Publications
286 results found
Gallina ME, Zhou Y, Johnson CJ, et al., 2016, Aptamer-conjugated, fluorescent gold nanorods as potential cancer theradiagnostic agents, Materials Science and Engineering C-Biomimetic and Supramolecular Systems, Vol: 59, Pages: 324-332, ISSN: 0928-4931
GNRs are emerging as a new class of probes for theradiagnostic applications thanks to their unique optical properties. However, the achievement of proper nanoconstructs requires the synthesis of highly pure GNRs with well-defined aspect ratio (AR), in addition to extensive surface chemistry modification to provide them with active targeting and, possibly, multifunctionality.In this work, we refined the method of the seed mediated growth and developed a robust procedure for the fabrication of GNRs with specific AR. We also revealed and characterized unexplored aging phenomena that follow the synthesis and consistently alter GNRs' final AR. Such advances appreciably improved the feasibility of GNRs fabrication and offered useful insights on the growth mechanism.We next produced fluorescent, biocompatible, aptamer-conjugated GNRs by performing ligand exchange followed by bioconjugation to anti-cancer oligonucleotide AS1411. In vitro studies showed that our nanoconstructs selectively target cancer cells while showing negligible cytotoxicity. As a result, our aptamer-conjugated GNRs constitute ideal cancer-selective multifunctional probes and promising candidates as photothermal therapy agents.
Singh M, Navabi E, Zhou Y, et al., 2016, Application of Gold Nanorods in Cancer Theranostics (winner SARS/ASiT Prize), Association of Surgeons in Training
Singh M, Nabavi E, Zhou Y, et al., 2016, Application of Gold Nanorods in Cancer Theranostics, European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)
Singh M, Nabavi E, Zhou Y, et al., 2016, Application of Gold Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinoma, Bio-Nano-Photonics Symposium
Hasmoni SH, Mau GK, Karsani SA, et al., 2016, Strep-tag ii mutant maltose-binding protein for reagentless fluorescence sensing, Tropical Life Sciences Research, Vol: 27, Pages: 63-75, ISSN: 1985-3718
Maltose-binding protein (MBP) is a periplasmic binding protein found in Gram negative bacteria. MBP is involved in maltose transport and bacterial chemotaxis; it binds to maltose and maltodextrins comprising α(1-4)-glucosidically linked linear glucose polymers and α(1-4)-glucosidically linked cyclodextrins. Upon ligand binding, MBP changes its conformation from an open to a closed form. This molecular recognition—transducing a ligand-binding event into a physical one—renders MBP an ideal candidate for biosensor development. Here, we describe the construction of a Strep-tag II mutant MBP for reagentless fluorescence sensing. malE, which encodes MBP, was amplified. A cysteine residue was introduced by site-directed mutagenesis to ensure a single label attachment at a specific site with a thiol-specific fluorescent probe. An environmentally sensitive fluorophore (IANBD amide) was covalently attached to the introduced thiol group and analysed by fluorescence sensing. The tagged mutant MBP (D95C) was purified (molecular size, ~42 kDa). The fluorescence measurements of the IANBD-labelled Strep-tag II–D95C in the solution phase showed an appreciable change in fluorescence intensity (dissociation constant, 7.6±1.75 μM). Our mutant MBP retains maltose-binding activity and is suitable for reagentless fluorescence sensing.
Maniyam MN, Yaacob NS, Sjahrir F, et al., 2016, Rhodococcus UKMP-5M: A versatile bioremediation microorganism, Biodegradation: Properties, Analysis and Performance, Pages: 1-77, ISBN: 9781634857512
Wastes generated from the industrial sectors over the years raised significant environmental and health concerns. Soon, interest in bioremediation as biological methods to clean-up pollution escalated due to their environmentally-friendly approach and less capital and operative costs as compared to that of chemical and physical methods. The genus Rhodococcus emerges as one of the most promising groups of microorganisms besides pseudomonads capable of transforming or degrading complex synthetic substrates with remarkable stability and toxicity. Thus, Rhodococcus strains may be utilized as industrial organisms, primarily for biotransformation and biodegradation since they are equipped with a rich source of potential green chemistry enzymatic catalysts, unique cell wall structure and applicable biotechnological properties. However, research on actinomycetes microbiology particularly the genus Rhodococcus is in its infancy especially in Malaysia and the present research will be the first in-depth analysis of the rhodococcal clade present in Peninsular Malaysia, an area of tropical rather than temperate climate. This project has successfully isolated 23 Rhodococcus strains from various sources in Peninsular Malaysia and there is significant sequence evidence to support the emergence of 9 (or more) new species from these Malaysian samples. Sequencing of one of the Malaysian isolates namely Rhodococcus UKMP-5M had led to the identification of groups of genes that are associated with the production of enzymes which have potential for industrial application as biocatalysts. Rhodococcus UKMP-5M serves as a versatile bioremediation microorganism since this single locally isolated strain was capable of degradation of phenol, chlorinated compounds, nitrile and cyanide which are classified as toxic and harmful chemical substances through enzymatic reaction. In addition, this particular strain was also competent in transforming waste cooking oil into biodiesel. Hence, the present
Hu Y, Sharma S, Weatherwax J, et al., 2016, Live Demonstration: A Portable Multi-Channel Potentiostat for Real-Time Amperometric Measurement of Multi-Electrode Sensor Arrays, IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS), Publisher: IEEE, Pages: 2373-2373, ISSN: 0271-4302
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- Citations: 1
Hughes JT, O'Dea K, Piera K, et al., 2016, Associations of serum adiponectin with markers of cardio-metabolic disease risk in Indigenous Australian adults with good health, diabetes and chronic kidney disease., Obes Res Clin Pract, Vol: 10, Pages: 659-672, ISSN: 1871-403X
UNLABELLED: The higher serum adiponectin concentrations observed in females are often attributed to differences in adiposity or sex hormones. There is little data describing adiponectin in Indigenous Australians, and no studies examining its association with cardio-metabolic disease risk markers and chronic kidney disease (CKD). AIM: To describe the relationship of serum adiponectin with cardio-metabolic disease risk markers and kidney function in a community-based sample of Indigenous Australian adults, with particular reference to sex-specific differences. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of a community-based volunteer sample of 548 Indigenous Australian adults (62% female), stratified into five cardio-metabolic risk groups ranging from good health (strata-1) to high cardio-metabolic risk and low measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR, <60ml/min/1.73m2) (strata-5). We examined serum adiponectin concentrations with cardio-metabolic risk markers, albuminuria and mGFR. RESULTS: Indigenous Australian females had a lower than expected adiponectin concentration (3.5μg/ml), which was higher than males in strata 1-4 (as in other populations), but not in strata-5 (mGFR<60, p=0.19), and higher leptin: adiponectin ratio than other populations (7.8ng/μg - strata-1, healthy females; 12.2ng/μg - strata-3, females with diabetes and mGFR≥90). Female-gender, HDL-cholesterol (positive), mGFR and waist: hip ratio (WHR) (inverse) were independently associated with log-adiponectin when mGFR≥60; when mGFR<60, female-gender was associated with 0.27 units lower log-adiponectin. CONCLUSION: Female-gender was not associated with higher adiponectin concentrations in Indigenous Australians with mGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2. High WHR was frequent in both genders, and inversely associated with adiponectin. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine relationships of serum adiponectin, obesity and cardiovascular disease events in Indigenous Australians.
Hu Y, Sharma S, Weatherwax J, et al., 2016, A Portable Multi-Channel Potentiostat for Real-Time Amperometric Measurement of Multi-Electrode Sensor Arrays, IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS), Publisher: IEEE, Pages: 1306-1309, ISSN: 0271-4302
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- Citations: 7
Tong A, Crowe S, Chando S, et al., 2015, Research Priorities in CKD: Report of a National Workshop Conducted in Australia., Am J Kidney Dis, Vol: 66, Pages: 212-222
Research aims to improve health outcomes for patients. However, the setting of research priorities is usually performed by clinicians, academics, and funders, with little involvement of patients or caregivers and using processes that lack transparency. A national workshop was convened in Australia to generate and prioritize research questions in chronic kidney disease (CKD) among diverse stakeholder groups. Patients with CKD (n=23), nephrologists/surgeons (n=16), nurses (n=8), caregivers (n=7), and allied health professionals and researchers (n=4) generated and voted on intervention questions across 4 treatment categories: CKD stages 1 to 5 (non-dialysis dependent), peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and kidney transplantation. The 5 highest ranking questions (in descending order) were as follows: How effective are lifestyle programs for preventing deteriorating kidney function in early CKD? What strategies will improve family consent for deceased donor kidney donation, taking different cultural groups into account? What interventions can improve long-term post-transplant outcomes? What are effective interventions for post hemodialysis fatigue? How can we improve and individualize drug therapy to control post-transplant side effects? Priority questions were focused on prevention, lifestyle, quality of life, and long-term impact. These prioritized research questions can inform funding agencies, patient/consumer organizations, policy makers, and researchers in developing a CKD research agenda that is relevant to key stakeholders.
Iyngkaran P, Majoni W, Cass A, et al., 2015, Northern Territory perspectives on heart failure with comorbidities – understanding trial validity and exploring collaborative opportunities to broaden the evidence base., Heart Lung Circ, Vol: 24, Pages: 536-543
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is an ambulatory care sensitive condition, associated with significant morbidity and mortality, rarely with cure. Outpatient based pharmacological management represents the main and most important aspect of care, and is usually lifelong. This narrative styled opinion review looks at the pharmacological agents recommended in the guidelines in context of the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia. We explore the concept of validity, a term used to describe the basis of standardising a particular trial or study and the population to which it is applicable. We aim to highlight the problems of the current guidelines based approach. We also present alternatives that could utilise the core principles from major trials, while incorporating regional considerations, which could benefit clients living in the NT and remote Australia.
Singh M, Nabavi E, Zhou Y, et al., 2015, APPLICATION OF GOLD NANORODS FOR IN VIVO THERANOSTICS OF HUMAN OESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA, 2nd Digestive-Disorders-Federation Conference, Publisher: BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, Pages: A471-A471, ISSN: 0017-5749
Laba T-L, Howard K, Rose J, et al., 2015, Patient preferences for a polypill for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases., Ann Pharmacother, Vol: 49, Pages: 528-539
BACKGROUND: Polypill-based strategies have improved patient use of preventive cardiovascular disease (CVD) medications in clinical trials. Continued use in real-world settings relies on patients preferring a polypill over current treatment. OBJECTIVE: Within a clinical trial assessing a CVD polypill-based strategy on patient adherence (Kanyini Guidelines Adherence with the Polypill study [Kanyini GAP]), we used discrete choice experiment (DCE) to assess the influence of polypill-based treatment attributes and patient characteristics on preferences for CVD preventive treatment. METHODS: A DCE survey was administered to Kanyini GAP participants, involving choices between 2 hypothetical treatment options and no treatment for CVD prevention. Attributes delineating a polypill from current treatment were assessed: out-of-pocket costs, tablet number, administration, and prescriber visit frequency. The odds ratios (ORs) for preferring treatment, trade-off between treatment-related attributes, and willingness to pay against other attributes were estimated. RESULTS: In all, 332 of 487 (68%) participants completed the survey. Active treatment, compared with no treatment, was chosen by 93%. Treatment preference decreased with increasing out-of-pocket cost (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.03-0.05) and tablet number (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.59-0.81). Out-of-pocket cost was the most important attribute. Respondents were willing to pay $3.45 per month for each tablet reduction. Education and household income significantly influenced treatment preference. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming equivalent efficacy and safety of treatment options, the treatment-specific attributes that were assessed and influenced patient preference strongly accord with the posited advantages of the cardiovascular polypill. The study provides promising evidence that improvements in treatment adherence observed in CVD polypill trials may translate to the real world and potentially close treatment gaps in CVD prevention.
Liu H, Massi L, Laba T-L, et al., 2015, Patients' and providers' perspectives of a polypill strategy to improve cardiovascular prevention in Australian primary health care: a qualitative study set within a pragmatic randomized, controlled trial., Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes, Vol: 8, Pages: 301-308
BACKGROUND: This study explores health provider and patient attitudes toward the use of a cardiovascular polypill as a health service strategy to improve cardiovascular prevention. METHODS AND RESULTS: In-depth, semistructured interviews (n=94) were conducted with health providers and patients from Australian general practice, Aboriginal community-controlled and government-run Indigenous Health Services participating in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial evaluating a polypill-based strategy for high-risk primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. Interview topics included polypill strategy acceptability, factors affecting adherence, and trial implementation. Transcribed interview data were analyzed thematically and interpretively. Polypill patients commented frequently on cost-savings, ease, and convenience of a daily-dosing pill. Most providers considered a polypill strategy to facilitate improved patient medication use. Indigenous Health Services providers and indigenous patients thought the strategy acceptable and beneficial for indigenous patients given the high disease burden. Providers noted the inflexibility of the fixed dose regimen, with dosages sometimes inappropriate for patients with complex management considerations. Future polypill formulations with varied strengths and classes of medications may overcome this barrier. Many providers suggested the polypill strategy, in its current formulations, might be more suited to high-risk primary prevention patients. CONCLUSIONS: The polypill strategy was generally acceptable to patients and providers in cardiovascular prevention. Limitations to provider acceptability of this particular polypill were revealed, as was a perception it might be more suitable for high-risk primary prevention patients, though future combinations could facilitate its use in secondary prevention. Participants suggested a polypill-based strategy as particularly appropriate for lowering the high cardiovascular burden in
Maniyam MN, Sjahrir F, Ibrahim AL, et al., 2015, Enzymatic cyanide degradation by cell-free extract of <i>Rhodococcus</i> UKMP-5M, JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART A-TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, Vol: 50, Pages: 357-364, ISSN: 1093-4529
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- Citations: 9
Roberts MA, Pilmore HL, Ierino FL, et al., 2015, The rationale and design of the Beta-blocker to LOwer CArdiovascular Dialysis Events (BLOCADE) Feasibility Study., Nephrology (Carlton), Vol: 20, Pages: 140-147
AIMS: The Beta-blocker to LOwer CArdiovascular Dialysis Events (BLOCADE) Feasibility Study aims to determine the feasibility of a large-scale randomized controlled trial with clinical endpoints comparing the beta-blocking agent carvedilol with placebo in patients receiving dialysis. METHODS: The BLOCADE Feasibility Study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group feasibility study comparing the beta-blocking agent carvedilol with placebo. Patients receiving dialysis for ≥3 months and who are aged ≥50 years, or who are ≥18 years and have diabetes or cardiovascular disease, were eligible. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who complete a 6-week run-in phase in which all participants received carvedilol titrated from 3.125 mg twice daily to 6.25 mg twice daily. Other measures included how many patients are screened, the proportion recruited, the overall recruitment rate, the proportion of participants who remain on study drug for 12 months and the incidence of intra-dialytic hypotension while on randomized treatment. RESULTS: The BLOCADE Feasibility Study commenced recruiting in May 2011 and involves 11 sites in Australia and New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS: The BLOCADE Feasibility Study will inform the design of a larger clinical endpoint study to determine whether beta-blocking agents provide benefit to patients receiving dialysis, and define whether such a study is feasible.
Sharma S, El-Laboudi A, Oliver N, et al., 2015, EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF EPOXY POLYURETHANE MEMBRANE FOR A MICROPROBE ARRAY BASED CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE SENSOR, DIABETES TECHNOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Vol: 17, Pages: A90-A91, ISSN: 1520-9156
Perevedentsev A, Sonnefraud Y, Belton CR, et al., 2015, Dip-pen patterning of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) chain-conformation-based nano-photonic elements, Nature Communications, Vol: 6, Pages: 1-9, ISSN: 2041-1723
Metamaterials are a promising new class of materials, in which sub-wavelength physical structures, rather than variations in chemical composition, can be used to modify the nature of their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. Here we show that a metamaterials approach, using a discrete physical geometry (conformation) of the segments of a polymer chain as the vector for a substantial refractive index change, can be used to enable visible wavelength, conjugated polymer photonic elements. In particular, we demonstrate that a novel form of dip-pen nanolithography provides an effective means to pattern the so-called β-phase conformation in poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) thin films. This can be done on length scales ≤500 nm, as required to fabricate a variety of such elements, two of which are theoretically modelled using complex photonic dispersion calculations.
Singh M, Nabavi E, Zhou Y, et al., 2015, Application of Gold Nanorods for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Theranostics (first prize), 9th London Surgical Symposium & the 68th Simpson Smith Lecture and Awards
Nabavi E, Singh M, Zhou Y, et al., 2015, Preliminary studies of targeted NIR photothermal therapy of human oesophageal adenocarcinoma in mice using multifunctional GNRs, British Medical Laser Association Conference
Harris-Birtill D, Singh M, Zhou YU, et al., 2015, Gold Nanorod Reshaping using a Continuous Wave Laser, Bio-Nano-Photonics Symposium
Chumphukam O, Le TT, Piletsky S, et al., 2015, Generation of a pair of independently binding DNA aptamers in a single round of selection using proximity ligation, CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS, Vol: 51, Pages: 9050-9053, ISSN: 1359-7345
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- Citations: 5
Lawrance D, Williamson C, Boutelle MG, et al., 2015, Development of a disposable bile acid biosensor for use in the management of cholestasis, ANALYTICAL METHODS, Vol: 7, Pages: 3714-3719, ISSN: 1759-9660
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- Citations: 6
Maniyam MN, Sjahrir F, Ibrahim AL, et al., 2014, Biodetoxification of cyanide-containing industrial wastewaters by <i>Rhodococcus</i> UKMP-5M, BIOLOGIA, Vol: 69, Pages: 1635-1643, ISSN: 0006-3088
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- Citations: 3
Moreira FTC, Sharma S, Dutra RAF, et al., 2014, Detection of cardiac biomarker proteins using a disposable basedon a molecularly imprinted polymer grafted onto graphite, Microchim Acta
A low-cost disposable was developed for rapid detection of the protein biomarker myoglobin (Myo) as a model analyte. A screen printed electrode was modified with a molecularly imprinted material grafted on a graphite support and incorporated in a matrix composed of poly(vinyl chloride) and the plasticizer o-nitrophenyloctyl ether. The proteinimprinted material (PIM) was produced by growing a reticulated polymer around a protein template. This is followed by radical polymerization of 4-styrenesulfonic acid, 2- aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The polymeric layer was then covalently bound to the graphitic support, and Myo was added during the imprinting stage to act as a template. Non-imprinted control materials (CM) were also prepared by omitting the Myo template. Morphological and structural analysis of PIM and CM by FTIR, Raman, and SEM/EDC microscopies confirmed the modification of the graphite support. The analytical performance of the SPE was assessed by square wave voltammetry. The average limit of detection is 0.79 μg of Myo per mL, and the slope is −0.193±0.006 μA per decade. The SPECM cannot detect such low levels of Myo but gives a linearresponse at above 7.2 μg·mL−1, with a slope of −0.719±0.02 μA per decade. Interference studies with hemoglobin, bovine serum albumin, creatinine, and sodium chloride demonstrated good selectivity for Myo. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Myo urine and is conceived to be a promising tool for screening Myo in point-ofcare patients with ischemia.
Le TT, Chumphukam O, Cass AEG, 2014, Determination of minimal sequence for binding of an aptamer. A comparison of truncation and hybridization inhibition methods, RSC ADVANCES, Vol: 4, Pages: 47227-47233, ISSN: 2046-2069
Harris-Birtill D, Singh M, Zhou Y, et al., 2014, Gold Nanorod Reshaping using a Continuous Wave Laser, CLEO: Applications and Technology, Publisher: Optical Society of America
Chumphukam O, Le TT, Cass AEG, 2014, High efficiency acetylcholinesterase immobilization on DNA aptamer modified surfaces, Molecules, Vol: 19, Pages: 4986-4996, ISSN: 1420-3049
We report here the in vitro selection of DNA aptamers for electric eel acetylcholinesterase (AChE). One selected aptamer sequence (R15/19) has a high affinity towards the enzyme (Kd = 157 ± 42 pM). Characterization of the aptamer showed its binding is not affected by low ionic strength (~20 mM), however significant reduction in affinity occurred at high ionic strength (~1.2 M). In addition, this aptamer does not inhibit the catalytic activity of AChE that we exploit through immobilization of the DNA on a streptavidin-coated surface. Subsequent immobilization of AChE by the aptamer results in a 4-fold higher catalytic activity when compared to adsorption directly on to plastic.
Moreira FTC, Sharma S, Dutra RAF, et al., 2014, Protein-responsive polymers for point-of care detection of cardiac biomarker, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemica
This work describes a novel use for the polymeric film, Poly (o-aminophenol) (PAP) that was made responsive to a specific protein. This was achieved through templated electropolymerization of aminophenol (AP) in the presence of protein. The procedure involved adsorbing protein on the electrode surface and thereafter electroploymerizing the aminophenol. Proteins embedded at the outer surface of the polymeric film were digested by proteinase K and then washed away thereby creating vacant sites. The capacity of the template film to specifically rebind protein was tested with Myoglobin (Myo), a cardiac biomarker for ischemia. The films acted as biomimetic artificial antibodies and were produced on a gold (Au) screen printed electrode (SPE), as a step towards disposable sensors to enable point-of-care applications.Raman spectroscopy was used to follow the surface modification of the Au-SPE. The ability of the material to rebind Myo was measured by electrochemical techniques, namely electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The devices displayed linear responses to Myo in EIS and SWV assays down to 4.0 μg/mL and 3.5 μg/mL, respectively, with detection limits of 1.5 and 0.8 μg/mL. Good selectivity was observed in the presence of troponin T (TnT) and creatine kinase (CKMB) in SWV assays, and accurate results were obtained in applications to spiked serum. The sensor described in this work is a potential tool for screening Myo in point-of-care due to the simplicity of fabrication, disposability, short time response, low cost, good sensitivity and selectivity.
El-Laboudi A, Sharma S, Oliver N, et al., 2014, DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL MICROPROBE ARRAY CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE SENSOR FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES: INTERFERENCE STUDIES, DIABETES TECHNOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Vol: 16, Pages: A65-A66, ISSN: 1520-9156
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- Citations: 1
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