Uncle Snow Enterprise: homemade ice cream / Muhamad Arif Aizat Zulkefle ...[et al.]

We planned to do this business because there are huge opportunities to combine all the homemade ice cream products is one side which come out as 'Uncle Snow'

Potential health benefits of Nigella sativa on diabetes mellitus and its complications : A review from laboratory studies to clinical trials

This review aims to gather and summarize up-to-date information on the potential health benefits of Nigella sativa (NS) on diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications from different animal models, clinical trials and in vitro studies. DM is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders resulting from chronic hyperglycaemia due to problems in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It affects people regardless of age, gender and race. The main consequence of DM development is the metabolic dysregulation of glucose homeostasis. Current treatments for DM include pharmacological therapy, insulin and diabetic therapy targeting β cells. Some of these therapeutic approaches are promising; however, their safety and effectiveness remain elusive. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used and proven effective against diseases. These plants are believed to be effective and benefit physiological and pathological processes, as they can be used to prevent, reduce or treat multiple diseases. Nigella sativa Linn. is an annual indigenous herbaceous plant belonging to Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family. NS exhibits multifactorial activities; it could ameliorate oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic and insulinotropic effects and inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes. Thus, this review demonstrates the therapeutic potential of NS that could be used as a complement or adjuvant for the management of DM and its complications. However, future research should be able to replicate and fill in the gaps of the study conducted to introduce NS safely to patients with DM

Enhancing the stability of Geobacillus zalihae T1 lipase in organic solvents and insights into the structural stability of its variants

Critical to the applications of proteins in non-aqueous enzymatic processes is their structural dynamics in relation to solvent polarity. A pool of mutants derived from Geobacillus zalihae T1 lipase was screened in organic solvents (methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol and pentanol) resulting in the selection of six mutants at initial screening (A83D/K251E, R21C, G35D/S195 N, K84R/R103C/M121I/T272 M and R106H/G327S). Site-directed mutagenesis further yielded quadruple mutants A83D/M121I/K251E/G327S and A83D/M121I/S195 N/T272 M, both of which had improved activity after incubation in methanol. The km and kcat values of these mutants vary marginally with the wild-type enzyme in the methanol/substrate mixture. Thermally induced unfolding of mutants was accompanied with some loss of secondary structure content. The root mean square deviations (RMSD) and B-factors revealed that changes in the structural organization are intertwined with an interplay of the protein backbone with organic solvents. Spatially exposed charged residues showed correlations between the solvation dynamics of the methanol solvent and the hydrophobicity of the residues. The short distances of the radial distribution function provided the required distances for hydrogen bond formation and hydrophobic interactions. These dynamic changes demonstrate newly formed structural interactions could be targeted and incorporated experimentally on the basis of solvent mobility and mutant residues

The ameliorative effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on diabetic rat model: a narrative review

The emergence of nanotechnology has become more popular, and the progress had sparked much development in nanoparticle synthesis, including selenium. Studies associated with the therapeutic abilities and physicochemical properties of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are rapidly growing and gaining interest from many researchers. This review discusses on the fundamental components of selenium, different approaches in synthesizing selenium nanoparticles, its remedial properties and potential in biomedical application. Herein, primary focus will be given to the action of selenium nanoparticles mechanism in improving diabetes mellitus symptoms and complications in animal studies. It is known that selenium is an important micronutrient found in humans, plants and animals that can be incorporated as selenoprotein in the human body. Analysis and comparison on the findings enlighten that SeNPs demonstrated ameliorative effect on diabetes complications due to their antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering characteristics

In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic effects of Marantodes pumilum and Rhinacanthus nasutus and their active compounds / Siti Hajar Adam

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion. The aims of DM treatment is to modulate insulin secretion and ameliorate insulin resistance, in order to protect the target organs from damage. Herbal medicines are used as an alternative treatment for DM, as they could have lesser side effects, compared to the currently available conventional drugs. Two tropical herbs i.e Marantodes pumilum (M. pumilum) and Rhinacanthus nasutus (R. nasutus) have been claimed to be helpful in the treatment of DM, however, their mechanisms of actions have yet to be fully identified. In this study, mechanisms underlying anti-diabetic effects of these herbs and their active compounds were investigated in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts from leaves of M. pumilum and R. nasutus were tested for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Further, evaluation of their ability to enhance glucose uptake was identified by using dexamethasone-induced adipocyte cells, both in the basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. Meanwhile, in vivo study was performed using streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic male rats where an aqueous extract of M. pumilum, naringin (a bioactive compound from M. pumilum) and Rhincanthin-C (bioactive compound from R. nasutus) were administered orally. Their effect on metabolic profiles and on the pancreas i.e. morphology, levels of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis were identified. Results: In vitro screening of αamylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity showed that M. pumilum ethyl acetate extract and R. nasutus ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts were able to inhibit both iv enzymes and only α-amylase enzyme activities, respectively. In vitro glucose uptake study showed ethyl acetate extract from both plants’ leaves was able to induce highest glucose uptake at basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. In the meantime, in vivo study showed an aqueous extract of M. pumilum, naringin and Rhinacanthin-C possess antihyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, insulin-secretagogue aa well as were able to ameliorate pancreatic damage as a result of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. The improvement in the metabolic profiles was evidenced from the restoration of near normal body weight, food and water intakes, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid levels and insulin secretion. Amelioration of pancreatic oxidative stress was evidenced from the reduced lipid peroxidation and the increased in anti-oxidative enzymes’ level including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Amelioration of pancreatic inflammation was evidenced by the decreased in NF-kB, IKκB, TNF-α and IL-1β levels while amelioration of apoptosis was evidenced by the decrease in caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax levels. On the other hand, levels of antiinflammatory and anti-apoptosis marker Nrf-2 and Bcl levels in the pancreas increased, respectively. In addition, the morphology of pancreatic islets in diabetic rats improved following administration of these compounds, with naringin enhance the proliferation of the pancreas as indicated by high proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. Both naringin and Rhinacanthin-Cwere able to stimulate GLUT-2 expression in the pancreas. In conclusions. M. pumilum and its active compound naringin and R. nasutus with its active compound, Rhinacanthin-C possess a wide range of anti-diabetic effects in which they can potentially be used in the treatment of DM

A Review of the Potential Health Benefits of <i>Nigella sativa</i> on Obesity and Its Associated Complications

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and its prevalence continues to increase at an alarming rate. It is considered a major risk factor for the development of several comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, other cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. Conventional treatments for obesity, such as dietary interventions, exercise and pharmacotherapy, have proven to have limited effectiveness and are often associated with undesirable side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative therapeutic approaches. Nigella sativa (NS), a medicinal plant with multiple pharmacological properties, has gained attention due to its potential role in the treatment of obesity and its associated complications. The aim of this review is therefore to assess the effects of NS on obesity and its complications and to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms. From this review, NS appears to play a complementary or supportive role in the treatment of obesity and its complications. However, future studies are needed to verify the efficacy of NS in the treatment of obesity and its complications and to prove its safety so that it can be introduced in patients with obesity

Animal Model of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus with Pathophysiological Resemblance to the Human Condition Induced by Multiple Factors (Nutritional, Pharmacological, and Stress) in Rats

This study attempts to develop an experimental gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) animal model in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were fed with high fat sucrose diet, impregnated, and induced with Streptozotocin and Nicotinamide on gestational day 0 (D0). Sleeping patterns of the rats were also manipulated to induce stress, a lifestyle factor that contributes to GDM. Rats were tested for glycemic parameters (glucose, C-peptide, and insulin), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL), genes affecting insulin signaling (IRS-2, AKT-1, and PCK-1), glucose transporters (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), and antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GPX) on D6 and D21. GDM rats showed possible insulin resistance as evidenced by high expression of proinflammatory cytokines, PCK-1 and CRP. Furthermore, low levels of IRS-2 and AKT-1 genes and downregulation of GLUT-4 from the initial to final phases indicate possible defect of insulin signaling. GDM rats also showed an impairment of antioxidant status and a hyperlipidemic state. Additionally, GDM rats exhibited significantly higher body weight and blood glucose and lower plasma insulin level and C-peptide than control. Based on the findings outlined, the current GDM animal model closely replicates the disease state in human and can serve as a reference for future investigations

Animal Model of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus with Pathophysiological Resemblance to the Human Condition Induced by Multiple Factors (Nutritional, Pharmacological, and Stress) in Rats

This study attempts to develop an experimental gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) animal model in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were fed with high fat sucrose diet, impregnated, and induced with Streptozotocin and Nicotinamide on gestational day 0 (D0). Sleeping patterns of the rats were also manipulated to induce stress, a lifestyle factor that contributes to GDM. Rats were tested for glycemic parameters (glucose, C-peptide, and insulin), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL), genes affecting insulin signaling (IRS-2, AKT-1, and PCK-1), glucose transporters (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), and antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GPX) on D6 and D21. GDM rats showed possible insulin resistance as evidenced by high expression of proinflammatory cytokines, PCK-1 and CRP. Furthermore, low levels of IRS-2 and AKT-1 genes and downregulation of GLUT-4 from the initial to final phases indicate possible defect of insulin signaling. GDM rats also showed an impairment of antioxidant status and a hyperlipidemic state. Additionally, GDM rats exhibited significantly higher body weight and blood glucose and lower plasma insulin level and C-peptide than control. Based on the findings outlined, the current GDM animal model closely replicates the disease state in human and can serve as a reference for future investigations.Peer Reviewe

Perceptions of undergraduate pharmacy students towards online assessments used during the COVID-19 pandemic in a public university in Malaysia.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the perceptions of undergraduate pharmacy students towards online assessments used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, validated and pre-tested online questionnaire. The data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021 and analysed using descriptive and inferential tests. Results: Of the 233 respondents (response rate: 72%), approximately 45% strongly disagree or disagree that online assessment is better than the conventional method of assessment. Only 23.6% were very satisfied or satisfied with online assessment, while 28.8% were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied. About 80% experienced problems with online assessment including failure of portal/online server (63.5%), slow or failure of internet connection (45.5%) and a problem with laptop/gadget (40.8%). Females, final year students, and those who have access to very fast internet speed had significantly better perceptions towards online assessment. Conclusion: Undergraduate pharmacy students have negative perceptions towards online assessment used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the students experienced difficulties with online assessment and this may affect their performances. The challenges identified should be addressed in order to improve the use of online assessment in the future

Empagliflozin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background The effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for disease progression are not well understood. The EMPA-KIDNEY trial was designed to assess the effects of treatment with empagliflozin in a broad range of such patients. Methods We enrolled patients with chronic kidney disease who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of at least 20 but less than 45 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) of body-surface area, or who had an eGFR of at least 45 but less than 90 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (with albumin measured in milligrams and creatinine measured in grams) of at least 200. Patients were randomly assigned to receive empagliflozin (10 mg once daily) or matching placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of progression of kidney disease (defined as end-stage kidney disease, a sustained decrease in eGFR to &lt; 10 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2), a sustained decrease in eGFR of &amp; GE;40% from baseline, or death from renal causes) or death from cardiovascular causes. Results A total of 6609 patients underwent randomization. During a median of 2.0 years of follow-up, progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes occurred in 432 of 3304 patients (13.1%) in the empagliflozin group and in 558 of 3305 patients (16.9%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.82; P &lt; 0.001). Results were consistent among patients with or without diabetes and across subgroups defined according to eGFR ranges. The rate of hospitalization from any cause was lower in the empagliflozin group than in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.95; P=0.003), but there were no significant between-group differences with respect to the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure or death from cardiovascular causes (which occurred in 4.0% in the empagliflozin group and 4.6% in the placebo group) or death from any cause (in 4.5% and 5.1%, respectively). The rates of serious adverse events were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Among a wide range of patients with chronic kidney disease who were at risk for disease progression, empagliflozin therapy led to a lower risk of progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes than placebo