Dose perturbation effects by metal hip prosthesis in gynaecological 192Ir HDR brachytherapy

The present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of hip prostheses in ¹⁹²Ir HDR brachytherapy and determine dose uncertainties introduced by the treatment planning. A gynaecological phantom irradiated using Nucletron ¹⁹²Ir microSelectron HDR source was modeled using MCNP5 code. Three hip materials considered in this study were water, bone, and metal prosthesis. According to the obtained results, a dose perturbation was observed within the medium with a higher atomic number, which reduced the dose to the nearby region.

Functional papaya beverage increases healthy gut microbiota in Streptozotocininduced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats

Diabetes mellitus is a silent killer illness, characterized by hyperglycaemia effect and can cause many health complications. A new functional papaya beverage was produced via selected pure symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) which offers an alternative food therapy in regulating blood glucose and its efficacy was evaluated using Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats for one month treatment. Under moderate diabetes condition, SCOBY papaya beverage was shown able to reduce high blood glucose in diabetic rats to normal level, comparably effective with commercial drug, Metformin. Not only that, it also helped restore body weight of diabetic rats to a healthier state with a gradual increment of body weight observed weekly. In contrast, untreated diabetic rats experienced a sharp rise in blood glucose with stunted body weight. Nutrigenomic studies were conducted to identify the mechanisms that support the effectiveness of SCOBY papaya beverage as an anti-diabetic therapy. Evidence from quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis disclosed significant higher expression on gene markers related to insulin receptor substrate 1 (Irs1), glucose transporter (Slc2a8) and glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (Gstm1), but lower expression of gene markers indicative of diabetes complications and inflammation e.g., tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (Nfkb1) and nitric oxide 2 (NOS2) in diabetic rats treated with SCOBY papaya beverage and Metformin (p<0.05). SCOBY papaya treated diabetic rats showed an increment of short chain fatty acids content and gut microbiota enriched with some beneficial microbes particularly for Alloprevotella, Ruminococcus 1, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, Prevotellaceae UCG-001 and Prevotellaceae NK3B31 compared to untreated diabetic rats. These data support the effectiveness of SCOBY papaya as a functional beverage in improving intestinal health by changing the environment of the microbiome of diabetic rats, in turn offering costeffective food therapies in blood glucose regulation.

The characterization of the bioactive compounds in fermented papaya pulp and leaves: providing new insights on the anti-ageing potential

Nowadays, fermented food and beverages derived from plants have become popular choices for consuming functional foods as they provide enormous advantages to human health. Fermented food and beverage might offer more therapeutic benefits than natural nutrition. Papaya contains high antioxidant, antitumor, and immune regulatory effects due to its valuable phytochemical properties. Despite all the advantages, papaya leaves were underutilised as they have an astringent and bitter taste. During this study, papaya pulp and leaves underwent fermentation to enhance their functional properties and improve their taste and flavour. Both papaya pulp and leaves were fermented using mixed cultures of Komagataiebacter sp. bacteria and Dekkera sp. yeast and incubated under a controlled fermentation process. The supernatant extracted from both fermented papaya pulp and leaves was collected and its inhibitory effect towards the elastase, tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase was analysed. Elastase and tyrosinase were employed for anti-ageing as increasing in dermal enzymatic activities will cause skin disorders. Meanwhile, acetylcholinesterase will affect the cholinergic crisis in the brain. Thus, inhibiting these enzymes is important for preventing hyperpigmentation, skin ageing and improving cognitive function. In comparison to non-fermented papaya pulp and leaves, the fermented papaya extracts demonstrated significant differences (P<0.05) in the inhibition effect against elastase, tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase with an inhibitory value above 80%. Most of the flavonoids obtained in fermented papaya pulp and leaves were higher than non-fermented pulp and leaves. Protocatechuic acid was the highest compound in fermented papaya pulp (1.22±0.11 µg/mL), while vitexin (113.20±1.18 µg/mL), rutin (10.56±0.52 µg/mL), and ellagic acid (8.76±0.40 µg/mL) highly contained in fermented papaya leaves. The highest organic acids obtained from fermented papaya pulp and leaves acetic acid (13495.42±308.99 µg/mL and 18572.48±78.45 µg/mL), followed by quinic acid (2148.71±63.31 µg/mL and 984.40±2.29 µg/mL) and citric acid (802.57±17.68 µg/ mL and 151.83±6.50 µg/mL), respectively. The findings described the potential of fermented papaya pulp and leaves extracts as potential bio-ingredients to slow down ageing development

Beneficial and toxicological aspects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in animals

Nanotechnology is a far‐reaching technology with tremendous applications in various aspects, including general medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, aquaculture, and food production. Nanomaterials have exceptional physicochemical characteristics, including increased intestinal absorption, biodistribution, bioavailability, and improved antimicrobial and catalytic properties. Although nanotechnology is gaining ground in animal management, husbandry, and production, its wide use is still hampered by occasional toxicity and side effects. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) have long been utilized in animal production, aquaculture, and pet animal medicine. However, the use ZnO‐NPs in animals has been associated with reports of toxicity and side effects. ZnO‐NPs may have shown numerous beneficial effects in animals; its use must be regulated with care to avoid unwanted consequences. Thus, this review emphasizes the usage of ZnO‐NPs in animal production and laboratory animals and the potential side effects associated with the use of nanoparticles as a feed supplement and therapeutic compound.

The effects of organic materials on the growth of Boesenbergia rotunda

Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. commonly known as temu kunci is a perennial herb which is botanically described as a small herbaceous plant. Temu kunci has a short, fleshy or slender rhizome shape. The rhizomes of B. rotunda have been widely used as spices due to their aromatic flavour, which promotes appetite. This herbal plant is also used as flavouring agents, dyes and traditional medicine to cure various kinds of illnesses. Organic materials have been widely used in agriculture development to improve soil quality, increase crop yield, and plant growth performance, and reduce chemical fertilizer usage. The adverse impact of excessive use of chemical fertilizers in conventional agricultural practices is well documented. A field study was conducted to identify the effects of organic materials on the growth of B. rotunda. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used which involve seven treatments and four replication including control, chemical fertilizer alone, and 10% additional materials in 5 kg of soil. The organic materials used in this study are biochar, vermicompost, food waste compost, empty fruit bunch compost and lignohumate. In this study, the vermicompost gave a significant increase and highest reading of plant height, number of leaves, rhizome and finger roots fresh and dry weight compared to other treatments. In conclusion, organic materials can give positive effects on the growth of B. rotunda and at the same time can reduce the dependencies on chemical fertilizer.

Evaluation of anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus property of zerumbone

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Zerumbone has been reported to exert anti-microbial effects, but the mechanism by which the compound exerts its action is not known. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of zerumbone against methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), using the atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and flow cytometry techniques.

METHODS

MRSA (NCTC 13277) cell viability was determined using the microplate AlamarBlue assay. AFM and SEM were used to determine the morphology of zerumbone-treated MRSA cells. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the effect of zerumbone on bacterial membrane permeability and membrane potential, using the propidium iodide (PI) staining method, membrane potential-sensitive fluorescence probe, and DiBAC4(3) dye. DCFDA dye was used to determine the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by MRSA.

RESULTS

Zerumbone significantly inhibited MRSA growth with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 µg/ml. The AFM analysis showed that zerumbone caused leakage of cytoplasmic content from the bacterial cells. Ultrastructure analysis showed small colonies of the bacteria with pores on the membrane surface. There were increases in zerumbone-treated MRSA PI and DiBAC4(3) fluorescence, indicating an increase in cell membrane permeability and a decrease in membrane potential that culminated in the loss of membrane structural integrity and bacterial death. Based on DCFDA dye analysis, zerumbone also reduced ROS production by MRSA.

CONCLUSIONS

Zerumbone exerts anti-MRSA effects by causing membrane depolarization, increasing membrane permeability, and finally disrupting cell membrane and bacterial killing.

Recent Advancements on COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review

Over the last few decades, there have been several global outbreaks of severe respiratory infections. The causes of these outbreaks were coronaviruses that had infected birds, mammals and humans. The outbreaks predominantly caused respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract symptoms and other mild to very severe clinical signs. The current coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a rapidly spreading illness affecting millions of people worldwide. Among the countries most affected by the disease are the United States of America (USA), India, Brazil, and Russia, with France recording the highest infection, morbidity, and mortality rates. Since early January 2021, thousands of articles have been published on COVID-19. Most of these articles were consistent with the reports on the mode of transmission, spread, duration, and severity of the sickness. Thus, this review comprehensively discusses the most critical aspects of COVID-19, including etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, transmission, pathological changes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control, and vaccination.

Ethyl acetate extract of Clausena excavata induces growth inhibition of non-small-lung cancer, NCI-H460, cell line via apoptosis

CONTEXT

Clausena excavata Burm. f is a plant used in folklore medicine for the treatment of various ailments in South East Asia. The plant parts contain chemical components that are cytotoxic to many cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE

The study investigated the cytotoxic effects of ethyl acetate, methanol and chloroform C. excavata leaf extracts on the non-small-lung cancer, NCI-H460, cell line.

METHODS

Based on the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5,-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, among extracts, ethyl acetate C. excavata leaf extract (EACE) was the most potent anti-NCI-H460 cells, with IC50 value of 47.1 ± 6.1 μg/ml. The effects of EACE on NCI-H460 cells were also determined by clonogenic, 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide-PI flow cytometric assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptotic gene expressions was determined via flow cytometry and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

EACE-treated NCI-H460 cells after 48 h underwent apoptosis as evident by loss of cell viability, cell shrinkage, and chromatin condensation. The results also showed EACE mediated increase in ROS production by the NCI-H460 cells. After 48 h treatment, EACE increased the pro-apoptotic BAX and decreased the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Survivin and c-Myc gene expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

EACE is a potential anti-lung cancer by increasing cancer cell ROS production and apoptosis.

Physicochemical characterization, cytotoxic effect and toxicity evaluation of nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with eucalyptol

Background

Eucalyptol is an active compound of eucalyptus essential oil and was reported to have many medical attributes including cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. However, it has low solubility in aqueous solutions which limits its bioavailability and cytotoxic efficiency. In this study, nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with eucalyptol (NLC-Eu) was formulated and characterized and the cytotoxic effect of NLC-Eu towards breast cancer cell lines was determined. In addition, its toxicity in animal model, BALB/c mice was also incorporated into this study to validate the safety of NLC-Eu.

Methods

Eucalyptol, a monoterpene oxide active, was used to formulate the NLC-Eu by using high pressure homogenization technique. The physicochemical characterization of NLC-Eu was performed to assess its morphology, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of this encapsulated eucalyptol on human (MDA MB-231) and murine (4 T1) breast cancer cell lines were determined using the MTT assay. Additionally, acridine orange/propidium iodide assay was conducted on the NLC-Eu treated MDA MB-231 cells. The in vivo sub-chronic toxicity of the prepared NLC-Eu was investigated using an in vivo BALB/c mice model.

Results

As a result, the light, translucent, milky-colored NLC-Eu showed particle size of 71.800 ± 2.144 nm, poly-dispersity index of 0.258 ± 0.003, and zeta potential of − 2.927 ± 0.163 mV. Furthermore, the TEM results of NLC-Eu displayed irregular round to spherical morphology with narrow size distribution and relatively uniformed particles. The drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency of NLC-Eu were 4.99 and 90.93%, respectively. Furthermore, NLC-Eu exhibited cytotoxic effects on both, human and mice, breast cancer cells with IC50 values of 10.00 ± 4.81 μg/mL and 17.70 ± 0.57 μg/mL, respectively at 72 h. NLC-Eu also induced apoptosis on the MDA MB-231 cells. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, all of the studied mice did not show any signs of toxicity, abnormality or mortality. Besides that, no significant changes were observed in the body weight, internal organ index, hepatic and renal histopathology, serum biochemistry, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde contents.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the well-characterized NLC-Eu offers a safe and promising carrier system which has cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell lines.

Physiological and electroencephalographic changes in goats subjected to transportation, lairage, and slaughter

This preliminary trial investigated the effect of transportation and lairage periods on physiological parameters of goats subjected to slaughter. Nine male Boer cross goats aged 8-12 months were transported for 6 h and kept at lairage for 3, 6, or 16 h (n = 3). Blood samples were collected at pre- (pre-T) and post-transportation (post-T), and post-slaughter (post-S) for determination of hematological parameters, serum enzyme, protein, and cortisol concentrations. Electroencephalogram readings were taken at pre-T, post-T, pre-slaughter (pre-S), and post-S to determine the median frequency (F₅₀ ) and total power (Ptot) values. At post-T, there were manifestations of stress leukogram; increase in hematocrit, total protein, and muscle enzyme concentrations; and decrease in Ptot (p < 0.05). The high pre-T cortisol concentration suggests that the goats were already under stress before transportation. Stress leukogram became less evident after lairage, indicating that the goats had recovered from the stress of transportation. Although the Ptot increased at post-S especially following 3 h of lairage, F₅₀ values at post-S did not differ from pre-L, suggesting that the pre-slaughter stress may have affected the pain threshold. It is suggested that after 6 h of transportation, goats should ideally be placed in lairage for a minimum period of 3 h before slaughter.

Development of the rural Palliative Care Services by the Kuala Lipis District Hospital

In recognising the palliative care (PC) needs globally and in Malaysia, services were developed to serve the rural area of Kuala Lipis, Pahang. This communication describes the initial a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, stages of development towards achieving a successful implementation. PC services were led by Kuala Lipis district hospital include inpatient referrals, outpatient and community care through home visits. These services involve multi-disciplinary team inclusive of representatives from health clinics and allied health. Referrals and opioid usage have demonstrated an increasing trend since its implementation in October 2018. Implementation of rural PC services is feasible; however, long-term sustainability needs to addressed.

Anti-Enterococcus Faecalis, Cytotoxicity, Phytotoxicity, and Anticancer Studies on Clausena excavata Burum. f. (Rutaceae) Leaves

BACKGROUND

Clausena excavata Burum. f. has long been applied in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various disorders like rhinitis, headache, cough, wound healing, fever, and detoxification. This study is aimed at investigating the antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 49532 using AlamarBlue assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as the cytotoxicity, anticancer, and phytotoxicity of C. excavata.

METHOD

Bacterial cell viability was performed by using microplate AlamarBlue assay. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine morphological changes in the surface of bacterial cells. Cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity were determined by brine shrimp lethality and Lemna minor bioassay. Caco-2 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) cell line was used for the evaluation of the anticancer effects.

RESULT

Among the fractions tested, ethyl acetate (EA) fraction was found to be active with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 750 μg/mL against E. faecalis, but other fractions were found to be insensitive to bacterial growth. Microscopically, the EA fraction-treated bacteria showed highly damaged cells with their cytoplasmic content scattered all over. The LC50 value of the EA fraction against brine shrimp was more than 1000 μg/mL showing the nontoxic nature of this fraction. Chloroform (CH), EA, and methanol (MOH) fractions of C. excavata were highly herbicidal at the concentration of 1000 μg/mL. EA inhibited Caco-2 cell line with an IC50 of 20 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to reveal anti-E. faecalis property of EA fraction of C. excavata leaves, natural herbicidal, and anticancer agents thus highlight the potential compound present in its leaf which needs to be isolated and tested against multidrug-resistant E. faecalis.

Fermented jackfruit leaf beverage offers new affordable and effective diabetes therapy

Diabetes mellitus is complicated multifactorial disorders characterised by hyperglycemia or glucose intolerance. Globally, the number of people suffering from diabetes has increased steadily. Jackfruit leaf, a rich source of phytochemicals offers the opportunity for the development of value-added products. A fermented jackfruit leaf beverage product was developed using symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) as cost-effective beneficial treatment for mankind in the management of diabetes. The effectiveness of this fermented jackfruit leaf beverage as an anti-diabetic therapy agent was evaluated using Streptozotocin-induced Sprague Dawley rats model for 4 weeks. The findings depict that, there was a remarkable reduction of blood glucose level in fermented jackfruit leaf-treated diabetic rats as opposed to non-treated diabetic rats, comparable with metformin-treated diabetic rats. The body weight and various relative organ weights of diabetic rats treated with fermented jackfruit leaf beverage showed a healthy recovery sign from diabetes symptoms. The blood haematology profile, liver and kidney function analysis revealed no toxic effect of prolong fermented jackfruit leaf beverage consumption. These results indicated that fermented jackfruit leaf beverage has similar anti-diabetic properties with commercial anti-diabetic drugs with no adverse side effect. Promisingly, it offers a cheaper source to alleviate the diabetes epidemic in a natural way.

Evidence of potent antibacterial effect of fermented papaya leaf against opportunistic skin pathogenic microbes

The papaya leaf juice has been long practised as a traditional remedy to cure ailments due to its medicinal properties. The objective of this research is to study the effectiveness of fermented papaya leaf to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeast: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionibacterium acnes and Candida albicans. The efficacy of fermented papaya leaf against selected pathogenic microbes was evaluated using agar well diffusion assay, broth microdilution assay and time-kill test. Evidence from data collected confirmed that fermented papaya leaf supernatant showed more pronounced antibacterial and antifungal effect than papaya leaf alone. Generally, fermented papaya leaf supernatant demonstrated potent antimicrobial effect against all bacterial pathogens tested particularly P. aeruginosa followed by P. acne and S. aureus. However, it was found that fermented papaya leaf was less effective against Candida albicans. It needs 4- to 7-folds higher concentration to inhibit 50% C. albicans growth than the bacteria. The antibacterial compounds produced in the supernatant appeared to have some bactericidal effect against P. aeruginosa, P. acne and S. aureus with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC>99) of 16%, 50% and 60%, respectively. Particularly, the fermented papaya leaf supernatant at 60% concentration showed 100% inhibition rate within 30 mins against P. aeruginosa. However, it needs a longer time to show the same inhibition effect against S. aureus and P. acne, which was about 2-6 h. The potent killing effect of fermented papaya leaf showed a potential use in skincare application to control pathogenic microbe infection

An Overview of In Vitro, In Vivo, and Computational Techniques for Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis Studies

Angiogenesis is a crucial area in scientific research because it involves many important physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, angiogenesis is critical for normal physiological processes, including wound healing and embryonic development, as well as being a component of many disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and diabetic retinopathies. Investigations of angiogenic mechanisms require assays that can activate the critical steps of angiogenesis as well as provide a tool for assessing the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Thus, angiogenesis assays are key tools for studying the mechanisms of angiogenesis and identifying the potential therapeutic strategies to modulate neovascularization. However, the regulation of angiogenesis is highly complex and not fully understood. Difficulties in assessing the regulators of angiogenic response have necessitated the development of an alternative approach. In this paper, we review the standard models for the study of tumor angiogenesis on the macroscopic scale that include in vitro, in vivo, and computational models. We also highlight the differences in several modeling approaches and describe key advances in understanding the computational models that contributed to the knowledge base of the field.

Phytochemical analysis and hepatoprotective activity of Raphanus sativus var. sativus in Sprague-Dawley rats

Purpose: To determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents of R. sativus rhizome ethanol extract and the hepatoprotective effect of the extract in rats. Methods: Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric tests were used to determine the contents of phenols and flavonoids in the R. sativus extract. Male Sprague-Dawley rats induced with CCl4 to develop hepatotoxicity were treated orally with R. sativus extract for 4 weeks. The  antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract on the liver were determined by evaluating the concentration of oxidative analytes, serum liver enzymes and lipids, and hepatic histopathology and cytochrome P450 2E1 expression. Results: R. sativus extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the hepatotoxic effect of CCl4 via its antioxidant activities and protection of liver tissues from oxidative damage. Conclusion: The hepatoprotective effects of R. sativus rhizome ethanol extract are attributed to its highphenolic and flavonoid contents. Keywords: R. savitus rhizome, Phenols, Flavonoid contents, antioxidant, Hepatoprotective

Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Thymoquinone-loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier After Oral and Intravenous Administration into Rats

Background

Thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound isolated from Nigella sativa, has been proven to exhibit various biological properties such as antioxidant. Although oral delivery of TQ is valuable, it is limited by poor oral bioavailability and low solubility. Recently, TQ-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (TQ-NLC) was formulated with the aim of overcoming the limitations. TQ-NLC was successfully synthesized by the high-pressure homogenization method with remarkable physiochemical properties whereby the particle size is less than 100 nm, improved encapsulation efficiency and is stable up to 24 months of storage. Nevertheless, the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of TQ-NLC have not been studied. This study determined the bioavailability of oral and intravenous administration of thymoquinone-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (TQ-NLC) in rats and its distribution to organs.

Materials and Methods

TQ-NLC was radiolabeled with technetium-99m before the administration to the rats. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics parameters were then evaluated at various time points. The rats were imaged at time intervals and the percentage of the injected dose/gram (%ID/g) in blood and each organ was analyzed.

Results

Oral administration of TQ-NLC exhibited greater relative bioavailability compared to intravenous administration. It is postulated that the movement of TQ-NLC through the intestinal lymphatic system bypasses the first metabolism and therefore enhances the relative bioavailability. However, oral administration has a slower absorption rate compared to intravenous administration where the AUC_0-∞ was 4.539 times lower than the latter.

Conclusion

TQ-NLC had better absorption when administered intravenously compared to oral administration. However, oral administration showed greater bioavailability compared to the intravenous route. This study provides the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution profile of TQ-NLC in vivo which is useful to assist researchers in clinical use.

Geospatial Distribution and Predictors of Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic offers the opportunity to assess how hospitals manage the care of hospitalized patients with varying demographics and clinical presentations. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the impact of densely populated residential areas on hospitalization and to identify predictors of length of stay and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in one of the hardest hit counties internationally.

METHODS

This was a single-center cohort study of 1325 sequentially hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in New York between March 2, 2020, to May 11, 2020. Geospatial distribution of study patients' residences relative to population density in the region were mapped, and data analysis included hospital length of stay, need and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and mortality. Logistic regression models were constructed to predict discharge dispositions in the remaining active study patients.

RESULTS

The median age of the study cohort (interquartile range [IQR]) was 62 (49-75) years, and more than half were male (57%) with history of hypertension (60%), obesity (41%), and diabetes (42%). Geographic residence of the study patients was disproportionately associated with areas of higher population density (r s = 0.235; P = .004), with noted "hot spots" in the region. Study patients were predominantly hypertensive (MAP > 90 mmHg; 670, 51%) on presentation with lymphopenia (590, 55%), hyponatremia (411, 31%), and kidney dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; 381, 29%). Of the patients with a disposition (1188/1325), 15% (182/1188) required IMV and 21% (250/1188) developed acute kidney injury. In patients on IMV, the median (IQR) hospital length of stay in survivors (22 [16.5-29.5] days) was significantly longer than that of nonsurvivors (15 [10-23.75] days), but this was not due to prolonged time on the ventilator. The overall mortality in all hospitalized patients was 15%, and in patients receiving IMV it was 48%, which is predicted to minimally rise from 48% to 49% based on logistic regression models constructed to project disposition in the remaining patients on ventilators. Acute kidney injury during hospitalization (odds ratioE, 3.23) was the strongest predictor of mortality in patients requiring IMV.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to collectively utilize the demographics, clinical characteristics, and hospital course of COVID-19 patients to identify predictors of poor outcomes that can be used for resource allocation in future waves of the pandemic.

The transmission modes and sources of COVID-19: A systematic review

The current rampant coronavirus infection in humans, commonly known as COVID-19, a pandemic that may cause mortality in humans, has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). The morbidity and mortality rates due to the pandemic are increasing rapidly worldwide, with the USA most affected by the disease. The source COVID-19 is not absolutely clear; however, the disease may be transmitted by either by COVID-19-positive individuals or from a contaminated environment. In this review, we focused on how the COVID-19 virus is transmitted in the community. An extensive literature search was conducted using specific keywords and criteria. Based on the published report, it is concluded that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted human-to-human via oral and respiratory aerosols and droplets with the virus-contaminated environment play a lesser role in the propagation of disease. Healthcare providers and the elderly with comorbidities are especially susceptible to the infection.

Antitumor and Anti-Metastatic Effects of Citral-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier in 4T1-Induced Breast Cancer Mouse Model

Cancer nano-therapy has been progressing rapidly with the introduction of many novel drug delivery systems. The previous study has reported on the in vitro cytotoxicity of citral-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC-Citral) on MDA-MB-231 cells and some preliminary in vivo antitumor effects on 4T1 breast cancer cells challenged mice. However, the in vivo apoptosis induction and anti-metastatic effects of NLC-Citral have yet to be reported. In this study, the in vitro cytotoxic, anti-migration, and anti-invasion effects of NLC-Citral were tested on 4T1 breast cancer cells. In addition, the in vivo antitumor effects of oral delivery of NLC-Citral was also evaluated on BALB/c mice induced with 4T1 cells. In vitro cytotoxicity results showed that NLC-Citral and citral gave similar IC50 values on 4T1 cells. However, wound healing, migration, and invasion assays reflected better in vitro anti-metastasis potential for NLC-Citral than citral alone. Results from the in vivo study indicated that both NLC-Citral and citral have anti-tumor and anti-metastasis effects, whereby the NLC-Citral showed better efficacy than citral in all experiments. Also, the delay of tumor progression was through the suppression of the c-myc gene expression and induction of apoptosis in the tumor. In addition, the inhibition of metastasis of 4T1 cells to lung and bone marrow by the NLC-Citral and citral treatments was correlated with the downregulation of metastasis-related genes expression including MMP-9, ICAM, iNOS, and NF-kB and the angiogenesis-related proteins including G-CSF alpha, Eotaxin, bFGF, VEGF, IL-1alpha, and M-CSF in the tumor. Moreover, NLC-Citral showed greater downregulation of MMP-9, iNOS, ICAM, Eotaxin, bFGF, VEGF, and M-CSF than citral treatment in the 4T1-challenged mice, which may contribute to the better anti-metastatic effect of the encapsulated citral. This study suggests that NLC is a potential and effective delivery system for citral to target triple-negative breast cancer.

P2545Long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in male weightlifters is associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Background

Illicit use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is widespread and has adverse psychological and cardiovascular effects. Few well-powered studies have explored the effect of long-term AAS-use on left ventricular systolic function.

Purpose

To explore the relationship between long-term use of AAS and left ventricular mass and systolic function.

Methods

We included male weightlifters with a history of >1 year of cumulative AAS-use and male weightlifters unexposed to AAS. We performed echocardiography in all and assessed left ventricular mass using 2D echocardiographic linear measurements and Cube formula, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) ad modum Simpson, and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Results

We recruited 100 male weightlifters, 58 of whom were previous or current AAS-users with mean±SD AAS-use of 10.4±7.0 years, and 42 unexposed weightlifters. There were no difference in age (35.5±9.2 vs. 35.3±7.5 years, p=0.8) nor body mass index (BMI) (BMI 31.4±5.0 vs. 30.1±3.5, p=0.6) between AAS-exposed and unexposed weightlifters. Compared with unexposed weightlifters, AAS-exposed weightlifters demonstrated thicker interventricular septum (11.2±2.4 vs. 9.2±1.3 mm, p<0.001), thicker left ventricular posterior wall dimension (10.1±2.1 vs. 8.9±1.3 mm, p<0.001), and higher left ventricular mass index (99.7±25.4 vs. 78.4±12.1 g/m2, p<0.001). Both left ventricular EF and left ventricular GLS were decreased in AAS-exposed weightlifters compared with unexposed weightlifters (49±9 vs. 53±6%, p=0.02, and −15.6±2.6 vs. −18.3±2.1%, p<0.001) (Figure).

Conclusion

AAS use in male weightlifters was associated with increased left ventricular mass and impaired left ventricular systolic function. Our results suggest considerable adverse cardiac effects of AAS use, but the results need confirmation in prospective observational trials.

Virucidal activity of Garcinia parvifolia leaf extracts in animal cell culture

Background

Garcinia species contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, xanthones, triterpernoids, and benzophenones with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In addition, many of these compounds show interesting biological properties such as anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity. Garcinia parvifolia is used in traditional medicine. Currently, the antiviral activity of G. parvifolia is not known.

Methods

This study was conducted to determine the effects of ethyl acetate (45 L Ea), ethanol (45 L Et), and hexane (45 L H) leaf extracts of G. parvifolia on the infectivity of pseudorabies virus (PrV) in Vero cells. The antiviral effects of the extracts were determined by cytopathic effect (CPE), inhibition, attachment, and virucidal assays.

Results

The 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC₅₀) values obtained were 237.5, 555.0, and < 1.25 μg/mL for 45 L Ea, 45 L Et, and 45 L H, respectively. The 45 L Ea showed the greatest viral inhibition potency of 75% at 125 μg/mL. Both 45 L Ea and 45 l Et caused 100% residual viral inhibition at 250 μg/mL. The selectivity index values for 45 L Ea, 45 L Et, and 45 L H were 2.65, 1.75, and 0.10 showing that 45 L Ea had the greatest antiviral activity among the three extracts.

Conclusion

This study showed that ethyl acetate is the best solvent to be used to obtain extract from G. parvifolia leaves with potent antiviral activities.

The application of naked DNA plasmid (DrZP3) and recombinant adenovirus (Ad-rZP3) in rat animal model to determine comparative efficacy of ZP3-Immunocontraceptive vaccines

The common physical and chemical methods for controlling rat pest are less than satisfactory and inhumane. Immunocontraception approach has been considered more humane and it can be accomplished by inducing the relevant host immune response that block further development of reproductive gametes. ZP3 proteins are known to play very important role during sperm-ovum fertilization. It is a self-antigen and only localized in female ovaries. Therefore, an immunization with ZP3 protein elsewhere will induce a generalize host immune response against ZP3 protein. This study employed rat ZP3 (rZP3) gene prepared from its cDNA of Rattus rattus diardii. It was delivered and expressed in vivo by naked plamid DNA (DrZP3) or recombinant ZP3-Adenovirus (Ad-rZP3). Expression studies in vitro with DrZP3 or Ad-ZP3 showed rZP3 proteins were successfully expressed in Vero cells. Hyperimmune serum against rZP3 that were prepared by immunizing several rats with purified rZP3-pichia yeast fusion protein showed it blocked sperms from binding DrZP3-transfected Vero cells. Female Sprague Dawley rats immunized with DrZP3 demonstrated a long-term effect for significant reduction of fertility up to 92.6%. Ovaries from rats immunized with DrZP3 were severely atrophied with disappearance of primordial follicles from ovarian cortex with an increased in the amount of oocyte-free cell clusters. Female rats immunized with Ad-rZP3 demonstrated 27% reduction of fertility. The infertility induced by Ad-rZP3 is comparatively low and ineffective. This could be due to a strong host immune response that suppresses the recombinant virus itself resulted in minimum rZP3 protein presentation to the host immune system. As a result, low antibody titers produced against rZP3 is insufficient to block oocytes from maturity and fertilization. Therefore, immunization with DrZP3 for immunocontraception is more effective than Ad-rZP3 recombinant adenovirus. It is proposed to explore further on the use of adenovirus or other alternative viruses to deliver ZP3 protein and for the development of enhanced expression of rZP3 in target host.

Vernonia amygdalina inhibited osteoarthritis development by anti-inflammatory and anticollagenase pathways in cartilage explant and osteoarthritis-induced rat model

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is a medicinal tropical herb for diabetes and malaria and believed to be beneficial for joint pains. The antiosteorthritis effects of VA leaf in cartilage explant assays and on postmenopausal osteoarthritis (OA) rat model were investigated. The VA reduced the proteoglycan and nitric oxide release from the cartilage explants with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) stimulation. For the preclinical investigation, ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were grouped (n = 8) into nontreated OA, OA + diclofenac (5 mg/kg), OA + VA extract (150 and 300 mg/kg), and healthy sham control. Monosodium iodoacetate was injected into the knee joints to accelerate OA development. After 8 weeks, the macroscopic, microscopic, and histological images showed that the OA rats treated with VA 300 mg/kg and diclofenac had significantly reduced cartilage erosions and osteophytes unlike the control OA rats. The extract significantly down-regulated the inflammatory prostaglandin E2, nuclear factor κβ, IL-1β, ADAMTS-5, collagen type 10α1, and caspase3 in the OVX-OA rats. It up-regulated the anti-inflammatory IL-10 and collagen type 2α1 mRNA expressions, besides reducing serum collagenases (MMP-3 and MMP-13) and collagen type II degradation biomarker (CTX-II) levels in these rats. The VA (containing various caffeoyl-quinic acids, flavanone-O-rutinoside, luteolin, apigenin derivative and vernonioside D) suppressed inflammation, pain, collagenases as well as cartilage degradation, and improved cartilage matrix synthesis to prevent OA.

Clinical investigation of back disorders in horses: A retrospective study (2002-2017)

Background and Aim:

Back disorder is an ailment that often affects athletic and riding horses. Despite the rapidly growing equine athletic and equestrian activities, there is no documentation on the nature of equine back disorder (EBD) in Malaysian horses. The purpose of this study was to characterize EBD cases presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, between 2002 and 2017.

Materials and Methods:

The compilation of data was based on signalment, case history, duration of clinical signs, anatomical location of the pain, method of diagnosis, type of EBD, treatment, and outcome. The diagnosis of EBD was based on a history of poor performance, clinical examination findings, radiography, and, where applicable, necropsy.

Results:

A total of 181 diagnosed cases of EBDs were identified. The age of horses ranged from 5 to 22 years. The EBD cases were more prevalent in male than female horses and predominantly in geldings (60.77%). Thoroughbred, Arab, Polo pony, and Warmblood also recorded the most EBD cases among breeds. The discipline of horses tended to influence the development of EBDs, with patrolling horses recording the highest frequency. Most EBD cases were of the primary type (92.27%), with the main causes being soft-tissue lesions (57.48%), vertebral lesions (18.56%), tack-associated problems (16.77%), and neurological lesions (7.19%). The common treatments employed were administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, 1 to 3-month rest, warm and cold compression therapy, massage therapy, exercise adjustment, as well as correction of ill-saddle fit.

Conclusion:

Most EBDs in this study were associated with soft-tissue lesions. Among vertebral lesions, kissing spines were the most common cause of EBDs in horses in Malaysia.

In vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer effects of citral nanostructured lipid carrier on MDA MBA-231 human breast cancer cells

Very recently, we postulated that the incorporation of citral into nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC-Citral) improves solubility and delivery of the citral without toxic effects in vivo. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate anti-cancer effects of NLC-Citral in MDA MB-231 cells in vitro through the Annexin V, cell cycle, JC-1 and fluorometric assays. Additionally, this study is aimed to effects of NLC-Citral in reducing the tumor weight and size in 4T1 induced murine breast cancer model. Results showed that NLC-Citral induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest in MDA MB-231 cells. Furthermore, a prominent anti-metastatic ability of NLC-Citral was demonstrated in vitro using scratch, migration and invasion assays. A significant reduction of migrated and invaded cells was observed in the NLC-Citral treated MDA MB-231 cells. To further evaluate the apoptotic and anti-metastatic mechanism of NLC-Citral at the molecular level, microarray-based gene expression and proteomic profiling were conducted. Based on the result obtained, NLC-Citral was found to regulate several important signaling pathways related to cancer development such as apoptosis, cell cycle, and metastasis signaling pathways. Additionally, gene expression analysis was validated through the targeted RNA sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, the NLC-Citral inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro, majorly through the induction of apoptosis, anti-metastasis, anti-angiogenesis potentials, and reducing the tumor weight and size without altering the therapeutic effects of citral.

Encapsulation of Bacillus salmalaya 139SI using double coating biopolymer technique

Sustainable crop production for a rapidly growing human population is one of the current challenges faced by the agricultural sector. However, many of the chemical agents used in agriculture can be hazardous to humans, non-targeted organism and environment. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria have demonstrated a role in promoting plant growth and health under various stress conditions including disease. Unfortunately, bacterial viability degrades due to temperature and other environmental factors (Bashan et al., Plant Soil 378: 1-33, 2014). Encapsulation of bacteria into core-shell biopolymers is one of the promising techniques to overcome the problem. This study deals with the encapsulation of Bacillus salmalaya 139SI using simple double coating biopolymer technique which consist of brown rice protein/alginate and 0·5% low molecular weight chitosan of pH 4 and 6. The influence of biopolymer to bacteria mass ratio and the chitosan pH on the encapsulation process, physic-chemical, morphology and bioactivity properties of encapsulated B. salmalaya 139SI have been studied systematically. Based on the analysis of physico-chemical, morphology and bioactivity properties, B. salmalaya 139S1 encapsulated using double coating encapsulation technology has promising viability pre- and postfreeze-drying with excellent encapsulation yields of 99·7 and 89·3% respectively. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The need of a simple yet effective way of encapsulating plant growth promoting rhizobacteria is crucial to further improve their benefits to global sustainable agriculture practice. Effective encapsulation allows for protection, controlled release and function of the micro-organism, as well as providing a longer shelf life for the product. This research report offers an innovative yet simple way of encapsulating using double coating technology with environmentally friendly biopolymers that could degrade and provide nutrients when in soil. Importantly, the bioactivity of the bacteria is maintained upon encapsulation.

Thymoquinone loaded in nanostructured lipid carrier showed enhanced anticancer activity in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice

Aim: To investigate the enhancement of anticancer activity of thymoquinone (TQ) by the use of nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) in 4T1 tumor-bearing female BALB/c mice. Material & methods: TQ was incorporated into NLC (TQNLC) by using high pressure homogenization. TQNLC and TQ were orally administered to the mice. Results & conclusion: TQNLC and TQ are potential chemotherapeutic drugs as they exhibited anticancer activity. The use of NLC as a carrier has enhanced the therapeutic property of TQ by increasing the survival rate of mice. The antimetastasis effect of TQNLC and TQ to the lungs was evidence by downregulation of MMP-2. TQNLC and TQ induced apoptosis via modulation of Bcl-2 and caspase-8 in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

The crucial roles of inflammatory mediators in inflammation: A review

The inflammatory response is a crucial aspect of the tissues' responses to deleterious inflammogens. This complex response involves leukocytes cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, also known as inflammatory cells. In response to the inflammatory process, these cells release specialized substances which include vasoactive amines and peptides, eicosanoids, proinflammatory cytokines, and acute-phase proteins, which mediate the inflammatory process by preventing further tissue damage and ultimately resulting in healing and restoration of tissue function. This review discusses the role of the inflammatory cells as well as their by-products in the mediation of inflammatory process. A brief insight into the role of natural anti-inflammatory agents is also discussed. The significance of this study is to explore further and understand the potential mechanism of inflammatory processes to take full advantage of vast and advanced anti-inflammatory therapies. This review aimed to reemphasize the importance on the knowledge of inflammatory processes with the addition of newest and current issues pertaining to this phenomenon.

Clausenidin Induces Caspase 8-Dependent Apoptosis and Suppresses Production of VEGF in Liver Cancer Cells

Clausena excavata Burm f. is used by traditional healers to treat cancer patients in South East Asia. The use of the plant and its compounds is based on Asian folklore with little or no scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy The current study aimed to determine the effect of pure clausenidin isolated from C. excavata on caspase-8-induced cell death as well as angiogenesis in the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Caspase-8 and extrinsic death receptor protein expression was determined using spectrophotometry and protein profile arrays, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis of clausenidin-treated cells was conducted using transmission electron microscopy. In addition, anti-angiogenic effects of clausenidin were investigated by Western blot analysis. Clausenidin significantly (p<0.05) increased the activity of caspase-8 and expression of protein components of the death inducing signaling complex (DISC) in HepG2 cells. Ultrastructural analysis of the clausenidin-treated HepG2 cells revealed morphological abnormalities typical of apoptosis. Furthermore, clausenidin significantly (p<0.05) decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therefore, clausenidin is a potential anti-angiogenic agent which may induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Comparative aspects of microRNA expression in canine and human cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in all biological pathways in multicellular organisms. Over 1,400 human miRNAs have been identified, and many are conserved among vertebrates and invertebrates. Regulation of miRNA is the most common mode of post-transcriptional gene regulation. The miRNAs that are involved in the initiation and progression of cancers are termed oncomiRs and several of them have been identified in canine and human cancers. Similarly, several miRNAs have been reported to be down-regulated in cancers of the two species. In this review, current information on the expression and roles of miRNAs in oncogenesis and progression of human and canine cancers, as well the roles miRNAs have in cancer stem cell biology, are highlighted. The potential for the use of miRNAs as therapeutic targets in personalized cancer therapy in domestic dogs and their possible application in human cancer counterparts are also discussed.

In vitro investigation of cytotoxic and antioxidative activities of Ardisia crispa against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231

Background

Ardisia crispa Thunb. D.C is used mostly in some parts of the Asian region by traditional practitioners to treat certain diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation including cancer and rheumatism. In Malaysia, it is popularly known as ‘Mata Ayam’ and local traditional practitioners believed that the root of the plant is therapeutically beneficial.

Methods

The cytotoxic effect of hydromethanolic extract of A. crispa and its solvents partitions (ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts) against breast cancer cells were evaluated by using MTT assay. The cells were treated with concentration of extracts ranging from 15.63 μg/mL- 1000 μg/mL for 72 h. The quantification of phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were carried out to determine the relationship between of phytochemical compounds responsible for cytotoxic and antioxidative activities. The antioxidant capacity was measured by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assay and expressed as milligram (mg) Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity per 1 g (g) of tested extract.

Results

The hydromethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts showed moderate cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 with IC₅₀ values of 57.35 ± 19.33 μg/mL, and 54.98 ± 14.10 μg/mL, respectively but aqueous extract was inactive against MCF-7. For MDA-MB-231, hydromethanolic, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts exhibited weak cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231 with IC₅₀ values more than 100 μg/mL. The plant revealed high total phenolic content, total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity.

Conclusion

The response of different type of breast cancer cell lines towards A. crispa extract and its partitions varied. Accordingly, hydromethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts appear to be more cytotoxic to oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer than oestrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer. However, aqueous extract appears to have poor activity to both types of breast cancer. Besides that, hydromethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts exhibit higher TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity compared to aqueous extract. Synergistic effect of anticancer and antioxidant bioactives compounds of A. crispa plausibly contributed to the cytotoxic effects of the extract.

Characterization and toxicity of citral incorporated with nanostructured lipid carrier

The nanoparticle as a cancer drug delivery vehicle is rapidly under investigation due to its promising applicability as a novel drug delivery system for anticancer agents. This study describes the development, characterization and toxicity studies of a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) system for citral. Citral was loaded into the NLC using high pressure homogenization methods. The characterizations of NLC-citral were then determined through various methods. Based on Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis, NLC-Citral showed a spherical shape with an average diameter size of 54.12 ± 0.30 nm and a polydipersity index of 0.224 ± 0.005. The zeta potential of NLC-Citral was −12.73 ± 0.34 mV with an entrapment efficiency of 98.9 ± 0.124%, and drug loading of 9.84 ± 0.041%. Safety profile of the formulation was examined via in vitro and in vivo routes to study its effects toward normal cells. NLC-Citral exhibited no toxic effects towards the proliferation of mice splenocytes. Moreover, no mortality and toxic signs were observed in the treated groups after 28 days of treatment. There were also no significant alterations in serum biochemical analysis for all treatments. Increase in immunomodulatory effects of treated NLC-Citral and Citral groups was verified from the increase in CD4/CD3 and CD8/CD3 T cell population in both NLC-citral and citral treated splenocytes. This study suggests that NLC is a promising drug delivery system for citral as it has the potential in sustaining drug release without inducing any toxicity.