Browse publications by year: 2011

  1. Compressive radial neuropathy induced by 'hooking' manoeuvre in a tetraplegic person
    Julia PE, Mazlina M, Nazirah H
    Spinal Cord, 2011 Oct;49(10):1082-3.
    PMID: 20877330 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2010.137
    Case report.
    MeSH terms: Arm/innervation; Arm/physiopathology; Electrodiagnosis/methods; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quadriplegia/complications*; Quadriplegia/rehabilitation; Radial Nerve/injuries*; Radial Nerve/physiopathology*; Cumulative Trauma Disorders/diagnosis; Cumulative Trauma Disorders/etiology; Cumulative Trauma Disorders/physiopathology*; Wheelchairs/adverse effects*; Muscle Weakness/etiology; Muscle Weakness/physiopathology; Radial Neuropathy/diagnosis; Radial Neuropathy/etiology; Radial Neuropathy/physiopathology*
  2. Challenges and issues in moving towards sustainable landfilling in a transitory country - Malaysia
    Agamuthu P, Fauziah SH
    Waste Manag Res, 2011 Jan;29(1):13-9.
    PMID: 20880936 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X10383080
    Malaysia disposes of 28,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste directly into landfills daily. This fact alone necessitates sustainable landfills to avoid adverse impacts on the population and the environment. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the issues and challenges faced by waste managers in moving towards sustainable landfilling in Malaysia. Various factors influence the management of a landfill. Among them is the human factor, which includes attitude and public participation. Although Malaysia's economy is developing rapidly, public concern and awareness are not evolving in parallel and therefore participation towards sustainable waste management through the 'reduce, reuse and recycle' approach (3Rs) is severely lacking. Consequently, landfill space is exhausted earlier than scheduled and this is no longer sustainable in terms of security of disposal. Challenges also arise from the lack of funding and the increase in the price of land. Thus, most waste managers normally aim for 'just enough' to comply with the regulations. Investment for the establishment of landfills generally is minimized since landfilling operations are considered uneconomical after closure. Institutional factors also hamper the practice of sustainable landfilling in the country where 3Rs is not mandatory and waste separation is totally absent. Although there are huge obstacles to be dealt with in moving towards sustainable landfilling in Malaysia, recent developments in waste management policy and regulations have indicated that positive changes are possible in the near future. Consequently, with the issues solved and challenges tackled, landfills in Malaysia can then be managed effectively in a more sustainable manner.
    MeSH terms: Attitude; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Developing Countries; Malaysia; Refuse Disposal/economics*; Refuse Disposal/legislation & jurisprudence; Refuse Disposal/methods; Waste Management/economics*; Waste Management/legislation & jurisprudence; Waste Management/methods; Policy; Recycling/economics*; Recycling/legislation & jurisprudence; Recycling/methods
  3. The contribution of α1B-adrenoceptor subtype in the renal vasculature of fructose-fed Sprague-Dawley rats
    Abdulla MH, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Hye Khan MA, Anand Swarup KR, Johns EJ
    Eur J Nutr, 2011 Jun;50(4):251-60.
    PMID: 20882287 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-010-0133-8
    PURPOSE: Fructose feeding induces a moderate increase in blood pressure, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia. This study investigated the role of α(1B)-adrenoceptor subtype in the control of renal hemodynamic responses to exogenously administered angiotensin II (Ang II) and a set of adrenergic agonists in a model of high fructose-fed rats.
    METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed for 8 weeks with 20% fructose in drinking water (FFR). The renal cortical vasoconstriction to noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE), methoxamine (ME) and Ang II in the presence and absence of chloroethylclonidine (CEC) (α(1B)-adrenoceptor antagonist) was determined. Data, mean ± SEM or SD were subjected to ANOVA with significance at p 
    MeSH terms: Angiotensin II/metabolism; Animals; Dietary Carbohydrates/adverse effects*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fructose/adverse effects*; Hemodynamics/drug effects; Hyperglycemia/etiology; Hyperinsulinism/etiology; Hyperinsulinism/physiopathology*; Hypertension/etiology*; Kidney/blood supply*; Kidney/drug effects; Kidney/physiopathology; Male; Random Allocation; Regional Blood Flow/drug effects; Vasoconstriction/drug effects; Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/physiology*; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/chemistry; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism; Rats; Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists/administration & dosage; Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists/pharmacology; Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists/administration & dosage; Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
  4. Performances of toluene removal by activated carbon derived from durian shell
    Tham YJ, Latif PA, Abdullah AM, Shamala-Devi A, Taufiq-Yap YH
    Bioresour Technol, 2011 Jan;102(2):724-8.
    PMID: 20884200 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.08.068
    In the effort to find alternative low cost adsorbent for volatile organic vapors has prompted this research in assessing the effectiveness of activated carbon produced from durian shell in removing toluene vapors. Durian shells were impregnated with different concentrations of H3PO4 followed by carbonization at 500 °C for 20 min under nitrogen atmosphere. The prepared durian shell activated carbon (DSAC) was characterized for its physical and chemical properties. The removal efficiency of toluene by DSAC was performed using different toluene concentrations. Results showed that the highest BET surface area of the produced DSAC was 1404 m2/g. Highest removal efficiency of toluene vapors was achieved by using DSAC impregnated with 30% of acid concentration heated at 500 °C for 20 min heating duration. However, there is insignificant difference between removal efficiency of toluene by DSAC and different toluene concentrations. The toluene adsorption by DSAC was better fitted into Freundlich model.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Charcoal/chemistry*; Kinetics; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Models, Chemical; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Surface Properties; Toluene/isolation & purification*; Porosity; Plant Bark/ultrastructure; Plant Bark/chemistry*; Bombacaceae/chemistry*; Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods*
  5. Impact of tight control strategy on rheumatoid arthritis in Sarawak
    Teh CL, Wong JS
    Clin Rheumatol, 2011 May;30(5):615-21.
    PMID: 20886247 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-010-1583-3
    The aim of our study is to describe the impact of tight control strategy on the care of RA patients in Sarawak General Hospital. We performed a prospective study of all patients with a diagnosis of RA who received treatment at the Rheumatology Clinic in Sarawak General Hospital over a 1-year period. Systematic DAS-driven treatment adjustments aimed to achieve low disease activity (DAS 28-ESR <2.6) were carried out in the clinic over the 1-year period. Disease activity and treatment regimes of all 142 patients were collected for at baseline and 1 year later for statistical analysis. Our patients have a significantly lower DAS 28 with a mean of 2.99 ± 0.95 compared with baseline of 4.31 ± 1.34 (p < 0.000). More patients were in remission 1 year later compared to baseline (36.6% vs 11.3%). Tight control strategy has a positive impact on the care of RA patients in our centre. By optimising the care of RA through tight control strategy, RA can be better controlled in our centre.

    Study site: Rheumatology clinic, Sarawak general hospital
    MeSH terms: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/therapy*; Female; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Prospective Studies; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Rheumatology/methods*; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use
  6. Combined treatment modalities for age related macular degeneration
    Das RA, Romano A, Chiosi F, Menzione M, Rinaldi M
    Curr Drug Targets, 2011 Feb;12(2):182-9.
    PMID: 20887244
    BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that accounts for 75% of cases of legal blindness in individuals over the age of 50.

    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review has been to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of available combined treatments modalities in the treatment of neovascular AMD.

    DATA SOURCES: Central and Medline were searched for original research studies (Phase I, II, III), abstracts, and review articles concerning combination therapies for the control of neovascular AMD. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

    RESULTS: The results of therapeutic trials focused on the actual options in the management of neovascular AMD are discussed. Intravitreal treatment with substances targeting all isotypes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) results in a significant increase in visual acuity in patients with neovascular AMD. The combination with occlusive therapies like verteporfin photodynamic therapy (V-PDT) potentially offers a reduction of re-treatment frequency rate and long-term maintenance of the benefit reached. Despite the promise from combining anti-VEGF therapies with V-PDT, other combinations to improve outcomes with V-PDT deserve attention. Corticosteroids demonstrated an antiangiogenic effect and targeted the extravascular components of CNV, such as inflammatory cells and fibrocytes. Nevertheless, the study on the clinical application of corticosteroids will require a better understanding of the potential complications. Further developments interacting with various steps in the angiogenic cascade are under clinical or preclinical evaluation and may soon become available. In AMD the goal of a combination regimen is to address the therapy toward neovascular, inflammatory, and proliferative components of the disease.

    CONCLUSIONS: Combined treatments strategies are an obvious step providing disease control when it is not achieved with a single therapeutic approach. One risk of using a single therapy to control AMD is a rebound induced by compensatory stimulation of other pathogenetic pathways. Combination therapy is a logical approach to address mechanisms of disease progression that appear to be self-sustaining once initiated.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Blindness/etiology; Blindness/prevention & control; Combined Modality Therapy/trends; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*; Humans; Macular Degeneration/drug therapy*; Macular Degeneration/physiopathology; Photochemotherapy*; Porphyrins/pharmacology; Porphyrins/therapeutic use; Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology; Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use*; Disease Progression; Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy; Choroidal Neovascularization/etiology; Choroidal Neovascularization/prevention & control; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use*; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors/antagonists & inhibitors; Wet Macular Degeneration/drug therapy; Wet Macular Degeneration/physiopathology
  7. A packed bed membrane reactor for production of biodiesel using activated carbon supported catalyst
    Baroutian S, Aroua MK, Raman AA, Sulaiman NM
    Bioresour Technol, 2011 Jan;102(2):1095-102.
    PMID: 20888219 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.08.076
    In this study, a novel continuous reactor has been developed to produce high quality methyl esters (biodiesel) from palm oil. A microporous TiO2/Al2O3 membrane was packed with potassium hydroxide catalyst supported on palm shell activated carbon. The central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effects of reaction temperature, catalyst amount and cross flow circulation velocity on the production of biodiesel in the packed bed membrane reactor. The highest conversion of palm oil to biodiesel in the reactor was obtained at 70 °C employing 157.04 g catalyst per unit volume of the reactor and 0.21 cm/s cross flow circulation velocity. The physical and chemical properties of the produced biodiesel were determined and compared with the standard specifications. High quality palm oil biodiesel was produced by combination of heterogeneous alkali transesterification and separation processes in the packed bed membrane reactor.
    MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Biotechnology/instrumentation*; Biotechnology/methods*; Catalysis; Charcoal/analysis*; Chromatography, Gas; Esterification; Hydroxides/chemistry; Membranes, Artificial*; Models, Chemical; Plant Oils/chemistry; Temperature; Potassium Compounds/chemistry; Bioreactors*; Biofuels/analysis*; Recycling
  8. Association of annual hormonal profile with gonad maturity of mahseer (Tor tambroides) in captivity
    Ismail MF, Siraj SS, Daud SK, Harmin SA
    Gen Comp Endocrinol, 2011 Jan 1;170(1):125-30.
    PMID: 20888822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.09.021
    Annual gonad hormonal profile of wild, matured mahseer (29 males and 23 female) averaging in weight between 0.95±0.26 and 1.19±0.23 kg for males and females, respectively, were investigated from November 2007 to November 2008 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Blood was collected from caudal vein, monthly and plasma separation by centrifugation was done to measure reproductive hormones: 17β-estradiol (E(2)), testosterone (T), and 11-keto-testosterone (11KT). Gonads were sampled for histology processing to observe their maturity. Highest T level in females and males was recorded at 0.22±0.016 and 0.88±0.014 ng/ml, respectively. The 11KT showed several peaks and the highest value was noted at 0.7±0.018 ng/ml in November 2008. The female E(2) initially was at 1.48±0.16 ng/ml and significantly increased (P<0.05) to 1.53±0.39 ng/ml in November 2008. Ovaries were laden with oocytes in several stages in all the samples while testes gonad showed a high level of spermatids throughout the year. Changes in plasma level of the gonadal hormones were correlated with the ovarian and testes maturities. In conclusion, the study suggests that mahseer can be categorized as asynchronized and multiple spawner. The information gathered is important for appropriate breeding and conservation programs of the Malaysian mahseer.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cyprinidae/growth & development; Cyprinidae/metabolism; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Estradiol/metabolism*; Female; Gonads/growth & development*; Gonads/metabolism*; Male; Ovary/growth & development; Ovary/metabolism; Testis/growth & development; Testis/metabolism; Testosterone/analogs & derivatives*; Testosterone/metabolism*
  9. Antinociceptive activity of methanolic extract of Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass
    Ong HM, Mohamad AS, Makhtar N', Khalid MH, Khalid S, Perimal EK, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2011 Jan 7;133(1):227-33.
    PMID: 20920570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.09.030
    Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. is a medicinal herbaceous plant that is commonly used by the Malay community in Malaysia to relieve pain often associated with mouth ulcers, toothache, sore throat, and stomach ache.
    MeSH terms: Analgesics/pharmacology*; Analgesics/toxicity; Analgesics/chemistry; Animals; Hot Temperature; Malaysia; Male; Phytotherapy*; Mice, Inbred ICR; Morphine/pharmacology; Naloxone/pharmacology; Pain/chemically induced; Pain/drug therapy*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/toxicity; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Asteraceae*; Flowers; Rotarod Performance Test; Mice
  10. Comparison of protein-free defined media, and effect of L-cysteine and ascorbic acid supplementation on viability of axenic Entamoeba histolytica
    Wong WK, Tan ZN, Lim BH, Mohamed Z, Olivos-Garcia A, Noordin R
    Parasitol Res, 2011 Feb;108(2):425-30.
    PMID: 20922423 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2083-8
    Entamoeba histolytica is the etiologic agent for amoebiasis. The excretory-secretory (ES) products of the trophozoites contain virulence factors and antigens useful for diagnostic applications. Contaminants from serum supplements and dead trophozoites impede analysis of ES. Therefore, a protein-free medium that can sustain maximum viability of E. histolytica trophozoites for the longest time duration will enable collection of contaminant-free and higher yield of ES products. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of four types of media in maintaining ≥ 95% trophozoite viability namely Roswell Memorial Park Institute (RPMI-1640), Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), phosphate-buffered saline for amoeba (PBS-A), and Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). Concurrently, the effect of adding L: -cysteine and ascorbic acid (C&A) to each medium on the parasite viability was also compared. DMEM and RPMI 1640 showed higher viabilities as compared to PBS-A and HBSS. Only RPMI 1640 showed no statistical difference with the control medium for the first 4 h, however the ≥ 95% viability was only maintained for the first 2 h. The other protein-free media showed differences from the serum- and vitamin-free TYI-S-33 control media even after 1 h of incubation. When supplemented with C&A, all media were found to sustain higher trophozoite viabilities than those without the supplements. HBSS-C&A, DMEM-C&A, and RPMI 1640-C&A demonstrated no difference (P>0.05) in parasite viabilities when compared with the control medium throughout the 8-h incubation period. DMEM-C&A showed an eightfold increment in time duration of sustaining ≥ 95% parasite viability, i.e. 8 h, as compared to DMEM alone. Both RPMI 1640-C&A and HBSS-C&A revealed fourfold and threefold increments (i.e., 8 and 6 h, respectively), whereas PBS-A-C&A showed only one fold improvement (i.e., 2 h) as compared to the respective media without C&A. Thus, C&A-supplemented DMEM or RPMI are recommended for collection of ES products.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Ascorbic Acid/pharmacology*; Culture Media/pharmacology*; Cysteine/pharmacology*; Entamoeba histolytica/cytology; Entamoeba histolytica/drug effects*; Entamoeba histolytica/physiology; Longevity/drug effects; Trophozoites/drug effects; Trophozoites/growth & development
  11. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers-based nicorandil-loaded peroral tablet compared with its once-daily commercial sustained-release tablet
    Tamilvanan S, Venkatesh Babu R, Nappinai A, Sivaramakrishnan G
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2011 Apr;37(4):436-45.
    PMID: 20923389 DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2010.521161
    Hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer-based nicorandil (10 mg)-loaded peroral tablets were prepared using the wet granulation technique. The influence of varying amounts of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (30-50 mg), ethylcellulose (2-4 mg), microcrystalline cellulose (5-20 mg) and Aerosil® (5-12 mg) in conjunction with the constant amounts (3 mg) of glidant and lubricant (magnesium stearate and talc) on the in vitro performances of the tablets (hardness, friability, weight variation, thickness uniformity, drug content, and drug release behavior) were investigated.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Biological Availability; Cellulose/administration & dosage; Cellulose/analogs & derivatives; Delayed-Action Preparations; Methylcellulose/administration & dosage; Methylcellulose/analogs & derivatives; Rabbits; Silicon Dioxide/administration & dosage; Solubility; Tablets; Nicorandil/administration & dosage*; Nicorandil/chemistry; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Hypromellose Derivatives
  12. Religion and spirituality in coping with advanced breast cancer: perspectives from Malaysian Muslim women
    Ahmad F, Muhammad Mb, Abdullah AA
    J Relig Health, 2011 Mar;50(1):36-45.
    PMID: 20924683 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-010-9401-4
    This article is part of a larger study on the role of spirituality in coping with breast cancer among Malaysian Muslim women. The study seeks to reveal the meaning of the experience through the stories of three Muslim women surviving advanced breast cancer, to better understand the deep meanings that inform their experiences with spirituality and transformation as they cope with the challenges of breast cancer. Data were gathered using in-depth interview. Qualitative methods were used in identifying two themes--illness as an awakening and hope and freedom comes from surrendering to God. The themes were discussed in the context of two broad areas: (1) what are the new meanings these women discovered in their experiences with cancer; and (2) how did the new meanings change their lives? The study suggests that cancer survivors' experiences with cancer and their learning processes must be understood within the appropriate cultural context. This is especially so for spirituality. The common emphasis of spirituality on relationship with God, self and others, may significantly influence how people learn to live with cancer.
    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological*; Adult; Breast Neoplasms/ethnology*; Breast Neoplasms/psychology; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Islam*; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Religion*; United States; Spirituality*
  13. A computational method for reliable gait event detection and abnormality detection for feedback in rehabilitation
    Senanayake C, Senanayake SM
    Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin, 2011 Oct;14(10):863-74.
    PMID: 20924859 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2010.499866
    In this paper, a gait event detection algorithm is presented that uses computer intelligence (fuzzy logic) to identify seven gait phases in walking gait. Two inertial measurement units and four force-sensitive resistors were used to obtain knee angle and foot pressure patterns, respectively. Fuzzy logic is used to address the complexity in distinguishing gait phases based on discrete events. A novel application of the seven-dimensional vector analysis method to estimate the amount of abnormalities detected was also investigated based on the two gait parameters. Experiments were carried out to validate the application of the two proposed algorithms to provide accurate feedback in rehabilitation. The algorithm responses were tested for two cases, normal and abnormal gait. The large amount of data required for reliable gait-phase detection necessitate the utilisation of computer methods to store and manage the data. Therefore, a database management system and an interactive graphical user interface were developed for the utilisation of the overall system in a clinical environment.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Artificial Intelligence; Computers; Gait*; Humans; Rehabilitation*; Software; Fuzzy Logic
  14. Pancreatic hemangioma mimicking a malignant pancreatic cyst
    Lee J, Raman K, Sachithanandan S
    Gastrointest Endosc, 2011 Jan;73(1):174-6.
    PMID: 20932519 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2010.07.038
    MeSH terms: Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Hemangioma/diagnosis*; Hemangioma/surgery; Humans; Middle Aged; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Cyst/diagnosis*; Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Pancreatic Neoplasms/surgery; Endosonography; Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  15. Reactive dye degradation by combined Fe(III)/TiO2 catalyst and ultrasonic irradiation: Effect of Fe(III) loading and calcination temperature
    Jamalluddin NA, Abdullah AZ
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2011 Mar;18(2):669-78.
    PMID: 20933452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2010.09.004
    The development of Fe(III)/TiO(2) catalysts for sonocatalytic degradation of Reactive Blue 4 (RB4) dye in water was carried out using sol-gel method. Their surface morphology, phase transformation and surface characteristics were studied using SEM, XRD and surface analyzer, respectively. Phase transformation from amorphous to anatase occurred at 500°C and transformation of anatase to rutile phase occurred at 700°C. Complete rutile phase was formed at 900°C with corresponding increase in the particle size. Increasing in Fe(III) loading led to a reduction in the anatase phase and with the formation of weaker and broader of diffraction peaks. Surface morphology of the prepared catalyst was clearly observed with increasing calcination temperature. Surface area of the prepared catalyst decreased with increasing calcination temperature or increasing Fe(III) loading. The combination of 0.4 mol% of Fe(III)/TiO(2) with ultrasonic irradiation gave the highest sonocatalytic activity in the removal of RB4 from the aqueous solution. On the other hand, the presence of even small amount of rutile inhibited the catalytic activity of catalyst. 1.5 g/L was the optimum amount of catalyst that led to the highest sonocatalytic degradation of RB4 with an efficiency of 90%. Aeration significantly accelerated the reaction rate. Higher removal at 96% could be achieved with the combination of 0.4Fe(III)/TiO(2) and aeration under ultrasonic irradiation.
  16. Hand-arm vibration syndrome among a group of construction workers in Malaysia
    Su TA, Hoe VC, Masilamani R, Awang Mahmud AB
    Occup Environ Med, 2011 Jan;68(1):58-63.
    PMID: 20935287 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2009.052373
    To determine the extent of hand transmitted vibration exposure problems, particularly hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), among construction workers in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Epidemiologic Methods; Facility Design and Construction; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Transients and Migrants/statistics & numerical data; Tropical Climate/adverse effects; Vibration/adverse effects; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects; Occupational Exposure/analysis; Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome/etiology; Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome/epidemiology*; Young Adult
  17. Toxicity evaluation of a standardised 50% ethanol extract of Orthosiphon stamineus
    Mohamed EA, Lim CP, Ebrika OS, Asmawi MZ, Sadikun A, Yam MF
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2011 Jan 27;133(2):358-63.
    PMID: 20937371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.10.008
    The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of standardised 50% ethanol extract of Orthosiphon stamineus plant by determining its potential toxicity after acute and subchronic administration in rats.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Ethanol; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Blood Chemical Analysis; Female; Malaysia; Male; Medicine, Traditional; Organ Size/drug effects; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/standards; Plant Extracts/toxicity; Plants, Medicinal/toxicity; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; Ethnopharmacology; Orthosiphon/toxicity*; Rats
  18. Eimeria maxima phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase: locus sequencing, characterization, and cross-phylum comparison
    Goh MY, Pan MZ, Blake DP, Wan KL, Song BK
    Parasitol Res, 2011 Mar;108(3):611-20.
    PMID: 20938684 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2104-7
    Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) may play an important role in host-cell invasion by the Eimeria species, protozoan parasites which can cause severe intestinal disease in livestock. Here, we report the structural organization of the PIP5K gene in Eimeria maxima (Weybridge strain). Two E. maxima BAC clones carrying the E. maxima PIP5K (EmPIP5K) coding sequences were selected for shotgun sequencing, yielding a 9.1-kb genomic segment. The EmPIP5K coding region was initially identified using in silico gene-prediction approaches and subsequently confirmed by mapping rapid amplification of cDNA ends and RT-PCR-generated cDNA sequence to its genomic segment. The putative EmPIP5K gene was located at position 710-8036 nt on the complimentary strand and comprised of 23 exons. Alignment of the 1147 amino acid sequence with previously annotated PIP5K proteins from other Apicomplexa species detected three conserved motifs encompassing the kinase core domain, which has been shown by previous protein deletion studies to be necessary for PIP5K protein function. Phylogenetic analysis provided further evidence that the putative EmPIP5K protein is orthologous to that of other Apicomplexa. Subsequent comparative gene structure characterization revealed events of intron loss/gain throughout the evolution of the apicomplexan PIP5K gene. Further scrutiny of the genomic structure revealed a possible trend towards "intron gain" between two of the motif regions. Our findings offer preliminary insights into the structural variations that have occurred during the evolution of the PIP5K locus and may aid in understanding the functional role of this gene in the cellular biology of apicomplexan parasites.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Base Sequence; Eimeria/enzymology*; Eimeria/genetics*; Introns; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Protozoan Proteins/genetics*; Protozoan Proteins/chemistry; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Alignment; Genes, Protozoan*; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)/genetics*; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)/chemistry; Sequence Analysis, Protein
  19. Fulltext Cervical cord compression presenting with sciatica-like leg pain
    Chan CK, Lee HY, Choi WC, Cho JY, Lee SH
    Eur Spine J, 2011 Jul;20 Suppl 2:S217-21.
    PMID: 20938789 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-010-1585-5
    Sciatica-like leg pain can be the main presenting symptom in patients with cervical cord compression. It is a false localizing presentation, which may lead to missed or delayed diagnosis, resulting in the wrong plan of management, especially in the presence of concurrent lumbar lesions. Medical history, physical findings and the results of imaging studies were reviewed in two cases of cervical cord compressions, which presented with sciatica-like leg pain. There was multi-level cervical spondylosis with cord compression in the first patient and the second patient had two levels of cervical disc herniation with cord compression. In both cases, there were co-existing lumbar lesions, which could be responsible for the presentation of the leg pain. Cervical blocks were diagnostic in identifying the level responsible for the leg pain and it was confirmed so after cervical decompressive surgery in both cases, which brought significant pain relief. Funicular leg pain is a rare presentation of cervical cord compression. It is a referred pain due to the irritation of the ascending spinothalamic tract. Cervical blocks were successful in identifying the cause of funicular pain in our cases and this may pave the way for further studies to establish the role of cervical blocks as a diagnostic tool for funicular pain caused by cord compression.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Cervical Vertebrae/physiopathology*; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery; Female; Humans; Laminectomy; Leg/physiopathology*; Male; Middle Aged; Nerve Block; Pain/etiology*; Pain/physiopathology; Pain/surgery; Spinal Cord Compression/complications*; Spinal Cord Compression/physiopathology; Spinal Cord Compression/surgery; Treatment Outcome
  20. Fulltext Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a potential stereospecific reduction tool for biotransformation of mono- and sesquiterpenoids
    Khor GK, Uzir MH
    Yeast, 2011 Feb;28(2):93-107.
    PMID: 20939023 DOI: 10.1002/yea.1827
    Terpenes and terpenoids are among the key impact substances in the food and fragrance industries. Equipped with pharmacological properties and applications as ideal precursors for the biotechnological production of natural aroma chemicals, interests in these compounds have been escalating. Hence, the syntheses of new derivatives that can show improved properties are often called for. Stereoselective biotransformation offers several benefits to increase the rate of production, in terms of both the percentage yield and its enantiomeric excesses. Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is broadly used as a whole cell stereospecific reduction biocatalyst, due to its capability in reducing carbonyls and carbon-carbon double bonds, which also extends its functionality as a versatile biocatalyst in terpenoid biotransformation. This review provides some insights on the development and prospects in the reductive biotransformation of monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids using S. cerevisiae, with an overview of strategies to overcome the common challenges in large-scale implementation.
    MeSH terms: Biotransformation; Oxidation-Reduction; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism*; Sesquiterpenes/metabolism*; Monoterpenes/metabolism*
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