Browse publications by year: 2002

1. Fulltext Risk-adjusted surgical audit with the POSSUM scoring system in a developing country. Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity

   Yii MK, Ng KJ

   Br J Surg, 2002 Jan;89(1):110-3.

   PMID: 11851674

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: The Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) is an objective and appropriate scoring system for risk-adjusted comparative general surgical audit. This score was devised in the UK and has been used widely, but application of POSSUM to centres outside the UK has been limited, especially in developing countries. This prospective study validated its application in a surgical practice with a different population and level of resources.
   METHODS: All general surgical patients who were operated on under regional or general anaesthesia as inpatients over a 4-month period at Sarawak General Hospital in 1999 were entered into the study. All data (12 physiological and six operative factors) were analysed for mortality only with the POSSUM equation and the modified Portsmouth POSSUM (P-POSSUM) equation. Comparisons were made between predicted and observed mortality rates according to four groups of risk: 0-4, 5-14, 15-49 and 50 per cent or more using the 'linear' method of analysis.
   RESULTS: There were 605 patients who satisfied the criteria for the study. Some 56.7 per cent of patients were in the lowest risk group. The POSSUM predictor equation significantly overestimated the mortality in this group, by a factor of 9.3. The overall observed mortality rate was 6.1 per cent and, again, the POSSUM predictor equation overestimated it at 10.5 per cent (P < 0.01). In contrast, the observed and predicted mortality rates for all risk groups, including the predicted overall mortality rate of 4.8 per cent, were comparable when the P-POSSUM predictor equation was used.
   CONCLUSION: The POSSUM scoring system with the modified P-POSSUM predictor equation for mortality was applicable in Malaysia, a developing country, for risk-adjusted surgical audit. This scoring system may serve as a useful comparative audit tool for surgical practice in many geographical locations.

   MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Developing Countries*; Humans; Medical Audit; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index*; Surgical Procedures, Operative/mortality*; Risk Assessment
2. Forest fires, air pollution, and mortality in southeast Asia

   Sastry N

   Demography, 2002 Feb;39(1):1-23.

   PMID: 11852832

   Abstract

   I assess the population health effects in Malaysia of air pollution from a widespread series of fires that occurred in Indonesia between April and November of 1997. I describe how the fires occurred and why the associated air pollution was so widespread and long lasting. The main objective is to uncover any mortality effects and to assess how large and important they were. I also investigate whether the mortality effects were persistent or whether they represented a short-term, mortality-harvesting effect. The results show that the smoke haze from the fires had a deleterious effect on the health of the population in Malaysia.

   MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Air Pollution/adverse effects*; Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool; Environmental Health; Female; Fires*; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality/trends*; Trees*
3. Nipah encephalitis outbreak in Malaysia, clinical features in patients from Seremban

   Chong HT, Kunjapan SR, Thayaparan T, Tong J, Petharunam V, Jusoh MR, et al.

   Can J Neurol Sci, 2002 Feb;29(1):83-7.

   PMID: 11858542

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: An outbreak of viral encephalitis occurred among pig industry workers in Malaysia in September 1998 to April 1999. The encephalitis was attributed to a new paramyxovirus, Nipah virus. This is a description of the clinical features of 103 patients treated in the Seremban Hospital with characterization of the prognostic factors.

   METHODS: Clinical case records and laboratory investigations were reviewed. The case definition was: patients from the outbreak area, direct contact or in close proximity with pigs, clinical or CSF features of encephalitis.

   RESULTS: The mean age was 38 years, 89% were male, 58% were ethnic Chinese, 78% were pig farm owners or hired workers. The mean incubation period was 10 days. The patients typically presented with nonspecific systemic symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia and sore throat. Seizures and focal neurological signs were seen in 16% and 5% respectively. In the more severe cases, this was followed by drowsiness and deteriorating consciousness requiring ventilation in 61%. Autonomic disturbances and myoclonic jerks were common features. The mortality was high at 41%. Systolic hypertension, tachycardia and high fever were associated with poor outcome. On the other hand, 40% recovered fully. As for the other 19%, the residual neurological signs were mostly mild.

   CONCLUSION: Nipah virus caused an encephalitis illness with short incubation period and high mortality. The prognosis for the survivors was good.

   MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Outbreaks*; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Risk; Paramyxovirinae*; Paramyxoviridae Infections/diagnosis*; Paramyxoviridae Infections/ethnology; Paramyxoviridae Infections/mortality; Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology*; Encephalitis, Viral/diagnosis*; Encephalitis, Viral/ethnology; Encephalitis, Viral/mortality; Encephalitis, Viral/epidemiology*
4. New cyanogenic and alkyl glycoside constituents from Phyllagathis rotundifolia

   Ling SK, Tanaka T, Kouno I

   J Nat Prod, 2002 Feb;65(2):131-5.

   PMID: 11858743

   Abstract

   Methanolic extracts of the leaves, stems, and roots of Phyllagathis rotundifolia collected in Malaysia yielded seven galloylated cyanogenic glucosides based on prunasin, with six of these being new compounds, prunasin 2',6'-di-O-gallate (3), prunasin 3',6'-di-O-gallate (4), prunasin 4',6'-di-O-gallate (5), prunasin 2',3',6'-tri-O-gallate (6), prunasin 3',4',6'-tri-O-gallate (7), and prunasin 2',3',4',6'-tetra-O-gallate (8). Also obtained was a new alkyl glycoside, oct-1-en-3-yl alpha-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-glucopyranoside (9). For compounds 3-8, the galloyl groups were individually linked to the sugar moieties via ester bonds. All new structures were established on the basis of NMR and MS spectroscopic studies. In addition, prunasin (1), gallic acid and its methyl ester, beta-glucogallin, 3,6-di-O-galloyl-D-glucose, 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, strictinin, 6-O-galloyl-2,3-O-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose, praecoxin B, and pterocarinin C were isolated and identified. The isolation of 1 and its galloyl derivatives (3-8) from a Melastomataceous plant are described for the first time.

   MeSH terms: Alkanes/isolation & purification; Alkanes/chemistry; Glycosides/isolation & purification*; Glycosides/chemistry; Malaysia; Nitriles/isolation & purification; Nitriles/chemistry; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry*; Mass Spectrometry; Stereoisomerism; Tannins/isolation & purification; Tannins/chemistry; Molecular Structure; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Plant Roots/chemistry; Plant Stems/chemistry; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
5. Fulltext Population genetics of Intsia palembanica (Leguminosae) and genetic conservation of Virgin Jungle Reserves in Peninsular Malaysia

   Lee SL, Ng KK, Saw LG, Norwati A, Salwana MH, Lee CT, et al.

   Am J Bot, 2002 Mar;89(3):447-59.

   PMID: 21665641 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.89.3.447

   Abstract

   A field survey of Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) compartments in Peninsular Malaysia allowed us to identify six populations of Intsia palembanica for this study. These were Pasoh Forest Reserve (FR) (Pasoh), Sungai Lalang FR (Lalang), Bukit Lagong FR (Lagong), Bubu FR (Bubu), Bukit Kinta FR (Kinta), and Bukit Perangin FR (Perangin). About 40 adult individuals were sampled in each population. In addition, progeny arrays were collected from nine mother plants at Lagong for a mating system study. A total of nine allozymes, encoded by 14 putative gene loci, were consistently resolved in I. palembanica. The mating system study showed that the species exhibited a mixed-mating system, with multilocus outcrossing rate of 0.766. The levels of diversity were comparably high (mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus = 2.4, mean effective number of alleles per polymorphic locus = 1.64, and mean expected heterozygosity (H(e)) = 0.242), and the majority of the diversity was partitioned within population (G(ST) = 0.040 and F(ST) = 0.048). Significant levels of inbreeding were detected in Bubu and Perangin. Probability tests of recent effective population size reduction using the Infinite Allele Model showed the occurrence of genetic bottlenecks on Lalang and Kinta. Two genetically unique populations (Pasoh and Perangin) were inferred using jackknife analysis. By using the neutral mutation rates, effective population size (N(e)) to maintain the H(e) was 80-800 000 individuals. A simulation study based on pooled samples, however, circumscribed the N(e) to 200 and 210 individuals. Implications of the study for managing the species and the VJRs are discussed.

   MeSH terms: Alleles; Genetics, Population; Heterozygote; Inbreeding; Isoenzymes; Malaysia; Oligopeptides; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Probability; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mutation Rate; Forests
6. Fulltext Nutritional assessment of pre-school children in rural villages of the family dynamics, lifestyles and nutrition study (1997-2001) I. Socio-economic status of households

   Chee HL, Khor G, Arshad F, Wanmuda W, Shabdin A, Abusamah A, et al.

   Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):13-31.

   PMID: 22692437

   Abstract

   This paper presents the socio-economic profile of households in the Family Dynamics Study (FDS) (1997-2001) and makes comparisons with the earlier Functional Groups Study (FGS) (1992-1996). For the current study, FGS villages with a high prevalence of child malnutrition were purposively selected. In each village selected, all households were included, and interviews with a structured questionnaire were conducted in April-May 1998. Incomes were generally low and incidence of poverty was high; 49.6% of the households were under the poverty line income, of which 37.2% were poor and 12.4% were hard core poor. Overall, only 23.2% of heads of households were in agricultural occupations, others being primarily waged workers and petty traders. Livestock rearing was widespread (57.8%), and most households (90.4%) owned at least one motorised vehicle, the most common being the motorcycle. The majority of households had refrigerators (73.6%), washing machines (58.8%), and televisions (91.1%); but telephones (42.2%), mobile phones (6.1%) and computers (2.3%) were less common. Although 99.7% of households had electricity supply and 95.1% had either a flush or pour flush latrine, only 57.4% had piped water supply. In comparison to the FGS, poverty in the current study is lower (49.6% of FDS households are poor compared to 55.2% of FGS households), the proportion of household heads in agricultural occupations is also lower (26.9% compared to 55.3%), while all other socioeconomic indicators were better, except for piped water supply, which remains inadequate for households in the current study.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Child; Electricity; Family Characteristics; Family Relations; Humans; Income; Motorcycles; Occupations; Surveys and Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors; Telephone; Television; Toilet Facilities; Water Supply; Child Nutrition Disorders; Incidence; Prevalence; Livestock
7. Fulltext Nutritional Assessment of Pre-School Children in Rural Villages of the Family Dynamics, Lifestyles and Nutrition Study (1997-2001) II. Prevalence of Undernutrition and Relationship to Household Socio-Economic Indicators

   Chee H, Khor G, Arshad F, Wan Muda W, Mohdtaib M, Safii N, et al.

   Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):33-53.

   PMID: 22692438

   Abstract

   This paper describes the nutritional status of pre-school children and analyzes its relationship to various household socio-economic indicators. Padi, rubber and fishing villages from the Functional Groups Study (1992-1996) were selected for having a high prevalence of child undernutrition, and all children between the ages of 12 and 72 months were measured for their weights and heights in April-May 1998. The NCHS reference values were used to calculate z-scores, which were categorised according to WHO (1983) recommendations. Children between minus 2SD and minus 1SD of reference median were classified as mildly malnourished. Prevalence of underweight was higher (30.5%) than stunting (22.3%), while wasting was only 9.7%. Padi villages had the highest prevalence of undernutrition, followed by fishing, and then rubber villages. Mean household incomes were found to be significantly lower for children with worse nutritional status, and undernutrition was higher in households below the poverty line income. The odds ratios for having stunted children were significantly higher for households whose heads were agricultural own-account workers (OR 3.66, 95% CI = 1.37-9.79), agricultural waged workers (OR 2.75, 95% CI = 1.06-7.10), and non-agricultural manual workers (OR 2.49, 95% CI = 1.04-6.00) compared to non-manual workers. Various household socio-economic indicators showed significantly higher odds ratios for underweight, stunting and wasting. After adjusting for confounding effects by logistic regression analysis, however, only mother's education was found to be a significant predictor for stunting, while poverty level and access to piped water supply were significant predictors for both underweight and stunting. Households without livestock were significant predictors for wasting. Thus, this study identified specific socio-economic factors that should be prioritized for policy and research towards the amelioration of childhood malnutrition in rural areas.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Cachexia; Child, Preschool; Female; Growth Disorders; Humans; Income; Mothers; Nutritional Status; Poverty; Reference Values; Rubber; Thinness; Water Supply; World Health Organization; Child Nutrition Disorders; Prevalence; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Malnutrition; Livestock
8. Fulltext A Prospective Study on Malnutrition and Duration of Hospitalisation among Hospitalised Geriatric Patients Admitted to Surgical and Medical Wards of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

   Shahar S, Wong S, Wan C

   Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):55-62.

   PMID: 22692439 MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Elderly people are known to be at a greater risk of malnutrition, particularly those having diseases or illnesses. A prospective study was undertaken on 92 hospitalised geriatric patients (45.6% males), aged 60 to 89 years old, admitted to surgical and medical wards at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). The study aimed to assess malnutrition at admission, day 3 and day 7 of hospitalisation, and its relation with length of stay in the wards. Malnutrition was assessed using anthropometrics and biochemical indicators. Although the majority of subjects had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), 10.9% had Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) and 38% were overweight. A total of 10% subjects had muscle wasting as assessed by Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). Biochemical tests indicated that women subjects were more likely to have hypoalbuminaemia (p <0.05) whilst, men were at risk of anaemia (p < 0.05). Throughout hospitalisation, there was a significant reduction in body weight, biceps skinfold thickness, calf circumference, MUAC, percentage of body fat and body mass index (BMI) in both males and females (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Biochemical tests on a sub sample of subjects indicated that 71.4% had hypoalbuminaemia and 39.6% were anaemic. Subjects diagnosed with cancer, had loss of appetite or had poor nutritional status as assessed by BMI or MUAC on admission were more likely to be hospitalised longer than or equal to 7 days (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Serum albumin levels at admission correlated positively with MUAC values both on admission (r = 0.608, p <0.01) and at clay seven of hospitalisation (r = 0.906, p < 0.05). There is a need to screen elderly patients at high risk of malnutrition at admission in order to reduce the length of stay and increase their health and nutritional status.
9. Fulltext Anthropometry and dietary intake of type 2 diabetes patients attending an outpatient clinic

   Moy FM, Abdul Rahman S

   Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):63-73.

   PMID: 22692440 MyJurnal

   Abstract

   A cross sectional study on Type 2 diabetes patients seeking treatment in the Primary Health Care outpatient clinic of the University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur was undertaken. Two hundred and thirty-three subjects participated. They were asked questions on biodata and dietary intake using face-to-face interview techniques. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric measurements including weight and height were taken and Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed to establish the extent of obesity. Of the 196 subjects, 66.8% were overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) with 15.8% obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). The mean BMI of males and females were 25.9±4.3 kg/m2 and 27.2±4.7 kg/m2 respectively. The findings from the dietary survey showed that the mean energy intake of the subjects only achieved about 72% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Malaysia while protein intake of all subjects was adequate. The macronutreint contribution to the total calorie was consistent with the recommendation of the Malaysian Diabetic Association for a healthy diet for diabetes patients. The male subjects were found to meet the RDA requirements for all nutrients while the female subjects did not have sufficient intake of calcium, vitamin A and niacin. No consistent pattern in energy and nutrient intake was observed among different age groups. On the other hand, the Malay subjects seemed to have lower energy and all nutrient intake (except vitamin A and vitamin C) compared to the Chinese and Indian subjects. The Indian subjects seemed to have the highest intake of calcium compared to the others. Advice needs to be given to those who did not have adequate nutrient intake as well as those who need to reduce their weight.
   
   Study site: Primary health care clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

   MeSH terms: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; China/ethnology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Hospitals, University; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Obesity; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Outpatients; Diet Records; Body Mass Index; Overweight
10. Fulltext Gender Differences in Eating Behavior and Social Self Concept among Malaysian University Students

    Khor G, Cobiac L, Skrzypiec G

    Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):75-98.

    PMID: 22692441 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    University students may encounter personal, family, social, and financial stresses while trying to cope with their academic challenges. Such constraints could affect their eating behavior and health status which, in turn may have negative effects on their studies. In light of little information in Malaysia on this subject, this study was undertaken on a sample of 180 students pursuing different academic programs in a Malaysian university. The study objectives were to determine the students' eating behavior including body weight control and the extent of fear of being fat, their social self concept that reflects the five selves namely, the psychological self, the social self, the sexual self, the family self and the physical self. Eating behavior and social self concept were determined based on various methods previously validated in studies on young adults in Asia and Australia. This article focuses on gender comparisons for these determinants. The results showed that psychological and emotional factors have a significant bearing on the eating behavior of university students. Uninhibited eating behavior of both the males and females showed significant and negative correlations with feelings pertaining to personal worth, the physical self, and their relationships with peers and families. Gender differences were manifested for some determinants. The females showed more restrained eating behavior than the males; the females have a significantly higher score for family relationship, which appears to be a significant factor on male students' eating behavior. Future studies on a larger sample size may help to unravel the extent to which psychological factors influence eating behavior of students, and the underlying psychosocial basis for some of the gender differences reported in this study.
11. Fulltext The role of partnership in capacity building in public health nutrition - experience of Malaysia

    Awin N

    Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):99-107.

    PMID: 22692442 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Public Health emphasizes the plurality of the determinants of health of individuals, families and communities. Nutrition, as a major determinant of health, is itself influenced by a multitude of determinants that are under the purview of several agencies. Thus, inter-sectoral collaboration among the relevant agencies is imperative for promoting optimal health and nutrition such a partnership is manifested in the development and implementation of the National Plan of Nutrition (NPAN) of Malaysia pursuant to the International Conference on Nutrition (ICN) held in 1992. While the overall coordination of NPAN is at the Family Development Division in the Ministry of Health, the body that sees to the coordination is again a multi-agency group in the form of the National Coordinating Committee for Food and Nutrition (NCCFN). The NCCFN has representation for the nine thrust areas of NPAN that cut across various sectors including health, agriculture, education, community development and economic planning. Capacity building is a central strategy in the NPAN through the creation of positions and special budgetary allocations, and the implementation of activities including research, training, development of dietary guidelines and the National Nutrition Policy. This policy will be a major driving force for strengthening and building of capacity for nutrition-related activities, and more importantly it will facilitate a coordinated and coherent approach to capacity building, including sharing of resources.

    MeSH terms: Agriculture; Food; Health Promotion; Humans; Malaysia; Nutritional Status; Nutrition Policy; Capacity Building
12. Audit and cost of treatment modalities provided for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in a Malaysian teaching hospital

    Chan PW

    J Paediatr Child Health, 2002 Feb;38(1):104.

    PMID: 11869413

    MeSH terms: Bronchiolitis/economics*; Bronchiolitis/therapy*; Child, Preschool; Female; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Medical Audit*; Cost of Illness*; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/economics*; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/therapy*
13. Bis[1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenium] hexadecachlorotetraantimony(III) ethanol solvate

    Abdul-Razak I, Usman A, Fun HK, Yamin BM, Kasim NA

    Acta Crystallogr C, 2002 Mar;58(Pt 3):m162-4.

    PMID: 11870289

    Abstract

    In the title compound, [Fe(C(17)H(14)P)(2)](2)[Sb(4)Cl(16)] x C(2)H(6)O, the Fe atoms lie on inversion centres and the pairs of cyclopentadienyl rings are consequently in a fully staggered conformation. The centrosymmetric anionic clusters formed by [Sb(4)Cl(16)](4-) are surrounded by the cations and are held together by weak C-H...Cl interactions. These formations stack along the a axis to form columns, and the columns are interconnected by another weak C-H...Cl interaction along the b axis.

    MeSH terms: Anions; Cations; Inert Gas Narcosis; Molecular Conformation
14. Piperazine-1,4-diium--2,4-dinitrophenolate--water (1/2/2)

    Usman A, Chantrapromma S, Fun HK, Poh BL, Karalai C

    Acta Crystallogr C, 2002 Mar;58(Pt 3):o136-8.

    PMID: 11870305

    Abstract

    In the title 1/2/2 adduct, C(4)H(12)N(2)(2+) x 2C(6)H(3)N(2)O(5)(-) x 2H(2)O, the dication lies on a crystallographic inversion centre and the asymmetric unit also has one anion and one water molecule in general positions. The 2,4-dinitrophenolate anions and the water molecules are linked by two O-H...O and two C-H...O hydrogen bonds to form molecular ribbons, which extend along the b direction. The piperazine dication acts as a donor for bifurcated N-H...O hydrogen bonds with the phenolate O atom and with the O atom of the o-nitro group. Six symmetry-related molecular ribbons are linked to a piperazine dication by N---H.O and C---H.O hydrogen bonds.

    MeSH terms: Anions; Hydrogen; Hydrogen Bonding; Piperazines; Water
15. Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of minor salivary gland: case report

    Manoharan M, Othman NH, Samsudin AR

    Braz Dent J, 2002;13(1):66-9.

    PMID: 11870967

    Abstract

    Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma is a low-grade neoplasm of the minor salivary gland composed exclusively of epithelial cells and not myoepithelial cells. It predominantly affects the oral cavity of adult females. It is microscopically characterized by hyalinizing stroma and clear cells, which are typically positive for cytokeratin markers and negative for S 100 and smooth muscle actin (SMA). Cystic degeneration can also be present. Pathologists should be aware of this new entity so as not to misdiagnose otherwise. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of its kind from Malaysia.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Mouth Floor/pathology*; Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology*; Salivary Glands, Minor/pathology*; Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology*
16. Heavy metals in emergent trees and pioneers from tropical forest with special reference to forest fires and local pollution sources in Sarawak, Malaysia

    Breulman G, Markert B, Weckert V, Herpin U, Yoneda R, Ogino K

    Sci Total Environ, 2002 Feb 21;285(1-3):107-15.

    PMID: 11874033

    Abstract

    Leaf samples of tropical trees, i.e. Dryobalanops lanceolata (Kapur paji), Dipterocarpaceae and Macaranga spp. (Mahang), Euphorbiaceae were analyzed for 21 chemical elements. The pioneer Macaranga spp. exhibited higher concentrations for the majority of elements compared to the emergent species of Dryobalanops lanceolata, which was attributed to the higher physiological activity of the fast growing pioneer species compared to emergent trees. Lead showed rather high concentrations in several samples from the Bakam re-forestation site. This is suggested to be caused by emissions through brick manufacturing and related activities in the vicinity. A comparison of Dryobalanops lanceolata samples collected in 1993, 1995 and 1997 in the Lambir Hills National Park revealed that certain heavy metals, i.e. Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Ti showed higher values in 1997 compared to the previous years, which could indicate an atmospheric input from the haze caused by the extensive forest fires raging in Borneo and other parts of Southeast Asia.

    MeSH terms: Environmental Pollutants/analysis*; Fires*; Trees*; Tropical Climate; Forestry*; Ecosystem; Metals, Heavy/analysis*
17. Effect of maturity on chlorophyll, tannin, color, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of sugarcane juice (Saccharum officinarum Var. Yellow Cane)

    Qudsieh HY, Yusof S, Osman A, Rahman RA

    J Agric Food Chem, 2002 Mar 13;50(6):1615-8.

    PMID: 11879045

    Abstract

    A study was conducted to determine the effect of sugarcane maturation on the contents of chlorophyll, tannin, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and on color change of sugarcane juice. The maturation period of the cane studied was between 3 and 10 months after planting. Different parts of the cane, namely, the top, middle, and bottom portions, were analyzed. Results obtained indicated that there were significant (P < 0.01) decreases in total chlorophyll a and b and tannin contents during maturity followed by slower rates of decrease of both parameters at the end of maturity stages. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in chlorophyll and tannin contents between the middle and bottom portions. On the other hand, the top portion of the stem had a significantly (P < 0.01) lower concentration of chlorophyll and a significantly (P < 0.01) higher content of tannin. PPO activity of sugarcane juice was determined using chlorogenic acid as a substrate. There was a highly significant difference (P < 0.01) in PPO activity of cane juice during maturity. PPO activity was high at the early development stage, decreased during maturation, and then remained relatively constant at the end of maturity. PPO activity was higher when chlorogenic acid was used as substrate. There were also significant differences (P < 0.01) in juice color (L*, a*, b* values) from different portions at different maturity stages. At the early stages, the color of extracted juice was dark, and then the juice turned to yellowish green during maturity. The decrease in green color or the increase in the yellow color could be associated with the decline in chlorophyll. The overall color change (DeltaE) at maturity indicated that the color of the middle and bottom portions was lower than that of the top portion.

    MeSH terms: Chlorophyll/analysis*; Color*; Catechol Oxidase/metabolism*; Poaceae/growth & development*; Poaceae/chemistry; Hydrolyzable Tannins/analysis*
18. Induction of a putative metallothionein gene in the blood cockle, Anadara granosa, exposed to cadmium

    Chan MK, Othman R, Zubir D, Salmijah S

    Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol, 2002 Feb;131(2):123-32.

    PMID: 11879780

    Abstract

    The relationship between a putative metallothionein gene (MT) and exposure to cadmium (Cd) in blood cockles (Anadara granosa) is reported. In a 96-h dose-response experiment, mortality of cockles was found to proportionately increase in the range of 0.2-5.0 mg/l Cd with a calculated LC(50) of 2.94 mg/l. Exposure to 0.25 mg/l Cd for 16 days caused significant increases (P<0.05) in Cd concentrations in whole tissues, gills and hepatopancreas, and the accumulation of Cd in these tissues increased with the duration of exposure. Two cDNA libraries constructed using the hepatopancreas from control and Cd-treated cockles gave titres of 5.62 x 10(5) and 1.94 x 10(5) pfu/microg vector, respectively. A putative MT gene, AnaMT, of 510 nucleotides in length, was isolated from the treated cDNA library using a heterologous probe MT20 from the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. Northern analyses using AnaMT as a probe indicated low expression of the MT mRNA in control animals. In cockles treated with 0.25 mg/l Cd for 4 days, MT mRNA level increased to approximately 168%, but declined to 108% at day 8. After 12 and 16 days of Cd treatment, expression of the MT gene was 138% and 187%, respectively, compared to the controls. These observations suggest that induction of the MT gene by a sublethal dose of Cd is rapid, occurring within 4 days of treatment.

    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Base Sequence; Cadmium/metabolism; Cadmium/pharmacology*; Codon; Digestive System/drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Induction/drug effects; Enzyme Induction/genetics*; Gene Expression Regulation; Gills/drug effects; Metallothionein/biosynthesis; Metallothionein/drug effects; Metallothionein/genetics*; Molecular Sequence Data; Mollusca/genetics*; RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis; RNA, Messenger/isolation & purification; Time Factors; Tissue Distribution; Protein Isoforms/genetics
19. Isolation of Nipah virus from Malaysian Island flying-foxes

    Chua KB, Koh CL, Hooi PS, Wee KF, Khong JH, Chua BH, et al.

    Microbes Infect., 2002 Feb;4(2):145-51.

    PMID: 11880045

    Abstract

    In late 1998, Nipah virus emerged in peninsular Malaysia and caused fatal disease in domestic pigs and humans and substantial economic loss to the local pig industry. Surveillance of wildlife species during the outbreak showed neutralizing antibodies to Nipah virus mainly in Island flying-foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus) and Malayan flying-foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) but no virus reactive with anti-Nipah virus antibodies was isolated. We adopted a novel approach of collecting urine from these Island flying-foxes and swabs of their partially eaten fruits. Three viral isolates (two from urine and one from a partially eaten fruit swab) that caused Nipah virus-like syncytial cytopathic effect in Vero cells and stained strongly with Nipah- and Hendra-specific antibodies were isolated. Molecular sequencing and analysis of the 11,200-nucleotide fragment representing the beginning of the nucleocapsid gene to the end of the glycoprotein gene of one isolate confirmed the isolate to be Nipah virus with a sequence deviation of five to six nucleotides from Nipah virus isolated from humans. The isolation of Nipah virus from the Island flying-fox corroborates the serological evidence that it is one of the natural hosts of the virus.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Viral/immunology; Cercopithecus aethiops; Chiroptera/blood; Chiroptera/immunology; Chiroptera/urine; Chiroptera/virology*; Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; Disease Reservoirs; Fruit/virology; Malaysia; Vero Cells; Paramyxovirinae/genetics; Paramyxovirinae/immunology; Paramyxovirinae/isolation & purification*; Paramyxoviridae Infections/blood; Paramyxoviridae Infections/urine; Paramyxoviridae Infections/virology
20. Cyclophosphamide-induced transitional cell carcinoma of bladder in lupus nephritis

    Chow SK, Looi LM, Loh CS, Yeap SS

    Intern Med J, 2002 Mar;32(3):114-6.

    PMID: 11885838 DOI: 10.1046/j.1445-5994.2002.d01-29.x

    MeSH terms: Adult; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/chemically induced*; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/diagnosis; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/chemically induced*; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/diagnosis; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/surgery; China/ethnology; Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects*; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lupus Nephritis/diagnosis; Lupus Nephritis/drug therapy*; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Risk Assessment