Serum separation abnormality in a multiple myeloma patient

INTRODUCTION

M-protein secreted by myeloma cells do not only contribute to myeloma-related complications but is also a well-recognised source of interference in laboratory assays. We describe a case of a 62-year-old woman whose blood sample showed improper serum separation even after resampling.

CASE REPORT

Centrifugation of a biochemistry specimen in a serum-separator tube received by the laboratory failed to separate any serum, nor did repeating the process at a longer duration. Repeat sampling only yielded a small volume of serum from which highly elevated total protein was noted upon analysis. Additional history from the treating clinician unveiled a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in this patient.

DISCUSSION

This case represents one of the rare, but significant pre-analytical interferences caused by M-proteins.

Development, physiochemical and sensory evaluation of a new effervescent tablet formulation based on Moringa oleifera leaves extract

New product development of Moringa oleifera effervescent tablet was optimization of the acid-base in the formula by using the D-optimal mix design. Chemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera extract was evaluated. The physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Moringa oleifera effervescent tablet was measured. The results shows that chemical compounds of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Moringa oleifera extracts were hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, and fatty acids. Both extracts exhibited high antioxidant by the IC50 value at 240.27 μg/mL and 301.21 μg/mL respectively. The quadratic model was found to be the best fitted for evaluating the solubility time, colour, taste and aroma; meanwhile, the special cubic model appeared to be the best fitting model for assessing the hardness response. The optimization process suggested that citric acid (22.19% w/w), tartaric acid (11.17% w/w), and sodium bicarbonate (33.64% w/w) was the best solution for this combination of variables, with a desirability value of 0.798.

Gut microbiome and metabolome of sea cucumber (Stichopus ocellatus) as putative markers for monitoring the marine sediment pollution in Pahang, Malaysia

Antibiotic contamination in the marine environment forms an emerging threat to marine ecosystems. This study aimed to compare the gut and coelomic microbiota of Stichopus ocellatus with sediments between two coastal districts of Pahang, which potentially conferring as putative biomarkers for sediment pollution monitoring. The composition of the bacteria communities was determined using 16S rRNA V3-region gene amplicon sequencing, while hybrid whole-genome sequencing was employed to analyze the genome of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The trace elements and antibiotic compositions were access using high-throughput spectrometry. The alpha- and beta-diversity of bacteria in gut and sediment samples from Kuantan differed substantially within (p-value = 0.017604) and between samples (p-value <0.007), respectively. Vibrio genera predominated in Kuantan samples, while Flavobacterium and Synechococcus_E genera predominated in Pekan samples. Vibrio parahaemolyticus revealed the presence of tet(35) and bla_CARB-33 genes that conceived resistance towards tetracycline and beta-lactam antibiotics, respectively, which were detected in sediment and gut samples.

Production of Volatile Compounds by a Variety of Fungi in Artificially Inoculated and Naturally Infected Aquilaria malaccensis

Aquilaria malaccensis, the resinous agarwood, is highly valued in the perfumery and medicinal industry. The formation of fragrant agarwood resin inconsistently by various fungi is still not clearly understood. The current study investigated the agarwood quality and fungal diversity in artificially inoculated and naturally infected A. malaccensis. The chemical analysis of volatile compounds of agarwood was performed using the Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) method, and the identification of fungi was made through a morphological observation using a light microscope. Gas chromatography analysis revealed the presence of essential compounds related to high-quality agarwood, such as 4-phenyl-2-butanone, β-selinene, α-bulnesene, and agarospirol in both artificially inoculated and naturally infected agarwood but with some differences in the abundance. Further studies on the fungi associated with agarwood volatile compounds formation showed a total of ten fungal group isolates, which were identified based on morphological and molecular studies. The study revealed that agarwood from both artificial and natural sources were naturally infected with Fusarium, Botryosphaeria, Aspergillus, Schizophyllum, Phanerochaete, Lasiodiplodia, Polyporales, and Ceriporia species. This study has offered a potential opportunity to research further the promising development of fungal strains for artificial inducement of high-quality agarwood formation from A. malaccensis trees.

Virtual Screening-Based Identification of Potent DENV-3 RdRp Protease Inhibitors via In-House Usnic Acid Derivative Database

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic disease and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), transmitted predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions by Aedes aegypti. It infects millions of people and causes thousands of deaths each year, but there is no antiviral drug against DENV. Usnic acid lately piqued the interest of researchers for extraordinary biological characteristics, including antiviral activity. Based on high larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti, this study aims to search usnic acid derivatives as novel anti-DENV agents through a combination of ligand-based and pharmacophore-based virtual screening. One hundred and sixteen (116) usnic acid derivatives were obtained from a database of 428 in-house usnic acid derivatives through pharmacophore filtering steps. Subsequent docking simulation on DENV-3 NS-5 RdRp afforded 41 compounds with a strong binding affinity towards the enzyme. The pharmacokinetics and drug likeness prediction resulted in seven hit compounds, which eventually undergo cytochrome P450 enzyme screening to obtain the lead compound, labelled as 362. In addition, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of lead compound 362 was performed to verify the stability of the docked complex and the binding posture acquired in docking experiments. Overall, the lead compounds have shown a high fit value of pharmacophore, strong binding affinity towards RdRp enzyme, good pharmacokinetics, and drug likeness properties. The discovery of a new usnic acid derivative as a novel anti-DENV agent targeting RdRp could lead to further drug development and optimization to treat dengue.

Starch Based Film Incorporated with <i>Clitoria ternatea</i> Flower Extracts as pH Indicator

The present study demonstrated the evaluation of starch based film formulated with ClitoriaTernatea flowers extracts which act as pH indicator. Maceration, sonication and infusion extraction were employed to determine the percentage yield of the flower extracts. Extract solutions (1mg/mL) were subjected to UPLC-QTOF/MS in order to detect and identify the chemical constituents of C. ternatea. UV-Vis analysis is done by treating the extracts (4mg/mL) with prepared buffer solution in various pH value ranged (2.0 – 11.0) and the absorbance were observed within a broad range of wavelength (400-700 nm). 100 mL solution of 4g starch, C. ternatea extracts and glycerol (19g plasticizer/100g starch) in distilled water were undergo gelatinization process to form the desired thin film. The functional group presented in the film and raw materials were detected and defined by analyzing through FTIR spectroscopy. From the results, maceration techniques produced the higher yield of extracts with 41.48% compared to sonication and infusion method. Variation colours of C. ternatea solution were displayed in different value of pH. At pH lower than 3, the extract solution illustrated light red to purple in colour while at higher pH value to the more basic pH (4,5,6,7,8 and 9), the colour can be perceived as blue. From the gelatinization process, the blue smooth thin layer of film was produced. FTIR analysis showed that all of samples contain C-O bond (3300 cm-1). Starch based film formulated with C. ternatea as pH indicator can be applied to detect the spoilage of foods in the production of food wrapper and packaging.

Variability in Fat Properties, Polyphenols and Antinutrient Contents during Fermentation and Roasted Seed of Pulasan (<i>Nephelium mutabile</i>)

Edible pulasan seed contains of many bioactive compounds are usually discarded as waste. This study is conducted to evaluate the variability of fat properties, polyphenols and antinutrient contents during fermentation and roasted seed of pulasan, Nepheliummutabile. Pulasan seed undergone natural fermentation for day 0, day 1, day 3 and day 5 and followed by 2 days drying in oven at 60°C and this was labelled as fermented pulasan seed (FPS) sample. Half of the FPS sample was roasted at 130°C for 25min and generated as roasted and fermented pulasan seed (RFPS). Soxhlet extraction was conducted on seed powder to determine the crude fat content. Pulasan seed fat was subjected to GC-MS, UPLC-QTOF/MS and DSC for characterization and analysis of seed fat properties. By using a microplate reader, polyphenol content was determined with Folin–Ciocalteu method and saponin content was determined with Vanilin-Sulphuric acid assay. Result showed that crude fat content in FPS and RFPS reduced about 23.52% and 37.34% respectively after 5 days fermentation. The dominant fatty acid composition in pulasan seed were oleic acid (62.04%) and stearic acid (23.57%). The total UFA decreased and total SFA increased in day 5 of both FPS and RFPS. Triacylglycerol in FPS and RFPS decreased with fermentation. Total phenolic content and saponin content of FPS and RFPS decreased as the fermentation period increased due to the microbial activity and thermal degradation. Combination of fermentation and roasting treatment has more positive effect on reduction of the fat content, polyphenol and antinutrient content in pulasan seed which able to explore its potential like produce as healthy snack in food industry to resolve the agriculture waste issue.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Screening of Isolated Alkaloids from <i>Tinospora crispa</i>

The antioxidant capacity by DPPH radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity by disk diffusion and broth microdilution method of nine isolated alkaloids from T. crispa were evaluated. All isolated alkaloids had been divided into three groups which were aporphine alkaloids, N-formylannonaine (1), N-formylnornuciferine (2), magnoflorine (9), oxoaporphine alkaloids, lysicamine (3) and liriodenine (4); and protoberberine alkaloids, columbamine(6), dihydrodiscretamine (7) and 4,13-dihydroxy-2,8,9-trimethoxydibenzo [a,g]quinolizinium (8). Protoberberine alkaloids showed (IC50 > 500-800 μg/mL) radical scavenging activity while oxaporphine alkaloids inhibited the growth of the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (+) and Enterococcus faecalis (+).The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of different compounds support documented traditional use of T. crispa in wound healing and treatment of rheumatic, diarrhoea, ulcers, itches and wounds. Results of the present biological activity investigation further points to the potential of this plant species as a good source of natural antioxidant and preservative in food industry.

BELALAI GAJAH (CLINACANTHUS NUTANS) SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF CANCER PREVENTIONS. 2020. [DOI: 10.15282/rb.belalai.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

This book contains information about the traditional used and phytochemicals of belalai gajah (Clinacanthus nutans). This report had scientifically supported the testimonies of Malaysian who claimed that C. nutans possesses antitumour effects and has saved many cancer patients. The uses of plant in traditional medicine and current studies had been discussed. Single compounds had been isolated by purification using chromatographic techniques. Apart from that, a brief review of concept between chemical composition and biological activities is also described in this book.

Effect of Different Concentration of Cellulose Nanocrystals Comprising Hydroxyethyl Cellulose / Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) as a Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffold

In this study, biodegradable scaffolds based on hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) (5 wt%) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) (15 wt%) with different percentages of celullose nanocrystal (CNC) (1 and 7 wt%) were fabricated by lyophilization method to get highly porous scaffolds. These scaffolds were made water insoluble by cross-linking via heat treatment. The morphology and thermal properties of HEC/PVA/CNCs scaffolds were characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The morphological study showed that both prepared scaffold have highly porous structures with good pore interconnected structure. It was observed that thermal properties of scaffolds increased significantly as the concentration of CNCs increased. Cytotoxicity studies on scaffolds were carried out by utilizing human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells using DAPI nuclear stain and then confirmed using SEM. hFOB cells were able to attach and spread on all scaffolds. Incorporated CNCs as reinforcing nanofiller on scaffolds promising a superior functionality in bone tissue engineering.

Comparative Study of Onion (Allium cepa) and Leek (Allium ampeloprasum): Identification of Organosulphur Compounds by UPLC-QTOF/MS and Anticancer Effect on MCF-7 Cells

Onion (Allium cepa) and leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) are common herbs and vegetables found in our daily life. It belongs to the genus Allium, which is usually known for their high antioxidant and anticancer properties. Medical researchers highly recommend the exploitation of herbs and plants as alternative ways in the treatment of cancer. This research was designed to study the anticancer effects of onion and leek extracts on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell. Crude extracts of ethanol, methanol, and water of onion and leek were obtained by maceration. MCF-7 cells were cultured in complete media at 37 °C and subjected to different treatments that involved varying concentrations (10, 50, and 100 μg/mL) of onion and leek extracts for 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation. The percentage of cell viability and the concentration of extracts on MCF-7 cells were determined using MTT assay. The water leek extract proved to be the most effective extract at 50 μg/mL, whereby it showed a significant inhibition ability due to the presence of entadamide A-β-D-glucopyranoside as identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). Further studies about the mechanism of both extracts in causing cell death and the determination of the presence of other bioactive compounds in the extracts are needed.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun nanofibers containing antimicrobial Rhodomyrtus tomentosa extract

Electrospun nanofibers were prepared from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa extract and poly(vinyl alcohol). The antimicrobial effect was assessed against two Gram-negative bacterial strains ( Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two Gram-positive bacterial strains ( Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) by paper disc diffusion method. Ethyl acetate extract of R. tomentosa was selected for fabrication of nanofibers because it shows the most active antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 9.33 ± 0.21 to 13.67 ± 0.32 mm. The presence of high abundance of myricetin and rhodomyrtone might contribute to the antibiotic activity against all tested bacterial strains. The average diameter of the R. tomentosa extract/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers increased from 120.4 to 214.8 nm with increasing concentration of R. tomentosa extract from 0.5% to 2.5%. The antimicrobial activity of R. tomentosa extract/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers was relatively higher at concentration of the extract (1.5% and 2.5%) against all test organisms with a clear zone of inhibition 7–12 mm. The results demonstrated that R. tomentosa extract/poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun nanofibers are an interesting platform for delivery of bioactive compounds as wound dressing or other strategies for combating bacterial infections.

CYTOTOXICITY OF CLINACANTHUS NUTANS EXTRACTS ON HUMAN HEPATOMA (HepG2) CELL LINE

<p><strong>Objective</strong>:<strong> </strong><em>Clinacanthus nutans</em> is one of the herbs that has been used in Asia as a traditional medicine for the treatment of serious diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical constituents (flavonoids and phenolics) and cytotoxicity against human hepatoma (HepG2) cancer cell lines of <em>C. nutans </em>extracts.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>:<strong> </strong>The fractions from <em>C. nutans</em> were extracted from hexane, methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate by the solvent-solvent extraction method. The crude extracts (10 mg/ml) were tested against HepG2 cell lines using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Phytochemical screening was done to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC).</p><p><strong>Results</strong>:<strong> </strong>Methanol extract showed the strongest cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell line with IC ₅₀ of 43.9367μg/ml after 24 h of treatment compared to chloroform extract and ethyl acetate, 55.6112µg/ml and 62.0655µg/ml, respectively. Hexane extract formed the lowest cytotoxicity activity with IC₅₀of 68.3807µg/ml. Total phenolic content (TPC) was found to be highest in chloroform, which was 119.29 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and total flavonoid content (TFC), methanol was performed the highest value, which is 937.67 mg of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>:<strong> </strong>Different active compounds present in the extracts may contribute different cytotoxicity effects of crude extracts. The relationship data of total phenolic, total flavonoid, and cytotoxic potential of <em>C. nutans</em>, indicates that these plants might contain valuable active compounds as a chemotherapeutic agent. Further investigations to elucidate the chemical structures of active compounds are necessary for potential compounds discovery in drugs.</p>

Evidence for age- and size-mediated controls of tree growth from grafting studies

Vegetative propagation techniques such as grafting can be used, in conjunction with field studies, to decouple the relative effects of age and size on tree metabolism and growth. Despite interest in this approach, little attention has been paid to the best metrics for assessing the growth performance of grafted plants over time. Based on an analysis of the grafting literature and our own data, we show that the choice of metrics to assess tree growth can entirely change the conclusions reached about the relative importance of age versus size. We recommend that absolute as well as relative rates of growth are calculated and that scion size be standardized as much as possible at the start of the experiment. Once proper metrics are chosen, all of the available published evidence is largely concordant with two concepts: (1) age-mediated controls of tree growth are likely to be important during the first few years of a tree's life (before phase change); and (2) after the first few years of a tree's life, size-mediated factors largely prevail over age-mediated factors in determining tree growth rates. We found no support for theories invoking age-mediated sink limitations in old trees.

Changes in some metalloenzymes and trace metals among workers occupationally exposed to lead in battery manufacture

The present study was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of lead [Pb] exposure on the activities of some metaloenzymes as TIBC, SOD, ALP and MAO and their related trace metals among workers. Ninety workers occupationally exposed to Pb in a battery manufacturing plant in Alexandria city were included in this study, 50 of them were the exposed group and 40 control subjects. The present study showed a statistically significant higher level of biological indices of exposure (p < 0.01) of lead in blood among the exposed group than the control subjects. Exposure to Pb led to decreased levels of Zn and Fe which was accompanied by increase in the level of TIBC and decrease in activity of ALP. However, no significant variation could be detected in the level of Cu and its metalloenzyme as SOD and MAO between exposed and control subjects.

Effect of occupational exposure to ammonia on enzymatic activities of catalase and mono amine oxidase

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of ammonia inhalation on a total number of 60 male subjects from an urea production plant located in Alexandria. Laboratory investigations were carried out for 30 exposed and 30 controlled subjects. The results showed statistically significant inhibition (p<0.01) in the activity of catalase enzyme among the exposed than the control subjects. The inhibition could lead to deleterious effects on electrical stability, permeability and fluidity of membranes, which could affect the liver and brain to be more susceptible to hepatotoxic and neurotoxic alterations. The present work showed a significant inhibition (p<0.01) of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities and significant increase (p<0.05, 0.01) in liver function activities among exposed subjects than the control subjects.

Mode of formation of quinoxaline versus 2[1H]-quinoxalinone rings from dehydro-D-erythorbic acid

The mode of formation of the quinoxaline versus 2[1H]-quinoxalinone rings by the reaction of o-diamines with dehydro-D-erythorbic acid has been investigated. The study was carried out by using one and two molar equivalents of 1,2-diamino-4,5-dimethylbenzene (3b) to give 6,7-dimethyl-3-(1-oxo-D-erythro-2,3,4-trihydroxybutyl)-2[1H]-quino xalinone (4b) and 2-(2-amino-4,5-dimethylphenylcarbamoyl)-3-(D-erythro-glycerol-1-yl )- 6,7-dimethylquinoxaline (6), respectively. The former product exists predominantly as the two furanosyl anomers. Sequential reaction of 4a with 3b has been studied, and the location of each diamine in the product was deduced by using 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. A mechanism for the reaction is proposed. Acetate and acetal derivatives of the compound are prepared.

The clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: a Cairo-Glasgow co-operative study

The clinical features of 78 patients with SLE seen in Cairo and Glasgow are reviewed. Raynaud's phenomenon was recorded more frequently here than in previous series. The value of serial measurements of anti-DNA antibodies, C3 and C4 in the management of SLE is discussed. Although antibodies to native DNA paralleled the disease course in only a minority of SLE patients anti-DNA antibodies were present during all major SLE exacerbations and could be diagnostically useful. Serious systemic infections complicating the management of SLE patients could occur and their diagnosis is discussed.

A comparative trial of large doses of ketoprofen and indomethacin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

A 4-weeks' double-blind, crossover study in 30 patients with definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis is reported using 300 mg ketoprofen per day and 150 mg indomethacin per day. Both drugs had similar effects upon the patients' subjective improvement of pain. Objectively, the results also suggest that ketoprofen may be more effective in reducing the articular index, i.e. a superior analgesic effect. Further studies are underway to assess the value of ketoprofen administered in high dosage for longer duration.