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  1. Thermoluminescence characteristics of Nd-doped SiO2 optical fibers irradiated with the (60)Co gamma rays
    Refaei A, Wagiran H, Saeed MA, Hosssain I
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2014 Dec;94:89-92.
    PMID: 25146569 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.07.012
    Thermoluminescence (TL) properties (radiation sensitivity, dose response, signal fading) of Nd-doped SiO2 optical fibers irradiated with 1.25MeV photons to 1-50Gy were studied. The peak of the glow curve is around 190°C regardless of the dose. The dose response is linear up to 50Gy. The radiation sensitivity is 219nCmg(-1)Gy(-1). The fiber can be a potential candidate for photon radiotherapy dosimetry due to its high radiation sensitivity, linear dose response in a wide range, slow fading, and high spatial resolution due to the small size of the fiber.
  2. Thermoluminescence responses of the Yb- and Yb-Tb-doped SiO2 optical fibers to 6-MV photons
    Sahini MH, Hossain I, Wagiran H, Saeed MA, Ali H
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2014 Sep;92:18-21.
    PMID: 24973463 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.05.024
    Characteristics of the thermoluminescence (TL) responses of Yb- and Yb-Tb-doped optical fibers irradiated with 6MV photons are reported. The concentration of Yb in the Yb-doped optical fiber was 0.26mol%; the concentrations of Yb and Tb in the Yb-Tb-doped optical fiber were 0.62 and 0.2mol%, respectively. The TL dose responses are linear in the dose range 0.5-4Gy. The radiation sensitivity of the Yb-Tb material is almost two orders of magnitude higher than the sensitivity of the material doped with Yb alone.
  3. Thermoluminescence properties of the Cu-doped lithium potassium borate glass
    Aboud H, Wagiran H, Hussin R, Ali H, Alajerami Y, Saeed MA
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2014 Aug;90:35-9.
    PMID: 24681645 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.01.012
    Characteristics of lithium potassium borate glasses with various copper concentrations are reported. The glasses were prepared by the melt quenching method and irradiated with photons to doses in the 0.5-4.0 Gy range. Glowing curves, dose response curves, reproducibility of the response, dose threshold, thermal fading and optical bleaching were studied.
  4. Effect of co-doping of sodium on the thermoluminescence dosimetry properties of copper-doped zinc lithium borate glass system
    Saidu A, Wagiran H, Saeed MA, Alajerami YSM, Kadir ABA
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2016 Dec;118:375-381.
    PMID: 27894049 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.10.005
    The effect of sodium as a co-dopant on the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of copper-doped zinc lithium borate (ZLB: Cu) subjected to Co-60 gamma radiation is reported in this study. TL intensity is enhanced with the introduction of sodium in ZLB: Cu. The obtained glow curve is simple with a single peak. The annealing procedure and the best heating rate for the proposed thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) are established, and the phosphor is reusable. The TL response within the dose range of 0.5-1000Gy is investigated. The results show that the thermal fading behaviour is improved significantly.
  5. Fulltext Breast cancer therapy by laser-induced Coulomb explosion of gold nanoparticles
    Ashiq MG, Saeed MA, Tahir BA, Ibrahim N, Nadeem M
    Chin. J. Cancer Res., 2013 Dec;25(6):756-61.
    PMID: 24385705 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.1000-9604.2013.12.08
    Laser-induced Coulomb explosion of gold nanoparticles for breast cancer has been studied by nanophotolysis technique. This study aimed to investigate whether laser-induced bubble formation due to Coulomb explosion can provide an effective approach for selective damage of breast cancer with gold nanoparticles.
  6. Fulltext Investigation of natural environmental radioactivity concentration in soil of coastaline area of Ado-Odo/Ota Nigeria and its radiological implications
    Joel ES, Maxwell O, Adewoyin OO, Olawole OC, Arijaje TE, Embong Z, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 03 12;9(1):4219.
    PMID: 30862825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40884-0
    Natural radioactivity in coastaline area soil of Ado-Odo/Ota has been carried out to ascertain the presence of radionuclides using gamma-ray spectroscopy (HPGe detector). The result showed that U-238, Th-232 and K-40 ranged from 24 ± 7-49 ± 10; 67 ± 6-120 ± 9 and 88 ± 17-139 ± 20 Bqkg-1 respectively. The radium equivalent for the samples ranged from 132.51 to 230.91 Bqkg-1 with mean value of 185.89 Bqkg-1. The mean value for the gamma dose rate for the soil samples was estimated to be 81.32 nGyh-1. The estimated values of annual effective dose equivalent ranged from 0.61 to 1.07 mSv y-1. The estimation of alpha index representative (Iα) ranged from 0.12 to 0.24 with mean value of 0.21 while the gamma representative index ranged between 0.465 and 0.810. The activity utilization index of the soil samples ranged from 1.09 to 1.89 with mean value of 1.53. The radiological implication in the study area has shown that the soil samples with gamma dose rate value of 89.99 nGyh-1, 94.39 nGyh-1, 97.40 nGyh-1 and 101.04 nGyh-1 respectively are higher than the recommended value of 80 nGyh-1 and may pose health implication for long term exposure.
  7. Fulltext Elliptical metallic rings-shaped fractal metamaterial absorber in the visible regime
    Bilal RMH, Saeed MA, Choudhury PK, Baqir MA, Kamal W, Ali MM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 Aug 20;10(1):14035.
    PMID: 32820192 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71032-8
    Achieving the broadband response of metamaterial absorbers has been quite challenging due to the inherent bandwidth limitations. Herein, the investigation was made of a unique kind of visible light metamaterial absorber comprising elliptical rings-shaped fractal metasurface using tungsten metal. It was found that the proposed absorber exhibits average absorption of over 90% in the visible wavelength span of 400-750 nm. The features of perfect absorption could be observed because of the localized surface plasmon resonance that causes impedance matching. Moreover, in the context of optoelectronic applications, the absorber yields absorbance up to ~ 70% even with the incidence obliquity in the range of 0°-60° for transverse electric polarization. The theory of multiple reflections was employed to further verify the performance of the absorber. The obtained theoretical results were found to be in close agreement with the simulation results. In order to optimize the results, the performance was analyzed in terms of the figure of merit and operating bandwidth. Significant amount of absorption in the entire visible span, wide-angle stability, and utilization of low-cost metal make the proposed absorber suitable in varieties of photonics applications, in particular photovoltaics, thermal emitters and sensors.
  8. Fulltext Magnetic Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Doxorubicine Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Anticancer Drug Delivery Applications
    Nadeem M, Ahmad M, Akhtar MS, Shaari A, Riaz S, Naseem S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(6):e0158084.
    PMID: 27348436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158084
    The current study emphasizes the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and impact of hydrophilic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coating concentration as well as anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) loading on saturation magnetization for target drug delivery applications. Iron oxide nanoparticles particles were synthesized by a reformed version of the co-precipitation method. The coating of polyvinyl alcohol along with doxorubicin loading was carried out by the physical immobilization method. X-ray diffraction confirmed the magnetite (Fe3O4) structure of particles that remained unchanged before and after polyvinyl alcohol coating and drug loading. Microstructure and morphological analysis was carried out by transmission electron microscopy revealing the formation of nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm with slight variation after coating and drug loading. Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive, and Fourier transform infrared spectra further confirmed the conjugation of polymer and doxorubicin with iron oxide nanoparticles. The room temperature superparamagnetic behavior of polymer-coated and drug-loaded magnetite nanoparticles were studied by vibrating sample magnetometer. The variation in saturation magnetization after coating evaluated that a sufficient amount of polyvinyl alcohol would be 3 wt. % regarding the externally controlled movement of IONPs in blood under the influence of applied magnetic field for in-vivo target drug delivery.
  9. Fulltext Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention in Reducing New International Postgraduates' Acculturative Stress in Malaysian Public Universities: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
    Al-Jaberi MA, Juni MH, Kadir Shahar H, Ismail SIF, Saeed MA, Ying LP
    JMIR Res Protoc, 2020 Feb 27;9(2):e12950.
    PMID: 32130180 DOI: 10.2196/12950
    BACKGROUND: Universities around the world, including Malaysia, have attracted many international students from different countries. Research has reported that acculturative stress resulting from international students' attempts to adjust to the cultures of host countries is one of the most challenging issues that affects their lives in general and academic lives in particular.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an educational intervention on acculturative stress among new postgraduate international students joining Malaysian public universities.

    METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial design with Malaysian public universities as the unit of randomization will be used in this study. Public universities will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to be either in the intervention (educational program) or control group (waiting list). Participants in the intervention group will receive 7 sessions in 9 hours delivered by an expert in psychology and the researcher. The control group will receive the intervention once the 3-month follow-up evaluation is completed.

    RESULTS: The data will be analyzed using the generalized estimation equation with a confidence interval value of 95%; significant differences between and within groups are determined as P

  10. Fulltext In-situ assessment of natural terrestrial-radioactivity from Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th) and Potassium-40 (40K) in coastal urban-environment and its possible health implications
    Joel ES, Omeje M, Olawole OC, Adeyemi GA, Akinpelu A, Embong Z, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 09 02;11(1):17555.
    PMID: 34475416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96516-z
    The risk of natural terrestrial radioactivity on human health is often underestimated, and environmental safety awareness is necessary. Hence, this study aims to assess natural sources of gamma radiation emitter in coastal urban-environment using the radiometric technique. The dosage of gamma radiation from a parent radionuclide such as Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th) and Potassium-40 (40K) and were measured using portable gamma spectroscopy. The result showed that the measured value of 238U activity was between 10.81 [Formula: see text] 0.69 and 46.31 [Formula: see text] 1.43 Bqkg-1. The mean value was estimated to be 35.44 [Formula: see text] 0.97 Bqkg-1 which is slightly higher than the world average. Meanwhile, 232Th activity ranges from 28.42 [Formula: see text] 1.12 to 69.43 [Formula: see text] 1.76 Bqkg-1 with the calculated mean value of 92.57 [Formula: see text] 1.17 Bqkg-1 while 40K activity ranged between 31.30 ± 1.32 and 328.65 ± 2.32 Bqkg-1 with the estimated mean 137.59 [Formula: see text] 2.42 Bqkg-1. Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent (Req), internal hazard (Hint) and external hazard (Hext) assessment were in the range of 66.00 Bqkg-1 to 141.76 Bqkg-1, 0.232 to 0.452 and 0.178 to 0.383, respectively. The measured values of gamma dose-rates ranged between 54.283 ± 0.78 and 117.531 ± 1.14 nGyh-1 with the calculated mean value of 84.770 ± 0.97 nGyh-1.
  11. Fulltext Estimation of activity concentrations of radionuclides and their hazard indices in coastal plain sand region of Ogun state
    Adewoyin OO, Maxwell O, Akinwumi SA, Adagunodo TA, Embong Z, Saeed MA
    Sci Rep, 2022 Feb 08;12(1):2108.
    PMID: 35136130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06064-3
    Assessment of natural background radionuclides emanating from the subsurface geological features was carried out with the use of gamma-ray spectrometry at various locations at one of the secondary school in Canaan land, Ota, Ogun State. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were revealed to be 12.66 ± 0.76-42.33 ± 1.37, 44.96 ± 1.41-128.70 ± 1.56, 31.30 ± 1.18-453.85 ± 2.43 Bq kg-1 respectively. The mean value of 232Th reported higher than the world reference standard of 50 Bq kg-1. Moreover, the stations closest to the school's laboratory were noticed to be prone to more gamma radiations than the other buildings in the school. Similarly, the results of the radiological parameters estimated varied between 86.04-243.7 Bq kg-1, 40.02-115.4 nGy h-1, 0.049-0.142 mSv y-1 and 0.232-0.658 for Raeq, D(out), AEDE and Hex, respectively. Although, the results of the radiological parameters did not exceed the world safe limits, higher values of these parameters were reported at some stations closer to the school laboratory. It can be concluded that the school laboratory is prone to more gamma radiation than the class rooms and the administrative block. Therefore, the laboratory instructors and staff, who spend longer time in the laboratory, are more liable to the health risk that could result from years of exposure to gamma radiation in the laboratory.
  12. Fulltext Perspectives of EFL learners and teachers on self-efficacy and academic achievement: The role of gender, culture and learning environment
    Liu L, Saeed MA, Abdelrasheed NSG, Shakibaei G, Khafaga AF
    Front Psychol, 2022;13:996736.
    PMID: 36337558 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.996736
    The Omani socio-cultural context, the mono-gender educational system in schools, and the learning environment at the higher educational institutions significantly affect learners' self-efficacy and academic achievement in the mixed-gender EFL classroom. Different studies have revealed both positive and negative implications of mixed-gender classrooms, especially for those who came from a mono-gender learning environment. The adjustment phase for the tertiary learners from school to the university is not only crucial but also significant for the continuation of higher education. The effects of socio-cultural factors on self-efficacy and academic achievement have not been studied in depth, particularly in eastern countries. So, the current study aimed at investigating the role of gender, learning background, socio-cultural circumstances, and the effect of the learning environment on EFL learners' self-efficacy and their academic achievement within the scenario of the prevailing culture and traditions in the Dhofar Region. To conduct this study, mixed research methods (qualitative and quantitative) have been adopted to investigate the perceptions of both teachers and learners. The sample of the study consists of 117 EFL learners ranging between 18-22 years of age and 25 EFL teachers ranging between 35-60 years of age. We used separate surveys for students and the teachers and interviewed students and teachers on a random basis. The results demonstrate that both genders were comfortable in segregated classes. The results also reveal that female learners were active learners and better performers than male learners in the school learning environment. The students reported that social restrictions discouraged them from mixing with the opposite gender in classroom activities and oral discussions. Most teachers believe that, compared to male learners, female learners performed better and were more engaged and responsive to different learning situations. The study found that there were statistically significant differences between both genders in terms of the effects of socio-cultural environment, self-efficacy, and the learning environment. Female learners were better than male learners in mono-gender schools, and they have higher self-efficacy than male students at the university. In conclusion, EFL teachers should consider the socio-cultural context, learners' learning background, and other challenges of learners to bring out positive outcomes in a mixed-gender classroom.
  13. Uptake and clearance analysis of Technetium99m labelled iron oxide nanoparticles in a rabbit brain
    Nadeem M, Ahmad M, Saeed MA, Shaari A, Riaz S, Naseem S, et al.
    IET Nanobiotechnol, 2015 Jun;9(3):136-41.
    PMID: 26023157 DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2014.0012
    Nanoparticles as solid colloidal particles are extensively studied and used as anticancer drug delivery agents because of their physical properties. This current research aims to prepare water base suspension of uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles and their biodistribution study to different organs, especially the brain, by using a single photon emission computed tomography gamma camera. The water-based suspension of iron oxide nanoparticles was synthesised by a reformed version of the co-precipitation method and labelled with Tc99m for intravenous injection. The nanoparticles were injected without surface modification. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques were used for characterisation. Peaks of XRD and EDS indicate that the particles are magnetite and exist in aqueous suspension. The average diameter of iron oxide nanoparticles without any surface coating determined by TEM is 10 nm. These particles are capable of evading the reticuloendothelial system and can cross the blood-brain barrier in the rabbit. The labelling efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles labelled with Tc99m is 85%, which is good for the biodistribution study. The sufficient amount of iron oxide nanoparticles concentration in the brain as compared with the surrounding soft tissues and their long blood retention time indicates that the water-based suspension of iron oxide nanoparticles may be an option for drug delivery into the brain.
  14. Fulltext Isolation, Characterization, Crystal Structure Elucidation of Two Flavanones and Simultaneous RP-HPLC Determination of Five Major Compounds from Syzygium campanulatum Korth
    Memon AH, Ismail Z, Al-Suede FS, Aisha AF, Hamil MS, Saeed MA, et al.
    Molecules, 2015;20(8):14212-33.
    PMID: 26248073 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200814212
    Two flavanones named (2S)-7-Hydroxy-5-methoxy-6,8-dimethyl flavanone (1), (S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-flavanone (2), along with known chalcone, namely, (E)-2',4'- dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (3) and two triterpenoids, namely, betulinic and ursolic acids (4 and 5), were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium campanulatum Korth (Myrtaceae). The structures of compounds (1 and 2) were determined on the basis of UV-visible, FTIR, NMR spectroscopies and LC-EIMS analytical techniques. Furthermore, new, simple, precise, selective, accurate, highly sensitive, efficient and reproducible RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of the compounds (1-5) from S. campanulatum plants of five different age. RP-HPLC method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity (r2 ≤ 0.999), precision (2.0% RSD), and recoveries (94.4%-105%). The LOD and LOQ of these compounds ranged from 0.13-0.38 and 0.10-2.23 μg·mL-1, OPEN ACCESS respectively. Anti-proliferative activity of isolated flavanones (1 and 2) and standardized extract of S. campanulatum was evaluated on human colon cancer (HCT 116) cell line. Compounds (1 and 2) and extract revealed potent and dose-dependent activity with IC50 67.6, 132.9 and 93.4 μg·mL-1, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on isolation, characterization, X-ray crystallographic analysis of compounds (1 and 2) and simultaneous RP-HPLC determination of five major compounds (1-5) from different age of S. campanulatum plants.
  15. Fulltext Anti-Uterine Fibroid Effect of Standardized Labisia Pumila Var. Alata Extracts In Vitro and in Human Uterine Fibroid Cancer Xenograft Model
    Zakaria N, Mohd KS, Ahmed Saeed MA, Ahmed Hassan LE, Shafaei A, Al-Suede FSR, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2020 Apr 01;21(4):943-951.
    PMID: 32334454 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.4.943
    BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids are a common type of solid tumor presenting in women of reproductive age. There are very few alternative treatment available from conventional treatment involving surgeries. Labisia pumila var. alata or locally known as 'Kacip Fatimah' was widely used as traditional medicine in Malaysia. This plant has been used to maintain a healthy female reproductive system. The present study aimed to evaluate anti fibroid potential of L. pumila extracts through in vitro apoptosis activity against uterine leiomyoma cells (SK-UT-1) and in uterine leiomyoma xenograft model. Evaluation of bioactive markers content were also carried out.

    METHODS: Apoptotic induction of the extracts was determined by morphological examination of AO/PI dual staining assay by flourescent microscopy and flow cytometry analysis on Annexin V-FITC/PI stained cells. In vivo study was done in immune-compromised mouse xenograft model. HPLC analysis was employed to quantify marker compounds.

    RESULTS: Morphological analysis showed L. pumila induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner against SK-UT-1 cells. In vivo study indicated that L. pumila significantly suppressed the growth of uterine fibroid tumor. All tested extracts contain bioactive marker of gallic acid and cafeic acid.

    CONCLUSION: This work provide significant data of the potential of L. pumila in management of uterine fibroids.
    .

  16. Fulltext A comparative study of conventional and supercritical fluid extraction methods for the recovery of secondary metabolites from Syzygium campanulatum Korth
    Memon AH, Hamil MS, Laghari M, Rithwan F, Zhari S, Saeed MA, et al.
    J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2016 Sep;17(9):683-982.
    PMID: 27604860 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1600019
    Syzygium campanulatum Korth is a plant, which is a rich source of secondary metabolites (especially flavanones, chalcone, and triterpenoids). In our present study, three conventional solvent extraction (CSE) techniques and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques were performed to achieve a maximum recovery of two flavanones, chalcone, and two triterpenoids from S. campanulatum leaves. Furthermore, a Box-Behnken design was constructed for the SFE technique using pressure, temperature, and particle size as independent variables, and yields of crude extract, individual and total secondary metabolites as the dependent variables. In the CSE procedure, twenty extracts were produced using ten different solvents and three techniques (maceration, soxhletion, and reflux). An enriched extract of five secondary metabolites was collected using n-hexane:methanol (1:1) soxhletion. Using food-grade ethanol as a modifier, the SFE methods produced a higher recovery (25.5%‒84.9%) of selected secondary metabolites as compared to the CSE techniques (0.92%‒66.00%).
  17. Fulltext Relationships among perceived quality of healthcare services, satisfaction and behavioural intentions of international students in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
    Aljaberi MA, Juni MH, Al-Maqtari RA, Lye MS, Saeed MA, Al-Dubai SAR, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2018 09 12;8(9):e021180.
    PMID: 30209153 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021180
    OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to investigate the relationships among the perceived quality of healthcare services, satisfaction and behavioural intentions among international students in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    SETTING: A cross-sectional study on public universities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: All participants in this study were international students joining public universities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    PRIMARY INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: Perceived quality of healthcare services measured on a SERVQUAL scale.

    PRIMARY DEPENDENT VARIABLE: Participants' satisfaction of healthcare services assessed using five items.

    SECONDARY DEPENDENT VARIABLE: Behavioural intentions measured on six items.

    RESULTS: Of the 556 international students, 500 (90%) completed the survey. The study used structural equation modelling (SEM) through the AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) software to analyse the data. SEM analyses showed that the perceived quality of healthcare services significantly and directly affected satisfaction, with a value of 89% and an effect size of 0.78. It also had a significant indirect impact on the behavioural intentions (0.78) of international students. The results indicated that participants' satisfaction had a statistically significant impact on their behavioural intentions (0.77).

    CONCLUSION: Perceived quality of care is an important driver of international students' satisfaction and their behavioural intention with healthcare services. Such relations of effects among the three investigated factors were also positive and significant.

  18. Scopoletin, an active principle of tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) inhibits human tumor vascularization in xenograft models and modulates ERK1, VEGF-A, and FGF-2 in computer model
    Tabana YM, Hassan LE, Ahamed MB, Dahham SS, Iqbal MA, Saeed MA, et al.
    Microvasc Res, 2016 09;107:17-33.
    PMID: 27133199 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.04.009
    We recently reported the antineovascularization effect of scopoletin on rat aorta and identified its potential anti-angiogenic activity. Scopoletin could be useful as a systemic chemotherapeutic agent against angiogenesis-dependent malignancies if its antitumorigenic activity is investigated and scientifically proven using a suitable human tumor xenograft model. In the present study, bioassay-guided (anti-angiogenesis) phytochemical investigation was conducted on Nicotiana glauca extract which led to the isolation of scopoletin. Further, anti-angiogenic activity of scopoletin was characterized using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico angiogenesis models. Finally, the antitumorigenic efficacy of scopoletin was studied in human colorectal tumor xenograft model using athymic nude mice. For the first time, an in vivo anticancer activity of scopoletin was reported and characterized using xenograft models. Scopoletin caused significant suppression of sprouting of microvessels in rat aortic explants with IC50 (median inhibitory concentration) 0.06μM. Scopoletin (100 and 200mg/kg) strongly inhibited (59.72 and 89.4%, respectively) vascularization in matrigel plugs implanted in nude mice. In the tumor xenograft model, scopoletin showed remarkable inhibition on tumor growth (34.2 and 94.7% at 100 and 200mg/kg, respectively). Tumor histology revealed drastic reduction of the extent of vascularization. Further, immunostaining of CD31 and NG2 receptors in the histological sections confirmed the antivascular effect of scopoletin in tumor vasculature. In computer modeling, scopoletin showed strong ligand affinity and binding energies toward the following angiogenic factors: protein kinase (ERK1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). These results suggest that the antitumor activity of scopoletin may be due to its strong anti-angiogenic effect, which may be mediated by its effective inhibition of ERK1, VEGF-A, and FGF-2.
  19. Rheumatoid arthritis management in the APLAR region: Perspectives from an expert panel of rheumatologists, patients and community oriented program for control of rheumatic diseases
    Chopra A, Lin HY, Navarra SV, Saeed MA, Sockalingam S, Thongpooswan S, et al.
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2021 Sep;24(9):1106-1111.
    PMID: 34375036 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.14185
    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major health burden in Asia Pacific affecting the quality of life of patients and consuming healthcare resources. According to recent estimates from the World Health Organization-International League Against Rheumatism-Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases, prevalence is around 0.3%-0.5%. Management guidelines have helped to improve treatment across this diverse region. To gain better insight into current real-world management applications in view of these guidelines, virtual meetings were conducted in mid-2020 to explore perspectives of rheumatologists and patients, as well as discuss the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on RA management. Patients and rheumatologists from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Pakistan, and Taiwan were included, representing a diverse mix of healthcare systems, wealth, ethnicity and culture. Despite many countries having prospered in recent years, similar challenges in RA diagnosis and treatment were identified. The daily impact and patient experience of RA were also similar across countries, marked by "silent" pain and disability, and universal misunderstanding of the disease. Late diagnosis and treatment, and barriers to access to appropriate treatment, remain problematic. The experience shared by Taiwan offers a glimmer of hope, however, wherein patient advocacy groups have succeeded in being included in policy-making decisions and securing access to advanced treatment. Real-world solutions that pay heed to the unique local needs and diversity of Asia Pacific are required to improve RA management, which will take time. In the interim, help can be sought from the trained, non-rheumatologist community to reduce some of the disease burden.
  20. Fulltext Isolation, Characterization, Crystal Structure Elucidation, and Anticancer Study of Dimethyl Cardamonin, Isolated from Syzygium campanulatum Korth
    Memon AH, Ismail Z, Aisha AF, Al-Suede FS, Hamil MS, Hashim S, et al.
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2014;2014:470179.
    PMID: 25530783 DOI: 10.1155/2014/470179
    Syzygium campanulatum Korth is an equatorial, evergreen, aboriginal shrub of Malaysia. Conventionally it has been used as a stomachic. However, in the currently conducted study dimethyl cardamonin or 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC) was isolated from S. campanulatum Korth, leaf extract. The structural characterization of DMC was carried out by making use of various techniques including UV, IR, NMR spectral followed by LC-MS, and X-ray crystallographic techniques. For determining the purity of compound, highly effective techniques including TLC, HPLC, and melting point were used. The cytotoxicity of DMC and three different extracts of S. campanulatum was evaluated against human colon cancer cell line (HT-29) by three different assays. DMC and ethanolic extract revealed potent and dose-dependent cytotoxic activity on the cancer cell line with IC50 12.6 and 90.1 µg/mL, respectively. Quite astonishingly to our knowledge, this is the very first report on S. campanulatum as being a rich source (3.5%) of DMC, X-ray crystallography, and anticancer activity on human colon cancer cells.
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