Displaying publications 221 - 240 of 318 in total

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  1. Fulltext Multifaceted phytogenic silver nanoparticles by an insectivorous plant Drosera spatulata Labill var. bakoensis and its potential therapeutic applications
    Gaddam SA, Kotakadi VS, Subramanyam GK, Penchalaneni J, Challagundla VN, Dvr SG, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 11 09;11(1):21969.
    PMID: 34753977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01281-8
    The current investigation highlights the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the insectivorous plant Drosera spatulata Labill var. bakoensis, which is the first of its kind. The biosynthesized nanoparticles revealed a UV visible surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 427 nm. The natural phytoconstituents which reduce the monovalent silver were identified by FTIR. The particle size of the Ds-AgNPs was detected by the Nanoparticle size analyzer confirms that the average size of nanoparticles was around 23 ± 2 nm. Ds-AgNPs exhibit high stability because of its high negative zeta potential (- 34.1 mV). AFM studies also revealed that the Ds-AgNPs were spherical in shape and average size ranges from 10 to 20 ± 5 nm. TEM analysis also revealed that the average size of Ds-AgNPs was also around 21 ± 4 nm and the shape is roughly spherical and well dispersed. The crystal nature of Ds-AgNPs was detected as a face-centered cube by the XRD analysis. Furthermore, studies on antibacterial and antifungal activities manifested outstanding antimicrobial activities of Ds-AgNPs compared with standard antibiotic Amoxyclav. In addition, demonstration of superior free radical scavenging efficacy coupled with potential in vitro cytotoxic significance on Human colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) suggests that the Ds-AgNPs attain excellent multifunctional therapeutic applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis/methods
  2. Cholinesterase inhibitory activity of isoquinoline alkaloids from three Cryptocarya species (Lauraceae)
    Wan Othman WNN, Liew SY, Khaw KY, Murugaiyah V, Litaudon M, Awang K
    Bioorg Med Chem, 2016 09 15;24(18):4464-4469.
    PMID: 27492195 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.07.043
    Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older adults. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase are two enzymes involved in the breaking down of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Inhibitors for these enzymes have potential to prolong the availability of acetylcholine. Hence, the search for such inhibitors especially from natural products is needed in developing potential drugs for Alzheimer's disease. The present study investigates the cholinesterase inhibitory activity of compounds isolated from three Cryptocarya species towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Nine alkaloids were isolated; (+)-nornantenine 1, (-)-desmethylsecoantofine 2, (+)-oridine 3, (+)-laurotetanine 4 from the leaves of Cryptocarya densiflora BI., atherosperminine 5, (+)-N-methylisococlaurine 6, (+)-N-methyllaurotetanine 7 from the bark of Cryptocarya infectoria Miq., 2-methoxyatherosperminine 8 and (+)-reticuline 9 from the bark of Cryptocarya griffithiana Wight. In general, most of the alkaloids showed higher inhibition towards BChE as compared to AChE. The phenanthrene type alkaloid; 2-methoxyatherosperminine 8, exhibited the most potent inhibition against BChE with IC50 value of 3.95μM. Analysis of the Lineweaver-Burk (LB) plot of BChE activity over a range of substrate concentration suggested that 2-methoxyatherosperminine 8 exhibited mixed-mode inhibition with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 6.72μM. Molecular docking studies revealed that 2-methoxyatherosperminine 8 docked well at the choline binding site and catalytic triad of hBChE (butyrylcholinesterase from Homo sapiens); hydrogen bonding with Tyr 128 and His 438 residues respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis/methods
  3. Fulltext Thermodynamic and spectroscopic investigation of interactions between reactive red 223 and reactive orange 122 anionic dyes and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) cationic surfactant in aqueous solution
    Irfan M, Usman M, Mansha A, Rasool N, Ibrahim M, Rana UA, et al.
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:540975.
    PMID: 25243216 DOI: 10.1155/2014/540975
    The present study describes the conductometric and spectroscopic study of the interaction of reactive anionic dyes, namely, reactive red 223 and reactive orange 122 with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). In a systematic investigation, the electrical conductivity data was used to calculate various thermodynamic parameters such as free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and the entropy (ΔS) of solubilization. The trend of change in these thermodynamic quantities indicates toward the entropy driven solubilization process. Moreover, the results from spectroscopic data reveal high degree of solubilization, with strong interactions observed in the cases of both dyes and the CTAB. The spontaneous nature of solubilization and binding was evident from the observed negative values of free energies (ΔG p and ΔG b).
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis/methods*
  4. A novel polymer inclusion membranes based optode for sensitive determination of Al³⁺ ions
    Suah FB, Ahmad M, Heng LY
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2015 Jun 5;144:81-7.
    PMID: 25748985 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2015.02.068
    A novel approach for the determination of Al(3+) from aqueous samples was developed using an optode membrane produced by physical inclusion of Al(3+) selective reagent, which is morin into a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride). The inclusion of Triton X-100 was found to be valuable and useful for enhancing the sorption of Al(3+) ions from liquid phase into the membrane phase, thus increasing the intensity of optode's absorption. The optode showed a linear increase in the absorbance at λ(max)=425 nm over the concentration range of 1.85×10(-6)-1.1×10(-4) mol L(-1) (0.05-3 μg mL(-1)) of Al(3+) ions in aqueous solution after 5 min. The limit of detection was determined to be 1.04×10(-6) mol L(-1) (0.028 μg mL(-1)). The optode developed in the present work was easily prepared and found to be stable, has good mechanical strength, sensitive and reusable. In addition, the optode was tested for Al(3+) determination in lake water, river water and pharmaceutical samples, which the result was satisfactory.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  5. Molecular structure, FT-IR, vibrational assignments, HOMO-LUMO analysis and molecular docking study of 1-[5-(4-Bromophenyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethanone
    Mary YS, Panicker CY, Sapnakumari M, Narayana B, Sarojini BK, Al-Saadi AA, et al.
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2015 Feb 5;136 Pt B:473-82.
    PMID: 25448948 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.09.060
    The optimized molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, corresponding vibrational assignments of 1-[5-(4-bromophenyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethanone have been investigated experimentally and theoretically using Gaussian09 software package. The title compound was optimized using the HF/6-31G(d) (6D, 7F), B3LYP/6-31G (6D, 7F) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) (5D, 7F) calculations. The B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) (5D, 7F) results and in agreement with experimental infrared bands. The geometrical parameters are in agreement with XRD data. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. The HOMO and LUMO analysis is used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule. Molecular electrostatic potential was also performed. From the MEP it is evident that the negative charge covers the C=O group and the positive region is over the rings. First hyperpolarizability is calculated in order to find its role in nonlinear optics. Molecular docking studies suggest that the compound might exhibit inhibitory activity against TPII and may act as anti-neoplastic agent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  6. Synthesis, crystal structure and theoretical studies of a Schiff base 2-[4-hydroxy benzylidene]-amino naphthalene
    Arunagiri C, Subashini A, Saranya M, Thomas Muthiah P, Thanigaimani K, Abdul Razak I
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2015 Jan 25;135:307-16.
    PMID: 25084236 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.07.016
    The molecular structure of a new Schiff base, 2-[4-hydroxy benzylidene]-amino naphthalene (HBAN) has been examined by HF and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations. The X-ray structure was determined in order to establish the conformation of the molecule. The compound, C17H13NO, crystallizes in the orthorhombic, P212121 space group with the cell dimension, a=6.2867(2), b=10.2108(3), c=19.2950(6) Å, α=β=γ=90° and z=4. The asymmetric unit contains a molecule of a Schiff base. A strong intermolecular O-H⋯N and a weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds stabilized the crystal structure. The vibrational spectra of HBAN have been calculated using density functional theoretical computation and compared with the experimental. The study is extended to the HOMO-LUMO analysis to calculate the energy gap (Δ), Ionization potential (I), Electron Affinity (A), Global Hardness (η), Chemical Potential (μ) and Global Electrophilicity (w). The calculated HOMO and LUMO energy reveals that the charge transfer occurs within the molecule.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  7. Fulltext Fast synthesis of multilayer carbon nanotubes from camphor oil as an energy storage material
    TermehYousefi A, Bagheri S, Shinji K, Rouhi J, Rusop Mahmood M, Ikeda S
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:691537.
    PMID: 25258714 DOI: 10.1155/2014/691537
    Among the wide range of renewable energy sources, the ever-increasing demand for electricity storage represents an emerging challenge. Utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for energy storage is closely being scrutinized due to the promising performance on top of their extraordinary features. In this work, well-aligned multilayer carbon nanotubes were successfully synthesized on a porous silicon (PSi) substrate in a fast process using renewable natural essential oil via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Considering the influx of vaporized multilayer vertical carbon nanotubes (MVCNTs) to the PSi, the diameter distribution increased as the flow rate decreased in the reactor. Raman spectroscopy results indicated that the crystalline quality of the carbon nanotubes structure exhibits no major variation despite changes in the flow rate. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra confirmed the hexagonal structure of the carbon nanotubes because of the presence of a peak corresponding to the carbon double bond. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed multilayer nanotubes, each with different diameters with long and straight multiwall tubes. Moreover, the temperature programmed desorption (TPD) method has been used to analyze the hydrogen storage properties of MVCNTs, which indicates that hydrogen adsorption sites exist on the synthesized multilayer CNTs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  8. Fulltext Biotemplated synthesis of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles via lignocellulosic waste material
    Ramimoghadam D, Bagheri S, Abd Hamid SB
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:205636.
    PMID: 25126547 DOI: 10.1155/2014/205636
    Anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were synthesized by sol-gel method using rice straw as a soft biotemplate. Rice straw, as a lignocellulosic waste material, is a biomass feedstock which is globally produced in high rate and could be utilized in an innovative approach to manufacture a value-added product. Rice straw as a reliable biotemplate has been used in the sol-gel method to synthesize ultrasmall sizes of TiO2-NPs with high potential application in photocatalysis. The physicochemical properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were investigated by a number of techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet visible spectra (UV-Vis), and surface area and pore size analysis. All results consensually confirmed that particle sizes of synthesized titanium dioxide were template-dependent, representing decrease in the nanoparticles sizes with increase of biotemplate concentration. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles as small as 13.0 ± 3.3 nm were obtained under our experimental conditions. Additionally, surface area and porosity of synthesized TiO2-NPs have been enhanced by increasing rice straw amount which results in surface modification of nanoparticles and potential application in photocatalysis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  9. Evaluation of polycaprolactone matrices for the intravaginal delivery of metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis
    Pathak M, Turner M, Palmer C, Coombes AG
    J Biomater Appl, 2014 Sep;29(3):354-63.
    PMID: 24682036 DOI: 10.1177/0885328214528256
    Microporous, poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) matrices loaded with the antibacterial, metronidazole were produced by rapidly cooling suspensions of drug powder in PCL solutions in acetone. Drug incorporation in the matrices increased from 2.0% to 10.6% w/w on raising the drug loading of the PCL solution from 5% to 20% w/w measured with respect to the PCL content. Drug loading efficiencies of 40-53% were obtained. Rapid 'burst release' of 35-55% of the metronidazole content was recorded over 24 h when matrices were immersed in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF), due to the presence of large amounts of drug on matrix surface as revealed by Raman microscopy. Gradual release of around 80% of the drug content occurred over the following 12 days. Metronidazole released from PCL matrices in SVF retained antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis in vitro at levels up to 97% compared to the free drug. Basic modelling predicted that the concentrations of metronidazole released into vaginal fluid in vivo from a PCL matrix in the form of an intravaginal ring would exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of metronidazole against G. vaginalis. These findings recommend further investigation of PCL matrices as intravaginal devices for controlled delivery of metronidazole in the treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  10. Triterpenes and steroids from the leaves of Aglaia exima (Meliaceae)
    Awang K, Loong XM, Leong KH, Supratman U, Litaudon M, Mukhtar MR, et al.
    Fitoterapia, 2012 Dec;83(8):1391-5.
    PMID: 23098876 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.004
    A study on the leaves of Aglaia exima led to the isolation of one new and seven known compounds: six triterpenoids and two steroids. Their structures were elucidated and analyzed mainly by using spectroscopic methods; 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometry, UV spectrometry and X-ray. All the triterpenoids and steroids were measured in vitro for their cytotoxic activities against eight cancer cell lines; lung (A549), prostate (DU-145), skin (SK-MEL-5), pancreatic (BxPC-3), liver (Hep G2), colon (HT-29), breast (MCF-7) and (MDA-MB-231). The new cycloartane triterpenoid, 24(E)-cycloart-24-ene-26-ol-3-one 1, showed potent cytotoxic activity against colon (HT-29) cancer cell line (IC(50) 11.5μM).
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  11. Preparation and characterization of tungsten-loaded titanium dioxide photocatalyst for enhanced dye degradation
    Saepurahman, Abdullah MA, Chong FK
    J Hazard Mater, 2010 Apr 15;176(1-3):451-8.
    PMID: 19969415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.11.050
    Tungsten-loaded TiO(2) photocatalyst has been successfully prepared and characterized. TEM analysis showed that the photocatalysts were nanosize with the tungsten species forming layers of coverage on the surface of TiO(2), but not in clustered form. This was confirmed by XRD and FT-Raman analyses where tungsten species were well dispersed at lower loading (<6.5 mol%), but were in crystalline WO(3) at higher loadings (>12 mol%). In addition, loading with tungsten could stabilize the anatase phase from transforming into inactive rutile phase and did not shift the optical absorption to the visible region as shown by DRUV-vis analysis. PZC value of TiO(2) was found at 6.4, but the presence of tungsten at 6.5 mol% WO(3), decreased the PZC value to 3. Tungsten-loaded TiO(2) was superior to unmodified TiO(2) with 2-fold increase in degradation rate of methylene blue, and equally effective for the degradation of different class of dyes such as methyl violet and methyl orange at 1 mol% WO(3) loading.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  12. Measuring organic carbon, nutrients and heavy metals in rivers receiving leachate from controlled and uncontrolled municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills
    Yusof N, Haraguchi A, Hassan MA, Othman MR, Wakisaka M, Shirai Y
    Waste Manag, 2009 Oct;29(10):2666-80.
    PMID: 19564103 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2009.05.022
    Since landfilling is the common method of waste disposal in Malaysia, river water is greatly exposed to the risk of contamination from leachate unless proper leachate management is carried out. In this study, leachates from three different types of landfills, namely active uncontrolled, active controlled and closed controlled, were characterized, and their relationships with river water chemistry were examined monthly for a year. The influence of leachate on river water chemistry from each type of landfill depended on many factors, including the presence of a leachate control mechanism, leachate characteristics, precipitation, surface runoff and the applied treatment. The impact of leachate from an active uncontrolled landfill was the highest, as the organic content, NH(4)(+)-N, Cd and Mn levels appeared high in the river. At the same time, influences of leachate were also observed from both types of controlled landfills in the form of inorganic nitrogen (NH(4)(+)-N, NO(3)(-)-N and NO(2)(-)-N) and heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Ni and Mn). Improper treatment practice led to high levels of some contaminants in the stream near the closed controlled landfill. Meanwhile, the active controlled landfill, which was located near the coastline, was exposed to the risk of contamination resulting from the pyrite oxidation of the surrounding area.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  13. Performance of sequencing batch biofilm and sequencing batch reactors in simultaneous p-nitrophenol and nitrogen removal
    Goh CP, Seng CE, Sujari AN, Lim PE
    Environ Technol, 2009 Jun;30(7):725-36.
    PMID: 19705610 DOI: 10.1080/09593330902911689
    The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of sequencing batch biofilm reactors (SBBRs) and sequencing batch reactor (SBR) in the simultaneous removal of p-nitrophenol (PNP) and ammoniacal nitrogen. SBBRs involved the use of polyurethane sponge cubes and polyethylene rings, respectively, as carrier materials. The results demonstrate that complete removal of PNP was achievable for the SBR and SBBRs up to the PNP concentration of 350 mg/l (loading rate of 0.368 kg/m3 d). At this loading rate, the average ammoniacal nitrogen removal efficiency for the SBR and SBBR (with polyethylene rings) was reduced to 86% and 96%, respectively. However, the SBBR (with polyurethane sponge cubes) still managed to achieve an almost 100% ammoniacal nitrogen removal. Based on the results, the performance of the SBBRs was better than that of SBR in PNP and ammoniacal nitrogen removal. The results of the gas chromatography mass spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet-visible analyses indicate that complete mineralization of PNP was achieved in all of the reactors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  14. Coordination of Ce(III) and Nd(III) with pentaethylene glycol in the presence of picrate anion: spectroscopic and X-ray structural studies
    Kusrini E, Saleh MI, Lecomte C
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2009 Sep 15;74(1):120-6.
    PMID: 19560960 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2009.05.024
    (1)H NMR evidence for direct coordination between the Ln(III) ion and the oxygen atoms of the pentaethylene glycol (EO5) ligand and the picrate anion (Pic) in [Ln(Pic)(2)(EO5)][Pic] {Ln=Ce and Nd} complexes are confirmed by single X-ray diffraction. No dissociation of Ln-O bonds in dimethyl sulfoxide-d solution was observed in NMR studies conducted at different temperatures ranging 25-100 degrees C. The Ln(III) ion was chelated to nine oxygen atoms from the EO5 ligand in a hexadentate manner and the two Pic anions in each bidentate and monodentate modes. Both compounds are isostructural and crystallized in monoclinic with space group P2(1)/c. Coordination environment around the Ce1 and Nd1 atoms can be described as tricapped trigonal prismatic and monocapped square antiprismatic geometries, respectively. The crystal packing of the complexes have stabilized by one dimensional (1D) chains along the [001] direction to form intermolecular O-Hcdots, three dots, centeredO and C-Hcdots, three dots, centeredO hydrogen bonding. The molar conductance of the complexes in DMSO solution indicated that both compounds are ionic. The complexes had a good thermal stability. Under the UV-excitation, these complexes exhibited the red-shift emission.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  15. Fulltext Structural and morphology of ZnO nanorods synthesized using ZnO seeded growth hydrothermal method and its properties as UV sensing
    Ridhuan NS, Razak KA, Lockman Z, Abdul Aziz A
    PLoS One, 2012;7(11):e50405.
    PMID: 23189199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050405
    In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal reaction on ZnO seeds/n-silicon substrate. Several parameters were studied, including the heat-treatment temperature to produce ZnO seeds, zinc nitrate concentration, pH of hydrothermal reaction solution, and hydrothermal reaction time. The optimum heat-treatment temperature to produce uniform nanosized ZnO seeds was 400°C. The nanorod dimensions depended on the hydrothermal reaction parameters. The optimum hydrothermal reaction parameters to produce blunt tip-like nanorods (770 nm long and 80 nm in top diameter) were 0.1 M zinc nitrate, pH 7, and 4 h of growth duration. Phase analysis studies showed that all ZnO nanorods exhibited a strong (002) peak. Thus, the ZnO nanorods grew in a c-axis preferred orientation. A strong ultraviolet (UV) emission peak was observed for ZnO nanorods grown under optimized parameters with a low, deep-level emission peak, which indicated high optical property and crystallinity of the nanorods. The produced ZnO nanorods were also tested for their UV-sensing properties. All samples responded to UV light but with different sensing characteristics. Such different responses could be attributed to the high surface-to-volume ratio of the nanorods that correlated with the final ZnO nanorods morphology formed at different synthesis parameters. The sample grown using optimum synthesis parameters showed the highest responsivity of 0.024 A/W for UV light at 375 nm under a 3 V bias.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  16. Fabrication of CoTiO3-TiO2 composite films from a heterobimetallic single source precursor for electrochemical sensing of dopamine
    Ehsan MA, Naeem R, Khaledi H, Sohail M, Hakeem Saeed A, Mazhar M
    Dalton Trans, 2016 Jun 21;45(25):10222-32.
    PMID: 27230711 DOI: 10.1039/c6dt01016d
    Cobalt titanate-titania composite oxide films have been grown on FTO-coated glass substrates using a single-source heterometallic complex [Co2Ti4(μ-O)6(TFA)8(THF)6]·THF () which was obtained in quantitative yield from the reaction of diacetatocobalt(ii) tetrahydrate, tetraisopropoxytitanium(iv), and trifluoroacetic acid from a tetrahydrofuran solution. Physicochemical investigations of complex have been carried out by melting point, FT-IR, thermogravimetric and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. CoTiO3-TiO2 films composed of spherical objects of various sizes have been grown from by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition at different temperatures of 500, 550 and 600 °C. Thin films characterized by XRD, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis have been explored for electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA). The cyclic voltammetry with the CoTiO3-TiO2 electrode showed a DA oxidation peak at +0.215 V while linear sweep voltammetry displayed a detection limit (LoD) of 0.083 μM and a linear concentration range of 20-300 μM for DA. Thus, the CoTiO3-TiO2 electrode is a potential candidate for the sensitive and selective detection of DA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  17. Fulltext Daily Consumption of a Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie Alters Facial Skin Color
    Tan KW, Graf BA, Mitra SR, Stephen ID
    PLoS One, 2015;10(7):e0133445.
    PMID: 26186449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133445
    Consumption of dietary carotenoids or carotenoid supplements can alter the color (yellowness) of human skin through increased carotenoid deposition in the skin. As fruit and vegetables are the main dietary sources of carotenoids, skin yellowness may be a function of regular fruit and vegetable consumption. However, most previous studies have used tablets or capsules to supplement carotenoid intake, and less is known of the impact of increased fruit and vegetable consumption on skin color. Here, we examined skin color changes in an Asian population (Malaysian Chinese ethnicity) over a six week dietary intervention with a carotenoid-rich fruit smoothie. Eighty one university students (34 males, 47 females; mean age 20.48) were assigned randomly to consuming either a fruit smoothie (intervention group) or mineral water (control group) daily for six weeks. Participants' skin yellowness (CIELab b*), redness (a*) and luminance (L*) were measured at baseline, twice during the intervention period and at a two-week follow-up, using a handheld reflectance spectrophotometer. Results showed a large increment in skin yellowness (p<0.001) and slight increment in skin redness (p<0.001) after 4 weeks of intervention for participants in the intervention group. Skin yellowness and skin redness remained elevated at the two week follow up measurement. In conclusion, intervention with a carotenoid-rich fruit smoothie is associated with increased skin redness and yellowness in an Asian population. Changes in the reflectance spectrum of the skin suggest that this color change was caused by carotenoid deposition in the skin.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  18. Areca nut: a review
    Arjungi KN
    Arzneimittelforschung, 1976;26(5):951-6.
    PMID: 786304
    Areca cattechu Linn is commonly known as areca nut or betel nut. It is a very widely cultivated plant in eastern countries like India, Bangladesh, Ceylon, Malaya, the Philippines and Japan. The importance of this nut is due to its use for chewing purposes. It had an important place as a pharmaceutical in Ayurveda--the ancient Indian system of medicine--also in the Chinese medicinal practices. The pharmaceutical importance of areca nut is due to the presence of an alkaloid, arecoline. Synthetic arecoline hydrobromide is also shown to possess numerous pharmacological properties. Chewing of "betel quid" or areca nut is a typical oriental habit. Betel quid comprises betel leaf, areca nut, catechu, lime and sometimes also tobacco. It is shown that there exists a correlationship between betel quid or areca nut chewing habit and oral cancer. A number of investigators have been able to produce cellular changes such as leukoplakia by application of betel quid or areca nut extract to the buccal mucosa of different animal.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis
  19. Fulltext Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicity Assessment of Pluronic F127-Functionalized Graphene Oxide on the Embryonic Development of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
    Shamsi S, Alagan AA, Sarchio SNE, Md Yasin F
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2020;15:8311-8329.
    PMID: 33149578 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S271159
    Background: In the current literature, there are ongoing debates on the toxicity of graphene oxide (GO) that demonstrate contradictory findings regarding its toxicity profile. As a potential drug carrier, these findings are very concerning due to the safety concerns in humans, as well as the dramatic rise of GO being excreted into the environment. Therefore, there is an imperative need to mitigate the potential toxicity of GO to allow for a safer application in the future.

    Purpose: The present study aims to address this issue by functionalizing GO with Pluronic F127 (PF) as a means to mitigate toxicity and resolve the biocompatibility of GO. Although results from previous studies generally indicated that Pluronic functionalized GO exhibits relatively low toxicity to living organisms, reports that emphasize on its toxicity, particularly during embryonic developmental stage, are still scarce.

    Methods: In the present study, two different sizes of native GO samples, GO and NanoGO, as well as PF-functionalized GO, GO-PF and NanoGO-PF, were prepared and characterized using DLS, UV-Vis, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and FESEM analyses. Toxicological assessment of all GO samples (0-100 µg/mL) on zebrafish embryonic developmental stages (survival, hatching and heart rates, and morphological changes) was recorded daily for up to 96 hours post-fertilization (hpf).

    Results: The toxicity effects of each GO sample were observed to be higher at increasing concentrations and upon prolonged exposure. NanoGO demonstrated lower toxicity effects compared to GO. GO-PF and NanoGO-PF were also found to have lower toxicity effects compared to native GO samples. GO-PF showed the lowest toxicity response on zebrafish embryo.

    Conclusion: These findings highlight that toxicity is dependent on the concentration, size, and exposure period of GO. Functionalization of GO with PF through surface coating could potentially mitigate the toxicity effects of GO in embryonic developmental stages, but further investigation is warranted for broader future applications.

    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  20. Fulltext Detection of dengue using PAMAM dendrimer integrated tapered optical fiber sensor
    Mustapha Kamil Y, Al-Rekabi SH, Yaacob MH, Syahir A, Chee HY, Mahdi MA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 09 17;9(1):13483.
    PMID: 31530893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49891-7
    The exponential escalation of dengue cases has indeed become a global health crisis. This work elaborates on the development of a biofunctionalized tapered optical fiber (TOF) based sensor with the integration of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer for the detection of dengue E protein. The dimension of the TOF generated an evanescent field that was sensitive to any changes in the external medium while the integration of PAMAM promoted more adhesion of bio-recognition molecules; anti-DENV II E protein antibodies; that were complementary to the targeted protein. This in return created more active sites for the absorption of DENV II E proteins onto the tapered region. The resolution and detection limit of the sensor are 19.53 nm/nM and 1 pM, respectively with Kd = 1.02 × 10-10 M.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrum Analysis, Raman
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