Browse publications by year: 2008

  1. Fulltext Antioxidant intake and status, and oxidative stress in relation to breast cancer risk: a case-control study
    Sharhar S, Normah H, Fatimah A, Fadilah RN, Rohi GA, Amin I, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2008 Apr-Jun;9(2):343-49.
    PMID: 18712988
    A case control study was carried out to investigate associations between breast cancer risk, antioxidant status and oxidative stress among women in Klang Valley and Selangor. A total of 57 newly diagnosed cases aged 30 to 66 years old participated and were matched for age and ethnicity with 139 controls with no diagnosis of cancer or other chronic diseases. An interview based questionnaire designed to collect information on demographic and socioeconomic status, as well as reproductive, medical and dietary history was used. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, waist and hip circumference were made and a 10 ml fasting venous blood sample was taken for glucose testing and analysis of plasma vitamin antioxidants and malondialdehyde. Hair and toenail samples were taken for selenium analysis. Results showed that the mean intake of vitamin A, vitamin E and selenium among cases (606.8 +/- 334.8 microg/d, 6.1 +/- 2.4 g/d, 56.9 +/- 16.2 microg/d) was lower than controls (724.7 +/- 414 microg/day, 6.9 +/- 3.0 g/d, 60.8 +/- 17.5 microg/d, respectively) (p<0.05 for all parameters). A similar trend was noted for plasma vitamin A and E and also selenium in hair and toenails. Poor antioxidant status as indicated by low plasma vitamin A (<284.3 microg/l or <366.3 microg/l) increased risk of breast cancer by approximately two fold, whilst low plasma vitamin E (<2.5 mg/dl, <2.8 mg/dl and <3.1 mg/dl) increased the risk by two to three fold [Adjusted OR 2.97 (95% CI 1.38-3.48), 2.32 (95% CI 1.07-2.41) and 2.12 (95% CI 1.00-4.21)]. Cases had a greater level of malondialdehyde 4.4 +/- 1.1 mmol/g protein), an indicator of oxidative stress, as compared to controls (3.2 +/- 1.7 mmol/g protein) (p<0.05). A high level of MDA (> or = 4.8 mmol/g protein) was associated with breast cancer [Adjusted OR 6.82 (95% CI 1.95-23.9)]. It is concluded that a poor antioxidant status and high oxidative stress are associated with breast cancer risk. Thus, it is essential for Malaysian women to obtain a good antioxidant status by consuming a diet rich in vitamins A and E as well as selenium and adopt healthy behaviour to reduce oxidative stress in order to prevent breast cancer.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants/administration & dosage*; Body Constitution; Breast Neoplasms/blood; Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology*; Diet; Female; Health Status; Humans; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Selenium/administration & dosage; Vitamin A/administration & dosage; Vitamin A/blood; Vitamin E/administration & dosage; Vitamin E/blood; Lipid Peroxidation; Case-Control Studies; Oxidative Stress*; Dietary Supplements
  2. Fulltext Community participatory approach: an important managerial role in cancer control
    Latiff KA
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2008;9(2):357-59.
    PMID: 18712990
    Despite the mountain of information generated by researchers, the cancer problem has not significantly declined and perhaps in certain situations it is gradually increasing, affecting those who are previously at low risk. There is a tendency to believe that positive outcomes can always be expected once intervention activities, like exercise promotion, are carried out, but practical experience gives rise to serious doubt. A greater understanding of the biological mechanisms operating in the physical activity, cancer relation, complete measurement of physical activity through a subject's life, assessment of all potential confounders and association modifiers are needed to confirm a protective role of physical activity in cancer development and allow specific exercise prescriptions for community-based prevention in particular cancer sites. Furthermore, the most important impetus of any community intervention approach should be oriented in the form of 'from people to the people'. More emphasis needs to be placed on effective management and parameters for assessment of management success.
    MeSH terms: Community Health Services/organization & administration*; Consumer Participation*; Humans; Neoplasms/prevention & control*
  3. Fulltext Recommended dietary allowances harmonization in Southeast Asia
    Barba CV, Cabrera MI
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2008;17 Suppl 2:405-8.
    PMID: 18460439
    Issues and opportunities for RDA harmonization within the SEA region were first raised during the First Regional Forum and Workshop "RDAs: Scientific Basis and Future Directions", held in Singapore in March 1997. A regional review on RDAs in SEA showed general similarities for the different RDAs, although in some cases a country listed an exceptionally high or low RDA for a particular nutrient for a specific group. It also revealed differences in physiologic groupings and reference body weights, nutrients included and units of expression. Realizing these differences in RDA components between countries which makes technical composition different, a consensus on the need for regional collaboration and harmonization of RDAs was reached by participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A follow-up workshop was organized to work towards agreement throughout the region on common approaches, concepts and terminologies; application and uses, format and a research agenda. Round table discussions were held to arrive at specific recommendations for achieving harmonization. While divergence in opinions were expected, some clear-cut agreements were settled. Globalization envisions to achieve economic growth and development, with the effects expected to ripple through health, nutrition and welfare improvements. The harmonization of RDAs in SEA seeks to reach this vision by strengthening R and D capabilities (both logistic and manpower) within the region and within the countries in the region, as well as harmonizing the efforts of governments and industry within the region to reduce potential trade barriers such as those relating to food and nutrition quality assurance standards.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asia, Southeastern; Body Weight/physiology*; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Diet/ethnology; Diet/standards*; Ethnic Groups*; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactation/physiology; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements*; Pregnancy/physiology; Guidelines as Topic; Nutrition Policy*
  4. Antibacterial activity of halogenated sesquiterpenes from Malaysian Laurencia spp
    Vairappan CS, Suzuki M, Ishii T, Okino T, Abe T, Masuda M
    Phytochemistry, 2008 Oct;69(13):2490-4.
    PMID: 18718619 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.06.015
    During our studies on Malaysian Laurencia species, brominated metabolites, tiomanene, acetylmajapolene B, and acetylmajapolene A were isolated from an unrecorded species collected at Pulau Tioman, Pahang along with known majapolene B and majapolene A. Acetylmajapolene A was a mixture of diastereomers as in the case of majapolene A. Tiomanene may be a plausible precursor for acetylmajapolenes B and A. In addition, three known halogenated sesquiterpenes and two known halogenated C(15) acetogenins were found from other two unrecorded species collected at Pulau Karah, Terengganu and Pulau Nyireh, Terengganu, respectively. Some of these halogenated metabolites showed moderate antibacterial activity against some marine bacteria.
    MeSH terms: Acetylation; Anti-Bacterial Agents/isolation & purification*; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry; Chromobacterium/drug effects; Erwinia/drug effects; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Proteus/drug effects; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification*; Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology*; Sesquiterpenes/chemistry; Vibrio/drug effects; Molecular Structure; Laurencia/chemistry*; Halogenation
  5. Electrogenerative gold recovery from cyanide solutions using a flow-through cell with activated reticulated vitreous carbon
    Yap CY, Mohamed N
    Chemosphere, 2008 Oct;73(5):685-91.
    PMID: 18718637 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.07.014
    An electrogenerative flow-through reactor with an activated reticulated vitreous carbon cathode was developed. The influence of palladium-tin activation of the cathode towards gold deposition was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The reactor proved to be efficient in recovering more than 99% of gold within 4 h of operation. The performance of the reactor was evaluated with initial gold concentrations of 10, 100 and 500 mg L-1 and various electrolyte flow rates. Gold recovery was found to be strongly dependent on electrolyte flow rate and initial gold concentration in the cyanide solution under the experimental conditions used.
    MeSH terms: Carbon/chemistry*; Cyanides/chemistry*; Electrochemistry/instrumentation; Electrochemistry/methods*; Gold/isolation & purification*; Solutions/chemistry
  6. First community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Malaysia
    Nor Shamsudin M, Sekawi Z, van Belkum A, Neela V
    J Med Microbiol, 2008 Sep;57(Pt 9):1180-1181.
    PMID: 18719195 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.47844-0
    MeSH terms: Carrier State/microbiology*; Carrier State/epidemiology; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nose/microbiology; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology*; Staphylococcal Infections/epidemiology; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects*; Methicillin Resistance*; Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology; Community-Acquired Infections/epidemiology
  7. A study of the antioxidant effect of alpha lipoic acids on sperm quality
    Ibrahim SF, Osman K, Das S, Othman AM, Majid NA, Rahman MP
    Clinics (Sao Paulo), 2008 Aug;63(4):545-50.
    PMID: 18719769
    OBJECTIVE: Assisted reproductive techniques are useful in helping infertile couples achieve successful conception. Initial studies have shown that sperm cryopreservation, one step in assisted reproduction, causes a dramatic reduction in sperm quality. This has been attributed to, among other things, free radical activities. The aim of the present study was to minimize this oxidative attack by adding an antioxidant into the sperm microenvironment. Alpha lipoic acids were selected for this purpose for their efficient free radical scavenging properties and solubility in lipid and aqueous phases.

    METHODS: For this investigation, semen from six Boer bucks was pooled. Seminal analysis of the baseline prior to incubation of samples with different concentrations of Alpha lipoic acids (0.00625, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mmol/ml) was performed, and post-seminal analysis was conducted after a one-hour incubation. The comet assay was used to observe the effect of Alpha lipoic acids on sperm DNA integrity. Statistical analysis using an unpaired t-test with a significance level of p<0.05 was then performed.

    RESULTS: Our results indicate that the sperm motility rate was improved after incubation with Alpha lipoic acids at a concentration of 0.02 mmol/ml. This concentration was also capable of reducing DNA damage.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Alpha lipoic acids renders cryoprotection to sperm, thereby improving sperm quality.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Antioxidants/therapeutic use*; DNA Damage/drug effects*; Humans; Infertility, Male/drug therapy*; Thioctic Acid/therapeutic use*; Male; Semen/drug effects*; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility/drug effects; Spermatozoa/drug effects*; Cryopreservation; Comet Assay
  8. Efflux genes and active efflux activity detection in Malaysian clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
    Saiful AJ, Mastura M, Zarizal S, Mazurah MI, Shuhaimi M, Ali AM
    J Basic Microbiol, 2008 Aug;48(4):245-51.
    PMID: 18720500 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.200700387
    Efflux-mediated resistance has been recognized as an important contributor of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, especially in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates. This study was carried out to detect and analyze efflux genes (norA and mdeA) and active efflux activity in a collection of Malaysian MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) clinical isolates. Nineteen isolates including three ATCC S. aureus reference strains were subjected to PCR detection and DNA sequence analysis for norA and mdeA and active efflux detection using modified minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. From the 19 isolates, 18 isolates harboured the mdeA gene while 16 isolates contained norA gene. DNA sequence analysis reveals 98-100% correlation between the PCR product and the published DNA sequences in GenBank. In addition, 16 isolates exhibited active efflux activity using the ethidium bromide (EtBr)-reserpine combination MIC assay. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection of efflux genes and active efflux activity amongst Malaysian clinical isolates of MRSA/MSSA. Detection of active efflux activity may explain the previous report on efflux-mediated drug resistance profile amongst the local clinical isolates.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/metabolism*; Bacterial Proteins/genetics*; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry; Ethidium/metabolism; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Reserpine/metabolism; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology*; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects; Staphylococcus aureus/genetics*; Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification; Staphylococcus aureus/metabolism*; Methicillin Resistance*; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics*; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins/genetics*
  9. Intestinal parasites in various animals at a zoo in Malaysia
    Lim YA, Ngui R, Shukri J, Rohela M, Mat Naim HR
    Vet Parasitol, 2008 Oct 20;157(1-2):154-9.
    PMID: 18723289 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.07.015
    A survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites from different groups of mammals housed in a zoological garden in Malaysia. A total of 197 faecal samples were collected randomly from various primates (99), hoofed mammals (70) and feline (28). It was discovered that 89.3% of feline, 54.5% of primates and 45.7% of hoofed mammals were infected with intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites found in primates were Balantidium coli (19.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (14.1%), hookworm (10.1%), Trichuris spp. (5.1%), Ascaris (4.0%) and Blastocystis spp. (2.0%). For hoofed mammals, hookworm had the highest prevalence (34.3%) followed by Trichuris spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.7%). Meanwhile, for feline, Toxocara cati was the most prevalent (64.3%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (14.3%), Spirometra spp. (7.1%), and hookworm (3.6%). Animals that were infected were all asymptomatic with low parasite load. Routine monitoring of the presence of parasites in animals kept in the zoo is imperative in assisting zoo management in the formulation and implementation of preventive and control measures against the spread of infectious parasitic diseases among animals within the zoo or to humans.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Zoo*; Artiodactyla/parasitology*; Feces/parasitology; Malaysia; Primates/parasitology*; Protozoan Infections, Animal/parasitology*; Felidae/parasitology*
  10. Glomus tumor in the second toe: a clinical insight
    Sapuan J, Paul AG, Abdullah S
    J Foot Ankle Surg, 2008;47(5):483-6.
    PMID: 18725132 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2008.05.008
    Glomus tumors are rare benign tumors commonly occurring in the digits of the hand. Surprisingly, considering the fingertips are of a similar make-up to the toes, there have been few reports of glomus tumor in the toes. The present case highlights a glomus tumor observed in the right second toe of a 56-year-old Indian female who presented with the classical triad of spontaneous pain, cold hypersensitivity, and pressure tenderness. There was a delay in diagnosis for approximately 18 years by various general practitioners who were not aware of the rare presentation of the glomus tumor. The tumor, which measured 5 x 3 mm, was excised from the nail bed of the toe. Histopathological inspection confirmed the diagnosis of glomus tumor. We believe that reporting this rare case may make clinicians more aware of this unusual diagnosis.
    MeSH terms: Bone Neoplasms/pathology*; Bone Neoplasms/surgery; Case Reports; Cold Temperature/adverse effects; Female; Glomus Tumor/pathology*; Glomus Tumor/surgery; Humans; Hyperalgesia/etiology; India/ethnology; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Toes/surgery*
  11. Medicinal properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)
    Pedraza-Chaverri J, Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Orozco-Ibarra M, Pérez-Rojas JM
    Food Chem Toxicol, 2008 Oct;46(10):3227-39.
    PMID: 18725264 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.07.024
    Many tropical plants have interesting biological activities with potential therapeutic applications. Garcinia mangostana Linn. (GML) belongs to the family of Guttiferae and is named "the queen of fruits". It is cultivated in the tropical rainforest of some Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Thailand. People in these countries have used the pericarp (peel, rind, hull or ripe) of GML as a traditional medicine for the treatment of abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, infected wound, suppuration, and chronic ulcer. Experimental studies have demonstrated that extracts of GML have antioxidant, antitumoral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. The pericarp of GML is a source of xanthones and other bioactive substances. Prenylated xanthones isolated from GML have been extensively studied; some members of these compounds possess antioxidant, antitumoral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Xanthones have been isolated from pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood, and leaves. The most studied xanthones are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-mangostins, garcinone E, 8-deoxygartanin, and gartanin. The aim of this review is to summarize findings of beneficial properties of GML's extracts and xanthones isolated from this plant so far.
    MeSH terms: Fruit/chemistry; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Plant Stems/chemistry; Garcinia mangostana/chemistry*; Xanthones/pharmacology; Xanthones/chemistry
  12. Tumour volume and lung metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma
    Munajat I, Zulmi W, Norazman MZ, Wan Faisham WI
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2008 Aug;16(2):182-5.
    PMID: 18725669
    To assess the association between tumour volume and occurrence of lung metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma and to determine the cut-off value.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Bone Neoplasms/pathology*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms/secondary*; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; ROC Curve; Osteosarcoma/pathology*; Radiography, Thoracic; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tumor Burden
  13. Midterm outcome of the Duracon total knee arthroplasty
    Yong CK, Choon DS, Soon HC
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2008 Aug;16(2):197-200.
    PMID: 18725672
    To present midterm results of Duracon total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed between 1991 and 2001.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/surgery; Female; Humans; Knee Prosthesis*; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Failure; Surveys and Questionnaires; Chi-Square Distribution; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods*; Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery
  14. Autologous versus pooled human serum for articular chondrocyte growth
    Munirah S, Ruszymah BH, Samsudin OC, Badrul AH, Azmi B, Aminuddin BS
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2008 Aug;16(2):220-9.
    PMID: 18725677
    To evaluate the effect of autologous human serum (AHS) versus pooled human serum (PHS) versus foetal bovine serum (FBS) for growth of articular chondrocytes and formation of chondrocytefibrin constructs.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Cartilage, Articular/cytology; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Culture Media; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Statistics, Nonparametric; Chondrocytes/physiology*; Chondrogenesis*; Tissue Engineering/methods*; Serum/metabolism*; Cell Proliferation
  15. Autologous chondrocyte transplantation in the repair of full-thickness focal cartilage damage in rabbits
    Kamarul T, Selvaratnam L, Masjuddin T, Ab-Rahim S, Ng C, Chan KY, et al.
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2008 Aug;16(2):230-6.
    PMID: 18725678
    To compare the efficacy of autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) versus non-operative measures for cartilage repair in rabbits.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cartilage Diseases/pathology; Cartilage Diseases/surgery*; Cartilage, Articular/cytology; Glycosaminoglycans/metabolism; Knee Joint/surgery*; Male; Rabbits; Transplantation, Autologous; Statistics, Nonparametric; Chondrocytes/transplantation*; Tissue Engineering/methods*
  16. Giant cell myocarditis with cardiac tamponade: a rare combination
    Murty OP
    Am J Forensic Med Pathol, 2008 Sep;29(3):245-8.
    PMID: 18725781 DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0b013e318183d55f
    Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare but fatal disease of idiopathic origin. It results in focal necrosis of myocardium. This is a case report of middle aged Malaysian Indian female who died due to cardiac tamponade due to rupture myocardium and tear in the root of aorta. On naked eye examination, it simply resembled as recent as well as old fibrotic areas of myocardial infarction. She was clinically diagnosed as a case of obstructive cardiomyopathy with atrioventricular block, and was on pace maker. There was subendocardial fibrosis and left ventricular transmural infarction in the left ventricle. On histopathology, this was diagnosed as GCM, there were widespread areas of inflammatory cellular infiltration within the myocardium with multinucleated giant cells and granulomas interspersed with lymphocytes. Microscopic field showed up to 10 multinucleated giant cells. In this case, there were focal areas at multiple locations and caused uneven thickness in the left ventricle wall. Idiopathic GCM is very rare and causation of hemopericardium is the unique feature of this case. In this case the direct link of GCM with aortitis and rupture of left ventricle wall resulting in hemopericardium is shown. This case is documented through macroscopic as well as microscopic photographs in H&E, Ziel-Nelson, and GMS staining.
    MeSH terms: Aorta/injuries; Aorta/pathology; Aortitis/etiology; Aortitis/pathology; Cardiac Tamponade/complications; Cardiac Tamponade/pathology*; Female; Fibrosis; Granuloma/pathology; Heart Ventricles/injuries; Heart Ventricles/pathology; Humans; Lymphocytes/pathology; Middle Aged; Myocarditis/complications; Myocarditis/pathology*; Myocardium/pathology; Pericardial Effusion/etiology; Pericardial Effusion/pathology; Rupture, Spontaneous; Giant Cells/pathology*; Forensic Pathology
  17. Cloning, extracellular expression and characterization of a predominant beta-CGTase from Bacillus sp. G1 in E. coli
    Ong RM, Goh KM, Mahadi NM, Hassan O, Rahman RN, Illias RM
    J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol, 2008 Dec;35(12):1705-14.
    PMID: 18726621 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-008-0462-2
    The cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase, EC 2.4.1.19) gene from Bacillus sp. G1 was successfully isolated and cloned into Escherichia coli. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed the presence of an open reading frame of 2,109 bp and encoded a 674 amino acid protein. Purified CGTase exhibited a molecular weight of 75 kDa and had optimum activity at pH 6 and 60 degrees C. Heterologous recombinant protein expression in E. coli is commonly problematic causing intracellular localization and formation of inactive inclusion bodies. This paper shows that the majority of CGTase was secreted into the medium due to the signal peptide of Bacillus sp. G1 that also works well in E. coli, leading to easier purification steps. When reacted with starch, CGTase G1 produced 90% beta-cyclodextrin (CD) and 10% gamma-CD. This enzyme also preferred the economical tapioca starch as a substrate, based on kinetics studies. Therefore, CGTase G1 could potentially serve as an industrial enzyme for the production of beta-CD.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Bacillus/enzymology*; Bacillus/genetics; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism*; Base Sequence; Cloning, Molecular; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Enzyme Stability; Escherichia coli/metabolism; Genes, Bacterial; Glucosyltransferases/genetics; Glucosyltransferases/isolation & purification; Glucosyltransferases/metabolism*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Molecular Sequence Data; Molecular Weight; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/metabolism*; Open Reading Frames; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Sequence Analysis, Protein; Protein Sorting Signals/genetics
  18. Fibrin promotes proliferation and matrix production of intervertebral disc cells cultured in three-dimensional poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold
    Sha'ban M, Yoon SJ, Ko YK, Ha HJ, Kim SH, So JW, et al.
    J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 2008;19(9):1219-37.
    PMID: 18727862 DOI: 10.1163/156856208785540163
    Previously, we have proven that fibrin and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds facilitate cell proliferation, matrix production and early chondrogenesis of rabbit articular chondrocytes in in vitro and in vivo experiments. In this study, we evaluated the potential of fibrin/PLGA scaffold for intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue engineering using annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in relation to potential clinical application. PLGA scaffolds were soaked in cells-fibrin suspension and polymerized by dropping thrombin-sodium chloride (CaCl(2)) solution. A PLGA-cell complex without fibrin was used as control. Higher cellular proliferation activity was observed in fibrin/PLGA-seeded AF and NP cells at each time point of 3, 7, 14 and 7 days using the MTT assay. After 3 weeks in vitro incubation, fibrin/PLGA exhibited a firmer gross morphology than PLGA groups. A significant cartilaginous tissue formation was observed in fibrin/PLGA, as proven by the development of cells cluster of various sizes and three-dimensional (3D) cartilaginous histoarchitecture and the presence of proteoglycan-rich matrix and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). The sGAG production measured by 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay revealed greater sGAG production in fibrin/PLGA than PLGA group. Immunohistochemical analyses showed expressions of collagen type II, aggrecan core protein and collagen type I genes throughout in vitro culture in both fibrin/PLGA and PLGA. In conclusion, fibrin promotes cell proliferation, stable in vitro tissue morphology, superior cartilaginous tissue formation and sGAG production of AF and NP cells cultured in PLGA scaffold. The 3D porous PLGA scaffold-cell complexes using fibrin can provide a vehicle for delivery of cells to regenerate tissue-engineered IVD tissue.
    MeSH terms: Actins/genetics; Actins/metabolism; Animals; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Cartilage/cytology; Cartilage/metabolism; Cells, Cultured; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*; Fibrin/metabolism*; Intervertebral Disc/cytology*; Materials Testing; Phenotype; Polyglycolic Acid/chemistry*; Rabbits; Lactic Acid/chemistry*; Collagen Type I/genetics; Collagen Type I/metabolism; Collagen Type II/genetics; Collagen Type II/metabolism; Cell Proliferation*; Aggrecans/genetics; Aggrecans/metabolism; Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry*
  19. An alternative Candida spp. cell wall disruption method using a basic sorbitol lysis buffer and glass beads
    Lim CS, Tung CH, Rosli R, Chong PP
    J Microbiol Methods, 2008 Dec;75(3):576-8.
    PMID: 18727938 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2008.07.026
    This report describes a modified, cost-effective method of cell wall disruption for the yeast Candida spp., which employs the use of glass beads in a simple sorbitol lysis buffer. This method can be used in conjunction with a commercial RNA or genomic DNA isolation method to obtain high-quality RNA or DNA.
    MeSH terms: Candida/genetics; Candida/chemistry*; Cell Wall/chemistry*; DNA, Fungal/genetics; DNA, Fungal/isolation & purification*; Genetic Techniques*; RNA, Fungal/genetics; RNA, Fungal/isolation & purification*; Sorbitol/chemistry
  20. Fulltext Culture, cross-role consistency, and adjustment: testing trait and cultural psychology perspectives
    Church AT, Anderson-Harumi CA, del Prado AM, Curtis GJ, Tanaka-Matsumi J, Valdez Medina JL, et al.
    J Pers Soc Psychol, 2008 Sep;95(3):739-55.
    PMID: 18729706 DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.95.3.739
    Trait and cultural psychology perspectives on cross-role consistency and its relation to adjustment were examined in 2 individualistic cultures, the United States (N=231) and Australia (N=195), and 4 collectivistic cultures, Mexico (N=199), the Philippines (N=195), Malaysia (N=217), and Japan (N=180). Cross-role consistency in trait ratings was evident in all cultures, supporting trait perspectives. Cultural comparisons of mean consistency provided support for cultural psychology perspectives as applied to East Asian cultures (i.e., Japan) but not collectivistic cultures more generally. Some but not all of the hypothesized predictors of consistency were supported across cultures. Cross-role consistency predicted aspects of adjustment in all cultures, but prediction was most reliable in the U.S. sample and weakest in the Japanese sample. Alternative constructs proposed by cultural psychologists--personality coherence, social appraisal, and relationship harmony--predicted adjustment in all cultures but were not, as hypothesized, better predictors of adjustment in collectivistic cultures than in individualistic cultures.
    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological*; Adolescent; Australia; Character*; Cross-Cultural Comparison*; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Japan; Malaysia; Male; Mexico; Personality Inventory; Philippines; Social Conformity; Social Perception; Social Values*; United States; Young Adult
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