Documentation, anti-aging activities and phytochemical profiling of selected medicinal plants used by Jakun women in Kampung Peta, Mersing, Johor

Traditional knowledge of indigenous people could become the baseline information for the discovery of anti-aging agent. The objectives of this study were to document the knowledge of Jakun people in Kampung Peta, Mersing, Johor on medicinal plants for women’s healthcare; to investigate the optimal formulations of herbal mixture used by Jakun women based on phytochemicals content and antioxidant activity; to determine the anti-aging potential of the selected formulations; and to investigate the major phytochemical constituents in the formulations. Based on qualitative analysis from semi-structured interview, twelve species of medicinal plants have been documented for women’s healthcare. Among species documented, four species, Cnestis palala (Pengesep), Urceola micrantha (Serapat), Labisia pumila (Kacip fatimah) and Microporus xanthopus (Kulat kelentit kering) that were prepared in the form of mixture have been used for formulation study. About 24 formulations have been developed from the simplex centroid design and tested for total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), total flavonoid content (aluminium chloride colorimetric method) and three different antioxidant assays (DPPH scavenging, ABTS decolourization and FRAP assays). Single formulation of Cnestis palala, single formulation of Urceola micrantha and binary mixture of C. palala and U. micrantha are among the optimal formulations with high phytochemicals content and antioxidant activities that were further evaluated for anti-aging activities. For anti-aging activities, five enzymatic assays have been tested on the three formulations which are matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) inhibition, elastase inhibition, tyrosinase inhibition, acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition assays. Single formulation of U. micrantha showed the highest inhibition towards MMP-1 (49.44 ± 4.11 %) and elastase enzymes (20.33±2.52%), while single formulation of C. palala showed highest inhibitions towards tyrosinase (14.06±0.31%), acetylcholinesterase (32.92±2.13%) and butyrylcholinesterase (34.89±2.84%) enzymes. The identification of phytochemicals compound have been carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), which showed the presence of 2,2-dimethoxybutane and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (DDMP) in the three formulations extract. The presence of catechol and quinic acid in U. micrantha extract might possibly contribute to anti-aging activities of the extract. These findings could become baseline for the exploration of novel anti-aging agents from natural source by using the traditional knowledge of indigenous people

Framework of property rating practice for financing neighbourhood facilities provision in Nigeria

This study proposed a framework of property rating practice for financing neighbourhood facilities provision in Bauchi metropolis of Nigeria. The deplorable condition of neighbourhood facilities in the study area persists, while the existing initiative aimed at maintaining and redeveloping the community facilities has not been implemented. This study examined the existing condition of neighbourhood facilities in the study area, and evaluated the most significant factors that militated against the implementation of property rating practice for financing neighbourhood facilities provision. The study has collected quantitative data, and used SPSS for the descriptive analysis, reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis; and applied Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) for the analyses of the measurement and the structural measurement models. Findings revealed that Over-Reliance on Crude Oil Revenue and Poor Taxation System are the most significant factors militating against the implementation of property rating practice in Bauchi metropolis. And that ‘lack of political will’ is a factor that significantly affects the existing condition of neighbourhood facilities in the study area. In conclusion the study has proposed Land area-based assessment for rating valuation, using Google Earth/Map for property identification, enumeration and measurement in the proposed framework in order to achieved cost-effectiveness in assessment. The significant contribution is that, the study has proposed a new costeffective framework of Property Rating Practice for financing neighbourhood facilities in the study area. It was recommended that the government should diversify revenue source from oil-based to harness all avenues like property rating at municipal level so as to finance neighbourhood facilities provision and maintenance. Future studies should find out, apart from Over Reliance on Crude Oil Revenue and Poor Taxation System, whether some other factors militate against the implementation of property rating in the study area and beyond

In Situ Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Studies of Lithium-Oxygen Redox Reactions

The lack of fundamental understanding of the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution in nonaqueous electrolytes significantly hinders the development of rechargeable lithium-air batteries. Here we employ a solid-state Li4+xTi5O12/LiPON/LixV2O5 cell and examine in situ the chemistry of Li-O2 reaction products on LixV2O5 as a function of applied voltage under ultra high vacuum (UHV) and at 500 mtorr of oxygen pressure using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS). Under UHV, lithium intercalated into LixV2O5 while molecular oxygen was reduced to form lithium peroxide on LixV2O5 in the presence of oxygen upon discharge. Interestingly, the oxidation of Li2O2 began at much lower overpotentials (~240 mV) than the charge overpotentials of conventional Li-O2 cells with aprotic electrolytes (~1000 mV). Our study provides the first evidence of reversible lithium peroxide formation and decomposition in situ on an oxide surface using a solid-state cell, and new insights into the reaction mechanism of Li-O2 chemistry.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) Program, Award DMR-0819762)United States. Dept. of Energy (Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies of the U. S. Department of Energy under contract no. DE-AC03-76SF00098)Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryUnited States. Dept. of Energy (Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering

Warthin tumour: a case report and approach in primary care

Warthin tumour (WT) is an infrequent benign salivary gland neoplasm, that primarily occur in the parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands. Comprising roughly 15% of all salivary gland tumours, these lesions are the second most prevalent type of salivary gland neoplasm after pleomorphic adenoma encountered in clinical practice. Here, we report a case of Warthin tumour of six years’ duration in a 46-year-old male patient in the left parotid gland and will discuss the diagnostic process, differential diagnoses, and management of a suspected WT in a primary care setting. While Warthin tumours are generally considered to be non-malignant, they can mimic carcinomas in terms of their glandular size and appearance. As such, it is crucial for primary care providers to be able to recognize and appropriately manage these lesions

MRI texture analysis of subchondral bone at the tibial plateau

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of MRI texture analysis as a method of quantifying subchondral bone architecture in knee osteoarthritis (OA).   METHODS: Asymptomatic subjects aged 20-30 (group 1, n = 10), symptomatic patients aged 40-50 (group 2, n = 10) and patients scheduled for knee replacement aged 55-85 (group 3, n = 10) underwent high spatial resolution T1-weighted coronal 3T knee MRI. Regions of interest were created in the medial (MT) and lateral (LT) tibial subchondral bone from which 20 texture parameters were calculated. T2 mapping of the tibial cartilage was performed in groups 1 and 2. Mean parameter values were compared between groups using ANOVA. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to evaluate the ability of texture analysis to classify subjects correctly.   RESULTS: Significant differences in 18/20 and 12/20 subchondral bone texture parameters were demonstrated between groups at the MT and LT respectively. There was no significant difference in mean MT or LT cartilage T2 values between group 1 and group 2. LDA demonstrated subject classification accuracy of 97 % (95 % CI 91-100 %).   CONCLUSION: MRI texture analysis of tibial subchondral bone may allow detection of alteration in subchondral bone architecture in OA. This has potential applications in understanding OA pathogenesis and assessing response to treatment.   KEY POINTS: • Improved techniques to monitor OA disease progression and treatment response are desirable • Subchondral bone (SB) may play significant role in the development of OA • MRI texture analysis is a method of quantifying changes in SB architecture • Pilot study showed that this technique is feasible and reliable • Significant differences in SB texture were demonstrated between individuals with/without OA

Basic science of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent, disabling disorder of the joints that affects a large population worldwide and for which there is no definitive cure. This review provides critical insights into the basic knowledge on OA that may lead to innovative end efficient new therapeutic regimens. While degradation of the articular cartilage is the hallmark of OA, with altered interactions between chondrocytes and compounds of the extracellular matrix, the subchondral bone has been also described as a key component of the disease, involving specific pathomechanisms controlling its initiation and progression. The identification of such events (and thus of possible targets for therapy) has been made possible by the availability of a number of animal models that aim at reproducing the human pathology, in particular large models of high tibial osteotomy (HTO). From a therapeutic point of view, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising option for the treatment of OA and may be used concomitantly with functional substitutes integrating scaffolds and drugs/growth factors in tissue engineering setups. Altogether, these advances in the fundamental and experimental knowledge on OA may allow for the generation of improved, adapted therapeutic regimens to treat human OA.(undefined

Studies of the action of ceramide-like substances ( d - and l -PDMP) on sphingolipid glycosyltransferases and purified lactosylceramide synthase

We have studied the effects of D -threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol ( D -PDMP) and its L -enantiomer on glycosphingolipids in cultured normal human kidney proximal tubular cells. We found that D -PDMP exerted a concentration-dependent reduction in the metabolic labelling and cellular levels of glucosylceramide (GlcCer), lactosylceramide (LacCer), and the globo-series glycosphingolipids, GbOse 3 Cer and GbOse 4 Cer. It also directly inhibited the activity of UDP-glucose:ceramide β1 → 4-glucosyltransferase (GlcT-1) and UDP-galactose: GlcCer β1 → 4 galactosyltransferase (GalT-2). In contrast, L -PDMP had opposite effects on the metabolic labelling of GlcCer, LacCer, and GbOse 3 Cer. The levels of GlcCer and LacCer were increased, while the labelling and level of GbOse 4 Cer were strongly reduced. Purified GalT-2 from human kidney was inhibited by D -PDMP and stimulated by L -PDMP. It appears likely that the different glycosphingolipid glycosyltransferases possess similar binding sites for the ceramide moiety, which are blocked by binding to D -PDMP and, in the case of GbOse 4 Cer synthase, by L -PDMP as well. The stimulatory effects of L -PDMP on GlcCer and LacCer synthases may be the result of binding to a modulatory site on the glycosyltransferases; in intact cells, the enzyme-analog complex may afford protection against the normal catabolic inactivation of the enzymes.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45706/1/10719_2004_Article_BF00731481.pd

Targeting Bone Alleviates Osteoarthritis in Osteopenic Mice and Modulates Cartilage Catabolism

Subchondral bone modifications occur early in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). The level of bone resorption might impact cartilage remodeling. We therefore assessed the in vivo and in vitro effects of targeting bone resorption in OA and cartilage metabolism.OA was induced by meniscectomy (MNX) in ovariectomized osteopenic mice (OP) treated with estradiol (E2), pamidronate (PAM), or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 6 weeks. We assessed the subchondral bone and cartilage structure and the expression of cartilage matrix proteases. To assess the involvement of bone soluble factors in cartilage metabolism, supernatant of human bone explants pre-treated with E2 or PAM were transferred to cartilage explants to assess proteoglycan release and aggrecan cleavage. OPG/RANKL mRNA expression was assessed in bone explants by real-time quantitative PCR. The role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the bone-cartilage crosstalk was tested using an OPG neutralizing antibody.Bone mineral density of OP mice and osteoclast number were restored by E2 and PAM (p<0.05). In OP mice, E2 and PAM decreased ADAMTS-4 and -5 expression, while only PAM markedly reduced OA compared to PBS (2.0±0.63 vs 5.2±0.95; p<0.05). OPG/RANKL mRNA was increased in human bone explants treated with both drugs (2.2-3.7-fold). Moreover, supernatants from bone explants cultured with E2 or PAM reduced aggrecan cleavage and cartilage proteoglycan release (73±8.0% and 80±22% of control, respectively, p<0.05). This effect was reversed with osteoprotegerin blockade.The inhibition of bone resorption by pamidronate in osteopenic mice alleviates the histological OA score with a reduction in the expression of aggrecanases. Bone soluble factors, such as osteoprotegerin, impact the cartilage response to catabolic factors. This study further highlights the importance of subchondral bone in the regulation of joint cartilage damage in OA

Quadriceps force generation in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and asymptomatic participants during patellar tendon reflex reactions: an exploratory cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: It has been postulated that muscle contraction is slower in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee than asymptomatic individuals, a factor that could theoretically impair joint protection mechanisms. This study investigated whether patients with osteoarthritis of the knee took longer than asymptomatic participants to generate force during reflex quadriceps muscle contraction. This was an exploratory study to inform sample size for future studies. METHODS: An exploratory observational cross sectional study was carried out. Two subject groups were tested, asymptomatic participants (n = 17), mean (SD) 56.7 (8.6) years, and patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon, (n = 16), age 65.9 (7.8) years. Patellar tendon reflex responses were elicited from participants and measured with a load cell. Force latency, contraction time, and force of the reflex response were determined from digitally stored data. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the between group comparisons in these variables. Bland and Altman within-subject standard deviation values were calculated to evaluate the measurement error or precision of force latency and contraction time. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups for force latency (p = 0.47), contraction time (p = 0.91), or force (p = 0.72). The two standard deviation measurement error values for force latency were 27.9 ms for asymptomatic participants and 16.4 ms for OA knee patients. For contraction time, these values were 29.3 ms for asymptomatic participants and 28.1 ms for OA knee patients. Post hoc calculations revealed that the study was adequately powered (80%) to detect a difference between the groups of 30 ms in force latency. However it was inadequately powered (59%) to detect this same difference in contraction time, and 28 participants would be required in each group to reach 80% power. CONCLUSION: Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee do not appear to have compromised temporal parameters or magnitude of force generation during patellar tendon reflex reactions when compared to a group of asymptomatic participants. However, these results suggest that larger studies are carried out to investigate this area further