Browse publications by year: 2010

Fulltext Emerging epidemic viral encephalitides with a special focus on henipaviruses

Wong KT

Acta Neuropathol, 2010 Sep;120(3):317-25.
PMID: 20652579 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0720-z

In the last few decades, there is an increasing emergence and re-emergence of viruses, such as West Nile virus, Enterovirus 71 and henipaviruses that cause epidemic viral encephalitis and other central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. The mortality and morbidity associated with these outbreaks are significant and frequently severe. While aspects of epidemiology, basic virology, etc., may be known, the pathology and pathogenesis are often less so, partly due to a lack of interest among pathologists or because many of these infections are considered "third world" diseases. In the study of epidemic viral encephalitis, the pathologist's role in unravelling the pathology and pathogenesis is critical. The novel henipavirus infection is a good example. The newly created genus Henipavirus within the family Paramyxoviridae consists of two viruses, viz., Hendra virus and Nipah virus. These two viruses emerged in Australia and Asia, respectively, to cause severe encephalitides in humans and animals. Studies show that the pathological features of the acute encephalitis caused by henipaviruses are similar and a unique dual pathogenetic mechanism of vasculitis-induced microinfarction and parenchymal cell infection in the CNS (mainly neurons) and other organs causes severe tissue damage. Both viruses can cause relapsing encephalitis months and years after the acute infection due to a true recurrent infection as evidenced by the presence of virus in infected cells. Future emerging viral encephalitides will no doubt continue to pose considerable challenges to the neuropathologist, and as the West Nile virus outbreak demonstrates, even economically advanced nations are not spared.

MeSH terms: Animals; Disease Outbreaks*; Humans; Encephalitis, Viral/epidemiology*; Encephalitis, Viral/pathology*; Henipavirus Infections/epidemiology*; Henipavirus Infections/pathology*
Feeding ecology of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) in Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia: a 3-year record including two mast fruitings

Kanamori T, Kuze N, Bernard H, Malim TP, Kohshima S

Am J Primatol, 2010 Sep;72(9):820-40.
PMID: 20653008 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20848

We observed the diet and activity of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) in the primary lowland dipterocarp forests of Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia, during 2005-2007, including two mast fruitings. We collected 1,785 hr of focal data on 26 orangutans. We identified 1,466 samples of their food plants and conducted a fallen fruit census to monitor fruit availability in the study area. Their activity budget was 47.2% feeding, 34.4% resting, and 16.9% traveling. Fruits accounted for the largest part (60.9%) of feeding time, especially during mast fruiting periods (64.0-100%), although the percentages of leaves (22.2%) and bark (12.3%) were higher than those reported for P. abelii and P. pygmaeus wurmbii. Although 119 genera and 160 plant species were consumed by focal animals, only 9 genera accounted for more than 3% of feeding time (total: 67.8% for 9 genera). In particular, the focal orangutans fed intensively on Ficus and Spatholobus during most of the study period, especially in periods of fruit shortage. The percentage of fruit feeding changed markedly from 11.7 to 100% across different months of the year, and was positively correlated with the amount of fallen fruit. When fruit feeding and availability decreased, orangutans fed primarily on leaves of Spatholobus and Ficus, and the bark of Spatholobus and dipterocarp. The percentage of time devoted to feeding during mast fruitings, when the orangutans foraged almost exclusively on fruits, was lower than during seasons when the orangutan diet included leaves and bark as well as fruits. Resting increased as feeding decreased in the late stage of each fruiting season, suggesting that the orangutans adopted an energy-minimizing strategy to survive the periods of fruit shortage by using energy stored during the fruit season.

MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; Climate; Diet*; Feeding Behavior/physiology*; Fruit*; Longitudinal Studies; Pongo pygmaeus/physiology*; Seasons; Observation
Placement of removable metal biliary stent in post-orthotopic liver transplantation anastomotic stricture

Tee HP, James MW, Kaffes AJ

World J Gastroenterol, 2010 Jul 28;16(28):3597-600.
PMID: 20653071

Postoperative biliary strictures are the most common cause of benign biliary stricture in Western countries, secondary to either operative injury or bile duct anastomotic stricture following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Surgery or endoscopic interventions are the mainstay of treatment for benign biliary strictures. We aim to report the outcome of 2 patients with refractory anastomotic biliary stricture post-OLT, who had successful temporary placement of a prototype removable covered self-expandable metal stent (RCSEMS). These 2 patients (both men, aged 44 and 53 years) were given temporary placement of a prototype RCSEMS (8.5 Fr gauge delivery system, 8 mm x 40 mm stent dimensions) in the common bile duct across the biliary stricture. There was no morbidity associated with stent placement and removal in these 2 cases. Clinical parameters improved after the RCSEMS placement. Long-term biliary patency was achieved in both the patients. No further biliary intervention was required within 14 and 18 mo follow-up after stent removal.

MeSH terms: Adult; Bile Ducts/pathology; Bile Ducts/surgery*; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Constriction, Pathologic/etiology; Humans; Male; Metals*; Middle Aged; Stents*; Liver Transplantation/adverse effects*; Treatment Outcome; Device Removal
Fulltext Chronic hepatitis C infection associated with neuromyelitis optica and antinuclear antibodies

Earnest BS, Men LC, Sukvinder Kaur G, Alias RB, Sunita Devi H

J Assoc Physicians India, 2010 Feb;58(2):118-20.
PMID: 20653157

The neurological manifestations of chronic hepatitis C is most often a peripheral sensory neuropathy characterised by numbness, burning and sensation of "pins and needles". Peripheral motor neuropathy, mononeuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex and transverse myelitis also occur. Ischemic stroke and transient cerebral ischemia have also been reported. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is seen, often following interferon therapy. We report an exceptional case of neuromyelitis optica in chronic hepatitis C infection in the absence of interferon therapy.

MeSH terms: Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use; Antibodies, Antinuclear/immunology*; Humans; Male; Menopause; Middle Aged; Neuromyelitis Optica/complications*; Neuromyelitis Optica/drug therapy; Prednisolone/therapeutic use; Treatment Outcome; Hepatitis C Antibodies/immunology*; Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications*
Changes in anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification in eyes with occludable angles

Shin HC, Subrayan V, Tajunisah I

J Cataract Refract Surg, 2010 Aug;36(8):1289-95.
PMID: 20656150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2010.02.024

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) and intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification in eyes with occludable angles and compare the results with those in eyes with normal open angles.
SETTING: Eye Clinic, Ipoh General Hospital, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
METHODS: Patients with nonglaucomatous eyes with open angles or with occludable angles were recruited. Ocular biometric measurements (ACD, axial length [AL], lens thickness and position) and IOP (tonometry) were performed preoperatively and 1 day and 1, 4, 9, and 12 weeks postoperatively.
RESULTS: The open-angle group and occludable-angle group each comprised 35 patients. The occludable-angle group had a shallower ACD, shorter AL, thicker and relatively anterior lens position, and higher IOP preoperatively; postoperatively, there was a significant increase in ACD and a significant reduction in IOP (P

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anterior Chamber/pathology*; Biometry; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glaucoma, Open-Angle/physiopathology; Gonioscopy; Hospitals, General; Humans; Intraocular Pressure/physiology*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Prospective Studies; Visual Acuity/physiology; Glaucoma, Angle-Closure/physiopathology*; Phacoemulsification*; Lens Implantation, Intraocular*
Subcritical water liquefaction of oil palm fruit press fiber in the presence of sodium hydroxide: an optimisation study using response surface methodology

Mazaheri H, Lee KT, Bhatia S, Mohamed AR

Bioresour Technol, 2010 Dec;101(23):9335-41.
PMID: 20656481 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.07.004

Thermal decomposition of oil palm fruit press fiber (FPF) into a liquid product (LP) was achieved using subcritical water treatment in the presence of sodium hydroxide in a high pressure batch reactor. This study uses experimental design and process optimisation tools to maximise the LP yield using response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The independent variables were temperature, residence time, particle size, specimen loading, and additive loading. The mathematical model that was developed fit the experimental results well for all of the response variables that were studied. The optimal conditions were found to be a temperature of 551 K, a residence time of 40 min, a particle size of 710-1000 microm, a specimen loading of 5 g, and a additive loading of 9 wt.% to achieve a LP yield of 76.16%.

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Biotechnology/methods*; Dietary Fiber*; Fruit/chemistry*; Models, Chemical; Plant Oils/chemistry*; Sodium Hydroxide/chemistry*; Waste Products/analysis*; Water/chemistry*; Arecaceae/chemistry*
Prevalence of mupirocin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from a Malaysian hospital

Lim KT, Hanifah YA, Mohd Yusof MY, Thong KL

Jpn J Infect Dis, 2010 Jul;63(4):286-9.
PMID: 20657072

Mupirocin is used topically to treat skin infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One hundred eighty-eight strains (isolated in 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2008) were tested for mupirocin susceptibility using disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Mupirocin resistance was detected in 10 (5%) strains with 2 of them showing MIC of 256 mg/l. PCR detection using gene-specific primers showed that all 10 mupirocin-resistant strains harbored ileS2 gene whereas mupA gene was detected in 2 mupirocin-resistant strains with MIC of 256 mg/l. Amplification of agr grouping and SCCmec typing showed that all 10 strains were agr group I and SCCmec type III. Sequence analysis of region X of the spa gene yielded 4 distinct spa types (t037, t363, t421, and t6405) which were clonally related. In conclusion, the rate of mupirocin resistance in Malaysia is still low but is much higher than previous reports in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Genes, Bacterial; Genotype; Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nuclear Proteins/genetics; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology*; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Trans-Activators/genetics; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction; DNA Fingerprinting; Mupirocin/pharmacology*; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Drug Resistance, Bacterial*; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects*; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification
Fulltext Immediate placement and loading of implants in anterior maxilla using an altered screw-retained implant fixed prosthesis

Baig MR, Rajan G

Indian J Dent Res, 2010 Apr-Jun;21(2):311-3.
PMID: 20657109 DOI: 10.4103/0970-9290.66635

This article describes the immediate placement and loading of implants in the aesthetic zone using an implant-retained, fixed prosthesis with a modified design. One section of the implant prosthesis has cemented crowns and the other section is the conventional screw-retained. This combined approach significantly offsets the unsuitable implant position, alignment or angulation, while ensuring the easy retrievability, repair and maintenance of the prosthesis at the same time.

MeSH terms: Crowns; Dental Implantation, Endosseous/methods*; Denture, Partial, Fixed; Denture, Partial, Immediate*; Humans; Jaw, Edentulous, Partially/rehabilitation*; Male; Maxilla/surgery; Middle Aged; Time Factors; Dental Prosthesis Design; Dental Prosthesis Retention/instrumentation*; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported*
Fulltext Alkaloids from Fissistigma latifolium (Dunal) Merr

Alias A, Hazni H, Jaafar FM, Awang K, Ismail NH

Molecules, 2010 Jul;15(7):4583-8.
PMID: 20657378 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15074583

A phytochemical study of the bark of Fissistigma latifolium (Annonaceae) yielded a new aporphine alkaloid, (-)-N-methylguattescidine (1), and eight known alkaloids: liriodenine (2), oxoxylopine (3), (-)-asimilobine (4), dimethyltryptamine (5), (-)-remerine (6), (-)-anonaine (7), columbamine (8) and lysicamine (9). The compounds were isolated using various chromatographic methods and structural elucidation was accomplished by means of spectroscopic methods, notably 1D-NMR ((1)H, (13)C, DEPT), 2D-NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC), UV, IR and MS.

MeSH terms: Alkaloids/analysis*; Alkaloids/isolation & purification; Chromatography; Spectrum Analysis; Molecular Structure; Plant Bark/chemistry; Annonaceae/chemistry*
Fulltext A new cembrane diterpene from the Bornean soft coral Nephthea sp

Ishii T, Zhaoqi Z, Vairappan CS

Molecules, 2010 May 26;15(6):3857-62.
PMID: 20657412 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15063857

A new cembrane diterpene, 6-acetoxy-7,8-epoxynephthenol acetate (1) was isolated along with a known compound, epoxynephthenol acetate (2), from the organic extract of a Bornean soft coral Nephthea sp. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and comparison with those previous literature data.

MeSH terms: Animals; Diterpenes/chemistry*; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Molecular Structure; Anthozoa/chemistry*
Fulltext Antioxidant activities, total phenolics and flavonoids content in two varieties of Malaysia young ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Ghasemzadeh A, Jaafar HZ, Rahmat A

Molecules, 2010 Jun 14;15(6):4324-33.
PMID: 20657444 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15064324

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a well known and widely used herb, especially in Asia, which contains several interesting bioactive constituents and possesses health promoting properties. In this study, the antioxidant activities of methanol extracts from the leaves, stems and rhizomes of two Zingiber officinale varieties (Halia Bentong and Halia Bara) were assessed in an effort to compare and validate the medicinal potential of the subterranean part of the young ginger. The antioxidant activity and phenolic contents of the leaves as determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the total amounts of phenolics and flavonoids were higher than those of the rhizomes and stems. On the other hand, the ferric reducing/antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity of the rhizomes was higher than that of the leaves. At low concentration the values of the leaves' inhibition activity in both varieties were significantly higher than or comparable to those of the young rhizomes. Halia Bara had higher antioxidant activities as well as total contents of phenolic and flavonoid in comparison with Halia Bentong. This study validated the medicinal potential of the leaves and young rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Halia Bara) and the positive relationship between total phenolics content and antioxidant activities in Zingiber officinale.

MeSH terms: Antioxidants/chemistry*; Flavonoids/chemistry*; Phenols/chemistry*; Ginger/chemistry*
Fulltext HPLC and anti-inflammatory studies of the flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction of Orthosiphon stamineus leaves

Yam MF, Lim V, Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Ang LF, Rosidah N, et al.

Molecules, 2010 Jun 21;15(6):4452-66.
PMID: 20657453 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15064452

The aim of the present study was to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts and to identify the active compound(s) contributing to its anti-inflammatory activity using a developed HPLC method. Active chloroform extract of O. stamineus was fractionated into three fractions using a dry flash column chromatography method. These three fractions were investigated for anti-peritoneal capillary permeability, in vitro nitric oxide scavenging activity, anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method. The flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction (CF2) [containing sinensetin (2.86% w/w), eupatorin (5.05% w/w) and 3'-hydroxy-5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (1.101% w/w)], significantly reduced rat hind paw edema, NO and decreased dye leakage to peritoneal cavity at p < 0.05. IC(50) of in vitro NO scavenging of CF2 was 0.3 mg/mL. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of these CF2 may possibly be due to the presence of flavonoid compounds capable of affecting the NO pathway.

MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry*; Carrageenan/toxicity; Chloroform/chemistry*; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Edema/chemically induced; Edema/drug therapy; Female; Flavonoids/chemistry*; Male; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Plant Leaves/chemistry*; Orthosiphon/chemistry*; Rats
Fulltext In vitro antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects of Lentinula edodes against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity

Sasidharan S, Aravindran S, Latha LY, Vijenthi R, Saravanan D, Amutha S

Molecules, 2010 Jun 23;15(6):4478-89.
PMID: 20657455 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15064478

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extracts of L. edodes and the determination of their total phenolics content.
RESULTS: The amount of total phenolics was estimated to be 70.83 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) per gram of dry extract. The antioxidant activity of the L. edodes extract was 39.0% at a concentration of 1 mg/mL and was also concentration dependant, with an EC(50) value of 4.4 mg/mL. Different groups of animals (Wister albino mice) were administered paracetamol (1 g/kg, p.o.). L. edodes extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg was administered to the paracetamol treated mice for seven days. The effects of L. edodes extract on serum transaminases (SGOT, SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin were measured in the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxic mice. L. edodes extract produced significant (p < 0.05) hepatoprotective effects by decreasing the activity of serum enzymes and bilirubin.
CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it was suggested that L. edodes extract could perhaps protect liver cells from paracetamol-induced liver damage by its antioxidative effect on hepatocytes, hence diminishing or eliminating the harmful effects of toxic metabolites of paracetamol.

MeSH terms: Acetaminophen/toxicity*; Animals; Antioxidants/therapeutic use*; Antioxidants/chemistry; Female; Male; Shiitake Mushrooms/chemistry*; Hepatocytes/drug effects; Hepatocytes/metabolism; Mice; Drug-Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy*; Drug-Induced Liver Injury/etiology
Fulltext Wound healing potential of Elaeis guineensis Jacq leaves in an infected albino rat model

Sasidharan S, Nilawatyi R, Xavier R, Latha LY, Amala R

Molecules, 2010 Apr 30;15(5):3186-99.
PMID: 20657471 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15053186

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Elaeis guineensis Jacq (Arecaceae) is one of the plants that are central to the lives of traditional societies in West Africa. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of ailments. The plant leaves are also used in some parts of Africa for wound healing, but there are no scientific reports on any wound healing activity of the plant.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of E. guineensis leaf on wound healing activity in rats.
METHODS: A phytochemical screening was done to determine the major phytochemicals in the extract. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was examined using the disk diffusion technique and broth dilution method. The wound healing activity of leaves of E. guineensiswas studied by incorporating the methanolic extract in yellow soft paraffin in concentration of 10% (w/w). Wound healing activity was studied by determining the percentage of wound closure, microbial examination of granulated skin tissue and histological analysis in the control and extract treated groups.
RESULTS: Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, and flavonoids in the extract. The extract showed significant activity against Candida albicans with an MIC value of 6.25 mg/mL. The results show that the E. guineensis extract has potent wound healing capacity, as evident from better wound closure, improved tissue regeneration at the wound site, and supporting histopathological parameters pertaining to wound healing. Assessment of granulation tissue every fourth day showed a significant reduction in microbial count.
CONCLUSIONS: E. guineensis accelerated wound healing in rats, thus supporting this traditional use.

MeSH terms: Africa; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Granulation Tissue; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Wound Healing/drug effects*; Medicine, African Traditional/methods*; Treatment Outcome; Plant Leaves; Rats
Fulltext Synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of new diols containing azomethine groups

Mohammed IA, Sankar G, Khairuddean M, Mohamad AB

Molecules, 2010 Apr 30;15(5):3260-9.
PMID: 20657475 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15053260

A series of new mesogenic azomethine diols were successfully synthesized by condensation reactions between various chloroalkanols and N,N'-bis(4-hydroxy)-benzylidene-o-toluidine (1). The structures of these compounds were confirmed by CHN, FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, and (13)C-NMR spectrophotometer. Their thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscope (POM). 4,4'-di(4-Hydroxybutoxy)-N-benzylidine-o-tolidine (2a) does not exhibit liquid crystalline properties. A nematic texture was observed for mesogenic diols 2b, and 2d, whereas the diol 2c exhibits a smectic mesophase. The increase of terminal alkyl chain in these mesogenic diols leads to a decrease in the transition temperature.

MeSH terms: Alcohols/chemical synthesis*; Azo Compounds/chemistry*; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Thiosemicarbazones/chemistry*; Molecular Structure; Transition Temperature; Phase Transition; Liquid Crystals/chemistry*
Fulltext Standardization of Cassia spectabilis with respect to authenticity, assay and chemical constituent analysis

Torey A, Sasidharan S, Yeng C, Latha LY

Molecules, 2010 May 10;15(5):3411-20.
PMID: 20657490 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15053411

Quality control standardizations of the various medicinal plants used in traditional medicine is becoming more important today in view of the commercialization of formulations based on these plants. An attempt at standardization of Cassia spectabilis leaf has been carried out with respect to authenticity, assay and chemical constituent analysis. The authentication involved many parameters, including gross morphology, microscopy of the leaves and functional group analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The assay part of standardization involved determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract which could help assess the chemical effects and establish curative values. The MIC of the C. spectabilis leaf extracts was investigated using the Broth Dilution Method. The extracts showed a MIC value of 6.25 mg/mL, independent of the extraction time. The chemical constituent aspect of standardization involves quantification of the main chemical components in C. spectabilis. The GCMS method used for quantification of 2,4-(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione in the extract was rapid, accurate, precise, linear (R(2) = 0.8685), rugged and robust. Hence this method was suitable for quantification of this component in C. spectabilis. The standardization of C. spectabilis is needed to facilitate marketing of medicinal plants, with a view to promoting the export of valuable Malaysian Traditional Medicinal plants such as C. spectabilis.

MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents/analysis; Antifungal Agents/standards*; Cassia/chemistry*; Malaysia; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plants, Medicinal; Quality Control*; Reference Standards; Plant Leaves/chemistry
Fulltext Effects of Andrographis paniculata and Orthosiphon stamineus extracts on the glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone in human UGT isoforms

Ismail S, Hanapi NA, Ab Halim MR, Uchaipichat V, Mackenzie PI

Molecules, 2010 May 14;15(5):3578-92.
PMID: 20657500 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15053578

The effects of Andrographis paniculata and Orthosiphon stamineus extracts on the in vitro glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) by recombinant human UGTs, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A10, UGT2B7 and UGT2B15 were determined. The potential inhibitory effects of both of the extracts on the activity of each of the UGT isoforms were investigated using 4MU as the substrate. Incubations contained UDP-glucuronic acid (UDPGA) as the cofactor, MgCl(2), cell lysate of respective isoform, and 4MU at the approximate apparent K(m) or S(50) value of each isoform. Final concentrations of Andrographis paniculata and Orthosiphon stamineus extracts used were 0.025, 0.25, 2.5, 25 and 50 microg/mL and 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 50 microg/mL respectively. Both extracts variably inhibited the activity of most of the isoforms in a concentration dependent manner. Andrographis paniculata extract was the better inhibitor of all the isoforms studied (IC(50) 1.70 microg/mL for UGT1A3, 2.57 microg/mL for UGT1A8, 2.82 microg/mL for UGT2B7, 5.00 micorg/mL for UGT1A1, 5.66 microg/mL for UGT1A6, 9.88 microg/mL for UGT1A7 and 15.66 microg/mL for UGT1A10). Both extracts showed less than 70% inhibition of UGT2B15, so the IC(50) values were >50 microg/mL. The inhibition of human UGTs by Andrographis paniculata and Orthosiphon stamineus extracts in vitro suggests a potential for drug-herbal extract interactions in the therapeutic setting.

MeSH terms: Humans; Hymecromone/analogs & derivatives*; Hymecromone/chemistry; Monosaccharide Transport Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Protein Isoforms; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Glucuronides/chemistry*; Orthosiphon/chemistry*; Andrographis/chemistry*
Fulltext Computed tomography of blunt renal trauma

Razali MR, Azian AA, Amran AR, Azlin S

Singapore Med J, 2010 Jun;51(6):468-73; quiz 474.
PMID: 20658105

Renal injury is observed in 10 percent of cases of abdominal trauma, and the majority (80 percent to 90 percent) of these are attributable to blunt trauma. Intravenous urography and ultrasonography of the abdomen were previously the modalities of choice in the imaging of renal injuries. However, computed tomography (CT) is currently the imaging modality of choice in the evaluation of blunt renal injury, since it provides the exact staging of renal injuries. The purpose of this article is to describe the CT staging of renal injuries observed in blunt abdominal trauma based on the Federle Classification and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma renal injury severity scale.

MeSH terms: Abdominal Injuries/diagnosis; Abdominal Injuries/radiography; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Diagnostic Imaging/methods; Female; Hemorrhage/diagnosis; Hemorrhage/radiography; Humans; Kidney/blood supply; Kidney/injuries*; Kidney/radiography*; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*; Wounds, Nonpenetrating/diagnosis; Wounds, Nonpenetrating/radiography
Fulltext Retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones smaller than 2 cm

Ho CC, Hafidzul J, Praveen S, Goh EH, Bong JJ, Lee BC, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2010 Jun;51(6):512-5.
PMID: 20658113

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is accepted as the gold standard treatment for renal stones that are smaller than 2 cm. Recently, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has been introduced as another form of treatment. We report our experience in dealing with renal stones smaller than 2 cm using RIRS as the primary treatment and following failed ESWL.

MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Kidney/pathology; Kidney/surgery; Kidney Calculi/pathology; Kidney Calculi/surgery*; Lithotripsy/methods*; Male; Middle Aged; Nephrology/methods*; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
Suicide trends in Singapore: 1955-2004

Chia BH, Chia A, Yee NW, Choo TB

Arch Suicide Res, 2010;14(3):276-83.
PMID: 20658381 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2010.494147

The objective of this study was to investigate suicide trends in Singapore between 1955 and 2004. Suicide cases were identified from the Registry of Birth and Death, Singapore, and analyzed using Poisson regression. Overall, suicide rates in Singapore remained stable between 9.8-13.0/100,000 over the last 5 decades. Rates remain highest in elderly males, despite declines among the elderly and middle-aged males in recent years. Rates in ethnic Chinese and Indians were consistently higher than in Malays. While the rates among female Indians and Chinese have declined significantly between 1995 and 2004, some increase was noted in female Malays. Although there was no increase in overall suicide rates, risk within certain population segments has changed over time.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cause of Death; Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality/trends*; Registries*; Singapore/epidemiology; Suicide/statistics & numerical data*; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*; Age Distribution; Sex Distribution; Young Adult

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