Spent tea waste extract as a green modifying agent of chitosan for aspirin adsorption: Fixed-bed column, modeling and toxicity studies

Aspirin is a prevalent over-the-counter medicine that has been categorized as an emerging contaminant due to its danger to both living things and the environment. This work presents chitosan modified with spent tea waste extract (STWE) via the wet impregnation method as an adsorbent for the enhanced removal of aspirin in a fixed-bed column. The adsorbent (named chitosan-STWE) was successfully synthesized and exhibited a low crystallinity structure, good stability against thermal and acidic conditions, as depicted by HNMR, XRD, TGA, and the dissolution rate of the adsorbent. The adsorption column study reveals that increasing bed height (up to 6 cm) increases the percentage of aspirin removal (up to 40.8 %). Increasing aspirin concentration enhances the amount of aspirin that comes into contact with the chitosan-STWE adsorbent, thereby increasing the adsorption capacity. On the other hand, higher flow rates result in shorter contact times between the adsorbent and adsorbates, which lowers the quantity of aspirin adsorbed. The experimental data are in accordance with the values generated by the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 61.7 mg/g. The chitosan-STWE adsorbent was determined to be non-toxic, thus safe to be used in wastewater treatment applications.

Natural Polymeric Composites Derived from Animals, Plants, and Microbes for Vaccine Delivery and Adjuvant Applications: A Review

A key element in ensuring successful immunization is the efficient delivery of vaccines. However, poor immunogenicity and adverse inflammatory immunogenic reactions make the establishment of an efficient vaccine delivery method a challenging task. The delivery of vaccines has been performed via a variety of delivery methods, including natural-polymer-based carriers that are relatively biocompatible and have low toxicity. The incorporation of adjuvants or antigens into biomaterial-based immunizations has demonstrated better immune response than formulations that just contain the antigen. This system may enable antigen-mediated immunogenicity and shelter and transport the cargo vaccine or antigen to the appropriate target organ. In this regard, this work reviews the recent applications of natural polymer composites from different sources, such as animals, plants, and microbes, in vaccine delivery systems.

LC-TOF-MS/MS and GC-MS based phytochemical profiling and evaluation of wound healing activity of Oroxylum Indicum (L.) Kurz (Beka)

Background: Beka (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz) has been used as a culinary herb and natural remedy by the local communities in Malaysia. The leaf of O. indicum is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, high blood pressure, and improving digestive health. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and wound healing properties (in vitro and in vivo models) of aqueous and ethanol extracts of O. indicum leaves. Methods: The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents in the plant extracts were determined by the spectrophotometric methods. Further, the extract was characterized by Liquid Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The wound healing activity was assessed using the in vitro scratch wound-healing assay and in vivo excisional wound model. Results: The results show the ethanol leaves extract had the higher TPC (164 mg GAE/g) when compared with the aqueous leaves extract (30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g). The ethanol leaves extract was also found to have higher TFC (101 mg Catechin equivalents/g) than the aqueous leaves extract (76 mg Catechin equivalents/g). The ethanol leaves extract was then used for further chemical analysis. The LC-TOF-MS/MS analysis showed that the leaves extracts of O. indicum contains many important compounds such as Orientin, Chrysin, Pinoquercetin, Cupressuflavone, Puerarin xyloside, Forsythiaside and Paederoside. In GC-MS analysis, 19 compounds were identified in ethanolic leaves extract. The wound healing studies shows that O. indicum has promising wound healing activity by increasing the rate of wound contraction significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed that O. indicum leaf contains important phytochemicals and the wound healing potential of the O. indicum extract may probably be as a result of the presence of various phytoconstituents.

Infectious bronchitis associated with Escherichia coli infection in commercial broiler chickens: a case report

Objective:

In this case report, we have investigated the infectious bronchitis (IB) virus (IBV) outbreak with the co-infection of Escherichia coli in 28–33-day-old broiler chickens in Malaysia.

Materials and Methods:

A farmer complained that Cobb 500 chickens, raised in the open house, were having bloody diarrhea, open mouth breathing, non-uniform growth, and ruffled feathers. The mortality was about 100 birds (from about 7000 birds) per day. The sick birds were isolated and subjected to physical examination, postmortem, and histopathological analyses. Gross lesions were observed and recorded. The lung samples have proceeded with histopathological evaluations. The lungs, kidneys, trachea, air sac, and heart samples were collected to isolate bacteria and fungi through a series of conventional cultural methods, followed by molecular confirmation of the IBV.

Results:

Postmortem examination revealed air sacculitis, hemorrhagic tracheitis, pulmonary congestion, fibrin deposition in the liver and air sac, hemorrhagic enteritis, and renomegaly. The bacterial culture and biochemical tests revealed E. coli in the lungs, trachea, liver, intestine, and kidney samples. However, no fungus could be isolated from those samples. Histological evaluation of lung samples demonstrated infiltration of inflammatory cells in the pulmonary tissues. Apart from this, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of avian coronavirus responsible for infectious bronchitis (IB).

Conclusion:

The chickens were diagnosed with IB concurrent with E.coli. The chickens exhibited typical nephropathogenic strain of IBV infection, causing high mortality.

Polycystic kidney disease concurrent with feline parvovirus and bacterial infections in domestic shorthair cat: a case report

Feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder caused by the mutation of PKD1 gene that eventually lead to the development of chronic kidney disease. The latter condition causes hypertension and eventually progress into congestive heart failure. Feline parvovirus (FPV) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease infecting cats and other members of Felidae. An 8-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented with complaint of wound dehiscence a day after ovarian hysterectomy procedure. The wound at the suture site appeared necrotic, purulent with foul smell. The cat was found to have diarrhoea during the fixation of suture breakdown and, later, was tested positive with parvovirus infection. Complete blood count revealed anaemia, neutrophilia, lymphopenia and thrombocytosis. Biochemistry profiles showed hypoproteinaemia and elevated of urea and creatinine. The cat was hospitalised, and symptomatic treatments were given. During hospitalisation, the cat showed symptoms of polydipsia and polyuria and found dead 2 days later. Post-mortem findings demonstrated the cat had oral ulceration, thoracic effusion, fibrinopleuropneumonia, pericardial effusion, left ventricular hypertrophy and right ventricular dilation, chronic passive liver congestion, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, intestinal haemorrhage, adrenomegaly and polycystic kidney. Histopathological evaluation revealed fibrinous pleuropneumonia, pulmonary atelectasis, emphysema and oedema, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hepatic necrosis, splenic necrosis, intestinal necrosis, renal necrosis and renal polycystic. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were isolated from bronchus swab and intestinal segment, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed parvovirus infection. The cat was definitely diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease concurrent with parvoviral and secondary bacterial infections.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic activity assessment of Channa striatus (Haruan) extract

Background and Aim

Channa striatus extract, a freshwater snakehead fish known as Haruan, is popular in Southeast Asia for consumption and as a traditional therapeutic remedy for wound healing. C. striatus is also used in osteoarthritic for its anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibacterial properties of C. striatus extract against oral bacteria and to investigate the cytotoxic activity against Vero cells.

Materials and Methods

The authors prepared C. striatus extract in chloroform-methanol solvents. Next, the authors took subgingival microbiological samples from 16 cats that had periodontal disease. The authors determined the antibacterial properties of C. striatus extract against the isolated bacteria using the disk diffusion method and a broth microdilution-based resazurin microtiter assay. Finally, the authors used the Vero cell line to evaluate the cytotoxic activity, and they assessed the cell availability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results

The results showed weak antibacterial activity of C. striatus extract against Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli. In addition, the authors found that minimum inhibition concentration values ranged between 400 and 500 mg/mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration values ranged between 650 and 550 mg/mL. However, the cytotoxic results were promising, showing that C. striatus extract increased the cell viability and growth when it was at a higher concentration. The extract also promotes growth and cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that C. striatus extract promoted cell proliferation in vitro and could be a plausible therapeutic wound healing alternative for periodontal disease in cats.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the Syzygium polyanthum leaf extract from Malaysia

Background and Aim:

The increasing prevalence of drug resistance eventually leads scientist to discover new drugs that could solve the problem. Since ancient immemorial times, medicinal plants generally known as herbs were widely used in every culture throughout the world. In fact, currently up to 70,000 plant species have been screened for biological activities and about 70% ends up for commercialization. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and antibacterial effect of Syzygium polyanthum leaves which are local Malaysia plants, against 4T1 and MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells, respectively, and also against bacteria causing mastitis in cows.

Materials and Methods:

The cytotoxic effect of hydromethanolic extract of S. polyanthum against 4T1 and MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The cells were treated with the concentration of extracts ranging from 15.63 µg/mL to 1000 µg/ml for 72 h, and the percentage of cell survivability was determined based on minimum concentration that was able to allow at least 50% growth of cancer cells (IC₅₀) after 72 h. The antibacterial activity was tested against common bacteria causing mastitis in cow. The bacteria were isolated from milk samples. The antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by disk diffusion method and susceptibility test based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Results:

Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, and Staphylococcus intermedius were isolated from the milk samples that positive for mastitis. The MIC values range from 7.12 mm to 13.5 mm. The extract exhibits the widest zone of inhibition (13.5±0.20 mm) at 1000 mg/ml of concentrations. The extract relatively has low cytotoxicity effect against 4T1 and MCF-7 cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 672.57±59.42 and 126.05±50.89 µg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion:

S. polyanthum exerts weak antibacterial activity and cytotoxic effect to mammary carcinoma cells. The extract does not toxic to cells. However, further study is recommended, especially, this plant should be tested for in vivo.

Effect of low level laser and low intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement in rats

BACKGROUND

Quality bone regeneration, which leads to the improvement of bone remodeling, is essential for orthodontic treatment. In order to improve bone regeneration and increase the amount of tooth movement, different techniques have been implemented. The object of this study is to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), and their combination on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement.

METHODS

Eighty (80) male, 6-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were grouped in to four groups, the first group was irradiated with (940 nm) diode laser, second group with LIPUS, and third group with combination of both LLLT and LIPUS. A forth group used was a control group in an incomplete block split-mouth design. The LLLT and LIPUS were used to treat the area around the moving tooth once a day on days 0-7, then the experiment was ended in each experimental endpoint (1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days). For amount of tooth movement, models were imaged and analyzed. Histological examination was performed after staining with (hematoxylin and eosin) and (alizarin red and Alcian Blue) stain. One step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction RT-PCR was also performed to elucidate the gene expression of RANK, RANKL, OPG, and RUNX-2.

RESULTS

The amount of tooth movement, the histological bone remodeling, and the RT-PCR were significantly greater in the treatment groups than that in the control group. Among the treatment groups, the combination group was the highest and the LIPUS group was the lowest.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that LLLT and LIPUS can enhance the velocity of tooth movement and improve the quality of bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement.

Clinical management of dietary induced urolithiasis associated with balanoposthitis in a Boer goat

A Boer-Kajang cross male goat was presented to the Veterinary Hospital, University Malaysia Kelantan with a history of dysuria, hematuria and restlessness. The goat was intensively managed (confined to the pen) and fed with only palm kernel cake for the last three months. Physical examination revealed that the goat was dull, depressed, having an inflamed penis and prepuce with blood stained urine dripping from the penis. The differential diagnoses were obstructive urolithiasis, urinary tract infection and balanoposthitis. Based on the history, clinical signs, physical examination, urinalysis, ultrasonagraphy and feed analysis, the goat was diagnosed with obstructive urolithiasis and balanoposthitis. Treatment was instituted by amputation of the urethral process and retrograde urohydropulsion to relieve the blockade. Sulfadiazine-trimethoprim (Norodine®24) 15mg/kg, I.M; flunixin meglumine 2.2mg/kg, I.M; vitamin B complex 1ml/10kg, I.M and ammonium chloride 300mg/kg orally were administered. The goat responded well to treatment and was recovering well during a follow up visit.

Panoramic radiography in evaluating the relationship of mandibular canal and impacted third molars in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography

This study evaluated the validity of panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment of mandibular canal and impacted third molar. In this descriptive-analytical study, 58 mandibular third molars from 42 patients who showed a close relationship between impacted third molar and canal on panoramic radiographs were selected. They were then classified into seven radiographic markers in panoramic radiographs (superimposition, darkening of the root, interruption of the white lines, root narrowing, canal diversion, canal narrowing, and also closed distance in OPG <1mm). The groups of markers were further assessed with CBCT to see presence or absence of contact. The three most common markers seen in panoramic images are superimposition, interruption of white line and root darkening. In CBCT, superimposition marker always presented higher frequency of contact with canal compared to non-contact group. There are 31% of teeth presented with interruption of white lines and there are 29.3% of teeth presented with superimposition. About 55.6% and 35.3% of the impacted mandibular third molars which indicated interruption of white lines and superimposition also indicated contact in the CBCT respectively. Presence or absence of radiological sign in panoramic radiography was not properly predict a close relationship with third molar and it is suggested that in case of tooth-canal overlapping, the patient should be referred for CBCT assessment.

Effect of 940 nm low-level laser therapy on osteogenesis in vitro

Bone regeneration is essential in medical treatment, such as in surgical bone healing and orthodontics. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of different powers of 940 nm diode low-level laser treatment (LLLT) on osteoblast cells during their proliferation and differentiation stages. A human fetal osteoblast cell line was cultured and treated with LLLT. The cells were divided into experimental groups according to the power delivered and periods of exposure per day for each laser power. The (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay was used to determine cell proliferation. Both alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin activity assays were assessed for cell differentiation. All treatment groups showed a significant increase in cell proliferation and differentiation compared to the control group. Regarding the exposure time, the subgroups treated with the LLLT for 6 min showed higher proliferation and differentiation rates for the powers delivered, the 300-mW LLLT group significantly increased the amount of cell proliferation. By contrast, the 100 and 200 mW groups showed significantly greater amounts of cell differentiation. These results suggest that the use of LLLT may play an important role in stimulating osteoblast cells for improved bone formation.

Influence of platelet-rich plasma on dental implants. Osseointegration in well-controlled diabetic patients

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the osseointegration of dental implants in diabetic patients. A split-mouth design was employed in all 14 patients, with each patient receiving two mini implants. A PRP-coated mini implant was installed in one quadrant as a trial and a plain mini implant was added in the opposite quadrant to serve as a control. Radiographic evaluation was done at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after implant placement. Radiographic density is measured at five points around the implants, repeatedly. Results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups of implants. The minimally invasive mini implants successfully maintained integration at the end of 9 weeks. There were no cases of implant failure. The results of this study suggest that platelet-rich plasma implant coating has no significant effect in reducing the time for mini implant osseointegration in diabetic patients.

In vitro cytotoxicity testing on valued added hydroxyapatite as bone replacement material

The present in vitro evaluation indicated that the value added hydroxyapatite (HA) was more toxic than pure HA but the toxicity of value added HA was slight compared to the positive control. In this testing, the conclusion can be made that value added HA is less biocompatible than commercialized pure HA. This toxicity may be caused by both the particle size and degradation (leaching). Further studies should be carried out to determine whether there is particle size effect or leaching effect when using powder as compared to the block materials. The in vivo evaluation should be done to assess the reaction to this value added HA as compared to the pure HA.