Bifunctional eff ect of fucoidan from Padina tetrastromatica against human pathogenic microbes and free radicals

The antibacterial and antioxidant effect of fucoidan fractions isolated from brown algae Padina tetrastromatica was evaluated. Even though the polysaccharide was found to be a fucan, the composition of this polysaccharide is different from those reported, and the antibacterial and antioxidant effect has not been reported so far. Three fractions (F1, F2, and F3) were isolated by anion-exchange column chromatography. Chemical analysis suggested that the polysaccharide fractions contained a significant amount of sulfate and fucose, galactose xylose, andmannose as the major neutral sugars. Antibacterial activity was checked by disk diffusion method. Antioxidant activity was investigated by various in vitro systems, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging,lipid peroxide inhibition, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, chelating ability and reducingpower. Antibacterial and antioxidant assays suggested that the polysaccharide fraction F3 possessed goodantibacterial activity and had stronger antioxidant properties than F1 and F2. Available data obtained by in vitromodels suggested that the correlation between the sulfate content and pharmacological effect was positive.Fucoidan from P. tetrastromatica have the potential to be developed as anantibacterial and antioxidant agent, butfurther in vivo research for their mode of action are still needed to shed light on the effects. Overall, the presentexperiments showed fucoidan from marine brown algae as a potential therapeutic agent

A pilot study: effect of irisin on trabecular bone in a streptozotocin-induced animal model of type 1 diabetic osteopathy utilizing a micro-CT

Background. Osteoporosis is a significant co-morbidity of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) 41 leading to increased fracture risk. Exercise-induced hormone 'irisin' in low dosage has been 42 shown to have a beneficial effect on bone metabolism by increasing osteoblast differentiation 43 and reducing osteoclast maturation, and inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation. We investigated 44 the role of irisin in treating diabetic osteopathy by observing its effect on trabecular bone. 45 Methods. DM1 was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg body 46 weight. Irisin in low dosage (5 μg twice a week for 6 weeks I/P) was injected into half of the 47 control and 4-week diabetic male Wistar rats. Animals were sacrificed six months after induction 48 of diabetes. The trabecular bone in the femoral head and neck was analyzed using a micro-CT 49 technique. Bone turnover markers were measured using ELISA, Western blot, and RT-PCR 50 techniques. 51 Results. It was found that DM1 deteriorates the trabecular bone microstructure by increasing 52 trabecular separation (Tb-Sp) and decreasing trabecular thickness (Tb-Th), bone volume fraction 53 (BV/TV), and bone mineral density (BMD). Irisin treatment positively affects bone quality by 54 increasing trabecular number p < 0.05 and improves the BMD, Tb-Sp, and BV/TV by 21-28%. 55 The deterioration in bone microarchitecture is mainly attributed to decreased bone formation 56 observed as low osteocalcin and high sclerostin levels in diabetic bone samples p < 0.001. The 57 irisin treatment significantly suppressed the serum and bone sclerostin levels p < 0.001, 58 increased the serum CTX1 levels p < 0.05, and also showed non-significant improvement in 59 osteocalcin levels. 60 Conclusions. This is the first pilot study to our knowledge that shows that a low dose of irisin 61 marginally improves the trabecular bone in DM1 and is an effective peptide in reducing 62 sclerostin levels

Hydrogen production via catalyst of green laser, molybdenum and ethanol

Electrolysis is an electrochemical process which is known as a green technology. Laser irradiation and the presence of catalyst in water electrolysis are identified as ways of improving the efficiency and increment of hydrogen production. The enhancement of hydrogen production through water electrolysis is obtained by adding molybdenum to increase the current in electrochemical cell and ethanol as an agent in photochemical reaction. In addition, diode pumped solid-state laser green laser at 532 nm is employed with the purpose to compensate the residual electrical field effect. The combination of the three catalysts is found more powerful to cause water splitting, thus produced 5 times greater H2 production in comparison to the action of individual catalyst

The effects of an indigenous contraceptive herbal Formulation on the gonadotrophs of the pituitary gland Of rat (experimentat immunohistochemical research)

Objective: To observe the morphometric changes of the gonadotrophs and the plasma concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone and leutinizing hormone. Methodology : Thirty five animals were randomly divided into 5 groups. Control animals were given vehicle and experimental animals were given combined herbal extract or individual herbal extract at a dose of 540 mg/kg/day s.c for 7 days. Immune-stained gonadotrophs were studied by using image analyzer, FSH and LH serum concentrations were determined. Results: The FSH and LH concentrations were low in animals that received combined herbal extract (p<0.01) . FSH concentration was noted to be significantly low in animals that received P. rotundifolia (p<0.05). The mean cell area and cell density of gonadotrophs of animals that received combined herbal extract were significantly low compared to control group (p<0.05). Discussion : These findings were corresponded to our previous findings that the combined herbal extract reduced both estradiol and progesterone concentrations and the individual plant extracts reduced the estradiol concentration significantly but not the progesterone. Conclusion: We concluded that the herbal extracts do affect the pituitary gonadotrophs and the circulating gonadotrophins. Further evaluation is needed to verify whether the effect was directly on the pituitary or through a higher centre such as the hypothalamus

An application of hybrid swarm intelligence algorithms for dengue outbreak prediction

Dengue fever is a hazardous infectious disease which is channeled by Aedes mosquito. A serious infection of dengue may lead to a potentially lethal complication, known as severe dengue, which includes Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and shock syndrome. In recent decades, this disease becomes a global burden which has grown dramatically around the world. Unfortunately, until today, a specific anti-viral medicine for dengue is still undiscovered. Therefore, it is a huge responsibility to the community in finding an effective solution to prevent a widespread of this disease in advance. Concerning this matter, this study presents an application of hybrid Swarm Intelligence (SI) algorithms for a dengue outbreak prediction. For simulation purposes, a monthly dengue cases time series data in the area of Indonesia were employed, which are fed to four hybrid SI algorithms, namely Moth Flame Optimization (MFO), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Firefly Algorithm (FA) and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. These algorithms are individually hybrid with Least Squares Support Vector Machines. Guided by Mean Square Error (MSE) and Root Mean Square Percentage Error (RMSPE), findings of the study indicate that the identified hybrid algorithms were able to produce competitive result, with a slightly favor to ABCLSSVM

Ratib al-Attas menurut perspektif al-Quran dan hadis

This article aims to evaluate the source of 17 dhikr in Ratib al-Άttas based on Quran, Hadith and scholar views on the meaning and purpose of dhikr. Applications Ratib al-Attas ceremony was conducted over 90 years ago in the state of Johor. In addition, the application Ratib al-Άttas assessment and justification is given from the perspective of Islamic practices. The method used is by clarifying the position of remembrance 17 Ratib al-Άttas more reliable by practitioners; avoid confusion and misunderstanding of the doctrine of Ratib al-Attas. The results showed that all 17 dhikr Ratib al-Άttas and the practice carried out are consistent with the arguments of al-Quran and Hadith. Based on this finding several suggestions is made to encourage the expend development of dhikr al-Άttas Ratib practice among the Muslim community in Malaysia

Effect of Obstacle on Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT) in Closed Pipe or Channel–An Overview

Due to complicated and rapid process, deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) becomes one of the major challenges in combustion theory where the exact mechanism is still poorly understood. Theoretically, the presence of obstacle may disturb flame propagation and hence make the DDT predictions more complex. Thus a comprehensive study is required to acknowledge DDT performance precisely. Lacking of information in literature causes the prediction of the transition period is still uncertain. In contrast, appropriate estimation of the DDT event is crucial for explosion safety. Thus, this present paper discusses the effect of obstacle on prediction transition deflagration to detonation event in pipeline system in order to apply an effective protection and safety systems to prevent and mitigate the gas explosion in industries. In addition the effect of bending on flame acceleration and explosion development would also be explored

The regulation of equity crowdfunding in Malaysia.

The power of the internet to connect various interest groups has spawned novel ways of conducting transactions giving rise to the genesis of new service providers who aspire to unlock the potential of emerging business models in the electronic marketplace. Equity crowdfunding, an important form of crowdfunding enables the ‘crowd’ on the internet to finance new business ventures and start ups through online crowdfunding platforms in exchange for equity in the business. The objective is to gain access to an unprecedented source of capital created by the small contributions of members of the public. The inherent risk of investors losing money in new business ventures coupled with the increasing incidence of fraudulent online schemes call for regulatory measures to protect the investors in addition to facilitating the provision of the service. Malaysia has laid down the legal foundations for the provision and regulation of this new form of fundraising through the 2015 amendment to the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 and the issue of Guidelines on Regulation of Markets. The objective of this paper is to analyse the legal provisions and guidelines governing issuers seeking finance, the platforms providing the electronic facilities and the protection of investors wishing to invest in equity crowdfunding. Reference will be made to the more active global crowdfunding jurisdictions with a view to drawing valuable lessons on how Malaysia, one of the earliest Asian countries to offer this service could enhance its existing legal regime

Liability risks in shareholders’ engagement via electronic communication and social media

This paper aims to examine the potential liability of companies and their board members arising from the use of digital technology and social media as communication and engagement tools with investors and shareholders. Design/methodology/approach – The research relies on a qualitative study using legal analysis of corporate and capital market laws as well as the outcome of legal proceedings and regulatory actions to ascertain conduct that could expose companies and boards to liability risks. Findings – Social media characteristics expose unwary directors and companies to potential liability for oppressive conduct, selective disclosure or misleading statements. Research limitations/implications – This paper informs boards and companies of the types of conduct that could expose companies and boards to liability when social media is relied on to communicate with shareholders and investors. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the literature on social media, capital market and corporate communication by presenting the legal perspective concerning reliance on social media as shareholders’ engagement and corporate communication tool