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Lactic acid bacteria feeding reversed the malformed eye structures and ameliorated gut microbiota profiles of Drosophila melanogaster Alzheimer's disease model

Liu G, Tan FH, Lau SA, Jaafar MH, Chung FY, Azzam G, et al.

J Appl Microbiol, 2020 Jul 08.
PMID: 32640111 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14773

AIMS: To utilize transgenic GMR-Aβ42 Drosophila melanogaster as a model to evaluate potential Alzheimer's disease (AD)-reversal effects via the administration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, and associations of LAB with changes in gut microbiota profiles.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Wild-type flies (Oregon-R) were crossed with glass multimer reporter-GAL4 (GMR-GAL4) to produce GMR-OreR (Control), while UAS-Aβ42 (#33769) were crossed with GMR-GAL4 to produce transgenic Drosophila line that expressed Aβ42 (GMR-Aβ42). Feed containing seven different LAB strains (Lactobacillus paracasei 0291, Lactobacillus helveticus 1515, Lactobacillus reuteri 30242, L. reuteri 8513d, Lactobacillus fermentum 8312, Lactobacillus casei Y, Lactobacillus sakei Probio65) were given to GMR-Aβ42 respectively, while feed without LAB strains were given to control and transgenic GMR-Aβ42.nf Drosophila lines. The morphology of the eyes was viewed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The changes in gut microbiota profiles associated with LAB were analysed using 16s high throughput sequencing. Malformation of eye structures in transgenic GMR-Aβ42 Drosophila were reversed upon the administration of LAB strains, with more prevalent effects from L. sakei Probio65 and L. paracasei 0291. The GMR-Aβ42.nf group showed dominance of Wolbachia in the gut, a genus that was almost absent in the normal control group (P
Laser-induced changes of in vitro erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Al Musawi MS, Jaafar MS, Al-Gailani B, Ahmed NM, Suhaimi FM

Lasers Med Sci, 2017 Dec;32(9):2089-2095.
PMID: 28967036 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-017-2340-5

The study of the effects of low-level laser (LLL) radiation on blood is important for elucidating the mechanisms behind the interaction of LLL radiation and biologic tissues. Different therapy methods that involve blood irradiation have been developed and used for clinical purposes with beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different irradiation protocols using a diode-pumped solid-state LLL (λ = 405 nm) on samples of human blood by measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Human blood samples were obtained through venipuncture into tubes containing EDTA as an anticoagulant. Every sample was divided into two equal aliquots to be used as an irradiated sample and a non-irradiated control sample. The irradiated aliquot was subjected to a laser beam with a wavelength of 405 nm and an energy density of 72 J/cm2. The radiation source had a fixed irradiance of 30 mW/cm2. The ESR change was observed for three different experimental protocols: irradiated whole blood, irradiated red blood cells (RBCs) samples re-suspended in non-irradiated blood plasma, and non-irradiated RBCs re-suspended in irradiated blood plasma. The ESR values were measured after laser irradiation and compared with the non-irradiated control samples. Irradiated blood plasma in which non-radiated RBCs were re-suspended was found to result in the largest ESR decrease for healthy human RBCs, 51%, when compared with RBCs re-suspended in non-irradiated blood plasma. The decrease in ESR induced by LLL irradiation of the plasma alone was likely related to changes in the plasma composition and an increase in the erythrocyte zeta potential upon re-suspension of the RBCs in the irradiated blood plasma.
First evidence of microplastic pollution in the surface water of Malaysian Marine Park islands, South China Sea during COVID-19

Yusof KMKK, Anuar ST, Mohamad Y, Jaafar M, Mohamad N, Bachok Z, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2023 Sep;194(Pt B):115268.
PMID: 37451046 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115268

Malaysia is bounded by the South China Sea with many islands that support species megadiversity and coral reef ecosystems. This study investigates the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the surface water around the four marine park islands (Perhentian, Redang, Kapas, and Tenggol) during COVID-19. The global pandemic has reset human activities, impacting the environment while possibly reducing anthropogenic contributions of microplastic pollution near the South China Sea islands. It was found that Pulau Perhentian recorded the most abundance of MPs (588.33 ± 111.77 items/L), followed by Pulau Redang (314.67 ± 58.08 items/L), Pulau Kapas (359.8 ± 87.70 items/L) and Pulau Tenggol (294.33 ± 101.64 items/L). Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicates a significant difference in total MPs abundance between islands. There are moderate correlations between salinity, pH, temperature and MPs variability. Among these parameters, only temperature is significant (p
Fulltext Past and Current Progress in the Development of Antiviral/Antimicrobial Polymer Coating towards COVID-19 Prevention: A Review

Nasri N, Rusli A, Teramoto N, Jaafar M, Ku Ishak KM, Shafiq MD, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Dec 02;13(23).
PMID: 34883737 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234234

The astonishing outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has attracted numerous research interests, particularly regarding fabricating antimicrobial surface coatings. This initiative is aimed at overcoming and minimizing viral and bacterial transmission to the human. When contaminated droplets from an infected individual land onto common surfaces, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is able to survive on various surfaces for up to 9 days. Thus, the possibility of virus transmission increases after touching or being in contact with contaminated surfaces. Herein, we aim to provide overviews of various types of antiviral and antimicrobial coating agents, such as antimicrobial polymer-based coating, metal-based coating, functional nanomaterial, and nanocomposite-based coating. The action mode for each type of antimicrobial agent against pathogens is elaborated. In addition, surface properties of the designed antiviral and antimicrobial polymer coating with their influencing factors are discussed in this review. This paper also exhibits several techniques on surface modification to improve surface properties. Various developed research on the development of antiviral/antimicrobial polymer coating to curb the COVID-19 pandemic are also presented in this review.
In vitro Study of SPIONs-C595 as Molecular Imaging Probe for Specific Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells Detection

Moradi Khaniabadi P, Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Malik Shah Abdul Majid A, Suhaimi Jaafar M, Moradi Khaniabadi B, Shahbazi-Gahrouei S

Iran Biomed J, 2017 11;21(6):360-8.
PMID: 28601058

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an essential role in molecular imaging by delivering the contrast agent into targeted cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the C595 monoclonal antibody-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs-C595) for the detection of breast cancer cell (MCF-7).
Methods: The conjugation of monoclonal antibody and nanoparticles was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photon correlation spectroscopy. The selectivity of the nanoprobe for breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was obtained by Prussian blue, atomic emission spectroscopy, and
MRI relaxometry.
Results: The in vitro MRI showed that T2 relaxation time will be reduced 76% when using T2-weighed magnetic resonance images compared to the control group (untreated cells) at the dose of 200 μg
Fe/ml, as the optimum dose. In addition, the results showed the high uptake of nanoprobe into MCF-7
cancer cells.
Conclusion: The SPIONs-C595 nanoprobe has potential for the detection of specific breast cancer.
Fulltext Flexible and highly selective NO2 gas sensor based on direct-ink-writing of eco-friendly graphene oxide for smart wearable application

Khan J, Rezo V, Vincze T, Weis M, Momin SA, El-Atab N, et al.

Chemosphere, 2024 Nov;367:143618.
PMID: 39490758 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143618

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major cause of respiratory disorders in outdoor and indoor environments. Real-time NO2 monitoring using nonintrusive wearable devices can save lives and provide valuable health data. This study reports a room-temperature, wearable, and flexible smart NO2 gas sensor fabricated via cost-effective printing technology on a polyimide substrate. The sensor uses alkali lignin with edge-oxidised graphene oxide (EGO-AL) ink, demonstrating a sensitivity of 1.70% ppm⁻1 and a detection limit of 12.70 ppb, with excellent selectivity towards NO2. The high sensing properties are attributed to labile oxygen functional groups from GO and alkali lignin, offering abundant interacting sites for NO2 adsorption and electron transfer. The sensor fully recovers to the baseline after heat treatment at 150 °C, indicating its reusability. Integration into lab coats showcased its wearable application, utilising a flexible printed circuit board to wirelessly alert the wearer via cell phone to harmful NO2 levels (>3 ppm) in the environment. This smart sensing application underscores the potential for practical, real-time air quality monitoring, personal safety enhancement, and health management.
The molecular mechanisms of probiotic strains in improving ageing bone and muscle of d-galactose-induced ageing rats

Hor YY, Ooi CH, Lew LC, Jaafar MH, Lau AS, Lee BK, et al.

J Appl Microbiol, 2021 Apr;130(4):1307-1322.
PMID: 32638482 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14776

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of Lactobacillus strains in improving ageing of the musculoskeletal system.
METHODS AND RESULTS: The anti-ageing mechanism of three probiotics strains Lactobacillus fermentum DR9, Lactobacillus paracasei OFS 0291 and L. helveticus OFS 1515 were evaluated on gastrocnemius muscle and tibia of d-galactose-induced ageing rats. Upon senescence induction, aged rats demonstrated reduced antioxidative genes CAT and SOD expression in both bone and muscle compared to the young rats (P
Formation of grassy TiO2 nanotube thin film by anodisation in peroxide electrolyte for Cr(VI) removal under ultraviolet radiation

Taib MAA, Alias N, Jaafar M, Razak KA, Tan WK, Shahbudin IP, et al.

Nanotechnology, 2020 Oct 23;31(43):435605.
PMID: 32640434 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aba3d8

Arrays of TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) with grassy surfaces were observed on titanium foil anodised at 60 V in fluorinated ethylene glycol (EG) with added hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The grassy surface was generated by the chemical etching and dissolution of the surface of the TiO2 NTs walls, which was accelerated by the temperature increase on the addition of H2O2 . Upon annealing at 600 °C, the grassy part of the TiO2 NTs was found to consist of mostly anatase TiO2 whereas the bottom part of the anodic oxide comprised a mixture of anatase and rutile TiO2. The TiO2 NTs were then used to reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) under ultraviolet radiation. They exhibited a rather efficient photocatalytic effect, with 100% removal of Cr(VI) after 30 min of irradiation. The fast removal of Cr(VI) was due to the anatase dominance at the grassy part of the TiO2 NTs as well as the higher surface area the structure may have. This work provides a novel insight into the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) on grassy anatase TiO2 NTs.
Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 improved brain health in aging rats via the serotonin, inflammatory and apoptosis pathways

Zaydi AI, Lew LC, Hor YY, Jaafar MH, Chuah LO, Yap KP, et al.

Benef Microbes, 2020 Dec 02;11(8):753-766.
PMID: 33245015 DOI: 10.3920/BM2019.0200

Aging processes affect the brain in many ways, ranging from cellular to functional levels which lead to cognitive decline and increased oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the potentials of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 on brain health including cognitive and memory functions during aging and the impacts of high fat diet during a 12-week period. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into six groups: (1) young animals on normal diet (ND, (2) young animals on a high fat diet (HFD), (3) aged animals on ND, (4) aged animals on HFD, (5) aged animals on HFD and L. plantarum DR7 (109 cfu/day) and (6) aged animals receiving HFD and lovastatin. To induce ageing, all rats in group 3 to 6 were injected sub-cutaneously at 600 mg/kg/day of D-galactose daily. The administration of DR7 has reduced anxiety accompanied by enhanced memory during behavioural assessments in aged-HFD rats (P<0.05). Hippocampal concentration of all three pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased during aging but reduced upon administration of both statin and DR7. Expressions of hippocampal neurotransmitters and apoptosis genes showed reduced expressions of indoleamine dioxygenase and P53 accompanied by increased expression of TPH1 in aged- HFD rats administered with DR7, indicating potential effects of DR7 along the pathways of serotonin and oxidative senescence. This study provided an insight into potentials of L. plantarum DR7 as a prospective dietary strategy to improve cognitive functions during aging. This study provided an insight into potentials of L. plantarum DR7 as a prospective dietary strategy to improve cognitive functions during aging.
Lactobacilli modulated AMPK activity and prevented telomere shortening in ageing rats

Lew LC, Hor YY, Jaafar MH, Lau ASY, Ong JS, Chuah LO, et al.

Benef Microbes, 2019 Dec 09;10(8):883-892.
PMID: 31965837 DOI: 10.3920/BM2019.0058

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-ageing effects of different strains of lactobacilli putative probiotics on an ageing rat model as induced by D-galactose and a high fat diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with high fat diet (54% kcal fat) and injected with D-galactose daily for 12 weeks to induce ageing. The effects of putative probiotic strains on age-related impairment such as telomere length, plasma lipid peroxidation, hepatic 5'adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression, as well as endurance performance were evaluated. Administration of statin, Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 (LP-DR7), Lactobacillus fermentum DR9 (LF-DR9), and Lactobacillus reuteri 8513d (LR-8513d) significantly reduced the shortening of telomere and increased the expression of AMPK subunit-α1 (P<0.05). Plasma lipid peroxidation was lower (P<0.05) in groups administered with statin and LF-DR9 as compared to the control. AMPK subunit-α2 was elevated in rats administered with LP-DR7 as compared to the control (P<0.05). Using an in vivo ageing rat model, the current study has illustrated the potentials of lactobacilli putative probiotics in alleviation of age-related impairment in a strain-dependent manner.
Effects of calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament on push-out bond strength of endodontic sealers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Alhajj MN, Daud F, Al-Maweri SA, Johari Y, Ab-Ghani Z, Jaafar M, et al.

J Esthet Restor Dent, 2022 Dec;34(8):1166-1178.
PMID: 36239133 DOI: 10.1111/jerd.12974

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament on the push-out bond strength of resin-based and calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers.
METHODS: A comprehensive search of was conducted for all relevant in-vitro studies. All randomized controlled in-vitro studies that evaluated the effect of calcium hydroxide on the push-out bond strength of resin-based or calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers were assessed. The variables of interest were extracted, and the risk of the included studies was evaluated. The standardized mean difference was calculated and the significance level was set at p value <0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 26 studies were eligible for analysis. There were 45 independent comparison groups and 1009 recruited teeth. The pooled data showed no significant difference in push-out bond strength between calcium hydroxide and control group in the resin-based group (SMD = 0.03; 95% CI = -0.55, 0.60; p = 0.93), and calcium silicate-based group (SMD = 0.02; 95% CI = -0.31, 0.35; p = 0.90). Most of the studies (21 out of 26) were at medium risk of bias and five studies showed a low risk of bias.
CONCLUSION: The available evidence suggests that calcium hydroxide used as intracanal medication does not influence the push-out bond strength of the resin- and calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that calcium hydroxide used as intracanal medication does not influence the push-out bond strength of resin-based and calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers.
Quantification and characterization of airborne microplastics in the coastal area of Terengganu, Malaysia

Chenappan NK, Ibrahim YS, Anuar ST, Yusof KMKK, Jaafar M, Ahamad F, et al.

Environ Monit Assess, 2024 Feb 07;196(3):242.
PMID: 38324118 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12381-z

Microplastics (MPs) pose a threat to ecosystems due to their capacity to bind with toxic chemicals. While the occurrence of MPs in aquatic environmental matrices like water, sediments, and biota is well studied, their presence in the atmosphere remains less understood. This study aimed to determine the presence of airborne MPs and their characteristics through ground-based sampling in the coastal city of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. Airborne MP samples were collected using passive sampling technique in December 2019. MPs were manually counted and identified using a stereomicroscope based on their colour and shape. The average deposition rate of airborne MPs during the sampling period was 5476 ± 3796 particles/m2/day, ranging from 576 to 15,562 particles/m2/day. Various colours such as transparent (38%), blue (25%), black (20%), red (13%), and others (4%) were observed. The predominant shape of airborne MPs was fibres (> 99%). The morphology structure of MPs observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a cracked surface on MPs, suggesting weathering and irregular fragmentation. Further elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of heavy metals such as aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) on the surface of MPs, attributed to the adsorption capacities of MPs. Polymer types of airborne MPs were analysed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed particles composed of polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). The preliminary findings could provide additional information for further investigations of MPs, especially in the atmosphere, to better understand their sources and potential human exposure.
Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 alleviates stress and anxiety in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Chong HX, Yusoff NAA, Hor YY, Lew LC, Jaafar MH, Choi SB, et al.

Benef Microbes, 2019 Apr 19;10(4):355-373.
PMID: 30882244 DOI: 10.3920/BM2018.0135

Probiotics have been reported to exert beneficial effects along the gut-brain axis. This randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled human study aimed to evaluate such properties of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 and its accompanying mechanisms in stressed adults. One hundred and eleven (n=111; DR7 n=56, placebo n=55) stressed adults were recruited based on moderate stress levels using the PSS-10 questionnaire. The consumption of DR7 (1×109 cfu/day) for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of stress (P=0.024), anxiety (P=0.001), and total psychological scores (P=0.022) as early as 8 weeks among stressed adults compared to the placebo group as assessed by the DASS-42 questionnaire. Plasma cortisol level was reduced among DR7 subjects as compared to the placebo, accompanied by reduced plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ and transforming growth factor-α and increased plasma anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 10 (P<0.05). DR7 better improved cognitive and memory functions in normal adults (>30 years old), such as basic attention, emotional cognition, and associate learning (P<0.05), as compared to the placebo and young adults (<30 years old). The administration of DR7 enhanced the serotonin pathway, as observed by lowered expressions of plasma dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase accompanied by increased expressions of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor-6, while stabilising the dopamine pathway as observed via stabilised expressions of TH and DBH over 12 weeks as compared to the placebo (P<0.05). Our results indicated that DR7 fulfil the requirement of a probiotic strain as per recommendation of FAO/WHO and could be applicable as a natural strategy to improve psychological functions, cognitive health and memory in stressed adults.
A multidimensional approach for microplastics monitoring in two major tropical river basins, Malaysia

Anuar ST, Abdullah NS, Yahya NKEM, Chin TT, Yusof KMKK, Mohamad Y, et al.

Environ Res, 2023 Mar 23;227:115717.
PMID: 36963716 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115717

Microplastics (MPs) with the size of 1 μm-5 mm are pollutants of great concern ubiquitously found in the environment. Existing efforts have found that most of the MPs present in the seas mainly originated from land via riverine inputs. Asian rivers are known to be among the top in microplastic emissions. However, field data are scarce, especially in Malaysia. This study presents the distribution and characteristics of MPs in the surface water of two major river basins of Malaysia, namely Langat River (West Coast/Straits of Malacca) and Kelantan River (East Coast/South China Sea). Water samples were collected at 21-22 locations in Kelantan and Langat rivers, covering the river, estuary and sea. MPs were physically classified based on sizes, shapes, colours and surface morphology (SEM-EDS). The average of 179.6 items/L and 1464.8 items/L of MPs had been quantified from Kelantan and Langat rivers, respectively. Fibre (91.90%) was highly recorded at Kelantan, compared to Langat whereby both fibre (59.21%) and fragment (38.87%) were prevalence. Anthropogenic activities and urbanised areas contribute to high microplastic abundance, especially in the Langat River. Micro-FTIR analysis identified 14 polymers in Kelantan River, whereas 20 polymers were found in Langat River. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, phenoxy resins, poly(methyl acrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane and rayon were discovered in both rivers, although only polyethylene was significant (>1 ppm) when further analysed using pyrolysis-GC/MS. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to explain the relationship between water quality and MP abundance, suggesting only turbidity was positively significant to the microplastic occurrence. This comprehensive study is first to suggest a full-scale monitoring protocol for MPs in Malaysian riverine system and is significant in understanding MPs abundance in correlation to in-situ environmental factors. Consequently, this will allow the right authorities to develop mitigation strategies to address riverine plastic pollution in major river basins in Malaysia and the South East Asia.

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