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Fulltext HIF-1-Independent Mechanisms Regulating Metabolic Adaptation in Hypoxic Cancer Cells

Lee SH, Golinska M, Griffiths JR

Cells, 2021 Sep 09;10(9).
PMID: 34572020 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092371

In solid tumours, cancer cells exist within hypoxic microenvironments, and their metabolic adaptation to this hypoxia is driven by HIF-1 transcription factor, which is overexpressed in a broad range of human cancers. HIF inhibitors are under pre-clinical investigation and clinical trials, but there is evidence that hypoxic cancer cells can adapt metabolically to HIF-1 inhibition, which would provide a potential route for drug resistance. Here, we review accumulating evidence of such adaptions in carbohydrate and creatine metabolism and other HIF-1-independent mechanisms that might allow cancers to survive hypoxia despite anti-HIF-1 therapy. These include pathways in glucose, glutamine, and lipid metabolism; epigenetic mechanisms; post-translational protein modifications; spatial reorganization of enzymes; signalling pathways such as Myc, PI3K-Akt, 2-hyxdroxyglutarate and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); and activation of the HIF-2 pathway. All of these should be investigated in future work on hypoxia bypass mechanisms in anti-HIF-1 cancer therapy. In principle, agents targeted toward HIF-1β rather than HIF-1α might be advantageous, as both HIF-1 and HIF-2 require HIF-1β for activation. However, HIF-1β is also the aryl hydrocarbon nuclear transporter (ARNT), which has functions in many tissues, so off-target effects should be expected. In general, cancer therapy by HIF inhibition will need careful attention to potential resistance mechanisms.
Chronic oral administration of low-dose combination of fenofibrate and rosuvastatin protects the rat heart against experimentally induced acute myocardial infarction

Garg M, Khanna D, Kalra S, Balakumar P

Fundam Clin Pharmacol, 2016 Oct;30(5):394-405.
PMID: 27148865 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12204

Fenofibrate and rosuvastatin at low doses might have experimental pleiotropic benefits. This study investigated the combined effect of low doses of fenofibrate and rosuvastatin in isoproterenol-induced experimental myocardial infarction. Rats administered isoproterenol (85 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 2 days (day 29 and day 30) of 30 days experimental protocol developed significant myocardial infarction that was accompanied with high myocardial oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, elevated serum markers of cardiac injury, lipid abnormalities, and elevated circulatory levels of C-reactive protein. Pretreatment with low doses of fenofibrate (30 mg/kg/day p.o., 30 days) and rosuvastatin (2 mg/kg/day p.o., 30 days) both alone or in combination markedly prevented isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction and associated abnormalities while the low-dose combination of fenofibrate and rosuvastatin was more effective. Histopathological study in isoproterenol control rat heart showed necrosis with edema and acute inflammation at the margins of necrotic area. The rat heart from low-dose fenofibrate and rosuvastatin pretreated group showed scanty inflammation and no ischemia. In conclusion, fenofibrate and rosuvastatin pretreatment in low doses might have a therapeutic potential to prevent the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction. Moreover, their combined treatment option might offer superior therapeutic benefits via a marked reduction in myocardial infarct size and oxidative stress, suggesting a possibility of their pleiotropic cardioprotective action at low doses.
Fulltext Socioeconomic inequalities in secondhand smoke exposure at home and at work in 15 low- and middle-income countries

Nazar GP, Lee JT, Arora M, Millett C

Nicotine Tob Res, 2016 May;18(5):1230-9.
PMID: 26610936 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntv261

INTRODUCTION: In high-income countries, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is higher among disadvantaged groups. We examine socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure at home and at workplace in 15 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
METHODS: Secondary analyses of cross-sectional data from 15 LMICs participating in Global Adult Tobacco Survey (participants ≥ 15 years; 2008-2011) were used. Country-specific analyses using regression-based methods were used to estimate the magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure: (1) Relative Index of Inequality and (2) Slope Index of Inequality.
RESULTS: SHS exposure at home ranged from 17.4% in Mexico to 73.1% in Vietnam; exposure at workplace ranged from 16.9% in Uruguay to 65.8% in Bangladesh. In India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Uruguay, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, and Egypt, SHS exposure at home reduced with increasing wealth (Relative Index of Inequality range: 1.13 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.22] in Turkey to 3.31 [95% CI 2.91-3.77] in Thailand; Slope Index of Inequality range: 0.06 [95% CI 0.02-0.11] in Turkey to 0.43 [95% CI 0.38-0.48] in Philippines). In these 11 countries, and in China, SHS exposure at home reduced with increasing education. In India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Philippines, SHS exposure at workplace reduced with increasing wealth. In India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Poland, Russian Federation, Turkey, Ukraine, and Egypt, SHS exposure at workplace reduced with increasing education.
CONCLUSION: SHS exposure at homes is higher among the socioeconomically disadvantaged in the majority of LMICs studied; at workplaces, exposure is higher among the less educated. Pro-equity tobacco control interventions alongside targeted efforts in these groups are recommended to reduce inequalities in SHS exposure.
IMPLICATIONS: SHS exposure is higher among the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in high-income countries. Comprehensive smoke-free policies are pro-equity for certain health outcomes that are strongly influenced by SHS exposure. Using nationally representative Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2008-2011) data from 15 LMICs, we studied socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure at homes and at workplaces. The study showed that in most LMICs, SHS exposure at homes is higher among the poor and the less educated. At workplaces, SHS exposure is higher among the less educated groups. Accelerating implementation of pro-equity tobacco control interventions and strengthening of efforts targeted at the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are needed to reduce inequalities in SHS exposure in LMICs.
Study name: Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS-2011)
Fulltext Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin Films for Ultrahigh CO2 Gas Sensing Performance at Room Temperature

Gupta M, Hawari HF, Kumar P, Burhanudin ZA, Tansu N

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2021 Mar 03;11(3).
PMID: 33802318 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030623

The demand for carbon dioxide (CO2) gas detection is increasing nowadays. However, its fast detection at room temperature (RT) is a major challenge. Graphene is found to be the most promising sensing material for RT detection, owing to its high surface area and electrical conductivity. In this work, we report a highly edge functionalized chemically synthesized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin films to achieve fast sensing response for CO2 gas at room temperature. The high amount of edge functional groups is prominent for the sorption of CO2 molecules. Initially, rGO is synthesized by reduction of GO using ascorbic acid (AA) as a reducing agent. Three different concentrations of rGO are prepared using three AA concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg) to optimize the material properties such as functional groups and conductivity. Thin films of three different AA reduced rGO suspensions (AArGO25, AArGO50, AArGO100) are developed and later analyzed using standard FTIR, XRD, Raman, XPS, TEM, SEM, and four-point probe measurement techniques. We find that the highest edge functionality is achieved by the AArGO25 sample with a conductivity of ~1389 S/cm. The functionalized AArGO25 gas sensor shows recordable high sensing properties (response and recovery time) with good repeatability for CO2 at room temperature at 500 ppm and 50 ppm. Short response and recovery time of ~26 s and ~10 s, respectively, are achieved for 500 ppm CO2 gas with the sensitivity of ~50 Hz/µg. We believe that a highly functionalized AArGO CO2 gas sensor could be applicable for enhanced oil recovery, industrial and domestic safety applications.
Indonesian dentists' views on providing oral health care for older adults

Werdiningsih M, Ramadhani A, Samnieng P, John J, Adiatman M

Gerodontology, 2024 Sep 09.
PMID: 39250676 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12790

BACKGROUND: With demographic changes in aging populations, dentists require special care protocols to treat older adults with diverse and complex oral health needs and problems. Knowledge, positive attitudes, and sufficient practice experience are essential components for promptly treating older adults. However, many dentists encounter multiple barriers influencing their willingness to provide care for older adults. This study assessed Indonesian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in providing oral health care (OHC) for older adults, including their willingness and barriers.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 392 dentists employing an online questionnaire between April and June 2022. The respondents' KAP was categorised utilising a modified Blooms' cut-off point of ≥60%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the x2 test, and logistic regression.
RESULTS: Most dentists demonstrated adequate knowledge (62.2%), a positive attitude (95.4%), sufficient practice experience (91.6%), and a high willingness (98%) to provide OHC services for older adults. However, 91.4% encountered barriers primarily related to interpersonal communication, disease complexity and polypharmacy, and patient functional status. Significant associations were found between dentists' attitudes toward practices and willingness to attend geriatric dentistry training with knowledge.
CONCLUSION: Implementation of continuing professional development (CPD) in geriatric dentistry, the inclusion of geriatric dentistry into the undergraduate curriculum, and enhancing clinic accessibility for older adults may improve dentists' preparedness and benefit the future provision of OHC for older adults in Indonesia.
Fulltext Selenium biofortification in conditions of soil salinity improve some nutritional value parameters of spinach for the fresh market

Grochowska E, Niemiec M, Komorowska M, Kula-Maximenko M, Hian TS, Abdramanov A, et al.

Sci Rep, 2026 Jun 12;16(1).
PMID: 42286042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-55268-4

This study investigated the interactive effects of soil salinity (2.88 and 3.79 dS⋅m- 1) and foliar sodium selenate application (0.80 and 0.15 kg Se⋅ha⁻1) on the yield parameters and phytochemical composition of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Matador) under the conditions of semi-controlled pot trial under field conditions. The experiment confirmed that selenium biofortification is effective, increasing its levels in the plant ten-fold. Selenium has a positive effect, mitigating salt stress, and its uptake is closely linked to sulfur metabolism. Foliar application of selenium to spinach under salt stress conditions (up to 3.79 dS⋅m- 1) does not negatively impact yield, effectively increasing the content of bioactive components such as phenols and antioxidants. Studies confirm the synergistic effects of selenium and salinity, improving stress tolerance, mitigating sodium toxicity, and stimulating dry matter growth and S/Zn/Mn content. These findings demonstrate the viability of selenium foliar application for producing nutritionally enhanced spinach on salt-affected agricultural soils.
Fulltext Fecal parasite risk in the endangered proboscis monkey is higher in an anthropogenically managed forest environment compared to a riparian rain forest in Sabah, Borneo

Klaus A, Strube C, Röper KM, Radespiel U, Schaarschmidt F, Nathan S, et al.

PLoS One, 2018;13(4):e0195584.
PMID: 29630671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195584

Understanding determinants shaping infection risk of endangered wildlife is a major topic in conservation medicine. The proboscis monkey, Nasalis larvatus, an endemic primate flagship species for conservation in Borneo, is endangered through habitat loss, but can still be found in riparian lowland and mangrove forests, and in some protected areas. To assess socioecological and anthropogenic influence on intestinal helminth infections in N. larvatus, 724 fecal samples of harem and bachelor groups, varying in size and the number of juveniles, were collected between June and October 2012 from two study sites in Malaysian Borneo: 634 samples were obtained from groups inhabiting the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (LKWS), 90 samples were collected from groups of the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (LBPMS), where monkeys are fed on stationary feeding platforms. Parasite risk was quantified by intestinal helminth prevalence, host parasite species richness (PSR), and eggs per gram feces (epg). Generalized linear mixed effect models were applied to explore whether study site, group type, group size, the number of juveniles per group, and sampling month predict parasite risk. At the LBPMS, prevalence and epg of Trichuris spp., strongylids, and Strongyloides spp. but not Ascaris spp., as well as host PSR were significantly elevated. Only for Strongyloides spp., prevalence showed significant changes between months; at both sites, the beginning rainy season with increased precipitation was linked to higher prevalence, suggesting the external life cycle of Strongyloides spp. to benefit from humidity. Higher prevalence, epgs, and PSR within the LBPMS suggest that anthropogenic factors shape host infection risk more than socioecological factors, most likely via higher re-infection rates and chronic stress. Noninvasive measurement of fecal parasite stages is an important tool for assessing transmission dynamics and infection risks for endangered tropical wildlife. Findings will contribute to healthcare management in nature and in anthropogenically managed environments.
Fulltext Co-infection patterns of intestinal parasites in arboreal primates (proboscis monkeys, Nasalis larvatus) in Borneo

Klaus A, Zimmermann E, Röper KM, Radespiel U, Nathan S, Goossens B, et al.

Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl, 2017 Dec;6(3):320-329.
PMID: 29988805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.09.005

Non-human primates of South-East Asia remain under-studied concerning parasite epidemiology and co-infection patterns. Simultaneously, efforts in conservation demand knowledge of parasite abundance and biodiversity in threatened species. The Endangered proboscis monkey, Nasalis larvatus, a primate flagship species for conservation in Borneo, was investigated in the present study. Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the greatest threats to bachelor and harem groups of this folivorous colobine. Designed as a follow-up study, prevalence and co-infection status of intestinal parasites from N. larvatus in a protected area in Malaysian Borneo were analyzed from fecal samples using a flotation method. For the first time, the intestinal parasite co-infection patterns were examined using quantitative analyses. Overall, 92.3% of fecal samples (N = 652) were positive for helminth eggs. Five helminth groups were detected: (1) trichurids (82.7% prevalence) including Trichuris spp. (82.1%) and Anatrichosoma spp. (1.4%), (2) strongyles (58.9%) including Trichostrongylus spp. (48.5%) and Oesophagostomum/Ternidens spp. (22.8%), (3) Strongyloides fuelleborni (32.7%), (4) Ascaris lumbricoides (8.6%), and (5) Enterobius spp. (5.5%). On average, an individual was co-infected with two different groups. Significant positive associations were found for co-infections of trichurids with strongyles and S. fuelleborni as well as S. fuelleborni with A. lumbricoides and strongyles. This study shows a high prevalence of various gastrointestinal helminths with potential transmission pathways primarily related to soil and with zoonotic relevance in wild proboscis monkeys in their remaining natural habitats. Observed positive associations of trichurids with strongyles and Strongyloides spp. may result from the high prevalence of trichurids. Similarly, positive associations between Strongyloides and Ascaris were found, both of which typically occur predominantly in juvenile hosts. These findings should be considered when proposing conservation actions in altered habitats nearby human settlements and when managing captive populations.
Fulltext Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of Betula pendula leaves extract and its effects on model foods

Azman NA, Skowyra M, Muhammad K, Gallego MG, Almajano MP

Pharm Biol, 2017 Dec;55(1):912-919.
PMID: 28152668 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1282528

CONTEXT: Betula pendula Roth (Betulaceae) exhibits many pharmacological activities in humans including anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. However, the antioxidant activity of BP towards lipid degradation has not been fully determined.
OBJECTIVE: The BP ethanol and methanol extracts were evaluated to determine antioxidant activity by an in vitro method and lyophilized extract of BP was added to beef patties to study oxidative stability.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant activities of extracts of BP were determined by measuring scavenging radical activity against methoxy radical generated by Fenton reaction 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (TEAC) radical cation, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The lipid deterioration in beef patties containing 0.1% and 0.3% (w/w) of lyophilized extract of BP stored in 80:20 (v/v) O2:CO2 modified atmosphere (MAP) at 4 °C for 10 days was determined using thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), % metmyoglobin and colour value.
RESULTS: The BP methanol extract revealed the presence of catechin, myricetin, quercetin, naringenin, and p-coumaric acid. The BP ethanol (50% w/w) extract showed scavenging activity in TEAC, ORAC and FRAP assays with values of 1.45, 2.81, 1.52 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW, respectively. Reductions in lipid oxidation were found in samples treated with lyophilized BP extract (0.1% and 0.3% w/w) as manifested by the changes of colour and metmyoglobin concentration. A preliminary study film with BP showed retard degradation of lipid in muscle food.
CONCLUSION: The present results indicated that the BP extracts can be used as natural food antioxidants.
Fulltext Bone Changes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Pathological or Physiological?

Pokharel M, Khadilkar MN, Sreedharan S, Pai R, Shenoy V, Bhojwani K, et al.

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2022 Jun;74(2):178-184.
PMID: 35813780 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-020-02076-5

Bone remodelling is a normal physiological process which occurs in all bones. Hence bone changes should also be detected in undiseased or minimally diseased ethmoids as well as in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. To test this hypothesis, we compared ethmoid bone histology between two groups of patients; a study group of CRS patients and a group of patients whose radiological, endoscopic and symptom scores were significantly less when compared to the CRS group. The study group had 75 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. The control group included 16 patients who had significantly different endoscopic and radiological scores from the study group. On histopathology, the bone harvested from the ethmoid sinuses were grouped as no remodelling activity (Score 1), mild activity (Score 2) and marked activity (Score 3). Thirty-six percent of patients in the study group and 37.5% of patients in the control group had Score 2 and 3 bone changes and the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 1.824, p = 0.402). Correlation of bone changes in CRS done with parameters like Lund-Mackay radiological, surgical and symptom scores and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores showed no statistical significance. Similar bone changes were detected in CRS patients and the control group. The bone changes seen in histopathology in CRS patients could partly be due to the normal physiological remodelling occurring in all bones.
Use of lyophilised and powdered Gentiana lutea root in fresh beef patties stored under different atmospheres

Azman NA, Gordon MH, Skowyra M, Segovia F, Almajano MP

J Sci Food Agric, 2015 Jul;95(9):1804-11.
PMID: 25139796 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6878

Gentiana lutea root is a medicinal herb that contains many active compounds which contribute to physiological effects, and it has recently attracted much attention as a natural source of antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on the colour, pH, microbial activities, sensory quality and resistance to lipid oxidation (through the thiobarbituric acid method) during storage of beef patties containing different concentrations of G. lutea. Fresh beef patties were formulated with 0-5 g kg(-1) of G. lutea and 0 or 0.5 g kg(-1) of ascorbic acid and packed in two different atmospheres, Modified Atmosphere 1 (MAP1) and Modified Atmosphere 2 (MAP2), and stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 10 days. MAP1 contained 20:80 (v/v) O2:CO2 and MAP2 contained 80:20 (v/v) O2:CO2.
Fulltext Single visit rehabilitation of 12-day neonate with cleft palate using modified feeding spoon impression technique: A case report

Chandwani N, Nandan M, Jadhav G, Pawar AM, Karobari MI, Marya A

Clin Case Rep, 2023 Feb;11(2):e7008.
PMID: 36860725 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7008

The rehabilitation of the cleft requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a pediatrician, surgeon, otolaryngologist, speech therapist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, and psychologist. The present case report illustrates the rehabilitation of a 12-day-old neonate with a cleft palate. Since the palatal arch of the neonate was very small, a feeding spoon was innovatively modified to obtain the impression. The obturator was fabricated on the same day and delivered in one appointment.
Fulltext Efficacy of intranasal sedation for pediatric dental procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Swaminathan K, Shan S, Ss MS, Renugalakshmi A, Ravi R, Haridoss S

J Dent Anesth Pain Med, 2025 Feb;25(1):1-13.
PMID: 39944848 DOI: 10.17245/jdapm.2025.25.1.1

Dental fear and anxiety management in children is considered one of the biggest challenges in pediatric dentistry. Intranasal sedation is a promising technique for managing unco-operative pediatric patients with rapid onset, ease of administration, and minimal invasiveness. We aimed to review the efficacy, onset time, duration, and behavioral success of intranasal sedation agents in pediatric dental procedures and identify the most effective regimens for clinical practice. This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing intranasal sedation in children undergoing dental procedures. Primary outcomes were onset time, duration of sedation, and sedation success rates. The inclusion criteria were applied through search in six databases. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Meta-analyses were carried out using RevMan software, where pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences were calculated on efficacy outcomes. Eighteen RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, where intranasal agents such as midazolam, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and their combinations were used. Meta analyses demonstrated intranasal sedation generally has a faster onset (moderate heterogeneity, I2 = 40%) and is associated with greater success rates for achieving sedation than other methods. A combination of midazolam with ketamine or dexmedetomidine provided better results for both onset and behavioral success. The duration of sedation appears equivalent to oral or intravenous routes. Overall risk of bias was moderate due to blinding and selective reporting concerns. Midazolam, especially when combined with ketamine or dexmedetomidine, yielded promising results in relation to rapid onset and success of sedation. However, further large-scale RCTs are necessary to standardize dosing protocols and ensure that these findings are validated and optimized for clinical applications.
Optimizing thermal and thermal-alkaline pretreatments for polylactic acid biodegradation by Amycolatopsis orientalis and Amycolatopsis thailandensis

Yasin NM, Polanska M, Verbeken K, Van Impe JFM, Akkermans S

Bioresour Technol, 2025 Mar;420:132114.
PMID: 39870143 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132114

Environmental pollution from packaging, has led to a need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the biodegradation of polylactic acid (PLA) by Amycolatopsis orientalis and Amycolatopsis thailandensis after thermal and thermal-alkaline pretreatments. The biodegradation was assessed based on weight loss, CO2 evolution, carbon balance analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis showed that pretreatment at 37 °C for 8 h provided effective enhancement of the biodegradation performance. Combining thermal pretreatment with alkaline conditions led to chemical degradation of PLA, but is less suitable as a pretreatment for biodegradation. It was also demonstrated that the mineralization rate over a two-week period was higher following thermal than thermal-alkaline pretreatment. SEM confirmed improved biodegradation as illustrated by increased surface roughness. These findings suggest that thermal pretreatment at 37 °C for 8 h is the most effective strategy for enhancing PLA biodegradation by Amycolatopsis spp., promoting a sustainable approach to plastic waste management.
Synthesis of lantadene analogs with marked in vitro inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma and TNF-α induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation

Monika, Sharma A, Suthar SK, Aggarwal V, Lee HB, Sharma M

Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2014 Aug 15;24(16):3814-8.
PMID: 25027934 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.06.068

The new series of pentacyclic triterpenoids reduced lantadene A (3), B (4), and 22β-hydroxy-3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (5) analogs were synthesized and tested in vitro for their NF-κB and IKKβ inhibitory potencies and cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells. The lead analog (11) showed sub-micromolar activity against TNF-α induced activation of NF-κB and exhibited inhibition of IKKβ in a single-digit micromolar dose. At the same time, 11 showed promising cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells with IC50 of 0.98 μM. The Western blot analysis further showed that the suppression of NF-κB activity by the lead analog 11 was due to the inhibition of IκBα degradation, a natural inhibitor of NF-κB. The physicochemical evaluation demonstrated that the lead analog 11 was stable in the simulated gastric fluid of pH 2, while hydrolyzed at a relatively higher rate in the human blood plasma to release the active parent moieties. Molecular docking analysis showed that 11 was hydrogen bonded with the Arg-31 and Gln-110 residues of the IKKβ.
Understanding the Perception of Islamic Medicine Among the Malaysian Muslim Community

Ahmad K, Ariffin MFM, Deraman F, Ariffin S, Abdullah M, Razzak MMA, et al.

J Relig Health, 2018 Oct;57(5):1649-1663.
PMID: 29075949 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0507-9

This study was conducted to identify and describe the patients' perceptions of Islamic medicine based on gender, age, marital, educational level and working status among the Malaysian Muslim population. A nationwide interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in 2013. An open-ended questionnaire pertaining to Islamic medicine was used to increase the probability of capturing maximum data. This survey implemented a multistage design, stratified by state, proportionate to the size of the state population and was representative of the Malaysian population. Post-survey classification of results was performed accordingly. Complex data analysis was carried out using SPSS 16.0. The discussion was identified and categorised into various sections. The paper concludes that Islamic medicine has a major influence in the Malaysian Muslim community compared to other alternatives. Further, its potential for growth and importance especially for treating spiritual ailments cannot be denied. The respondents indicated that two factors motivate Islamic medicine in Malaysia: (1) the Muslim community opts for alternative healing because of their dissatisfaction with conventional methods; (2) Islamic medicine focuses only on healing spiritual-related problems. The average perception of respondents is that the function of Islamic medicine in healing physical diseases is undervalued and that it is not suitable to replace the functions of modern health institutions.
Fulltext The advantages of using drones over space-borne imagery in the mapping of mangrove forests

Ruwaimana M, Satyanarayana B, Otero V, M Muslim A, Syafiq A M, Ibrahim S, et al.

PLoS One, 2018;13(7):e0200288.
PMID: 30020959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200288

Satellite data and aerial photos have proved to be useful in efficient conservation and management of mangrove ecosystems. However, there have been only very few attempts to demonstrate the ability of drone images, and none so far to observe vegetation (species-level) mapping. The present study compares the utility of drone images (DJI-Phantom-2 with SJ4000 RGB and IR cameras, spatial resolution: 5cm) and satellite images (Pleiades-1B, spatial resolution: 50cm) for mangrove mapping-specifically in terms of image quality, efficiency and classification accuracy, at the Setiu Wetland in Malaysia. Both object- and pixel-based classification approaches were tested (QGIS v.2.12.3 with Orfeo Toolbox). The object-based classification (using a manual rule-set algorithm) of drone imagery with dominant land-cover features (i.e. water, land, Avicennia alba, Nypa fruticans, Rhizophora apiculata and Casuarina equisetifolia) provided the highest accuracy (overall accuracy (OA): 94.0±0.5% and specific producer accuracy (SPA): 97.0±9.3%) as compared to the Pleiades imagery (OA: 72.2±2.7% and SPA: 51.9±22.7%). In addition, the pixel-based classification (using a maximum likelihood algorithm) of drone imagery provided better accuracy (OA: 90.0±1.9% and SPA: 87.2±5.1%) compared to the Pleiades (OA: 82.8±3.5% and SPA: 80.4±14.3%). Nevertheless, the drone provided higher temporal resolution images, even on cloudy days, an exceptional benefit when working in a humid tropical climate. In terms of the user-costs, drone costs are much higher, but this becomes advantageous over satellite data for long-term monitoring of a small area. Due to the large data size of the drone imagery, its processing time was about ten times greater than that of the satellite image, and varied according to the various image processing techniques employed (in pixel-based classification, drone >50 hours, Pleiades <5 hours), constituting the main disadvantage of UAV remote sensing. However, the mangrove mapping based on the drone aerial photos provided unprecedented results for Setiu, and was proven to be a viable alternative to satellite-based monitoring/management of these ecosystems. The improvements of drone technology will help to make drone use even more competitive in the future.
Fulltext Effectiveness of Autologous Platelet Concentrates in Management of Young Immature Necrotic Permanent Teeth-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Panda S, Mishra L, Arbildo-Vega HI, Lapinska B, Lukomska-Szymanska M, Khijmatgar S, et al.

Cells, 2020 10 07;9(10).
PMID: 33036462 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102241

The use of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in regenerative endodontic procedures is inconsistent and unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous platelet concentrates compared to traditional blood-clot regeneration for the management of young, immature, necrotic, permanent teeth. The digital databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched to identify ten randomized clinical trials. The outcomes at postoperative follow-up, such as dentinal wall thickness (DWT), increase in root length (RL), calcific barrier formation (CB), apical closure (AC), vitality response (VR), and success rate (SR), were subjected to both qualitative synthesis and quantitative meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that APCs significantly improved apical closure (risk ratio (RR) = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.37; p = 0.04) and response to vitality pulp tests (RR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.52; p = 0.04), whereas no significant effect was observed on root lengthening, dentin wall thickness, or success rate of immature, necrotic teeth treated with regenerative endodontics. APCs could be beneficial when treating young, immature, necrotic, permanent teeth regarding better apical closure and improved response to vitality tests.
Fulltext Differences in the Spectrum of Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibody Fine Specificities Between Malaysian and Swedish Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Implications for Disease Pathogenesis

Too CL, Murad S, Hansson M, Alm LM, Dhaliwal JS, Holmdahl R, et al.

Arthritis Rheumatol, 2017 01;69(1):58-69.
PMID: 27483449 DOI: 10.1002/art.39827

OBJECTIVE: Antibodies to the citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs) are important in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the prevalence of ACPAs with different fine specificities in different populations is unclear. This study sought to examine the fine specificity of the antibody responses toward citrullinated proteins in RA patients from Malaysia, an area where genetic and environmental determinants of RA are different from those in more frequently studied cohorts of Caucasian subjects.
METHODS: A multiplex analytic microarray system was used to analyze the occurrence of antibodies to 10 different citrullinated peptides (filaggrin [fil307-324], vimentin [Vim2-17, Vim60-75], fibrinogen [Fibα563-583, Fibα580-600, Fibβ36-52, Fibβ62-81a, Fibβ62-81b], enolase [Eno5-21], and type II collagen [CitCII355-378]) in serum samples from 4,089 RA patients (1,231 Malaysian and 2,858 Swedish) and 827 healthy control subjects (249 Malaysian and 578 Swedish). The positive reaction threshold for each peptide was set separately for each population based on a specificity of 98%.
RESULTS: Distinct differences in the frequencies of 5 ACPA fine specificities (Vim60-75, Vim2-17, Fibβ62-81b, Eno5-21, and CitCII355-378) were found between the Malaysian and Swedish RA populations, despite a nearly identical percentage of patients in each population who were positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 antibodies. In Malaysian RA patients compared with Swedish RA patients, the frequencies of antibodies to Vim60-75 (54% versus 44%, corrected P [Pcorr ] = 1.06 × 10-8 ) and CitCII355-378 (17% versus 13%, Pcorr = 0.02) were significantly higher, while the frequencies of antibodies to Vim2-17 (25% versus 32%, Pcorr = 1.91 × 10-4 ), Fibβ62-81b (15% versus 30%, Pcorr = 2.47 × 10-22 ), and Eno5-21 (23% versus 50%, Pcorr = 3.64 × 10-57 ) were significantly lower.
CONCLUSION: Serum ACPA fine specificities differ between RA patients in different populations, although the total proportions of individuals positive for ACPAs are similar. Differing patterns of ACPA fine specificity could be attributed to variations in genetic and/or environmental factors.
Fulltext Maternal use of drug substrates of placental transporters and the effect of transporter-mediated drug interactions on the risk of congenital anomalies

Daud AN, Bergman JE, Oktora MP, Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, Groen H, Bos JH, et al.

PLoS One, 2017;12(3):e0173530.
PMID: 28288183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173530

BACKGROUND: A number of transporter proteins are expressed in the placenta, and they facilitate the placental transfer of drugs. The inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was previously found to be associated with an increase in the risk of congenital anomalies caused by drug substrates of this transporter. We now explore the role of other placental transporter proteins.
METHODS: A population-based case-referent study was performed using cases with congenital anomalies (N = 5,131) from EUROCAT Northern Netherlands, a registry of congenital anomalies. The referent population (N = 31,055) was selected from the pregnancy IADB.nl, a pharmacy prescription database.
RESULTS: Ten placental transporters known to have comparable expression levels in the placenta to that of P-gp, were selected in this study. In total, 147 drugs were identified to be substrates, inhibitors or inducers, of these transporters. Fifty-eight of these drugs were used by at least one mother in our cases or referent population, and 28 were used in both. The highest user rate was observed for the substrates of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1, mainly folic acid (6% of cases, 8% of referents), and breast cancer resistance protein, mainly nitrofurantoin (2.3% of cases, 2.9% of referents). In contrast to P-gp, drug interactions involving substrates of these transporters did not have a significant effect on the risk of congenital anomalies.
CONCLUSIONS: Some of the drugs which are substrates or inhibitors of placental transporters were commonly used during pregnancy. No significant effect of transporter inhibition was found on fetal drug exposure, possibly due to a limited number of exposures.

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