Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 205 in total

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  1. Siti Norashikin Mohd Tambeh, Sumitabha Ghosh, Mohd Hamim Rajikin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The present study aims to investigate the effects of nicotine on foetal loss,
    postnatal growth and corresponding levels of oestrogen and progesterone in pregnant rats.
    Methods: Subcutaneous injection of nicotine tartrate (7.5 mg/kg/day) was administered to
    groups of pregnant rats; with treatment scheduled from day 1 through day 5, day 5 through
    day 9 or day 1 through day 9 of pregnancy. On day 10 of pregnancy, laparotomy was
    performed to count the number of blastocyst implantation sites. During parturition, the
    number of viable pups was recounted and statistically compared with the controls. One
    group of rats which received nicotine from day 1 through day 9 of pregnancy was sacrificed
    on day 16 of pregnancy, and circulating levels of oestrogen and progesterone were
    measured. Upon delivery, the birth weight of the pups was measured, and their weights were
    recorded until weaning. Results: There was a significant increase in foetal loss particularly in
    rats which received nicotine from day 5 through day 9 and from day 1 through day 9 of
    pregnancy. There was also significantly lower birth weight of pups in all groups; however,
    this pattern did not continue until weaning. Plasma oestrogen level was significantly elevated
    with a significant decrease in the plasma progesterone level. Conclusions: Nicotine
    administration during pregnancy showed an increase in foetal loss with a corresponding
    increase in oestrogen and decrease in progesterone levels. Although the birth weight of the
    pups was low, there was catch-up growth in the pups.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  2. Jawan R, Abbasiliasi S, Tan JS, Mustafa S, Halim M, Ariff AB
    Microorganisms, 2020 Sep 23;8(10).
    PMID: 32977375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101454
    Antibacterial peptides or bacteriocins produced by many strains of lactic acid bacteria have been used as food preservatives for many years without any known adverse effects. Bacteriocin titres can be modified by altering the physiological and nutritional factors of the producing bacterium to improve the production in terms of yield and productivity. The effects of culture conditions (initial pH, inoculum age and inoculum size) and medium compositions (organic and inorganic nitrogen sources; carbon sources) were assessed for the production of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) by Lactococcus lactis Gh1 in shake flask cultures. An inoculum of the mid-exponential phase culture at 1% (v/v) was the optimal age and size, while initial pH of culture media at alkaline and acidic state did not show a significant impact on BLIS secretion. Organic nitrogen sources were more favourable for BLIS production compared to inorganic sources. Production of BLIS by L. lactis Gh1 in soytone was 1.28-times higher as compared to that of organic nitrogen sources ((NH4)2SO4). The highest cell concentration (XmX = 0.69 ± 0.026 g·L-1) and specific growth rate (μmax = 0.14 h-1) were also observed in cultivation using soytone. By replacing carbon sources with fructose, BLIS production was increased up to 34.94% compared to BHI medium, which gave the biomass cell concentration and specific growth rate of 0.66 ± 0.002 g·L-1 and 0.11 h-1, respectively. It can be concluded that the fermentation factors have pronounced influences on the growth of L. lactis Gh1 and BLIS production. Results from this study could be used for subsequent application in process design and optimisation for improving BLIS production by L. lactis Gh1 at larger scale.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  3. Singh AK, Hakimi MH, Kumar A, Ahmed A, Abidin NSZ, Kinawy M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 12 17;10(1):22108.
    PMID: 33335176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78906-x
    A high bituminous shale horizon from the Gurha mine in the Bikaner sub-basin of the Rajasthan District, NW India, was studied using a collection of geochemical and petrological techniques. This study investigated the nature and environmental conditions of the organic matter and its relation to the unconventional oil-shale resources of the bituminous shale. The analyzed shales have high total organic carbon and total sulfur contents, suggesting that these shale sediments were deposited in a paralic environment under reducing conditions. The dominant presence of organic matter derived from phytoplankton algae suggests warm climatic marine environment, with little connection to freshwater enhancing the growth of algae and other microorganisms. The analyzed bituminous shales have high aquatic-derived alginite organic matters, with low Pr/Ph, Pr/n-C17, and Ph/n-C18 ratios. It is classified as Type II oil-prone kerogen, consistent with high hydrogen index value. Considering the maturity indicators of geochemical Tmax (
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  4. Siti Farah Alwani Mohd Nawi, Zaini Mohd Zain, Muhammad Zarif Zahari, Anis Amalina Abdul Hamid, Nur Fakhriah Ahmad Afandi, Siti Nur Fathihah Azmi
    Serving raw oysters with lemon juice is a delicacy in many restaurants in
    Malaysia. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) live in the seacoast and they share the same
    environment as Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Consumption of raw oysters contaminated with V.
    parahaemolyticus can lead to severe gastroenteritis. A study was performed to determine
    whether lemon (Citrus limon) juice is able to inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus after
    being inoculated in raw oysters. Methods: Frozen oysters bought from a local supplier
    weighing 6 g each were minced and placed in two bottles using sterile technique.
    Approximately 1 ml of 107 CFU of V. parahaemolyticus (ATCC strain 17802) was added and
    mixed in both bottles. The mixture was treated with 1 ml of lemon juice in only one of the
    bottles and the other bottle served as a control. At every 30 s intervals for 2 min, 1 g of the
    sample was taken for enumeration of viable cells onto thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose
    (TCBS). Results: After 30 s of treatment with the lemon juice, it was observed that the
    number of colonies in the treated samples reduced from 7 Log to 3 Log. Subsequently, no
    viable V. parahaemolyticus was seen. It was also observed that there were 3 Log reductions
    of V. parahaemolyticus after 30 s in untreated samples, however the number of colonies
    remained stable until the end of the experiment. Conclusion: This study therefore shows
    that lemon juice has some antimicrobial effect on V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  5. Tan CH, Show PL, Ling TC, Nagarajan D, Lee DJ, Chen WH, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2019 Aug;285:121331.
    PMID: 30999192 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121331
    Third generation biofuels, also known as microalgal biofuels, are promising alternatives to fossil fuels. One attractive option is microalgal biodiesel as a replacement for diesel fuel. Chlamydomonas sp. Tai-03 was previously optimized for maximal lipid production for biodiesel generation, achieving biomass growth and productivity of 3.48 ± 0.04 g/L and 0.43 ± 0.01 g/L/d, with lipid content and productivity of 28.6 ± 1.41% and 124.1 ± 7.57 mg/L/d. In this study, further optimization using 5% CO2 concentration and semi-batch operation with 25% medium replacement ratio, enhanced the biomass growth and productivity to 4.15 ± 0.12 g/L and 1.23 ± 0.02 g/L/d, with lipid content and productivity of 19.4 ± 2.0% and 239.6 ± 24.8 mg/L/d. The major fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2). These short-chain FAMEs combined with high growth make Chlamydomonas sp. Tai-03 a suitable candidate for biodiesel synthesis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  6. Kumarasingha R, Young ND, Yeo TC, Lim DSL, Tu CL, Palombo EA, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2019 Apr 25;12(1):181.
    PMID: 31023350 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3429-4
    BACKGROUND: Natural compounds from plants are known to provide a source of anthelmintic molecules. In previous studies, we have shown that plant extracts from the plant Picria fel-terrae Lour. and particular fractions thereof have activity against the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, causing quite pronounced stress responses in this nematode. We have also shown that a fraction, designated Pf-fraction 5, derived from this plant has a substantial adverse effect on this worm; however, nothing is known about the molecular processes affected in the worm. In the present study, we explored this aspect.

    RESULTS: Key biological processes linked to upregulated genes (n = 214) included 'response to endoplasmic reticulum stress' and 'lipid metabolism', and processes representing downregulated genes (n = 357) included 'DNA-conformation change' and 'cellular lipid metabolism'.

    CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of C. elegans to Pf-fraction 5 induces significant changes in the transcriptome. Gene ontology analysis suggests that Pf-fraction 5 induces endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress, and the changes in gene expression are either a direct or indirect consequence of this. Further work is required to assess specific responses to sub-fractions of Pf-fraction 5 in time-course experiments in C. elegans, to define the chemical(s) with potent anthelmintic properties, to attempt to unravel their mode(s) of action and to assess their selectivity against nematodes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  7. Rosdi MRH, Ahmad Razali MA, Ku Ishak KM, Ariffin A
    ACS Omega, 2020 Jun 23;5(24):14473-14480.
    PMID: 32596585 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01114
    Pour point depressant (PPD) emulsion has been gaining attention in crude oil transportation owing to its potential to solve solidification issues that arise in cold climate environments. An emulsion system provides a wide range of temperature application that combines good shelf life and tunable thermal properties to tackle this problem. These features can be achieved by incorporating an antifreeze agent into the emulsion. One of the most commonly used antifreeze agents is ethylene glycol (EG). Hence, this study focuses on the thermal properties and droplet size growth of PPD emulsions that were aged in variable concentrations of EG solution. EG50 exhibited the lowest freezing temperature of -44 °C, while EG25 demonstrated the lowest vitrification temperature of -68.7 °C. The particle size of the emulsions underwent a significant reduction from 332.3 to 228.9 nm upon the stepwise EG concentration increment to EG50. However, when the concentration was increased to EG75, a slight increase in the emulsion particle size was observed with a recorded value of 237.8 nm. Thus, it is concluded that EG50 represents the optimum concentration for delivering the best freezing protection and producing a smaller droplet particle size.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  8. Wang T, Yang B, Guan Q, Chen X, Zhong Z, Huang W, et al.
    BMC Plant Biol, 2019 May 14;19(1):198.
    PMID: 31088368 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1803-1
    BACKGROUND: Lonicera japonica Thunb. flower has been used for the treatment of various diseases for a long time and attracted many studies on its potential effects. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate extensive biological processes during plant development. As the restricted reports of L. japonica on TFs, our work was carried out to better understand the TFs' regulatory roles under different developmental stages in L. japonica.

    RESULTS: In this study, 1316 TFs belonging to 52 families were identified from the transcriptomic data, and corresponding expression profiles during the L. japonica flower development were comprehensively analyzed. 917 (69.68%) TFs were differentially expressed. TFs in bHLH, ERF, MYB, bZIP, and NAC families exhibited obviously altered expression during flower growth. Based on the analysis of differentially expressed TFs (DETFs), TFs in MYB, WRKY, NAC and LSD families that involved in phenylpropanoids biosynthesis, senescence processes and antioxidant activity were detected. The expression of MYB114 exhibited a positive correlation with the contents of luteoloside; Positive correlation was observed among the expression of MYC12, chalcone synthase (CHS) and flavonol synthase (FLS), while negative correlation was observed between the expression of MYB44 and the synthases; The expression of LSD1 was highly correlated with the expression of SOD and the total antioxidant capacity, while the expression of LOL1 and LOL2 exhibited a negative correlation with them; Many TFs in NAC and WRKY families may be potentially involved in the senescence process regulated by hormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression of NAC19, NAC29, and NAC53 exhibited a positive correlation with the contents of ABA and H2O2, while the expression of WRKY53, WRKY54, and WRKY70 exhibited a negative correlation with the contents of JA, SA and ABA.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided a comprehensive characterization of the expression profiles of TFs during the developmental stages of L. japonica. In addition, we detected the key TFs that may play significant roles in controlling active components biosynthesis, antioxidant activity and flower senescence in L. japonica, thereby providing valuable insights into the molecular networks underlying L. japonica flower development.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  9. How, Y. H., Ewe, J. A., Song, K. P., Kuan, C. H., Kuan, C. S., Yeo, S. K.
    MyJurnal
    The present work aimed to determine the antagonistic effect of probiotic-fermented soy against oral pathogens. Indigenous oral probiotics (Streptococcus salivarius Taylor’s Univer- sity Collection Centre (TUCC) 1251, S. salivarius TUCC 1253, S. salivarius TUCC 1254, S. salivarius TUCC 1255, and S. orisratti TUCC 1253) were incorporated into soy fermentation at 37°C for 24 h. Growth characteristics, β-glucosidase activity, and total isoflavones content of Streptococcus strains following soy fermentation were analysed. Antimicrobial test of Streptococcus-fermented soy was carried out against oral pathogens Enterococcus faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 700802, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Streptococcus strains showed a significant increase in growth following soy fermentation. S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy showed signif- icantly higher extracellular β-glucosidase activity and amount of aglycones. S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy showed antimicrobial effect against all oral tested pathogens in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These results showed that S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy could potentially be used as a preventive action or alternative treatment for oral infections.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  10. Kok SY, Namasivayam P, Ee GC, Ong-Abdullah M
    J Proteomics, 2021 02 10;232:104052.
    PMID: 33262095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104052
    To gain insights on protein changes in fruit setting and growth in oil palm, a comparative proteomic approach was undertaken to study proteome changes during its early development. The variations in the proteome at five early developmental stages were investigated via a gel-based proteomic technique. A total of 129 variant proteins were determined using mass spectrometric analysis, resulting in 80 identifications. The majority of the identified protein species were classified as energy and metabolism, stress response/defence and cell structure during early oil palm development representing potential candidates for the control of final fruit size and composition. Seven prominent protein species were then characterised using real-time polymerase chain reaction to validate the mRNA expression against the protein abundant profiles. Transcript and protein profiles were parallel across the developmental stages, but divergent expression was observed in one protein spot, indicative of possible post-transcriptional events. Our results revealed protein changes in early oil palm fruit development provide valuable information in the understanding of fruit growth and metabolism during early stages that may contribute towards improving agronomic traits. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry approach was used in this study to identify differentially expressed proteins during early oil palm fruit development. A total of 80 protein spots with significant change in abundance were successfully identified and selected genes were analysed using real time PCR to validate their expression. The dynamic changes in oil palm fruit proteome during early development were mostly active in primary and energy metabolism, stress responses, cell structure and protein metabolism. This study reveals the physiological processes during early oil palm fruit development and provides a reference proteome for further improvements in fruit quality traits.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  11. Arora H, Sharma A, Sharma S, Haron FF, Gafur A, Sayyed RZ, et al.
    Microorganisms, 2021 Apr 13;9(4).
    PMID: 33924471 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040823
    Capsicum annuum L. is a significant horticulture crop known for its pungent varieties and used as a spice. The pungent character in the plant, known as capsaicinoid, has been discovered to have various health benefits. However, its production has been affected due to various exogenous stresses, including diseases caused by a soil-borne pathogen, Pythium spp. predominantly affecting the Capsicum plant in younger stages and causing damping-off, this pathogen can incite root rot in later plant growth stages. Due to the involvement of multiple Pythium spp. and their capability to disperse through various routes, their detection and diagnosis have become crucial. However, the quest for a point-of-care technology is still far from over. The use of an integrated approach with cultural and biological techniques for the management of Pythium spp. can be the best and most sustainable alternative to the traditionally used and hazardous chemical approach. The lack of race-specific resistance genes against Pythium spp. can be compensated with the candidate quantitative trait loci (QTL) genes in C. annuum L. This review will focus on the epidemiological factors playing a major role in disease spread, the currently available diagnostics in species identification, and the management strategies with a special emphasis on Pythium spp. causing damping-off and root rot in different cultivars of C. annuum L.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  12. Helmyati S, Kiasaty S, Amalia AW, Sholihah H, Kurnia M, Wigati M, et al.
    J Diabetes Metab Disord, 2020 Dec;19(2):749-757.
    PMID: 33553011 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-020-00555-8
    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the preference and acceptance of white rice substitution with brown and black rice among young adults in Indonesia to prevent diabetes.

    Methods: This study used a qualitative design. Rice preference deeply explored using focus group discussion as a case-study. 85 informants with an average of ages 20 years old were divided into several groups. Several topics to discuss include the reasons to accept or reject brown and black rice, knowledge, attitude, motivation, and potency to substitute white rice.

    Results: Price was the main barrier to substitute white rice to brown and black rice. The participants have known brown rice from parents, mass media, and friends. Most of them were still unfamiliar with black rice. Culture also affected the preferences of the participants. To motivate people to change their white rice diet, creative packaging and segmentation of the sale were recommended.

    Conclusion: Substituting white to brown and black rice is still a challenge for young adults in Indonesia. Several barriers such as culture, accessibility, and affordability need to be considered. Further efforts are important to manage a program to increase brown and black rice consumption.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  13. Kqueen, Cheah Yoke, Maryam Abdulla Seif, Mohamed Ikhtifar Rafi, Lim, Wei Meng, Ling, Clemente Michael Wong Vui, Tan, Geok Yuan Annie
    MyJurnal
    Global warming is the main concern in today’s century as it comes with numerous side effects to the natural environment. Open Top Chambers (OTC) consist of metal constructions with transparent vertical side-walls and a frustum on top. An opening in the middle of the frustum allows an air exchange to reduce temperature and humidity effects in the chamber. The size of the open top chamber which is located in Universiti Putra Malaysia is slanted 60o, 50cm tall, 2.08m basal diameter hexagon chamber. The Open Top Chamber experiments were carried out to determine how much global warming has affected and is still affecting the temperature, pH, the moisture and the growth of the microbes in the tropical soil. The aim of this study is to elucidate the effects of temperature increase on the soil microbes’ population and on the pH of the soil. The study was conducted to observe the effect of heat on the population of soil microbes and the pH of the soil which was collected on the same day for 6 consecutive months. The microbes from the samples were grown on agar plates. The population of microbes on the plates were used as values were for Colony Forming Unit (CFU) value calculations. The effects of OTCs on mean temperature showed a large range of CFU values throughout the 6 months but did not differ significantly between studies. Increases in mean monthly and diurnal temperature were strongly related, indicating that the presence of warming effect by the OTCs. Such predictive power allows a better mechanistic understanding of observed biotic response to experimental warming. This study will be useful for the understanding of the global warming effect on microbes. The Open Top Chamber experiment has proven to be one of the effective model for global warming research and data collected especially on the growth of soil microbial obtained would be of great use for further experiments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  14. Yonge CM
    Biol. Bull., 1968 Oct;135(2):378-405.
    PMID: 28368764 DOI: 10.2307/1539789
    1. Study of the structure and mode of life of Malleus regula provides the basis for consideration of the "hammer" species, M. malleus and M. albus.
    2. M. regula occurs byssally attached, vertically disposed on rocky substrates associated with mud and is widely distributed in the tropical Indo-Pacific.
    3. The distal two-thirds of the elongated shell is exclusively prismatic. By means of special pallial retractors the mantle lobes can be withdrawn within the nacreous region.
    4. The massive opisthodetic ligament has a short secondary extension of fusion layer.
    5. A promyal chamber on the right side proximal to the adductor increases water flow into the exhalant chamber.
    6. The long filibranch ctenidia provide a vertically extended food-collecting surface.
    7. The foot is concerned with planting of the massive byssus which emerges through a notch in the right valve but on the under ( i.e., dorsal) surface. There is also a unique and very long accessory foot, ventrally grooved, everywhere ciliated and in constant writhing activity due to blood pressure and intrinsic muscle. Moving freely throughout the lower mantle cavity it can only be concerned with cleansing.
    8. Pseudofaeces are ejected from the distal tip of the mantle cavity.
    9. M. malleus, the black hammer shell, occurs vertically embedded in coarse sand or sandy gravel. Byssus threads are attached to fragments within the substrate. The great anterior and posterior elongations of the hinge line (also exclusively prismatic) are separated by the byssal notch (now affecting both valves).
    10. Shells are usually excessively irregular due to the great exposure to damage and the almost unlimited powers of rapid repair by the three pallial extensions.
    11. M. albus, the white hammer shell, is stouter and inhabits muddy sand. During growth it loses the byssus with reduction of the foot and byssal retractors and closure of the byssal notch. The accessory foot is not affected. The animal becomes anchored in the substrate exclusively by the anterior and posterior extensions of the shell.
    12. Description of the typically rounded Isognomon ephippium leads to that of the elongated I. isognomon which occupies precisely the same habitat as M. regula.
    13. It lacks the pallial retractors, promyal chamber and accessory foot of Malleus, the nacreous region is more extended distally and the ligament is multivincular (the formation of which is discussed), producing some posterior, but never any anterior, extension of the hinge line.
    14. A remarkably dense mixed bed of M. regula and I. isognomon in Darvel Bay, Sabah (Borneo), is described. Different spawning periods, by preventing competition during settlement, may account for this complete intermixing of sympatric species, which, however, are generalized herbivores where numbers are not limited by food supply.
    15. From a basic epifaunal habit (Pteria, Isognomon, M. regula), members of the Pteriacea have become adapted for infaunal life within sponges (Vulsella, Crenatula) or within soft substrates ( M. malleus, M. alba and the Pinnidae).
    16. There is final discussion about elongation in monomyarians, i.e., in the genus Malleus and in I. isognomon.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  15. Bunmee T, Chaiwang N, Kaewkot C, Jaturasitha S
    Asian-Australas J Anim Sci, 2018 Jul;31(7):968-975.
    PMID: 29879818 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0201
    Thailand is a country of native beef cattle resource farming. It has undergone rapid social and economic change in the past decade. Agricultural growth has been maintained by increasing the production of rice and cassava. Changing economic status also provides opportunities for beef cattle producers to meet increasing consumer demand for beef. Finishing beef cattle numbers in Thailand were about 1.0 M head in 2015. Beef produced in Thailand has exclusively been for domestic consumption. Only 1% of Thailand's beef cattle are for the premium market which is based on marbling score, 40% are sold into modern markets that consider muscling of cattle, and the remainder enter traditional markets. Cross-bred cattle for the premium market are raised within intensive systems. Most producers of premium beef are members of beef cooperatives, or have invested in their enterprises at high levels. Culled cow (native or cross-bred cattle) are mainly for small holder farm production. Malaysia, Indonesia, and other members of the Asian Economic Community (AEC) are set to become the largest beef market, which has been confirmed by 2015 through 2020 forecasts for consumption of beef that must increasingly be halal. These circumstances are likely to be challenging for beef producers in Thailand to gain a share of this market. Integration across all sectors involved in beef production in Thailand will be required.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  16. Hari P, Kacharaju KR, Anumala N, Pathakota KR, Avula J
    J Indian Soc Periodontol, 2018 5 18;22(2):133-139.
    PMID: 29769768 DOI: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_320_17
    Context: Biofilms are known for their antimicrobial resistance, and so is the subgingival plaque biofilm, the primary etiologic factor for periodontal infections.

    Aims: The objective of this study is to investigate if the subgingival plaque biofilm resistance can be reduced using doxycycline in the presence of low-intensity electric field (bioelectric effect).

    Settings and Design: The study was an in vitro microbiological study.

    Materials and Methods: Subgingival plaque samples from chronic periodontitis patients were collected to grow subgingival plaque biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks. Hydroxyapatite disks with the plaque biofilms from each patient were divided into four groups: (i) No intervention - control, (ii) current alone - CU; (iii) doxycycline - AB, and (iv) combined treatment - CU + AB. After respective treatments, the disks were anaerobically incubated for 48 h, the biofilm was dispersed and subcultured and colony-forming unit/mL was estimated in all the four groups.

    Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests for intergroup comparisons. T-test was done to assess the difference in current flow between the groups CU and CU + AB.

    Results: All the three treatment modalities showed antibacterial effect. Application of current alone resulted in reduced bacterial growth than control group. Doxycycline alone resulted in reduction in bacterial counts better than control and current alone groups. The combination treatment showed greatest inhibition of bacterial colonies.

    Conclusion: The ability of doxycycline antibiotic in inhibiting plaque biofilm was significantly enhanced by application of a weak electric field (5 volts for 2 min).

    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  17. Salleh Hudin N, Teyssier A, Aerts J, Fairhurst GD, Strubbe D, White J, et al.
    Biol Open, 2018 Jun 15;7(6).
    PMID: 29632231 DOI: 10.1242/bio.031849
    While urbanization exposes individuals to novel challenges, urban areas may also constitute stable environments in which seasonal fluctuations are buffered. Baseline and stress-induced plasma corticosterone (cort) levels are often found to be similar in urban and rural populations. Here we aimed to disentangle two possible mechanisms underlying such pattern: (i) urban environments are no more stressful or urban birds have a better ability to habituate to stressors; or (ii) urban birds developed desensitized stress responses. We exposed wild-caught urban and rural house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to combined captivity and diet treatments (urban versus rural diet) and measured corticosterone levels both in natural tail feathers and in regrown homologous ones (cortf). Urban and rural house sparrows showed similar cortf levels in the wild and in response to novel stressors caused by the experiment, supporting the growing notion that urban environments are no more stressful during the non-breeding season than are rural ones. Still, juveniles and males originating from urban populations showed the highest cortf levels in regrown feathers. We did not find evidence that cortf was consistent within individuals across moults. Our study stresses the need for incorporating both intrinsic and environmental factors for the interpretation of variation in cortf between populations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  18. Ilomuanya MO, Nashiru B, Ifudu ND, Igwilo CI
    J Microsc Ultrastruct, 2016 05 12;5(1):32-38.
    PMID: 30023235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2016.05.001
    Agricultural waste obtained from Elaeis guineensis mid ribs can provide a veritable source of materials which can be used as precursor materials for the production of pharmaceutical grade activated charcoal. The pore size and surface morphology of activated charcoal defines the types of molecules that could be adsorbed unto it, as surface morphology plays a significant role in determining the surface availability and areas of adsorption. The activated charcoal samples prepared from Elaeis guineensis via either physical or chemical activation was characterized via surface area using the BET method and subsequently pore structure and size analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Physically activated Elaeis guineensis fronds activated with nitrogen gas had wide spread microporosity with micropore volume of 0.232 cc/g compared to the chemically activated with 1M and 3M phosphoric acid respectively. The commercial activated charcoal/metronidazole combination in the in vitro-pharmacodynamic model reflected no re-growth after 4 hours, however for charcoal formulated from Elaeis guineensis via chemical activation with 3M phosphoric acid and metronidazole no regrowth was seen at the second hour and this was maintained throughout the duration of the experiment. Increased macroporosity enhanced bacterial adsorption and this was further facilitated by the presence of antibacterial metronidazole in the in vitro pharmacodynamic model. Activated charcoal produced from agricultural waste obtained from Elaeis guineensis dried mid ribs consisting of increased macroporosity with mixed meso/micro porosity and antibacterial metronidazole form the best model for bacterial adsorption and will be useful in the treatment of diarrhea caused by E. coli O157:H7.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  19. Siti Farah Alwani Mohd Nawi, Zaini Mohd Zain, Muhammad Zarif Zahari, Anis Amalina Abdul Hamid, Nur Fakhriah Ahmad Afandi, Siti Nur Fathihah Azmi
    MyJurnal
    Serving raw oysters with lemon juice is a delicacy in many restaurants in
    Malaysia. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) live in the seacoast and they share the same
    environment as Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Consumption of raw oysters contaminated with V.
    parahaemolyticus can lead to severe gastroenteritis. A study was performed to determine
    whether lemon (Citrus limon) juice is able to inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus after
    being inoculated in raw oysters. Methods: Frozen oysters bought from a local supplier
    weighing 6 g each were minced and placed in two bottles using sterile technique.
    Approximately 1 ml of 107 CFU of V. parahaemolyticus (ATCC strain 17802) was added and
    mixed in both bottles. The mixture was treated with 1 ml of lemon juice in only one of the
    bottles and the other bottle served as a control. At every 30 s intervals for 2 min, 1 g of the
    sample was taken for enumeration of viable cells onto thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose
    (TCBS). Results: After 30 s of treatment with the lemon juice, it was observed that the
    number of colonies in the treated samples reduced from 7 Log to 3 Log. Subsequently, no
    viable V. parahaemolyticus was seen. It was also observed that there were 3 Log reductions
    of V. parahaemolyticus after 30 s in untreated samples, however the number of colonies
    remained stable until the end of the experiment. Conclusion: This study therefore shows
    that lemon juice has some antimicrobial effect on V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
  20. Olorunnisola KS, Jamal P, Alam MZ
    3 Biotech, 2018 Oct;8(10):429.
    PMID: 30305998 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1452-3
    Kinetic analysis of solid-state fermentation (SSF) of fruit peels with Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Schizophyllum commune mixed culture was studied in flask and 7 kg capacity reactor. Modified Monod kinetic model suggested by Haldane sufficiently described microbial growth with co-efficient of determination (R2) reaching 0.908 at increased substrate concentration than the classical Monod model (R2 = 0.932). Leudeking-Piret model adequately described product synthesis in non-growth-dependent manner (R2 = 0.989), while substrate consumption by P. chrysosporium and S. commune fungal mixed culture was growth-dependent (R2 = 0.938). Hanes-Woolf model sufficiently represented α-amylase and cellulase enzymes synthesis (R2 = 0.911 and 0.988); α-amylase had enzyme maximum velocity (Vmax) of 25.19 IU/gds/day and rate constant (Km) of 11.55 IU/gds/day, while cellulase enzyme had Vmax of 3.05 IU/gds/day and Km of 57.47 IU/gds/day. Product yield in the reactor increased to 32.65 mg/g/day compared with 28.15 mg/g/day in shake flask. 2.5 cm media thickness was adequate for product formation within a 6 day SSF in the tray reactor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena
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