydrogen production. The process is environmental friendly which is operated under mild conditions using renewable resources. In order to increase yield of H2 produced by Rhodobacter sphaeroides, some experimental factors that may enhance H2 production were studied. The effect of operating parameters including agitation, aeration and light on hydrogen production using R. sphaeroides NCIMB 8253 was investigated. Rhodobacter sphaeroides NCIMB 8253 was grown in 100 mL serum bottle containing growth medium with maliec acid as the sole organic carbon source. The cultures were incubated anaerobically at 30 degrees C with tungsten lamp (100 W) as the light source (3.8 klux) and argon gas was purged for maintaining anaerobic condition. The results show that maximum hydrogen produced was higher (54.37 mL) in static culture with 69.98% of H2 in the total gas compared with shake culture (11.57 mL) with 57.86% of H2. By using static culture, H2 produced was five times higher compared with non-static in both aerobic and anaerobic condition. It was found that growth and H2 production with fluorescent lamp showed better results than growth and H2 production with tungsten light.
  16. Fulltext Gonococcal conjunctivitis: A case report
    Anuar N, Idris NS
    Malays Fam Physician, 2018;13(3):27-28.
    PMID: 30800230
    We report a case of acute gonococcal conjunctivitis in a 36-year-old woman who presented with eye redness and a history of discharge for one month. Prior to presenting to us, she was treated for bacterial conjunctivitis with three courses of local antibiotics by three different clinics after brief assessments and without improvement. The final diagnosis of gonococcal conjunctivitis was made after a complete history was elicited and supported by the presence of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae in the eye swab culture test. She and her sexual partner were treated successfully with intramuscular Ceftriaxone and oral Azithromycin. This case highlights the importance of complete history taking, including sexual history, which translates into early recognition and treatment, thus preventing complications.
  17. Fulltext Gonococcal conjunctivitis: a case report
    Anuar, N., Idris, N.S.
    Malaysian Family Physician, 2018;13(3):27-28.
    MyJurnal
    We report a case of acute gonococcal conjunctivitis in a 36-year-old woman who presented with
    eye redness and a history of discharge for one month. Prior to presenting to us, she was treated for
    bacterial conjunctivitis with three courses of local antibiotics by three different clinics after brief
    assessments and without improvement. The final diagnosis of gonococcal conjunctivitis was made
    after a complete history was elicited and supported by the presence of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae in
    the eye swab culture test. She and her sexual partner were treated successfully with intramuscular
    Ceftriaxone and oral Azithromycin. This case highlights the importance of complete history taking,
    including sexual history, which translates into early recognition and treatment, thus preventing
    complications. (Copied from article).
  18. Fulltext Detection of secreted antimicrobial peptides isolated from cell-free culture supernatant of Paenibacillus alvei AN5
    Alkotaini B, Anuar N, Kadhum AA, Sani AA
    J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol, 2013 Jun;40(6):571-9.
    PMID: 23508455 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-013-1259-5
    An antimicrobial substance produced by the Paenibacillus alvei strain AN5 was detected in fermentation broth. Subsequently, cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) was obtained by medium centrifugation and filtration, and its antimicrobial activity was tested. This showed a broad inhibitory spectrum against both Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains. The CFCS was then purified and subjected to SDS-PAGE and infrared spectroscopy, which indicated the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial compound. Some de novo sequencing using an automatic Q-TOF premier system determined the amino acid sequence of the purified antimicrobial peptide as Y-S-K-S-L-P-L-S-V-L-N-P (1,316 Da). The novel peptide was designated as peptide AN5-1. Its mode of action was bactericidal, inducing cell lysis in E. coli ATCC 29522 and S. aureus, and non-cell lysis in both S. marcescens and B. cereus ATCC 14579. Peptide AN5-1 displayed stability at a wide range of pH values (2-12) and remained active after exposure to high temperatures (100 °C). It also maintained its antimicrobial activity after incubation with chemicals such as SDS, urea and EDTA.
  19. A phytotoxicity test of bulrush (Scirpus grossus) grown with diesel contamination in a free-flow reed bed system
    Al-Baldawi IA, Abdullah SR, Anuar N, Suja F, Idris M
    J Hazard Mater, 2013 May 15;252-253:64-9.
    PMID: 23500791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.01.067
    In this study, bulrush (Scirpus grossus) was subjected to a 72 day phytotoxicity test to assess its ability to phytoremediate diesel contamination in simulated wastewater at different concentrations (0, 8700, 17,400 and 26,100mg/L). Diesel degradation by S. grossus was measured in terms of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH-D). The TPH-D concentration in the synthetic wastewater was determined with the liquid-liquid extraction method and gas chromatography. S. grossus was found to reduce TPH-D by 70.0 and 80.2% for concentrations of 8700 mg/L and 17,400mg/L, respectively. At a diesel concentration of 26,100mg/L, S. grossus died after 14 days. Additionally, the biomass of S. grossus plants was found to increase throughout the phytotoxicity test, confirming the ability of the plant to survive in water contaminated with diesel at rates of less than 17,400mg/L.
  20. Optimized conditions for phytoremediation of diesel by Scirpus grossus in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCWs) using response surface methodology
    Al-Baldawi IA, Sheikh Abdullah SR, Abu Hasan H, Suja F, Anuar N, Mushrifah I
    J Environ Manage, 2014 Jul 1;140:152-9.
    PMID: 24762527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.03.007
    This study investigated the optimum conditions for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal from diesel-contaminated water using phytoremediation treatment with Scirpus grossus. In addition, TPH removal from sand was adopted as a second response. The optimum conditions for maximum TPH removal were determined through a Box-Behnken Design. Three operational variables, i.e. diesel concentration (0.1, 0.175, 0.25% Vdiesel/Vwater), aeration rate (0, 1 and 2 L/min) and retention time (14, 43 and 72 days), were investigated by setting TPH removal and diesel concentration as the maximum, retention time within the given range, and aeration rate as the minimum. The optimum conditions were found to be a diesel concentration of 0.25% (Vdiesel/Vwater), a retention time of 63 days and no aeration with an estimated maximum TPH removal from water and sand of 76.3 and 56.5%, respectively. From a validation test of the optimum conditions, it was found that the maximum TPH removal from contaminated water and sand was 72.5 and 59%, respectively, which was a 5 and 4.4% deviation from the values given by the Box-Behnken Design, providing evidence that S. grossus is a Malaysian native plant that can be used to remediate wastewater containing hydrocarbons.
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