Browse publications by year: 2011

Social pharmacy as a field of study: the needs and challenges in global pharmacy education

Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Al-Haddad MS, Abduelkarem AR, Ibrahim MI, Palaian S, et al.

Res Social Adm Pharm, 2011 Dec;7(4):415-20.
PMID: 21272536 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2010.10.003

The practice of pharmacy and, consequently, pharmacy curricula have undergone significant changes over the past years in response to a rapidly changing economic, political, and social environment. Within this context, the pharmacist's role had expanded to include more direct interaction with the public in terms of the provision of health information and advice on the safe and rational use of medications. To carry out these roles effectively, pharmacists need to be well prepared on how to deal with patients' behavior and psychology. The understanding of patient sociobehavioral aspects in the medication use process is paramount to achieving optimal clinical and humanistic outcomes from therapy. The concept of behavioral sciences and health psychology are embedded as the fundamental concepts in the field of social pharmacy, and thus it is imperative that this should be taught and nurtured to future pharmacy practitioners. Based on the growing needs for future pharmacists to be exposed to issues in social pharmacy, many pharmacy schools around the world have adopted this subject to be part of their standard curriculum. In this commentary, a discussion of the needs of social pharmacy courses in pharmacy curriculum will be addressed in the context of both developed and developing countries.

MeSH terms: Behavioral Sciences/education; Curriculum; Developing Countries; Education, Pharmacy/trends*; Humans; Patient Education as Topic/methods; Pharmaceutical Services/organization & administration*; Pharmaceutical Services/trends; Pharmacists/organization & administration*; Pharmacists/trends; Schools, Pharmacy/organization & administration; Social Behavior; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Professional Role
Fulltext Perception and knowledge of patients with type 2 diabetes in Malaysia about their disease and medication: a qualitative study

Al-Qazaz HK, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Syed Sulaiman SA, Sundram S

Res Social Adm Pharm, 2011 Jun;7(2):180-91.
PMID: 21272545 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2010.04.005

BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients' experience and knowledge about their medication play an important role in determining the success of long-term adherence in their disease management.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore diabetic patients' experience and knowledge about diabetes and its medication and to understand the factors contributing to medication adherence in Malaysian population.
METHODS: A qualitative research approach was adopted to gain a better understanding of the current perceptions and knowledge held by diabetic patients. Twelve patients were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Saturation point of the interview was reached after the 10th interview, and no more new themes emerged from the subsequent 2 interviews. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by means of a standard content analysis framework.
RESULTS: A total of 4 themes were identified from the interview analysis: knowledge about diabetes and its medication, experiences of adverse effects of medication, issues related to adherence, and the impact of medical and family relationships on well-being. Most of the patients were aware of the disease known as diabetes but unaware which type of diabetes they were suffering from. None of the participants knew the adverse effects of their medication, and most of them considered it to be safe. Financial barriers, forgetfulness, self-medication, and quality of relationships with doctor and family members seem to be the factors that challenge adherence in our sample of diabetic patients.
CONCLUSION: This study identified a number of key themes that might be useful in enhancing the awareness of experiences, knowledge, adherence, and attitudes of Malaysian patients with diabetes. More efforts should be taken to estimate how diabetic patients take their medication, and a well-planned educational program is also required to educate and encourage patients to practice a healthy lifestyle.

MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Perception; Drug Costs; Knowledge; Qualitative Research; Medication Adherence
Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia experience in orbital floor reconstruction: autogenous graft versus Medpor

Wajih WA, Shaharuddin B, Razak NH

J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2011 Jun;69(6):1740-4.
PMID: 21272979 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2010.07.053

A normally restored orbital structure after reconstructive surgery would accelerate the return of orbital function. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of 2 orbital implants: autogenous grafts and porous polyethylene (Medpor).

MeSH terms: Adult; Biocompatible Materials*; Diplopia/etiology; Eye Movements; Female; Humans; Male; Orbit/surgery*; Orbital Fractures/complications; Orbital Fractures/diagnosis; Orbital Fractures/surgery*; Polyethylenes*; Postoperative Complications; Enophthalmos/etiology; Bone Transplantation*; Prostheses and Implants*
In vitro effects of active constituents and extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus on the activities of three major human cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 enzymes

Pan Y, Abd-Rashid BA, Ismail Z, Ismail R, Mak JW, Pook PC, et al.

Chem Biol Interact, 2011 Mar 15;190(1):1-8.
PMID: 21276781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2011.01.022

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) has been traditionally used to treat diabetes, kidney and urinary disorders, high blood pressure and bone or muscular pain. To assess the possibility of drug-herb interaction via interference of metabolism, effects of four OS extracts of different polarity and three active constituents (sinensetin, eupatorin and rosmarinic acid) on major human cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were investigated. Three substrate-probe based high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays were established to serve as activity markers for CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Our results indicate that OS extracts and constituents exhibited differential modulatory effects on different CYPs. While none of the OS components showed significant inhibition on CYP2C9, eupatorin strongly and uncompetitively inhibited CYP2D6 activity with a K(i) value of 10.2μM. CYP3A4 appeared to be the most susceptible enzyme to OS inhibitory effects. It was moderately inhibited by OS dichloromethane and petroleum ether extract with mixed-type and noncompetitive inhibitions (K(i)=93.7 and 44.9μg/mL), respectively. Correlation study indicated that the inhibition was accounted for by the presence of eupatorin in the extracts. When IC(50) values of these extracts were expressed in volume per dose unit to reflect inhibitory effect at recommended human doses from commercially available products, moderate inhibition was also observed. In addition, CYP3A4 was strongly and noncompetitively inhibited by eupatorin alone, with a K(i) value of 9.3μM. These findings suggest that co-administration of OS products, especially those with high eupatorin content, with conventional drugs may have the potential to cause drug-herb interactions involving inhibition of major CYP enzymes.

MeSH terms: Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases/antagonists & inhibitors*; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases/metabolism; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cinnamates/chemistry; Humans; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6/metabolism; Orthosiphon/chemistry*; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A/metabolism; Depsides/chemistry; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 Inhibitors*; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors*; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9
Chemometric analysis of lipase-catalyzed synthesis of xylitol esters in a solvent-free system

Adnani A, Basri M, Chaibakhsh N, Ahangar HA, Salleh AB, Rahman RN, et al.

Carbohydr Res, 2011 Mar 1;346(4):472-9.
PMID: 21276966 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2010.12.023

Immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B-catalyzed esterification of xylitol and two fatty acids (capric and caproic acid) were studied in a solvent-free system. The Taguchi orthogonal array method based on three-level-four-variables with nine experiments was applied for the analysis and optimization of the reaction parameters including time, substrate molar ratio, amount of enzyme, and amount of molecular sieve. The obtained conversion was higher in the esterification of xylitol and capric acid with longer chain length. The optimum conditions derived via the Taguchi approach for the synthesis of xylitol caprate and xylitol caproate were reaction time, 29 and 18h; substrate molar ratio, 0.3 and 1.0; enzyme amount, 0.20 and 0.05g, and molecular sieve amount of 0.03g, respectively. The good correlation between the predicted conversions (74.18% and 61.23%) and the actual values (74.05% and 60.5%) shows that the model derived from the Taguchi orthogonal array can be used for optimization and better understanding of the effect of reaction parameters on the enzymatic synthesis of xylitol esters in a solvent-free system.

MeSH terms: Caproates/chemical synthesis*; Caproates/chemistry; Catalysis; Decanoic Acids/chemistry*; Enzymes, Immobilized/chemistry*; Esterification; Fungal Proteins; Lipase/chemistry*; Models, Chemical; Surface-Active Agents/chemical synthesis*; Temperature; Xylitol/chemistry*; Emulsifying Agents/chemical synthesis*
Evaluation of the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of FluBlok® trivalent recombinant baculovirus-expressed hemagglutinin influenza vaccine administered intramuscularly to healthy adults 50-64 years of age

Baxter R, Patriarca PA, Ensor K, Izikson R, Goldenthal KL, Cox MM

Vaccine, 2011 Mar 9;29(12):2272-8.
PMID: 21277410 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.01.039

Alternative methods for influenza vaccine production are needed to ensure adequate supplies.

MeSH terms: Antibodies, Viral/blood; Antibody Formation; Female; Humans; Influenza, Human/immunology; Influenza, Human/prevention & control*; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage; Influenza Vaccines/adverse effects; Influenza Vaccines/immunology*; Male; Middle Aged; Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage; Vaccines, Synthetic/adverse effects; Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology; Vaccines, Inactivated/administration & dosage; Vaccines, Inactivated/adverse effects; Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology; Single-Blind Method; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology*; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology
Treat the graft to improve the regenerative ability of the host

Mamidi MK, Pal R, Govindasamy V, Zakaria Z, Bhonde R

Med Hypotheses, 2011 Apr;76(4):599-601.
PMID: 21277690 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.01.010

The staggering number of publications featuring the use of stem cells has revolutionized regenerative medicine research. Preclinical studies indicate that allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be useful for the treatment of several clinical disorders, including sepsis, acute renal failure, acute myocardial infarction, and more recently, acute lung injury (ALI). However, considerable success would not be obtained in clinical trials due to poor survival of transplanted cells under the influence of inflammatory conditions. Despite robust approaches like cellular reprogramming, scaffolds and conditioned media have been tested to overcome this problem; however the success rate of these approaches remain questionable. Recently, pretreatment of bioactive compounds in vitro have been shown to suppress cell apoptosis and promote cell survival. Quite likely a similar phenomenon can take place in vivo. Based on such studies, we hypothesize that MSCs derived from human post-natal tissues could be conditioned and prepared for targeted disease therapy. Depending on the disease condition, the MSCs could be treated prior to delivery with appropriate bioactive compounds to allow them survive longer and perform a better role as biocatalyst. The advantage of this approach could be the tailor made availability of MSCs preconditioned with appropriate bioactive compounds for disease specific therapy. Therefore, the choice of suitable bioactive molecule is likely to enhance the efficacy of targeted stem cell therapy and preconditioning may provide a novel strategy in maximizing biological and functional properties of MSCs.

MeSH terms: Atorvastatin Calcium; Cell Survival/drug effects; Diazoxide/pharmacology; Heptanoic Acids/pharmacology; Humans; Pyrroles/pharmacology; Regeneration/drug effects*; Trimetazidine/pharmacology; Transplants; Regenerative Medicine; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods*; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/drug effects*; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/physiology*
Evaluation of the use of Cocos nucifera as antimalarial remedy in Malaysian folk medicine

Al-Adhroey AH, Nor ZM, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Amran AA, Mahmud R

J Ethnopharmacol, 2011 Apr 12;134(3):988-91.
PMID: 21277969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.026

White flesh extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) was studied to ascertain the ethnopharmacological standing of its antimalarial usage in Malaysian folk medicine.

MeSH terms: Ethanol/chemistry; Animals; Antimalarials/pharmacology; Antimalarials/therapeutic use*; Cocos/chemistry*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Malaria/drug therapy; Malaria/parasitology; Malaysia; Male; Medicine, Traditional*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*; Plasmodium berghei/drug effects; Mice
Fulltext Synthesis, characterization and antifungal evaluation of 5-substituted-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-thioesters

Hasan A, Thomas NF, Gapil S

Molecules, 2011;16(2):1297-309.
PMID: 21278680 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16021297

A series of 5-substituted-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-thioesters was synthesized by converting variously substituted organic acids successively into the corresponding esters, hydrazides, 5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiols, 5-substituted-1,2,4-triazole-2-thiols and 5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thioesters. Finally the target compounds were obtained by refluxing 5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thioesters in the presence of hydrazine hydrate and absolute alcohol. The structures of the synthesized compounds were established by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity. Some of the evaluated compounds possessed significant antifungal activity as compared to a terbinafine standard.

MeSH terms: Aspergillus/drug effects; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Triazoles/chemical synthesis*; Triazoles/chemistry*; Molecular Structure; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
Fulltext Triterpene composition and bioactivities of Centella asiatica

Hashim P, Sidek H, Helan MH, Sabery A, Palanisamy UD, Ilham M

Molecules, 2011;16(2):1310-22.
PMID: 21278681 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16021310

Leaves of Centella asiatica (Centella) were analysed for their triterpene composition and bioactivity such as collagen enhancement, antioxidant, anticellulite and UV protection capacity properties. Triterpenes of Centella were measured using HPLC-PAD on an Excil ODS 5 mm (C18) column for the simultaneous determination of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside. Centella was found to contain significant amounts of madecassoside (3.10 ± 4.58 mg/mL) and asiaticoside (1.97 ± 2.65 mg/mL), but was low in asiatic and madecassic acid. The highest collagen synthesis was found at 50 mg/mL of Centella extracts. The antioxidant activity of Centella (84%) was compared to grape seed extract (83%) and Vitamin C (88%). Its lipolytic activity was observed by the release of glycerol (115.9 µmol/L) at 0.02% concentration. Centella extracts exhibited similar UV protection effect to OMC at 10% concentration. In view of these results, the potential application of Centella in food and pharmaceutical industries is now widely open.

MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Stimulants/pharmacology; Animals; Antioxidants/metabolism; Antioxidants/chemistry; Caffeine/pharmacology; Cells, Cultured; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods; Collagen/metabolism; Fibroblasts/cytology; Fibroblasts/drug effects; Humans; Plant Extracts/metabolism; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Triterpenes/metabolism*; Triterpenes/pharmacology; Triterpenes/chemistry*; Molecular Structure; Adipocytes/cytology; Adipocytes/drug effects; Plant Leaves/chemistry*; Centella/anatomy & histology; Centella/chemistry*
Synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate from palm oil and some new applications

Sudesh K, Bhubalan K, Chuah JA, Kek YK, Kamilah H, Sridewi N, et al.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2011 Mar;89(5):1373-86.
PMID: 21279347 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3098-5

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a potential substitute for some petrochemical-based plastics. This biodegradable plastic is derived from microbial fermentation using various carbon substrates. Since carbon source has been identified as one of the major cost-absorbing factors in PHA production, cheap and renewable substrates are currently being investigated as substitutes for existing sugar-based feedstock. Plant oils have been found to result in high-yield PHA production. Malaysia, being the world's second largest producer of palm oil, is able to ensure continuous supply of palm oil products for sustainable PHA production. The biosynthesis and characterization of various types of PHA using palm oil products have been described in detail in this review. Besides, by-products and waste stream from palm oil industry have also demonstrated promising results as carbon sources for PHA biosynthesis. Some new applications in cosmetic and wastewater treatment show the diversity of PHA usage. With proper management practices and efficient milling processes, it may be possible to supply enough palm oil-based raw materials for human consumption and other biotechnological applications such as production of PHA in a sustainable manner.

MeSH terms: Biotechnology/methods*; Humans; Industrial Microbiology*; Malaysia; Plant Oils/metabolism*; Polyhydroxyalkanoates/biosynthesis*
Formation of new polyhydroxyalkanoate containing 3-hydroxy-4-methylvalerate monomer in Burkholderia sp

Lau NS, Tsuge T, Sudesh K

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2011 Mar;89(5):1599-609.
PMID: 21279348 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3097-6

Burkholderia sp. synthase has been shown to polymerize 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), 3-hydroxyvalerate, and 3-hydroxy-4-pentenoic acid monomers. This study was carried out to evaluate the ability of Burkholderia sp. USM (JCM 15050) and its transformant harboring the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase gene of Aeromonas caviae to incorporate the newly reported 3-hydroxy-4-methylvalerate (3H4MV) monomer. Various culture parameters such as concentrations of nutrient rich medium, fructose and 4-methylvaleric acid as well as harvesting time were manipulated to produce P(3HB-co-3H4MV) with different 3H4MV compositions. The structural properties of PHA containing 3H4MV monomer were investigated by using nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The relative intensities of the bands at 1,183 and 1,228 cm⁻¹ in the FTIR spectra enabled the rapid detection and differentiation of P(3HB-co-3H4MV) from other types of PHA. In addition, the presence of 3H4MV units in the copolymer was found to considerably lower the melting temperature and enthalpy of fusion values compared with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)). The copolymer exhibited higher thermo-degradation temperature but similar molecular weight and polydispersity compared with P(3HB).

MeSH terms: Acyltransferases/genetics; Acyltransferases/metabolism*; Culture Media/chemistry; Genetic Engineering; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Polyesters/metabolism*; Polyesters/chemistry; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/metabolism; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Burkholderia/metabolism*; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics; Aeromonas caviae/enzymology; Aeromonas caviae/genetics
Two new species of ancyrocephalid monogeneans from Lethrinus rubrioperculatus Sato (Perciformes: Lethrinidae) off New Caledonia, with the proposal of Lethrinitrema n. g

Lim LH, Justine JL

Syst Parasitol, 2011 Feb;78(2):123-38.
PMID: 21279562 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-010-9283-6

Lethrinitrema gibbus n. g., n. sp. and L. dossenus n. sp. are described from the fish Lethrinus rubrioperculatus Sato collected off New Caledonia, South Pacific. Members of Lethrinitrema n. g. (Ancyrocephalidae) are characterised by having two pyriform haptoral reservoirs and ventral anchors with lateral grooves. The elongate tubular distal end of each reservoir bifurcates, draining into a superficial lateral groove on each side of the ventral anchors. The haptoral reservoirs are postulated to store secretory products which assist in attachment to the host. Lethrinitrema spp. also possess tandem gonads, a male copulatory organ without an accessory piece or with thinly sclerotised accessory piece, and a dextrolateral, non-sclerotised vaginal bulb. The two new species have small, poorly demarcated haptors with small haptoral armament and a crown-like piece on the tip of the inner root of the ventral anchors. They differ from each other in the shape and size of the ventral bar and male copulatory organ (40-45 μm in length in L. gibbus vs 24-30 μm in L. dossenus). Three other species, previously included in Haliotrema Johnston & Tiegs, 1922, are transferred to Lethrinitrema, i.e. L. chrysostomi (Young, 1968) n. comb., L. fleti (Young, 1968) n. comb. (both briefly redescribed from paratypes) and L. lethrini (Yamaguti, 1937) n. comb. All species of Lethrinitrema parasitise Lethrinus spp. (Lethrinidae), and there is evidence for the existence of further Lethrinitrema spp. on Lethrinus spp. in the Indo-Pacific region.

MeSH terms: Animals; Gonads/anatomy & histology; New Caledonia; Perciformes/parasitology*; Platyhelminths/anatomy & histology*; Platyhelminths/classification*
A retrospective study of oral and maxillofacial injuries in Seremban Hospital, Malaysia

Ramli R, Rahman NA, Rahman RA, Hussaini HM, Hamid AL

Dent Traumatol, 2011 Apr;27(2):122-6.
PMID: 21281443 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2010.00968.x

Aetiology of oral and maxillofacial injuries in this country includes motorvehicle accident (MVA), fall, industrial accidents and others. Among these causes, MVA accident is the predominant cause of injury in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; China/ethnology; Dental Restoration, Permanent/statistics & numerical data; Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data; Facial Bones/injuries; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Infant; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Maxillofacial Injuries/epidemiology*; Middle Aged; Mouth/injuries*; Retrospective Studies; Sex Factors; Skull Fractures/epidemiology; Splints/statistics & numerical data; Tooth Extraction/statistics & numerical data; Soft Tissue Injuries/epidemiology; Tooth Injuries/epidemiology; Young Adult
Fulltext Skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue cephalometric measurements of Malay transfusion-dependent thalassaemia patients

Toman HA, Nasir A, Hassan R, Hassan R

Eur J Orthod, 2011 Dec;33(6):700-4.
PMID: 21282284 DOI: 10.1093/ejo/cjq147

Thalassaemia is a public health problem in Malaysia. It is known to cause skeletal deformity. The purpose of this study was to compare the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue features of Malay transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT) patients with a Malay control group. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 30 Malay (14 males and 16 females aged 6.4-21.8 years) TDT patients and 60 normal Malays matched for chronological age and gender were analysed and compared using an independent t-test. The TDT group showed a similar sagittal relationship to the control group but with a significantly increased (P < 0.01) mandibular plane inclination. They also showed a significantly shorter (P ≤ 0.001) mandibular body, ramus length, and posterior face height and consequently a smaller ratio of posterior to anterior face height (P < 0.01). The upper and lower lips were significantly procumbent (P < 0.001) in the TDT group together with a significantly smaller nasolabial angle (P < 0.05). Dentoalveolar measurements showed less proclined maxillary teeth in the TDT group compared with the controls (P < 0.05). The cephalometric features of Malay TDT patients were characterized by a mild Class II skeletal pattern, prominent vertical growth direction of the mandible, and protruded upper and lower lips.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Blood Transfusion*; Cephalometry/methods*; Child; Face*; Facial Bones/pathology*; Female; Humans; Incisor/pathology; Lip/pathology; Malaysia; Male; Malocclusion, Angle Class II/pathology; Mandible/growth & development; Mandible/pathology; Maxilla/pathology; Nasal Bone/pathology; Nose/pathology; Palate/pathology; Thalassemia/therapy*; Tooth/pathology*; Vertical Dimension; Case-Control Studies; Young Adult
Volunteer motivations at a National Special Olympics event

Khoo S, Engelhorn R

Adapt Phys Activ Q, 2011 Jan;28(1):27-39.
PMID: 21282846

Understanding the motivations for people to volunteer with the management and execution of major sporting events is important for the recruitment and retention of the volunteers. This research investigated volunteer motivations at the first National Special Olympics held in Ames, Iowa, USA in July 2006. A total of 289 participants completed the 28 item Special Event Volunteer Motivation Scale. The top motivations related to the purposive incentives of wanting to help make the event a success and to do something good for the community. Factor analysis revealed a five-factor model, with the altruistic factor (purposive) being the most important. A MANCOVA was also used to compare subjects using both gender and experience as independent variables. Small but significant differences in motivation were observed.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Altruism; Anniversaries and Special Events; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motivation*; Personnel Management/methods*; Personnel Selection/methods; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sports*; United States; Volunteers/psychology*; Young Adult
Fulltext Assessment of factors influencing morale in the elderly

Loke SC, Abdullah SS, Chai ST, Hamid TA, Yahaya N

PLoS One, 2011;6(1):e16490.
PMID: 21283551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016490

We examined the relationship between morale measured by the Philadelphia Geriatric Morale Scale (PGC) and disability, social support, religiosity, and personality traits. Instruments predicting morale were then tested against PGC domains.

MeSH terms: Aged; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Humans; Morale*; Personality Inventory*; Psychological Tests*; Religion; Social Support; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Renal sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity in early streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney disease

Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Yam MF, Abdullah GZ, et al.

Neurourol Urodyn, 2011 Mar;30(3):438-46.
PMID: 21284025 DOI: 10.1002/nau.21007

We assessed the role of renal sympathetic nervous system in the deterioration of renal hemodynamic and excretory functions in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Blood Pressure; Creatinine/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications*; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology; Diabetic Nephropathies/blood; Diabetic Nephropathies/etiology*; Diabetic Nephropathies/physiopathology; Electric Stimulation; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Kidney/blood supply; Kidney/innervation*; Kidney/physiopathology; Male; Renal Circulation; Sodium/blood; Sympathectomy; Sympathetic Nervous System/physiopathology*; Time Factors; Vascular Resistance; Biomarkers/blood; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats
Standardized extract of Syzygium aqueum: a safe cosmetic ingredient

Palanisamy UD, Ling LT, Manaharan T, Sivapalan V, Subramaniam T, Helme MH, et al.

Int J Cosmet Sci, 2011 Jun;33(3):269-75.
PMID: 21284663 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00637.x

Syzygium aqueum, a species in the Myrtaceae family, commonly called the water jambu is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. It is well documented as a medicinal plant, and various parts of the tree have been used in traditional medicine, for instance as an antibiotic. In this study, we show S. aqueum leaf extracts to have a significant composition of phenolic compounds, protective activity against free radicals as well as low pro-oxidant capability. Its ethanolic extract, in particular, is characterized by its excellent radical scavenging activity of EC(50) of 133 μg mL(-1) 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 65 μg mL(-1) 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 71 μg mL(-1) (Galvinoxyl), low pro-oxidant capabilities and a phenolic content of 585-670 mg GAE g(-1) extract. The extract also displayed other activities, deeming it an ideal cosmetic ingredient. A substantial tyrosinase inhibition activity with an IC(50) of about 60 μg mL(-1) was observed. In addition, the extract was also found to have anti-cellulite activity tested for its ability to cause 98% activation of lipolysis of adipocytes (fat cells) at a concentration of 25 μg mL(-1). In addition, the extract was not cytotoxic to Vero cell lines up to a concentration of 600 μg mL(-1). Although various parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine, this is the first time it has been shown to have cosmeceutical properties. Therefore, the use of this extract, alone or in combination with other active principles, is of interest to the cosmetic industry.

MeSH terms: Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds/metabolism; Biphenyl Compounds/metabolism; Cell Survival/drug effects; Cercopithecus aethiops; Cosmetics/pharmacology*; Phenols/isolation & purification*; Phenols/pharmacology; Picrates/metabolism; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Sulfonic Acids/metabolism; Thiazoles/metabolism; Monophenol Monooxygenase/antagonists & inhibitors; Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism; Vero Cells; Free Radical Scavengers/isolation & purification*; Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology; Adipocytes/metabolism; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Syzygium/chemistry*; Rats; Benzothiazoles
Fulltext Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months of age in peninsular malaysia

Tan KL

Int Breastfeed J, 2011 Feb 02;6(1):2.
PMID: 21284889 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4358-6-2

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is accepted as the natural form of infant feeding. For mothers to be able to breastfeed exclusively to the recommended six months, it is important to understand the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Peninsular Malaysia.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 682 mother-infant pairs with infants up to six months attending maternal and child health section of the government health clinics in Klang, Malaysia. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire over 4 months in 2006. Data on breastfeeding were based on practice in the previous one month period. Logistic regression was used to assess the independent association between the independent variables and exclusive breastfeeding adjusting for infant age.
RESULTS: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers with infants aged between one and six months was 43.1% (95% CI: 39.4, 46.8). In the multivariate model exclusive breastfeeding was positively associated with rural residence, Malay mothers, non-working and non-smoking mothers, multiparous mothers, term infants, mothers with husbands who support breastfeeding and mothers who practice bed-sharing.
CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that seek to increase exclusive breastfeeding should focus on women who are at risk of early discontinuation of breastfeeding.

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