Browse publications by year: 2012

Comparative cellular and molecular analyses of pooled bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells during continuous passaging and after successive cryopreservation

Mamidi MK, Nathan KG, Singh G, Thrichelvam ST, Mohd Yusof NA, Fakharuzi NA, et al.

J Cell Biochem, 2012 Oct;113(10):3153-64.
PMID: 22615164 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24193

The clinical application of human bone marrow derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) requires expansion, cryopreservation, and transportation from the laboratory to the site of cell implantation. The cryopreservation and thawing process of MSCs may have important effects on the viability, growth characteristics and functionality of these cells both in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, MSCs after two rounds of cryopreservation have not been as well characterized as fresh MSCs from the transplantation perspective. The objective of this study was to determine if the effect of successive cryopreservation of pooled MSCs during the exponential growth phase could impair their morphology, phenotype, gene expression, and differentiation capabilities. MSCs cryopreserved at passage 3 (cell bank) were thawed and expanded up to passage 4 and cryopreserved for the second time. These cells (passive) were then thawed and cultured up to passage 6, and, at each passage MSCs were characterized. As control, pooled passage 3 cells (active) after one round of cryopreservation were taken all the way to passage 6 without cryopreservation. We determined the growth rate of MSCs for both culture conditions in terms of population doubling number (PDN) and population doubling time (PDT). Gene expression profiles for pluripotency markers and tissue specific markers corresponding to neuroectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm lineages were also analyzed for active and passive cultures of MSC. The results show that in both culture conditions, MSCs exhibited similar growth properties, phenotypes and gene expression patterns as well as similar differentiation potential to osteo-, chondro-, and adipo-lineages in vitro. To conclude, it appears that successive or multiple rounds of cryopreservation of MSCs did not alter the fundamental characteristics of these cells and may be used for clinical therapy.

MeSH terms: Bone Marrow/metabolism*; Bone Marrow/physiology; Cell Count; Cell Differentiation; Cell Survival; Culture Media/metabolism; Humans; Phenotype; Temperature; Time Factors; Biomarkers; Cryopreservation/methods*; Immunophenotyping; Cell Aging; Cell Culture Techniques/methods; Cell Lineage; Cell Proliferation; Transcriptome; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/cytology*; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/metabolism; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/physiology
Fulltext Evolving forecasting classifications and applications in health forecasting

Soyiri IN, Reidpath DD

Int J Gen Med, 2012;5:381-9.
PMID: 22615533 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S31079

Health forecasting forewarns the health community about future health situations and disease episodes so that health systems can better allocate resources and manage demand. The tools used for developing and measuring the accuracy and validity of health forecasts commonly are not defined although they are usually adapted forms of statistical procedures. This review identifies previous typologies used in classifying the forecasting methods commonly used in forecasting health conditions or situations. It then discusses the strengths and weaknesses of these methods and presents the choices available for measuring the accuracy of health-forecasting models, including a note on the discrepancies in the modes of validation.
Fulltext Distinct genetic lineages of Bactrocera caudata (Insecta: Tephritidae) revealed by COI and 16S DNA sequences

Lim PE, Tan J, Suana IW, Eamsobhana P, Yong HS

PLoS One, 2012;7(5):e37276.
PMID: 22615962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037276

The fruit fly Bactrocera caudata is a pest species of economic importance in Asia. Its larvae feed on the flowers of Cucurbitaceae such as Cucurbita moschata. To-date it is distinguished from related species based on morphological characters. Specimens of B. caudata from Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia (Bali and Lombok) were analysed using the partial DNA sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA genes. Both gene sequences revealed that B. caudata from Peninsular Malaysia was distinctly different from B. caudata of Bali and Lombok, without common haplotype between them. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades, indicating distinct genetic lineage. The uncorrected 'p' distance for COI sequences between B. caudata of Malaysia-Thailand-China and B. caudata of Bali-Lombok was 5.65%, for 16S sequences from 2.76 to 2.99%, and for combined COI and 16S sequences 4.45 to 4.46%. The 'p' values are distinctly different from intraspecific 'p' distance (0-0.23%). Both the B. caudata lineages are distinctly separated from related species in the subgenus Zeugodacus - B. ascita, B. scutellata, B. ishigakiensis, B. diaphora, B. tau, B. cucurbitae, and B. depressa. Molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that the B. caudata lineages are closely related to B. ascita sp. B, and form a clade with B. scutellata, B. ishigakiensis, B. diaphora and B. ascita sp. A. This study provides additional baseline for the phylogenetic relationships of Bactrocera fruit flies of the subgenus Zeugodacus. Both the COI and 16S genes could be useful markers for the molecular differentiation and phylogenetic analysis of tephritid fruit flies.

MeSH terms: Animals; Base Sequence; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics*; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics*; Male; Phylogeny; Sequence Alignment; Tephritidae/genetics*
Fulltext Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) mediate large-scale edge effects in a lowland tropical rainforest in Peninsular Malaysia

Fujinuma J, Harrison RD

PLoS One, 2012;7(5):e37321.
PMID: 22615977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037321

Edge-effects greatly extend the area of tropical forests degraded through human activities. At Pasoh, Peninsular Malaysia, it has been suggested that soil disturbance by highly abundant wild pigs (Sus scrofa), which feed in adjacent Oil Palm plantations, may have mediated the invasion of Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae) into the diverse tropical lowland rain forest. To investigate this hypothesis, we established three 1 km transects from the forest/Oil Palm plantation boundary into the forest interior. We recorded the distribution of soil disturbance by wild pigs, C. hirta abundance, and environmental variables. These data were analyzed using a hierarchical Bayesian model that incorporated spatial auto-correlation in the environmental variables. As predicted, soil disturbance by wild pigs declined with distance from forest edge and C. hirta abundance was correlated with the level of soil disturbance. Importantly there was no effect of distance on C. hirta abundance, after controlling for the effect of soil disturbance. Clidemia hirta abundance was also correlated with the presence of canopy openings, but there was no significant association between the occurrence of canopy openings and distance from the edge. Increased levels of soil disturbance and C. hirta abundance were still detectable approximately 1 km from the edge, demonstrating the potential for exceptionally large-scale animal mediated edge effects.

MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Wild*; Behavior, Animal; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Trees; Tropical Climate; Ecosystem*; Sus scrofa*; Melastomataceae/growth & development; Introduced Species
Effect of current breastfeeding on sleep patterns in infants from Asia-Pacific region

Ramamurthy MB, Sekartini R, Ruangdaraganon N, Huynh DH, Sadeh A, Mindell JA

J Paediatr Child Health, 2012 Aug;48(8):669-74.
PMID: 22616943 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2012.02453.x

AIM:
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between breastfeeding and sleep patterns in infants from Asia-Pacific region.

METHODS:
Parents of 10 321 infants (0-11 months) from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam completed an expanded version of the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire.

RESULTS:
Overall, 4714 (45.72%) were currently being breastfed; 61.3% of those between 0 and 5 months and 36.6% of those between 6 and 11 months. Currently breastfed infants, when compared with not currently breastfed infants, had a significant increase in the number and duration of night-time wakings and less consolidated sleep. Interestingly, currently breastfed infants less than 6 months also showed longer duration of daytime sleep and obtained more sleep overall. Of note, of those who were currently breastfed, those infants who were nursed back to sleep during night, woke up more often at night (2.41 vs. 1.67 times) and had shorter continuous night-time sleep period (5.58 vs. 6.88 h; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding infants in the number of night wakings, when the nursing to sleep variable was controlled for in the analysis of variance.

CONCLUSION:
Breastfeeding is associated with reduced sleep consolidation in infants. This relationship, however, may be moderated by parenting practices of nursing to sleep and back to sleep during the night. Thus, parents of infants with night waking problems should be encouraged to limit the association between nursing and falling to sleep, to improve sleep while maintaining breastfeeding.

MeSH terms: Asia; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sleep/physiology*; Wakefulness; Parenting; Australasia
Fulltext Ipomoea aquatica extract shows protective action against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity

Alkiyumi SS, Abdullah MA, Alrashdi AS, Salama SM, Abdelwahab SI, Hadi AH

Molecules, 2012;17(5):6146-55.
PMID: 22617138 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17056146

In the Indian system of traditional medicine (Ayurveda) it is recommended to consume Ipomoea aquatica to mitigate disorders like jaundice. In this study, the protective effects of ethanol extract of I. aquatica against liver damage were evaluated in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced chronic hepatotoxicity in rats. There was no sign of toxicity in the acute toxicity study, in which Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were orally fed with I. aquatica (250 and 500 mg/kg) for two months along with administration of TAA (i.p injection 200 mg/kg three times a week for two months). The results showed that the treatment of I. aquatica significantly lowered the TAA-induced serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (ALP, ALT, AST, protein, albumin, bilirubin and prothrombin time). The hepatic content of activities and expressions SOD and CAT that were reduced by TAA were brought back to control levels by the plant extract supplement. Meanwhile, the rise in MDA level in the TAA receiving groups also were significantly reduced by I. aquatica treatment. Histopathology of hepatic tissues by H&E and Masson trichrome stains displayed that I. aquatica has reduced the incidence of liver lesions, including hepatic cells cloudy swelling, infiltration, hepatic necrosis, and fibrous connective tissue proliferation induced by TAA in rats. Therefore, the results of this study show that the protective effect of I. aquatica in TAA-induced liver damage might be contributed to its modulation on detoxification enzymes and its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects. Moreover, it confirms a scientific basis for the traditional use of I. aquatica for the treatment of liver disorders.

MeSH terms: Animals; Catalase/metabolism; Liver/drug effects; Liver/metabolism; Liver/pathology; Male; Malondialdehyde/metabolism; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism; Thioacetamide; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Ipomoea/chemistry*; Rats; Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Chronic/metabolism; Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Chronic/prevention & control*
Development of health biotechnology in developing countries: can private-sector players be the prime movers?

Abuduxike G, Aljunid SM

Biotechnol Adv, 2012 Nov-Dec;30(6):1589-601.
PMID: 22617902 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.05.002

Health biotechnology has rapidly become vital in helping healthcare systems meet the needs of the poor in developing countries. This key industry also generates revenue and creates employment opportunities in these countries. To successfully develop biotechnology industries in developing nations, it is critical to understand and improve the system of health innovation, as well as the role of each innovative sector and the linkages between the sectors. Countries' science and technology capacities can be strengthened only if there are non-linear linkages and strong interrelations among players throughout the innovation process; these relationships generate and transfer knowledge related to commercialization of the innovative health products. The private sector is one of the main actors in healthcare innovation, contributing significantly to the development of health biotechnology via knowledge, expertise, resources and relationships to translate basic research and development into new commercial products and innovative processes. The role of the private sector has been increasingly recognized and emphasized by governments, agencies and international organizations. Many partnerships between the public and private sector have been established to leverage the potential of the private sector to produce more affordable healthcare products. Several developing countries that have been actively involved in health biotechnology are becoming the main players in this industry. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of the private sector in health biotechnology development and to study its impact on health and economic growth through case studies in South Korea, India and Brazil. The paper also discussed the approaches by which the private sector can improve the health and economic status of the poor.

MeSH terms: Biotechnology/economics; Biotechnology/methods*; Biotechnology/organization & administration; Delivery of Health Care/economics*; Developing Countries/economics*; Humans; Organizational Innovation; Private Sector/economics*; Private Sector/organization & administration*; Economic Development
Fulltext Controlled release and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition properties of an antihypertensive drug based on a perindopril erbumine-layered double hydroxide nanocomposite

Hussein Al Ali SH, Al-Qubaisi M, Hussein MZ, Ismail M, Zainal Z, Hakim MN

Int J Nanomedicine, 2012;7:2129-41.
PMID: 22619549 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S30461

The intercalation of perindopril erbumine into Zn/Al-NO(3)-layered double hydroxide resulted in the formation of a host-guest type of material. By virtue of the ion-exchange properties of layered double hydroxide, perindopril erbumine was released in a sustained manner. Therefore, this intercalated material can be used as a controlled-release formulation.

MeSH terms: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/administration & dosage*; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics; Antihypertensive Agents/administration & dosage*; Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacokinetics; Cell Line; Cell Survival/drug effects; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Stability; Humans; Intercalating Agents; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Models, Molecular; Nitrates/chemistry; Surface Properties; Zinc/chemistry; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Aluminum Compounds/chemistry; Perindopril/administration & dosage*; Perindopril/pharmacokinetics; Hepatocytes/drug effects; Powder Diffraction; Nanomedicine; Nanocomposites/administration & dosage; Nanocomposites/ultrastructure; Nanocomposites/chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Fulltext Effect of supercritical fluid density on nanoencapsulated drug particle size using the supercritical antisolvent method

Kalani M, Yunus R

Int J Nanomedicine, 2012;7:2165-72.
PMID: 22619552 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S29805

The reported work demonstrates and discusses the effect of supercritical fluid density (pressure and temperature of supercritical fluid carbon dioxide) on particle size and distribution using the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) method in the purpose of drug encapsulation. In this study, paracetamol was encapsulated inside L-polylactic acid, a semicrystalline polymer, with different process parameters, including pressure and temperature, using the SAS process. The morphology and particle size of the prepared nanoparticles were determined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that increasing temperature enhanced mean particle size due to the plasticizing effect. Furthermore, increasing pressure enhanced molecular interaction and solubility; thus, particle size was reduced. Transmission electron microscopy images defined the internal structure of nanoparticles. Thermal characteristics of nanoparticles were also investigated via differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the changes in crystallinity structure during the SAS process. In vitro drug release analysis determined the sustained release of paracetamol in over 4 weeks.

MeSH terms: Acetaminophen/administration & dosage; Acetaminophen/pharmacokinetics; Carbon Dioxide; Drug Carriers/chemistry*; Drug Compounding/instrumentation; Drug Compounding/methods; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Particle Size; Pressure; Solvents; Temperature; X-Ray Diffraction; Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid; Nanomedicine; Nanocapsules/ultrastructure*; Nanocapsules/chemistry*; In Vitro Techniques
Fulltext Psidium guajava and Piper betle leaf extracts prolong vase life of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) flowers

Rahman MM, Ahmad SH, Lgu KS

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:102805.
PMID: 22619568 DOI: 10.1100/2012/102805

The effect of leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Piper betle on prolonging vase life of cut carnation flowers was studied. "Carola" and "Pallas Orange" carnation flowers, at bud stage, were pulsed 24 hours with a floral preservative. Then, flowers were placed in a vase solution containing sprite and a "germicide" (leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle, 8-HQC, or a copper coin). Flowers treated with 8-HQC, copper coin, and leaf extracts had longer vase life, larger flower diameter, and higher rate of water uptake compared to control (tap water). The leaf extracts of P. guajava and P. betle showed highest antibacterial and antifungal activities compared to the other treatments. Both showed similar effects on flower quality as the synthetic germicide, 8-HQC. Therefore, these extracts are likely natural germicides to prolong vase life of cut flowers.

MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Dianthus/physiology*; Psidium/chemistry*; Piper betle/chemistry*; Flowers*
Fulltext Antibiotic resistant Salmonella and Vibrio associated with farmed Litopenaeus vannamei

Banerjee S, Ooi MC, Shariff M, Khatoon H

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:130136.
PMID: 22619583 DOI: 10.1100/2012/130136

Salmonella and Vibrio species were isolated and identified from Litopenaeus vannamei cultured in shrimp farms. Shrimp samples showed occurrence of 3.3% of Salmonella and 48.3% of Vibrio. The isolates were also screened for antibiotic resistance to oxolinic acid, sulphonamides, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, norfloxacin, ampicillin, doxycycline hydrochloride, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and nitrofurantoin. Salmonella enterica serovar Corvallis isolated from shrimp showed individual and multiple antibiotic resistance patterns. Five Vibrio species having individual and multiple antibiotic resistance were also identified. They were Vibrio cholerae (18.3%), V. mimicus (16.7%), V. parahaemolyticus (10%), V. vulnificus (6.7%), and V. alginolyticus (1.7%). Farm owners should be concerned about the presence of these pathogenic bacteria which also contributes to human health risk and should adopt best management practices for responsible aquaculture to ensure the quality of shrimp.

MeSH terms: Animals; Crustacea/microbiology*; Drug Resistance, Microbial*; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Salmonella/drug effects*; Vibrio/drug effects*; Aquaculture*
Fulltext Medicinal and environmental indicator species of Utricularia from montane forest of Peninsular Malaysia

Haron NW, Chew MY

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:234820.
PMID: 22619629 DOI: 10.1100/2012/234820

The carnivorous Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) is a small herb of multifarious wet habitats worldwide. Eleven of the 14 Peninsular Malaysian species range into the mountains. Distribution, disturbance adaptability and collection frequency were used to formulate their commonness category. Common (U. aurea, U. bifida, and U. minutissima) and fairly common (U. gibba and U. uliginosa) species are mostly lowland plants that ascend to open montane microhabitats, while the fairly common (U. striatula), narrow-range (U. caerulea pink form and U. involvens), rare (U. furcellata and U. scandens), and endemic (U. vitellina) species are restricted to mountainous sites. Common species that colonise dystrophic to oligotrophic man-made sites in late succession could serve as predictors for general health and recovery of wet habitats. Rarer species are often locally abundant, their niches situated around pristine forest edges. When in decline, they indicate the beginning of problems affecting the forest. Utricularia is reportedly nutritious, mildly astringent, and diuretic. Preadapted to nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils, U. bifida is suitable as an alternative for small-scale herb cultivation on low pH, wet poor soils usually deemed not suitable for any crops.

MeSH terms: Malaysia; Trees*; Angiosperms*
Bisphenol S in urine from the United States and seven Asian countries: occurrence and human exposures

Liao C, Liu F, Alomirah H, Loi VD, Mohd MA, Moon HB, et al.

Environ Sci Technol, 2012 Jun 19;46(12):6860-6.
PMID: 22620267 DOI: 10.1021/es301334j

As concern regarding the toxic effects of bisphenol A (BPA) grows, BPA in many consumer products is gradually being replaced with compounds such as bisphenol S (BPS). Nevertheless, data on the occurrence of BPS in human specimens are limited. In this study, 315 urine samples, collected from the general populations in the United States, China, India, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Vietnam, were analyzed for the presence of total BPS (free plus conjugated) concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). BPS was detected in 81% of the urine samples analyzed at concentrations ranging from below the limit of quantitation (LOQ; 0.02 ng/mL) to 21 ng/mL (geometric mean: 0.168 ng/mL). The urinary BPS concentration varied among countries, and the highest geometric mean concentration [1.18 ng/mLor 0.933 μg/g creatinine (Cre)] of BPS was found in urine samples from Japan, followed by the United States (0.299 ng/mL, 0.304 μg/g Cre), China (0.226 ng/mL, 0.223 μg/g Cre), Kuwait (0.172 ng/mL, 0.126 μg/g Cre), and Vietnam (0.160 ng/mL, 0.148 μg/g Cre). Median concentrations of BPS in urine samples from the Asian countries were 1 order of magnitude lower than the median concentrations reported earlier for BPA in the same set of samples, with the exception of samples from Japan. There were no significant differences in BPS concentrations between genders (male versus female), or among age groups (categorized as ≤ 19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and ≥ 50 years), or races (Caucasian versus Asian). The daily intake (EDI) of BPS was estimated on the basis of urinary concentrations using a simple pharmacokinetic approach. The median EDI values of BPS in Japan, China, United States, Kuwait, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Korea were 1.67, 0.339, 0.316, 0.292, 0.217, 0.122, 0.084, and 0.023 μg/person, respectively. This is the first study to report the occurrence of BPS in human urine.

MeSH terms: Adult; Asia; Creatinine/urine; Environmental Exposure*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phenols/urine*; Quality Control; Sulfones; United States; Young Adult
Discolouration potential of endodontic procedures and materials: a review

Ahmed HM, Abbott PV

Int Endod J, 2012 Oct;45(10):883-97.
PMID: 22621247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2012.02071.x

Advances in endodontic materials and techniques are at the forefront of endodontic research. Despite continuous improvements, tooth discolouration, especially in anterior teeth, is considered an undesirable consequence following endodontic treatment as it creates a range of aesthetic problems. This article aims to discuss the intrinsic and internalized tooth discolouration caused by endodontic procedures, and to address the discolouration potential of materials used during root canal treatment, including root canal irrigants, intra-canal medicaments, endodontic and post-endodontic filling materials. In addition, the discolouration patterns caused by combined endodontic and nonendodontic aetiological factors are discussed. The recommended guidelines that should be followed by dental practitioners to prevent and manage tooth discolouration are also outlined.

MeSH terms: Humans; Post and Core Technique/adverse effects; Root Canal Filling Materials/adverse effects*; Root Canal Irrigants/adverse effects*; Root Canal Therapy/adverse effects*; Tooth Discoloration/chemically induced; Tooth Discoloration/etiology*; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents/adverse effects
Evaluation of potentially inappropriate medications among older residents of Malaysian nursing homes

Chen LL, Tangiisuran B, Shafie AA, Hassali MA

Int J Clin Pharm, 2012 Aug;34(4):596-603.
PMID: 22622593 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-012-9651-1

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing evidence of medicines related issues such as inappropriate prescribing among older people. Inappropriate prescribing is an important risk factor for adverse drug reactions and hospitalizations in the older people.
OBJECTIVE: To assess and characterize the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) in nursing home care in Malaysia as defined by Screening Tool of Older Peoples Prescriptions (STOPP) and Beers criteria.
SETTING: Four Nursing Homes situated in Penang, Malaysia.
METHODS: A multicenter and cross-sectional study was conducted over 2 months period at four large non-governmental organizations nursing homes in Penang, Malaysia. The study population included older residents (≥65 years old) taking at least one medication. Residents who had been diagnosed with dementia or taking anti dementia drugs, delirium, too frail or refused to give consent were excluded. Demographic, clinical data and concurrent medications were collected through direct interview and also by reviewing medical records. STOPP and Beers criteria were applied in the medical review to screen for PIMs.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Potentially Inappropriate Medication using STOPP and Beers criteria.
RESULTS: Two hundred eleven residents were included in the study with the median age of 77 (inter quartile range (IQR) 72-82) years. Median number of prescription medicines was 4 (IQR 1-14). STOPP identified less residents (50 residents, 23.7 %) being prescribed on PIMs compared with Beers criteria (69 residents, 32.7 %) (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the number of residents with PIMs detected by STOPP (23.7 %) and by Beers criteria (32.7 %), p < 0.001. The common identified PIMs by Beers criteria included nifedipine short acting, chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine. The STOPP identified first generation antihistamines, duplication of drug classes, glibenclamide and anticholinergic agents. Higher number of medications (OR = 1.405 [1.193-1.654]; OR = 1.447 [1.215-1.723]) and longer stay at nursing home (OR = 1.132 [1.045-1.226]; OR = 1.133 [1.034-1.241]) were identified as predictors for both Beers and STOPP PIMs.
CONCLUSION: Potentially inappropriate medications are highly prevalent among older residents living in the nursing homes and are associated with number of medications and longer nursing home stay. Further research is warranted to study the impact of PIMs towards health related outcomes in these elderly.

MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Utilization/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Nursing Homes/statistics & numerical data*; Prevalence; Inappropriate Prescribing/statistics & numerical data*
Production of biogas from solid organic wastes through anaerobic digestion: a review

Muhammad Nasir I, Mohd Ghazi TI, Omar R

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2012 Jul;95(2):321-9.
PMID: 22622840 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4152-7

Anaerobic digestion treatments have often been used for biological stabilization of solid wastes. These treatment processes generate biogas which can be used as a renewable energy sources. Recently, anaerobic digestion of solid wastes has attracted more interest because of current environmental problems, most especially those concerned with global warming. Thus, laboratory-scale research on this area has increased significantly. In this review paper, the summary of the most recent research activities covering production of biogas from solid wastes according to its origin via various anaerobic technologies was presented.

MeSH terms: Bacteria, Anaerobic/metabolism*; Biotechnology/trends; Methane/metabolism; Refuse Disposal/methods*; Biofuels/microbiology*
Fulltext Red cell phenotyping of blood from donors at the National blood center of Malaysia

Musa RH, Ahmed SA, Hashim H, Ayob Y, Asidin NH, Choo PY, et al.

Asian J Transfus Sci, 2012 Jan;6(1):3-9.
PMID: 22623834 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6247.95042

Human blood groups are polymorphic and inherited integral structures of the red cell membrane. More than 300 red cell antigens have been identified and further categorized into 30 major discrete systems. Their distribution varies in different communities and ethnic groups.
Fulltext Quality indicators for discarding blood in the National Blood Center, Kuala Lumpur

Morish M, Ayob Y, Naim N, Salman H, Muhamad NA, Yusoff NM

Asian J Transfus Sci, 2012 Jan;6(1):19-23.
PMID: 22623837 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6247.95045

The implementation of quality system and continuous evaluation of all activities of the Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) can help to achieve the maximum quantity and quality of safe blood. Optimizing blood collection and processing would reduce the rate of discard and improve the efficiency of the BTS. The objective of this study is to determine the rate of discard of blood and blood component and identify its reasons at the National Blood Centre (NBC), Kuala Lumpur, during the year of 2007 in order to introduce appropriate intervention.
Fulltext Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient: case report and review of literature

Shatriah I, Mohd-Amin N, Tuan-Jaafar TN, Khanna RK, Yunus R, Madhavan M

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol, 2012 Apr-Jun;19(2):258-61.
PMID: 22623872 DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.95269

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a fungal infection that can be fatal especially in immunocompromised patients. It is extremely rare in immunocompetent individuals. We describe here an immunocompetent patient who survived rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis due to Saksenaea vasiformis, and provide a literature review of this rare entity.

MeSH terms: Adult; Brain Diseases/complications; Brain Diseases/diagnosis*; Brain Diseases/microbiology; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Mucorales/isolation & purification*; Mucormycosis/diagnosis*; Mucormycosis/microbiology; Orbital Diseases/complications; Orbital Diseases/diagnosis*; Orbital Diseases/microbiology; Photomicrography; Rhinitis/complications; Rhinitis/diagnosis*; Rhinitis/microbiology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Eye Infections, Fungal/complications; Eye Infections, Fungal/diagnosis*; Eye Infections, Fungal/microbiology; Immunocompromised Host*
Fulltext Microvascular guidance: a challenge to support the development of vascularised tissue engineering construct

Sukmana I

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:201352.
PMID: 22623881 DOI: 10.1100/2012/201352

The guidance of endothelial cell organization into a capillary network has been a long-standing challenge in tissue engineering. Some research efforts have been made to develop methods to promote capillary networks inside engineered tissue constructs. Capillary and vascular networks that would mimic blood microvessel function can be used to subsequently facilitate oxygen and nutrient transfer as well as waste removal. Vascularization of engineering tissue construct is one of the most favorable strategies to overpass nutrient and oxygen supply limitation, which is often the major hurdle in developing thick and complex tissue and artificial organ. This paper addresses recent advances and future challenges in developing three-dimensional culture systems to promote tissue construct vascularization allowing mimicking blood microvessel development and function encountered in vivo. Bioreactors systems that have been used to create fully vascularized functional tissue constructs will also be outlined.

MeSH terms: Phagocytosis/physiology; Cell Death; Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology*; Coculture Techniques; Bioreactors; Tissue Engineering/methods*; Endothelial Cells/cytology; Tissue Scaffolds

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