Browse publications by year: 2012

The effects of physical refining on the formation of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters in relation to palm oil minor components

Zulkurnain M, Lai OM, Latip RA, Nehdi IA, Ling TC, Tan CP

Food Chem, 2012 Nov 15;135(2):799-805.
PMID: 22868161 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.04.144

The formation of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters in refined palm oil during deodorisation is attributed to the intrinsic composition of crude palm oil. Utilising D-optimal design, the effects of the degumming and bleaching processes on the reduction in 3-MCPD ester formation in refined palm oil from poor-quality crude palm oil were studied relative to the palm oil minor components that are likely to be their precursors. Water degumming remarkably reduced 3-MCPD ester formation by up to 84%, from 9.79 mg/kg to 1.55 mg/kg. Bleaching with synthetic magnesium silicate caused a further 10% reduction, to 0.487 mg/kg. The reduction in 3-MCPD ester formation could be due to the removal of related precursors prior to the deodorisation step. The phosphorus content of bleached palm oil showed a significant correlation with 3-MCPD ester formation.

MeSH terms: alpha-Chlorohydrin; Esters/chemistry*; Glycerol/analogs & derivatives*; Glycerol/chemistry; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Plant Oils/chemistry*
Use of the Multispecies Freshwater Biomonitor to assess behavioral changes of Poecilia reticulata (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) and Macrobrachium lanchesteri (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in response to acid mine drainage: laboratory exposure

Mohti A, Shuhaimi-Othman M, Gerhardt A

J Environ Monit, 2012 Sep;14(9):2505-11.
PMID: 22868673 DOI: 10.1039/c2em10902f

The behavioral responses of guppy Poecilia reticulata (Poeciliidae) and prawn Macrobrachium lanchesteri (Palaemonidae) individuals exposed to acid mine drainage (AMD) were monitored online in the laboratory with a Multispecies Freshwater Biomonitor™ (MFB). These responses were compared to those to reference water acidified to the respective pH values (ACID). Test animals in the juvenile stage were used for both species and were exposed to AMD and ACID for 24 hours. The stress behaviors of both test animals consisted mainly of decreased activity in AMD and increased activity in ACID, indicating that the metals in the AMD played a role as a stress factor in addition to pH. The locomotor activity levels of guppies and prawns for the ACID treatment were higher than the locomotor activity levels for the AMD treatment with increasing pH value. For guppies, significant differences were observed when specimens were exposed to AMD and ACID at pH 5.0 and 6.0; the percentage activities were only 16% and 12%, respectively, for AMD treatment, whereas for ACID treatment, the percentage activities were 35% and 40%, respectively, similar to the value of 36% for the controls. Similar trends were also observed for prawns, for which the percentage activities were only 6% and 4%, respectively, for AMD treatment, whereas for ACID treatment, the percentage activities were 31% and 38%, respectively, compared to 44% in the controls. This study showed that both species are suitable for use as indicators for ecotoxicity testing with the MFB.

MeSH terms: Animals; Behavior, Animal/drug effects*; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Industrial Waste/analysis*; Metals/analysis; Metals/toxicity; Mining*; Poecilia; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity*; Palaemonidae
Optimisation of glycaemic control during episodes of severe/acute hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Huri HZ, Makmor-Bakry M, Hashim R, Mustafa N, Wan Ngah WZ

Int J Clin Pharm, 2012 Dec;34(6):863-70.
PMID: 22869200 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-012-9682-7

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are frequently admitted to the hospital with severe or acute hyperglycaemia secondary to an acute illness or disease. Uncontrolled glycaemia is a significant problem during severe or acute hyperglycaemia.
OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify demographic, clinical, and genetic factors that may contribute to increased insulin resistance or worsening of glycaemic control in patients with T2DM.
SETTING: This prospective cohort study included 156 patients with T2DM and severe or acute hyperglycaemia who were treated with insulin at any medical ward of the National University of Malaysia Medical Centre.
METHOD: Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index. Glycaemic control during the episode of hyperglycaemia was assessed as the degree to which the patient achieved the target glucose levels. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to identify polymorphisms in insulin receptor substrate (IRS) genes.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Identification of possible predictors (demographic, clinical, or genetic) for insulin resistance and glycaemic control during severe/acute hyperglycaemia.
RESULTS: A polymorphism in IRS1, r.2963 G>A (p.Gly972Arg), was a significant predictor of both insulin resistance [odds ratios (OR) 4.48; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.2-16.7; P = 0.03) and worsening of glycaemic control (OR 6.04; 95 % CI 0.6-64.6; P = 0.02). The use of loop diuretics (P < 0.05) and antibiotics (P < 0.05) may indirectly predict worsening of insulin resistance or glycaemic control in patients with severe/acute hyperglycaemia.
CONCLUSION: Clinical and genetic factors contribute to worsening of insulin resistance and glycaemic control during severe/acute hyperglycaemia in patients with T2DM. Early identification of factors that may influence insulin resistance and glycaemic control may help to achieve optimal glycaemic control during severe/acute hyperglycaemia.

MeSH terms: Academic Medical Centers; Acute Disease; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects; Blood Glucose/drug effects*; Blood Glucose/metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diagnosis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use*; Insulin/blood; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Genetic; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Biomarkers/blood; Chi-Square Distribution; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Treatment Outcome; Risk Assessment; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors/adverse effects; Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Determinants of compliance behaviours among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Malaysia

Chan YM, Zalilah MS, Hii SZ

PLoS One, 2012;7(8):e41362.
PMID: 22870215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041362

BACKGROUND: Patients with end stage renal disease often fail to follow prescribed dietary and fluid regimen, leading to undesirable outcomes. This study aimed to examine and identify factors influencing dietary, fluid, medication and dialysis compliance behaviours in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study which employed purposive sampling design. A total of 188 respondents were recruited from 14 dialysis centres in Malaysia between 2008-2011. Self-reported compliance behaviours and biochemical measurements were used as evaluation tools.
RESULTS: Compliance rates of dietary, fluid, medication and dialysis were 27.7%, 24.5%, 66.5% and 91.0%, respectively. Younger, male, working patients and those with longer duration on hemodialysis were found more likely to be non-compliant. Lacks of adequate knowledge, inadequate self-efficacy skills, forgetfulness and financial constraints were the major perceived barriers towards better compliance to fluid, dietary, medication and dialysis, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should recognise the factors hindering compliance from the patients' perspective while assisting them with appropriate skills in making necessary changes possible.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Renal Dialysis*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance*; Patient Education as Topic*; Socioeconomic Factors
Fulltext Induced pluripotent stem cells in research and therapy

Teoh HK, Cheong SK

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):1-13.
PMID: 22870592 MyJurnal

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are derived from human somatic cells through ectopic expression of transcription factors. This landmark discovery has been considered as a major development towards patient-specific iPSC for various biomedical applications. Unlimited self renewal capacity, pluripotency and ease of accessibility to donor tissues contribute to the versatility of iPSC. The therapeutic potential of iPSC in regenerative medicine, cell-based therapy, disease modelling and drug discovery is indeed very promising. Continuous progress in iPSC technology provides clearer understanding of disease pathogenesis and ultimately new optimism in developing treatment or cure for human diseases.

MeSH terms: Anemia, Sickle Cell/genetics; Anemia, Sickle Cell/therapy; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Fanconi Anemia/genetics; Fanconi Anemia/therapy; Hemophilia A/genetics; Hemophilia A/therapy; Humans; Genetic Therapy; Cell Transplantation; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency/genetics; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency/therapy; Regenerative Medicine/methods*; Mice; Drug Discovery/methods; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology*; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/transplantation; Precision Medicine/methods*
Fulltext CD133 marks for colorectal adenocarcinoma

Chew MF, Teoh KH, Cheah PL

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):25-8.
PMID: 22870594 MyJurnal

CD133, a marker which has been advocated to mark colorectal carcinoma "stem or tumour initiating cells" is amongst the frequently studied markers in colorectal cancer. A study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, University of Malaya Medical Centre to determine the expression of CD133 in 56 archived, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded colorectal adenocarcinoma in comparison with adjacent benign colorectal epithelium by immunohistochemical staining for CD133 expression. CD133 immunopositivity was determined as staining at the glandular luminal surface or in the intraluminal debris. Expression was semiquantitated for (1) proportion of CD133 immunopositivity in the malignant or adjacent benign colorectal epithelium and (2) intensity of staining. The final score of CD133 immunopositivity was arbitrarily taken as proportion of CD133 immunopositivity multiplied by intensity of staining in both the malignant and adjacent benign colorectal epithelium. CD133 expression was observed in significantly increased frequency in 49 (87.5%) colorectal adenocarcinoma compared with 15 (26.8%) of the adjacent benign colorectal epithelium (p<0.05). In terms of immunopositivity score (proportion of CD133 immunopositivity multiplied by intensity of staining), colorectal adenocarcinoma had a mean arbitrary score of 8.5 which was significantly higher than the mean immunopositivity score of 0.5 of the adjacent benign colorectal epithelium (p<0.05). In addition, the maximum immunopositivity score for the adjacent benign colorectal epithelium was 4, while 38 (67.9%) of colorectal adenocarcinoma had scores >4. This study shows that CD133 is able to mark colorectal adenocarcinoma but it is still unclear at this juncture whether CD133 is indeed a marker for colorectal adenocarcinoma "stem cells".

MeSH terms: Adenocarcinoma/metabolism; Adenocarcinoma/pathology*; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Glycoproteins/metabolism*; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism; Intestinal Mucosa/pathology; Male; Middle Aged; Peptides/metabolism*; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology*; Antigens, CD/metabolism*; Young Adult
Fulltext Variant of Helicobacter pylori CagA proteins induce different magnitude of morphological changes in gastric epithelial cells

Alfizah H, Ramelah M

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):29-34.
PMID: 22870595 MyJurnal

Infection with Helicobacter pylori cagA-positive strains is associated with gastroduodenal diseases. The CagA protein is injected into gastric epithelial cells and supposedly induces morphological changes termed the 'hummingbird phenotype', which is associated with scattering and increased cell motility. The molecular mechanisms leading to the CagA-dependent morphological changes are only partially known. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of CagA variants on the magnitude of gastric epithelial cell morphological changes. Recombinant 3' terminal domains of cagA were cloned and expressed in a gastric epithelial cell line and the hummingbird phenotype was quantified by microscopy. The 3' region of the cagA gene of Malaysian H. pylori isolates showed six sub-genotypes that differed in the structural organization of the EPIYA repeat sequences. The percentage of hummingbird cells induced by CagA increased with duration of transfection. The hummingbird phenotype was observed to be more pronounced when CagA with 4 EPIYA motifs rather than 3 or 2 EPIYA motifs was produced. The activity of different CagA variants in the induction of the hummingbird phenotype in gastric epithelial cells depends at least in part on EPIYA motif variability. The difference in CagA genotypes might influence the potential of individual CagAs to cause morphological changes in host cells. Depending on the relative exposure of cells to CagA genotypes, this may contribute to the various disease outcomes caused by H. pylori infection in different individuals.

MeSH terms: Antigens, Bacterial/genetics*; Antigens, Bacterial/metabolism; Antigens, Bacterial/chemistry; Bacterial Proteins/genetics*; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism; Bacterial Proteins/chemistry; Cell Count; Cloning, Molecular; Gastric Mucosa/microbiology; Gastric Mucosa/pathology*; Humans; Recombinant Proteins; Stomach Diseases/microbiology; Stomach Diseases/pathology; Transfection; Helicobacter pylori/classification; Helicobacter pylori/genetics*; Helicobacter pylori/metabolism; Helicobacter Infections/microbiology; Helicobacter Infections/pathology*; Amino Acid Motifs; Cell Line, Tumor
Fulltext The discrimination of d-tartrate positive and d-tartrate negative S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Paratyphi B isolated in Malaysia by phenotypic and genotypic methods

Ahmad N, Hoon ST, Ghani MK, Tee KY

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):35-9.
PMID: 22870596 MyJurnal

Serotyping is not sufficient to differentiate between Salmonella species that cause paratyphoid fever from the strains that cause milder gastroenteritis as these organisms share the same serotype Salmonella Paratyphi B (S. Paratyphi B). Strains causing paratyphoid fever do not ferment d-tartrate and this key feature was used in this study to determine the prevalence of these strains among the collection of S. Paratyphi B strains isolated from patients in Malaysia. A total of 105 isolates of S. Paratyphi B were discriminated into d-tartrate positive (dT+) and d-tartrate negative (dT) variants by two lead acetate test protocols and multiplex PCR. The lead acetate test protocol 1 differed from protocol 2 by a lower inoculum size and different incubation conditions while the multiplex PCR utilized 2 sets of primers targeting the ATG start codon of the gene STM3356. Lead acetate protocol 1 discriminated 97.1% of the isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+ and 2.9% as dT while test protocol 2 discriminated all the isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+. The multiplex PCR test identified all 105 isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+ strains. The concordance of the lead acetate test relative to that of multiplex PCR was 97.7% and 100% for protocol 1 and 2 respectively. This study showed that S. Paratyphi B dT+ is a common causative agent of gastroenteritis in Malaysia while paratyphoid fever appears to be relatively uncommon. Multiplex PCR was shown to be a simpler, more rapid and reliable method to discriminate S. Paratyphi B than the phenotypic lead acetate test.

MeSH terms: DNA, Bacterial/analysis; Feces/microbiology; Fermentation; Genotype; Humans; Malaysia; Organometallic Compounds; Paratyphoid Fever/diagnosis; Paratyphoid Fever/microbiology*; Phenotype; Salmonella paratyphi B/classification; Salmonella paratyphi B/genetics; Salmonella paratyphi B/isolation & purification*; Salmonella paratyphi B/metabolism; Serotyping; Tartrates/metabolism*; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
Fulltext Potential use of single measurement of serum progesterone in detecting early pregnancy failure

Hanita O, Hanisah AH

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):41-6.
PMID: 22870597 MyJurnal

Early pregnancy failure is a common pregnancy complication. In clinical practice, the time delay to distinguish viable from nonviable pregnancy is often distressing to patients and doctors. A highly sensitive and specific biomarker that accurately discriminates between viable and nonviable pregnancy would be useful for early intervention. Progesterone has been shown as a biomarker of early pregnancy failure. However the usefulness is still questionable due to the different cutoff values used. A study was conducted to determine the role of progesterone as a marker of early pregnancy failure and to establish the cut-off value in discriminating between viable and nonviable pregnancy. The study was carried out in the Obstetric and Gynecology Patient Admission Centre (OBPAC), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) for a period of twelve months. Ninety-five pregnant women of 13 weeks or less period of amenorrhoea (POA) were recruited. Fourteen normal pregnant women were controls. The patients with early pregnancy failure were classified according to types of abortion. Single measurement of serum progesterone was carried out during admission. The outcome of pregnancy was followed up until 22 weeks of POA to ascertain viability of the fetus. Median progesterone levels were significantly lower in women with nonviable pregnancies compared with viable pregnancy [10.7ng/ml (0.60-49.80) vs. 45.9ng/ml (15.40-127.20) respectively, p<0.001]. Progesterone levels were also significantly lower in threatened abortion patients with outcomes of nonviable pregnancy compared with pregnancies that progressed on to the viability period [23.3 +/- 12.0 vs. 89.7 +/- 33.2 respectively, p<0.001]. At cut-off value of 32.7ng/ ml, progesterone had 90% sensitivity with 75% negative predictive value and 92% specificity with 97% positive predictive value. The area under curve for progesterone was 0.95 (95% Confidence Interval, 0.903-0.990). In conclusion, these findings indicate that serum progesterone can be used as a marker for early pregnancy failure.

MeSH terms: Abortion, Spontaneous/blood; Abortion, Spontaneous/diagnosis*; Adult; Female; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First/blood; Progesterone/blood*; Reference Values; Biomarkers/blood; Area Under Curve; Early Diagnosis
Fulltext Endolymphatic sac tumour

Zulkarnaen M, Tang IP, Wong SL

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):53-5.
PMID: 22870599 MyJurnal

We present a case of a papillary tumour at the cerebellopontine angle in a 41-year-old man. He presented with left-sided facial and ear pain associated with dizziness, nystagmus and hearing loss. CT scan of the temporal bone showed a destructive tumour at the left cerebellopontine angle. Surgical excision was performed and the diagnosis of the endolymphatic sac tumour was made. Endolymphatic tumour is a low grade adenocarcinoma that originates from the endolymphatic sac. The definitive diagnosis requires a combination of clinical features, radiological finding and pathological correlation.

MeSH terms: Adenocarcinoma, Papillary/metabolism; Adenocarcinoma, Papillary/pathology*; Adenocarcinoma, Papillary/therapy; Adult; Combined Modality Therapy; Ear Neoplasms/metabolism; Ear Neoplasms/pathology*; Ear Neoplasms/therapy; Endolymphatic Sac/metabolism; Endolymphatic Sac/pathology*; Endolymphatic Sac/surgery; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism; Humans; Male; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Temporal Bone/pathology; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism; Treatment Outcome; Neoplasm, Residual/diagnosis; Neoplasm, Residual/radiotherapy; Mucin-1/metabolism
Fulltext Co-inheritance of compound heterozygous Hb Constant Spring and a single -alpha(3.7) gene deletion with heterozygous deltabeta thalassaemia: a diagnostic challenge

Azma RZ, Othman A, Azman N, Alauddin H, Ithnin A, Yusof N, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):57-62.
PMID: 22870600

Haemoglobin Constant Spring (Hb CS) mutation and single gene deletions are common underlying genetic abnormalities for alpha thalassaemias. Co-inheritance of deletional and non-deletional alpha (alpha) thalassaemias may result in various thalassaemia syndromes. Concomitant co-inheritance with beta (beta) and delta (delta) gene abnormalities would result in improved clinical phenotype. We report here a 33-year-old male patient who was admitted with dengue haemorrhagic fever, with a background history of Grave's disease, incidentally noted to have mild hypochromic microcytic red cell indices. Physical examination revealed no thalassaemic features or hepatosplenomegaly. His full blood picture showed hypochromic microcytic red cells with normal haemoglobin (Hb) level. Quantitation of Hb using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) revealed raised Hb F, normal Hb A2 and Hb A levels. There was also small peak of Hb CS noted in CE. H inclusions was negative. Kleihauer test was positive with heterocellular distribution of Hb F among the red cells. DNA analysis for alpha globin gene mutations showed a single -alpha(-3.7) deletion and Hb CS mutation. These findings were suggestive of compound heterozygosity of Hb CS and a single -alpha(-3.7) deletion with a concomitant heterozygous deltabeta thalassaemia. Co-inheritance of Hb CS and a single -alpha(-3.7) deletion is expected to result at the very least in a clinical phenotype similar to that of two alpha genes deletion. However we demonstrate here a phenotypic modification of alpha thalassemia presumptively as a result of co-inheritance with deltabeta chain abnormality as suggested by the high Hb F level.

MeSH terms: Adult; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Family Health; Female; Genotype; Hemoglobins, Abnormal/metabolism*; Hemoglobins, Abnormal/chemistry; Heterozygote; Humans; Male; beta-Thalassemia/blood; beta-Thalassemia/diagnosis*; beta-Thalassemia/genetics; Gene Deletion*; Electrophoresis, Capillary/methods; Siblings; delta-Thalassemia/blood; delta-Thalassemia/diagnosis*; delta-Thalassemia/genetics; alpha-Globins/genetics*; Young Adult
Fulltext Factor IX mutations in haemophilia B patients in Malaysia: a preliminary study

Balraj P, Ahmad M, Khoo AS, Ayob Y

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):67-9.
PMID: 22870602 MyJurnal

Haemophilia B is caused by coagulation defects in the factor IX gene located in Xq27.1 on the X chromosome. Identification of mutations contributing to defective factor IX may be advantageous for precise carrier and prenatal diagnosis. We studied 16 patients from 11 families, consisting of 8 patients of the Malay ethnic group, of which 6 were siblings. Factor IX mutations have not been previously reported in the Malay ethnic group. The functional region of the factor IX gene was sequenced and mutations were identified in either the exon or intronic regions in 15 of the patients. One novel mutation, 6660_6664delTTCTT was identified in siblings with moderate form of haemophilia B. Mutations identified in our patients when linked with disease severity were similar to findings in other populations. In summary, this preliminary data will be used to build a Malaysian mutation database which would facilitate genetic counseling.

MeSH terms: China/ethnology; Hemophilia B/diagnosis*; Hemophilia B/ethnology; Hemophilia B/genetics; DNA Mutational Analysis; Factor IX/analysis; Factor IX/genetics*; Family Health; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Mutation*; Severity of Illness Index; Frameshift Mutation; Point Mutation; Mutation, Missense; Siblings
Holdstock-Piachaud Prize essay. War and the systematic devastation of women: the call for increased attention to traumatic gynaecological fistulae

Salim F

Med Confl Surviv, 2012 Apr-Jun;28(2):125-32.
PMID: 22873005 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2012.678060
MeSH terms: Africa; Awards and Prizes; Female; Genitalia, Female/injuries*; Humans; International Cooperation; Violence; Warfare*; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Women's Health*
Developing the evidence-base for Safe Communities: a multi-level, partly randomised, controlled trial

Seedat M, McClure R, Suffla S, van Niekerk A

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot, 2012;19(3):231-41.
PMID: 22873717 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2012.705303

Safe Communities, representing a global activation of the public health logic, may be strengthened through theoretical, methodological and empirical support. In the spirit of this Special Issue that aims to analyse the achievements and challenges inherent to Safe Communities, we offer our contribution in the form of a methodology of a multi-country child safety, peace and health promotion study. The study, situated within an African-centred initiative called Ukuphepha - an isiZulu word meaning demonstrating African safety - is underpinned by four theoretical claims that frame injury and violence prevention as a multi-disciplinary issue to be addressed through a suite of interventions to family and extended social systems. The interventions, sensitive to the priorities of each participating country, have been informed by the literature on effective interventions and the authors' joint experiences of community development. The study is designed as a population-based, multi-level, multi-intervention partly randomised controlled trial, and there are potentially 24 participant communities representing South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Australia - over three commencement phases. Whereas process evaluation will focus on community engagement, impact evaluation will consider risk and protective factors, and outcome evaluation will examine the overall effectiveness of the interventions. Notwithstanding the many challenges, the study will provide insights into the methodology and mechanisms of ecologically-oriented interventions that locate injury and violence prevention as an activity arising from safety, peace and health promotion.

MeSH terms: Accident Prevention; Africa; Humans; Safety*; Violence/prevention & control; Program Development*; Community Networks*; Evidence-Based Practice*
Geographical distribution of non-PBDE-brominated flame retardants in mussels from Asian coastal waters

Isobe T, Ogawa SP, Ramu K, Sudaryanto A, Tanabe S

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2012 Sep;19(8):3107-17.
PMID: 22875421 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-0945-6

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) used as alternatives for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are also persistent in the environment as PBDEs. Limited information on these non-PBDE brominated flame retardants (BFRs) is available; in particular, there are only few publications on environmental pollution by these contaminants in the coastal waters of Asia. In this regard, we investigated the contamination status of HBCDs, BTBPE, and DBDPE in the coastal waters of Asia using mussels as a bioindicator. Concentrations of HBCDs, BTBPE, and DBDPE were determined in green (Perna viridis) and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) collected from the coastal areas in Cambodia, China (mainland), SAR China (Hong Kong), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam on 2003-2008. BTBPE and DBDPE were analyzed using GC-MS, whereas HBCDs were determined by LC-MS/MS. HBCDs, BTBPE, and DBDPE were found in mussels at levels ranging from <0.01 to 1,400, <0.1 to 13, and <0.3 to 22 ng/g lipid wt, respectively. Among the three HBCD diastereoisomers, α-HBCD was the dominant isomer followed by γ- and β-HBCDs. Concentrations of HBCDs and DBDPE in mussels from Japan and Korea were higher compared to those from the other Asian countries, indicating extensive usage of these non-PBDE BFRs in Japan and Korea. Higher levels of HBCDs and DBDPE than PBDEs were detected in some mussel samples from Japan. The results suggest that environmental pollution by non-PBDE BFRs, especially HBCDs in Japan, is ubiquitous. This study provides baseline information on the contamination status of these non-PBDE BFRs in the coastal waters of Asia.

MeSH terms: Animals; Asia, Southeastern; Bromobenzenes/analysis; Chromatography, Liquid; Environmental Monitoring/methods; Flame Retardants/analysis*; Hydrocarbons, Brominated/analysis; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Seawater/analysis*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Bivalvia/chemistry*; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/analysis*
[Prevalence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms involved in clopidogrel metabolism in Fujian Han population]

Wei W, Fang L, Wang N, Zhang T, Zeng JB, Lin MT

Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi, 2012 Aug;29(4):420-5.
PMID: 22875498 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1003-9406.2012.04.009

To investigate the frequency of CYP2C19 polymorphisms involved in clopidogrel metabolism in Fujian Han population.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases/genetics*; China; Female; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Genetic; Ticlopidine/analogs & derivatives*; Ticlopidine/metabolism; Young Adult; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C19
Fulltext A Hendra virus G glycoprotein subunit vaccine protects African green monkeys from Nipah virus challenge

Bossart KN, Rockx B, Feldmann F, Brining D, Scott D, LaCasse R, et al.

Sci Transl Med, 2012 Aug 08;4(146):146ra107.
PMID: 22875827 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004241

In the 1990s, Hendra virus and Nipah virus (NiV), two closely related and previously unrecognized paramyxoviruses that cause severe disease and death in humans and a variety of animals, were discovered in Australia and Malaysia, respectively. Outbreaks of disease have occurred nearly every year since NiV was first discovered, with case fatality ranging from 10 to 100%. In the African green monkey (AGM), NiV causes a severe lethal respiratory and/or neurological disease that essentially mirrors fatal human disease. Thus, the AGM represents a reliable disease model for vaccine and therapeutic efficacy testing. We show that vaccination of AGMs with a recombinant subunit vaccine based on the henipavirus attachment G glycoprotein affords complete protection against subsequent NiV infection with no evidence of clinical disease, virus replication, or pathology observed in any challenged subjects. Success of the recombinant subunit vaccine in nonhuman primates provides crucial data in supporting its further preclinical development for potential human use.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antigens, Viral/immunology*; Cercopithecus aethiops/immunology*; Cercopithecus aethiops/virology*; Glycoproteins/immunology*; Hendra Virus/immunology*; Nipah Virus/immunology*; Nipah Virus/pathogenicity; Henipavirus Infections/immunology; Henipavirus Infections/prevention & control
Fulltext The effect of different sealer placement techniques on sealing Ability: An in vitro study

Said HM, Bakar WZ, Farea M, Husein A

J Conserv Dent, 2012 Jul;15(3):257-60.
PMID: 22876014 DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.97952

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the sealing ability of an endodontic sealer following different techniques of its placement.

MeSH terms: Research Design; Root Canal Filling Materials; Root Canal Obturation
Synthesis and biological evaluation of chalcone derivatives (mini review)

Bukhari SN, Jasamai M, Jantan I

Mini Rev Med Chem, 2012 Nov;12(13):1394-403.
PMID: 22876958

Chalcones are the principal precursors for the biosynthesis of flavonoids and isoflavonoids. A three carbon α, β-unsaturated carbonyl system constitutes chalcones. Chalcones are the condensation products of aromatic aldehyde with acetophenones in attendance of catalyst. They go through an assortment of chemical reactions and are found advantageous in synthesis of pyrazoline, isoxazole and a variety of heterocyclic compounds. In synthesizing a range of therapeutic compounds, chalcones impart key role. They have showed worth mentioning therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of various diseases. Chalcone based derivatives have gained heed since they own simple structures, and diverse pharmacological actions. A lot of methods and schemes have been reported for the synthesis of these compounds. Amongst all, Aldol condensation and Claisen-Schmidt condensation still grasp high up position. Other distinguished techniques include Suzuki reaction, Witting reaction, Friedel-Crafts acylation with cinnamoyl chloride, Photo-Fries rearrangement of phenyl cinnamates etc. These inventive techniques utilize various catalysts and reagents including SOCl(2) natural phosphate, lithium nitrate, amino grafted zeolites, zinc oxide, water, Na(2)CO(3), PEG400, silicasulfuric acid, ZrCl(4) and ionic liquid etc. The development of better techniques for the synthesis of α, β- unsaturated carbonyl compounds is still in high demand. In brief, we have explained the methods and catalysts used in the synthesis of chalcones along with their biological activities in a review form to provide information for the development of new-fangled processes targeting better yield, less reaction time and least side effects with utmost pharmacological properties.

MeSH terms: Catalysis; Chalcone/chemical synthesis*; Chalcone/pharmacology*; Chalcone/chemistry; Humans; Microwaves; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic/methods*
Fulltext Immunization with recombinant enterovirus 71 viral capsid protein 1 fragment stimulated antibody responses in hamsters

Ch'ng WC, Stanbridge EJ, Wong KT, Ong KC, Yusoff K, Shafee N

Virol J, 2012;9:155.
PMID: 22877087 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422X-9-155

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes severe neurological diseases resulting in high mortality in young children worldwide. Development of an effective vaccine against EV71 infection is hampered by the lack of appropriate animal models for efficacy testing of candidate vaccines. Previously, we have successfully tested the immunogenicity and protectiveness of a candidate EV71 vaccine, containing recombinant Newcastle disease virus capsids that display an EV71 VP1 fragment (NPt-VP11-100) protein, in a mouse model of EV71 infection. A drawback of this system is its limited window of EV71 susceptibility period, 2 weeks after birth, leading to restricted options in the evaluation of optimal dosing regimens. To address this issue, we have assessed the NPt-VP11-100 candidate vaccine in a hamster system, which offers a 4-week susceptibility period to EV71 infection. Results obtained showed that the NPt-VP11-100 candidate vaccine stimulated excellent humoral immune response in the hamsters. Despite the high level of antibody production, they failed to neutralize EV71 viruses or protect vaccinated hamsters in viral challenge studies. Nevertheless, these findings have contributed towards a better understanding of the NPt-VP11-100 recombinant protein as a candidate vaccine in an alternative animal model system.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Viral/blood*; Disease Models, Animal; Enterovirus Infections/prevention & control; Cricetinae; Immunization/methods*; Mesocricetus; Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage; Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology; Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage; Viral Vaccines/immunology*; Enterovirus A, Human/immunology*; Capsid Proteins/administration & dosage; Capsid Proteins/immunology*; Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood

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