Browse publications by year: 2012

  1. Fulltext Cationized dextran nanoparticle-encapsulated CXCR4-siRNA enhanced correlation between CXCR4 expression and serum alkaline phosphatase in a mouse model of colorectal cancer
    Abedini F, Hosseinkhani H, Ismail M, Domb AJ, Omar AR, Chong PP, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2012;7:4159-68.
    PMID: 22888250 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S29823
    The failure of colorectal cancer treatments is partly due to overexpression of CXCR4 by tumor cells, which plays a critical role in cell metastasis. Moreover, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are frequently elevated in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. A polysaccharide, dextran, was chosen as the vector of siRNA. Spermine was conjugated to oxidized dextran by reductive amination process to obtain cationized dextran, so-called dextran-spermine, in order to prepare CXCR4-siRNAs/dextran-spermine nanoparticles. The fabricated nanoparticles were used in order to investigate whether downregulation of CXCR4 expression could affect serum ALP in mouse models of colorectal cancer.
    MeSH terms: Alkaline Phosphatase/blood*; Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics; Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism; Animals; Cations/chemistry; Dextrans/chemistry*; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Particle Size; Spermine/chemistry; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology; Down-Regulation; Receptors, CXCR4/biosynthesis*; Receptors, CXCR4/genetics*; Receptors, CXCR4/metabolism; RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics; RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry*; Mice; Nanocapsules/administration & dosage; Nanocapsules/chemistry*; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  2. Fulltext Social psychological origins of conspiracy theories: the case of the jewish conspiracy theory in malaysia
    Swami V
    Front Psychol, 2012;3:280.
    PMID: 22888323 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00280
    Two studies examined correlates of belief in a Jewish conspiracy theory among Malays in Malaysia, a culture in which state-directed conspiracism as a means of dealing with perceived external and internal threats is widespread. In Study 1, 368 participants from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, completed a novel measure of belief in a Jewish conspiracy theory, along with measures of general conspiracist ideation, and anomie. Initial analysis showed that the novel scale factorially reduced to a single dimension. Further analysis showed that belief in the Jewish conspiracy theory was only significantly associated with general conspiracist ideation, but the strength of the association was weak. In Study 2, 314 participants completed the measure of belief in the Jewish conspiracy theory, along with measures of general conspiracist ideation, and ideological attitudes. Results showed that belief in the Jewish conspiracy theory was associated with anti-Israeli attitudes, modern racism directed at the Chinese, right-wing authoritarianism, and social dominance orientation. General conspiracist ideation did not emerge as a significant predictor once other variables had been accounted for. These results suggest that there may be specific cultural and social psychological forces that drive belief in the Jewish conspiracy theory within the Malaysian context. Specifically, belief in the Jewish conspiracy theory among Malaysian Malays appears to serve ideological needs and as a mask for anti-Chinese sentiment, which may in turn reaffirm their perceived ability to shape socio-political processes.
    MeSH terms: Anomie; Attitude; Authoritarianism; Humans; Jews; Malaysia; Politics; Social Dominance; Thinking; Racism
  3. Fulltext Detection of common deletional alpha-thalassemia spectrum by molecular technique in kelantan, northeastern malaysia
    Rosnah B, Rosline H, Zaidah AW, Noor Haslina MN, Marini R, Shafini MY, et al.
    ISRN Hematol, 2012;2012:462969.
    PMID: 22888447 DOI: 10.5402/2012/462969
    Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that results from genetic defects causing deficient synthesis of hemoglobin polypeptide chains. Although thalassemia mostly affects developing countries, there is limited knowledge of its accurate frequency and distribution in these regions. Knowing the prevalence of thalassemia and the frequency of responsible mutations is therefore an important step in the prevention and control program as well as treatment strategies. This study was performed to determine the prevalence and to study the spectrum of gene deletions that are responsible in α-thalassemia in Kelantan, located in northeastern Malaysia. A total 400 first-time blood donors from multiple areas of donation centre were chosen randomly. The presence of three types of α-thalassemia gene deletion in southeast Asian population which were -(SEA)deletion, -α(3.7) rightward deletion, and -α(4.2) leftward deletion was detected by using multiplex PCR method. 37 (9.25%) of blood donors were confirmed to have α-thalassemia deletion types. 34 (8%) were heterozygous for α3.7 deletion, 1 (0.25%) was heterozygous for α4.2 deletion, and 2 (0.5%) were heterozygous for SEA type deletion. Alpha-thalassemia-2 with 3.7 deletion was the most common determinant detected in Kelantan Malay compared to other ethnic groups. It has been noted that alpha-thalassemia-2 with 3.7 deletion is the most common type of α-thalassemia throughout the world.
  4. Fulltext Stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases: From principles to practice
    Sakthiswary R, Raymond AA
    Neural Regen Res, 2012 Aug 15;7(23):1822-31.
    PMID: 25624807 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.23.009
    The lack of curative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases has high economic impact and places huge burden on the society. The contribution of stem cells to cure neurodegenerative diseases has been unraveled and explored extensively over the past few years. Beyond substitution of the lost neurons, stem cells act as immunomodulators and neuroprotectors. A large number of preclinical and a small number of clinical studies have shown beneficial outcomes in this context. In this review, we have summarized the current concepts of stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases and the recent advances in this field, particularly between 2010 and 2012. Further studies should be encouraged to resolve the clinical issues and vague translational findings for maximum optimization of the efficacy of stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.
    MeSH terms: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Immunologic Factors; Neurons; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Stem Cell Transplantation
  5. Management of diarrhoea cases by community pharmacies in 3 cities of Pakistan
    Hussain A, Ibrahim MI
    East Mediterr Health J, 2012 Jun;18(6):635-40.
    PMID: 22888622
    Community pharmacies are valued for their potential role in the management of common ailments. This cross-sectional study aimed to document the management of diarrhoea by community pharmacies in 3 cities in Pakistan. Visits were performed to 371 randomly selected pharmacies to request advice for a simulated paediatric case of diarrhoea. The pharmacy's management was scored on a checklist including history taking and provision of advice and information. Customers were served by a salesperson in 97.3% of visits and by a pharmacist in only 2.2%. Medication was dispensed in 77.1% of visits. Of the medications dispensed, 58.7% were antiamoebics, 14.0% antibiotics and 18.9% antidiarrhoeals; only 8.4% were oral rehydration salts. None of the regimens matched with a standard prescription. The dosage regimen was explained to the customer in only 52.6% of cases. Drug safety, unqualified personnel, lack of history taking, inappropriate treatment and lack of counselling are concerns to be addressed.
    MeSH terms: Child; Community Pharmacy Services*; Counseling; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diarrhea/drug therapy*; Diarrhea/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Male; Pakistan/epidemiology; Statistics, Nonparametric; Disease Management
  6. Blood glucose lowering property of water in oral insulin-fed diabetic rats
    Wong TW, Sumiran N, Mokhtar MT, Kadir A
    Pharm Biol, 2012 Nov;50(11):1463-6.
    PMID: 22889006 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2012.679985
    In oral insulin delivery, blood glucose profiles of a subject can be a function of complicated transfer of water and insulin between gastrointestinal and blood compartments.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Animals; Biological Availability; Blood Glucose/drug effects; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy*; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology; Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacokinetics; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology*; Insulin/administration & dosage; Insulin/pharmacokinetics; Insulin/pharmacology*; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Viscosity; Water/administration & dosage*; Water/chemistry; X-Ray Diffraction; Drug Delivery Systems; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Rats
  7. Fulltext Insights into the genome structure and copy-number variation of Eimeria tenella
    Lim LS, Tay YL, Alias H, Wan KL, Dear PH
    BMC Genomics, 2012;13:389.
    PMID: 22889016 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-389
    Eimeria is a genus of parasites in the same phylum (Apicomplexa) as human parasites such as Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium and the malaria parasite Plasmodium. As an apicomplexan whose life-cycle involves a single host, Eimeria is a convenient model for understanding this group of organisms. Although the genomes of the Apicomplexa are diverse, that of Eimeria is unique in being composed of large alternating blocks of sequence with very different characteristics - an arrangement seen in no other organism. This arrangement has impeded efforts to fully sequence the genome of Eimeria, which remains the last of the major apicomplexans to be fully analyzed. In order to increase the value of the genome sequence data and aid in the effort to gain a better understanding of the Eimeria tenella genome, we constructed a whole genome map for the parasite.
    MeSH terms: Chromosomes/genetics; Chromosomes/metabolism; Genetic Markers; Genetic Linkage; Eimeria tenella/genetics*; Genome, Protozoan*; Contig Mapping; DNA Copy Number Variations
  8. Amino modified mesostructured silica nanoparticles for efficient adsorption of methylene blue
    Karim AH, Jalil AA, Triwahyono S, Sidik SM, Kamarudin NH, Jusoh R, et al.
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2012 Nov 15;386(1):307-14.
    PMID: 22889626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.043
    In this work, mesostructured silica nanoparticles (MSN(AP)) with high adsorptivity were prepared by a modification with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) as a pore expander. The performance of the MSN(AP) was tested by the adsorption of MB in a batch system under varying pH (2-11), adsorbent dosage (0.1-0.5 g L(-1)), and initial MB concentration (5-60 mg L(-1)). The best conditions were achieved at pH 7 when using 0.1 g L(-1) MSN(AP) and 60 mg L(-1)MB to give a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 500.1 mg g(-1) at 303 K. The equilibrium data were evaluated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Harkins-Jura isotherms and fit well to the Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption kinetics was best described by the pseudo-second order model. The results indicate the potential for a new use of mesostructured materials as an effective adsorbent for MB.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Kinetics; Methylene Blue/chemistry*; Propylamines; Silanes/chemistry*; Silicon Dioxide/chemistry*; X-Ray Diffraction; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  9. Fulltext Physical activity and associated factors among young adults in Malaysia: an online exploratory survey
    Sreeramareddy CT, Majeed Kutty NA, Razzaq Jabbar MA, Boo NY
    Biosci Trends, 2012 Jun;6(3):103-9.
    PMID: 22890157 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2012.v6.3.103
    The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing in Malaysia. Insufficient Physical Activity, which is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases, is less researched in Malaysia. We aimed to assess the level of physical activity and identify its correlates. An online survey was carried out during October, 2011 in the University Tunku Abdul Rahman by the opinion poll research committee. Young adults answered the Short International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a questionnaire about factors according to a socio-ecological model which was adapted from published studies. Metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours and MET-minutes were calculated. Physical activity was classified as sufficient when MET-minutes were > 840. The mean age of the 474 participants was 22.4 years (S.D. = 4.7), and 253 (53.4%) were females. Their mean and median of MET-hours of PA done during the previous seven days were 31.36 (S.D., 52.19) and 14.7 (IQR, 5.77-32.07), respectively. Physical activity done was sufficient among 242 (51.1%) participants. Using univariate analysis, being male, good self-rated health, positive intention, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, social support, and availability of facilities were associated with sufficient physical activity. Using multivariate analysis sufficient physical activity was associated with participants' intention (OR 0.75, 95% CIs 0.64, 0.88), self-efficacy (OR 0.91, 95% CIs 0.85, 0.97) and facility availability (OR 0.81, 95% CIs 0.73, 0.91). The proportion of participants with sufficient physical activity was low. Positive intention and self-efficacy associated with sufficient physical activity should be supported by availability of facilities and a safely-built environment. A nationwide survey about physical and associated socialecological factors is needed to design rational health promotion strategies.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Motor Activity/physiology*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Internet; Metabolic Equivalent
  10. Fulltext Corn silk (Stigma maydis) in healthcare: a phytochemical and pharmacological review
    Hasanudin K, Hashim P, Mustafa S
    Molecules, 2012 Aug 13;17(8):9697-715.
    PMID: 22890173 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17089697
    Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is an important herb used traditionally by the Chinese, and Native Americans to treat many diseases. It is also used as traditional medicine in many parts of the world such as Turkey, United States and France. Its potential antioxidant and healthcare applications as diuretic agent, in hyperglycemia reduction, as anti-depressant and anti-fatigue use have been claimed in several reports. Other uses of corn silk include teas and supplements to treat urinary related problems. The potential use is very much related to its properties and mechanism of action of its plant's bioactive constituents such as flavonoids and terpenoids. As such, this review will cover the research findings on the potential applications of corn silk in healthcare which include its phytochemical and pharmacological activities. In addition, the botanical description and its toxicological studies are also included.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Zea mays/chemistry*; Flavonoids/pharmacology; Flavonoids/toxicity; Flavonoids/chemistry; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/toxicity; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Terpenes/pharmacology; Terpenes/toxicity; Terpenes/chemistry; Flowers/chemistry*
  11. Determination of chest x-ray cost using activity based costing approach at Penang General Hospital, Malaysia
    Atif M, Sulaiman SA, Shafie AA, Saleem F, Ahmad N
    Pan Afr Med J, 2012;12:40.
    PMID: 22891098
    Activity based costing (ABC) is an approach to get insight of true costs and to solve accounting problems. It provides more accurate information on product cost than conventional accounting system. The purpose of this study was to identify detailed resource consumption for chest x-ray procedure.
    MeSH terms: Costs and Cost Analysis; Health Resources/economics; Health Resources/utilization; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Radiography, Thoracic/economics*
  12. Fulltext Epidemiological study on tobacco smoking among university students in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
    Al-Kubaisy W, Abdullah NN, Al-Nuaimy H, Halawany G, Kurdy S
    East Mediterr Health J, 2012 Jul;18(7):723-7.
    PMID: 22891520
    There is a lack of data on tobacco use in the Syrian Arab Republic. This cross-sectional questionnaire survey estimated the prevalence of smoking among university students in Damascus and identified factors related to smoking. Among the 583 respondents, the overall prevalence of cigarette smoking was 20.8%. The mean age of smokers [25 (SD 2.2) years] was significantly higher than non-smokers [21 (SD 1.8) years]. Smoking prevalence among males (26.1%) was significantly higher than among females (9.5%). However, female students consumed a significantly higher number of cigarettes per day than did males [mean 21 (SD 5) versus 9 (SD 2)]. The smoking prevalence among students in non-health faculties (27.8%) was significantly higher than that of health professional students (14.5%) and was higher among students living away from their families (27.8%) than those living with their families (16.2%). The study raised concerns about smoking in student residences and women's smoking patterns.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Sex Factors; Smoking/epidemiology*; Students/statistics & numerical data*; Syria/epidemiology; Universities/statistics & numerical data*; Prevalence; Young Adult
  13. Fulltext Does lightning strike twice?
    Qi Qi C, Ajit Singh V
    BMJ Case Rep, 2012;2012.
    PMID: 22892228 DOI: 10.1136/bcr.01.2012.5518
    The authors present an interesting case under our follow-up who has had five different forms of tumours with different pathologies throughout his lifetime. He started off with hepatoma, followed by pleomorphic sarcoma of the thigh, adenocarcinoma of the prostate, meningioma and finally schwanoma. He is still alive to this date.
    MeSH terms: Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis; Adenocarcinoma/pathology*; Adenocarcinoma/therapy; Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology*; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy; Humans; Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis; Liver Neoplasms/pathology*; Liver Neoplasms/therapy; Male; Meningioma/diagnosis; Meningioma/pathology*; Meningioma/therapy; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/diagnosis; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology*; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/therapy; Neurilemmoma/diagnosis; Neurilemmoma/pathology*; Neurilemmoma/therapy; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology*; Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy; Sarcoma/diagnosis; Sarcoma/pathology*; Sarcoma/therapy; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology*; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/therapy; Thigh
  14. Fulltext Optimization of a Bacillus sp signal peptide for improved recombinant protein secretion and cell viability in Escherichia coli: Is there an optimal signal peptide design?
    Low KO, Jonet MA, Ismail NF, Illias RM
    Bioengineered, 2012 Nov-Dec;3(6):334-8.
    PMID: 22892592 DOI: 10.4161/bioe.21454
    Recombinant protein fused to an N-terminal signal peptide can be translocated to the periplasm and, eventually, to the extracellular medium of Escherichia coli under specific conditions. In this communication, we described the use and optimization of a heterologous signal peptide (G1 signal peptide) from a Bacillus sp for improved recombinant protein secretion and cell viability in E. coli. Significant advantages in maintaining high cell viability and high specificity of target protein secretion were achieved by using G1 signal peptide compared to the well-known PelB signal peptide. Signal peptide sequence analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of G1 signal peptide demonstrated that an 'MKK' sequence in n-region and the presence of a helix-breaking residue at the centre of h-region are important elements for the design of an optimal signal peptide.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Bacillus subtilis/genetics*; Bacillus subtilis/metabolism; Escherichia coli/genetics*; Escherichia coli/metabolism; Molecular Sequence Data; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/secretion*; Research Design; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Periplasm/metabolism; Protein Transport; Protein Sorting Signals/genetics*; Microbial Viability
  15. Protective effects of Tualang honey on bone structure in experimental postmenopausal rats
    Zaid SS, Sulaiman SA, Othman NH, Soelaiman IN, Shuid AN, Mohamad N, et al.
    Clinics (Sao Paulo), 2012 Jul;67(7):779-84.
    PMID: 22892923
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tualang honey on trabecular structure and compare these effects with those of calcium supplementation in ovariectomized rats.

    METHODS: Forty female, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n =8): four controls and one test arm. The control arm comprised a baseline control, sham-operated control, ovariectomized control, and ovariectomized calcium-treated rats (receiving 1% calcium in drinking water ad libitum). The test arm was composed of ovariectomized, Tualang honey-treated rats (received 0.2 g/kg body weight of Tualang honey). Both the sham-operated control and ovariectomized control groups received vehicle treatment (deionized water), and the baseline control group was sacrificed without treatment.

    RESULTS: All rats were orally gavaged daily for six weeks after day one post-surgery. The bone structural analysis of rats in the test arm group showed a significant increase in the bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and a significant decrease in inter-trabecular space (Tb.Sp) compared with the ovariectomized control group. The trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) in the test arm group was significantly higher compared with the ovariectomized-calcium treated group, and the inter-trabecular space (Tb.Sp) in the test arm group was significantly narrower compared with the ovariectomized-calcium treated group.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, ovariectomized rats that received Tualang honey showed more improvements in trabecular bone structure than the rats that received calcium.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Calcium, Dietary/administration & dosage*; Female; Honey*; Osteoporosis/prevention & control; Ovariectomy; Random Allocation; Bone Density/drug effects*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Dietary Supplements*; Rats; Apitherapy*
  16. Fulltext Antioxidative properties of defatted dabai pulp and peel prepared by solid phase extraction
    Khoo HE, Azlan A, Ismail A, Abas F
    Molecules, 2012 Aug 14;17(8):9754-73.
    PMID: 22893021 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17089754
    Solid phase extraction (SPE) using Sep-Pak® cartridges is one of the techniques used for fractionation of antioxidant compounds in waste of dabai oil extraction (defatted dabai parts). The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in crude extracts and several SPE fractions from methanolic extract of defatted dabai pulp and peel. Based on SPE, Sep-Pak® cyanopropyl and C₁₈ cartridges were used to fractionate the antioxidant-rich crude extracts into water and methanolic fractions. Analyzed using LC-MS, flavonoids, anthocyanins, saponin derivatives and other unknown antioxidative compounds were detected in the defatted dabai crude extracts and their SPE fractions. Anthocyanins were the major phenolic compounds identified in the defatted dabai peel and detected in most of the SPE fractions. Methanolic fractions of defatted dabai parts embraced higher total phenolics and antioxidant capacity than water fractions. This finding also revealed the crude extracts of defatted dabai peel have the most significant antioxidant properties compared to the methanolic and water fractions studied. The crude extract of defatted dabai parts remain as the most potent antioxidant as it contains mixture of flavonoids, anthocyanins and other potential antioxidants.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants/isolation & purification*; Antioxidants/chemistry*; Fruit/chemistry*; Phenols/isolation & purification; Phenols/chemistry; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Burseraceae/chemistry*; Solid Phase Extraction*
  17. Identification of naphthalene metabolism by white rot fungus Armillaria sp. F022
    Hadibarata T, Yusoff AR, Aris A, Kristanti RA
    J Environ Sci (China), 2012;24(4):728-32.
    PMID: 22894109
    Armillaria sp. F022, a white rot fungus isolated from tropical rain forest (Samarinda, Indonesia) was used to biodegrade naphthalene in cultured medium. Transformation of naphthalene by Armillaria sp. F022 which is able to use naphthalene, a two ring-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) as a source of carbon and energy was investigated. The metabolic pathway was elucidated by identifying metabolites, biotransformation studies and monitoring enzyme activities in cell-free extracts. The identification of metabolites suggests that Armillaria sp. F022 initiates its attack on naphthalene by dioxygenation at its C-1 and C-4 positions to give 1,4-naphthoquinone. The intermediate 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and salicylic acid, and the characteristic of the meta-cleavage of the resulting diol were identified in the long-term incubation. A part from typical metabolites of naphthalene degradation known from mesophiles, benzoic acid was identified as the next intermediate for the naphthalene pathway of this Armillaria sp. F022. Neither phthalic acid, catechol and cis,cis-muconic acid metabolites were detected in culture extracts. Several enzymes (manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase, laccase, 1,2-dioxygenase and 2,3-dioxygenase) produced by Armillaria sp. F022 were detected during the incubation.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Chromatography, Gas; Naphthalenes/metabolism*; Naphthalenes/chemistry; Plant Diseases/microbiology*; Mass Spectrometry; Time Factors; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Armillaria/enzymology; Armillaria/metabolism*
  18. Update on temporal and spatial abundance of dengue vectors in Penang, Malaysia
    Saifur RG, Hassan AA, Dieng H, Ahmad H, Salmah MR, Satho T, et al.
    J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 2012 Jun;28(2):84-92.
    PMID: 22894118
    It is important to obtain frequent measurements of the abundance, distribution, and seasonality of mosquito vectors to determine the risk of disease transmission. The number of cases of dengue infection has increased in recent years on Penang Island, Malaysia, with recurring epidemics. However, ongoing control attempts are being critically hampered by the lack of up-to-date information regarding the vectors. To overcome this problem, we examined the current situation and distribution of dengue vectors on the island. Residences throughout the urban, suburban, and rural areas were inspected through wet and dry seasons between February 2009 and February 2010. Two vectors were encountered in the survey, with Aedes aegypti present in especially high numbers mostly in urban areas. Similar observations were noted for Ae. albopictus in rural areas. The former species was more abundant in outdoor containers, while the latter showed almost equivalent abundance both outdoors and indoors. The dengue virus was active in both urban and rural areas, and the number of cases of infection was higher in areas where Ae. aegypti was predominant. The abundance of immature Ae. albopictus was positively correlated with rainfall (r2 = 0.461; P < 0.05), but this was not the case for Ae. aegypti. For both species, the size of immature populations tended to increase with increasing intensity of rain, but heavy rains resulted in population loss. In addition to updating data regarding the larval habitats and locations (outdoors and indoors), this study highlighted the importance of spatial vector control stratification, which has the potential to reduce costs in control programs.
    MeSH terms: Aedes/classification; Aedes/physiology; Aedes/virology*; Animals; Dengue/epidemiology; Dengue/transmission*; Dengue Virus/physiology; Housing; Humans; Insect Vectors/classification; Insect Vectors/physiology; Insect Vectors/virology*; Larva/classification; Larva/physiology; Larva/virology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Population Density; Seasons; Species Specificity; Ecosystem*
  19. Fulltext Feasibility of fiber optic displacement sensor scanning system for imaging of dental cavity
    Rahman HA, Che Ani AI, Harun SW, Yasin M, Apsari R, Ahmad H
    J Biomed Opt, 2012 Jul;17(7):071308.
    PMID: 22894469 DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.17.7.071308
    The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of intensity modulated fiber optic displacement sensor scanning system for the imaging of dental cavity. Here, we discuss our preliminary results in the imaging of cavities on various teeth surfaces, as well as measurement of the diameter of the cavities which are represented by drilled holes on the teeth surfaces. Based on the analysis of displacement measurement, the sensitivities and linear range for the molar, canine, hybrid composite resin, and acrylic surfaces are obtained at 0.09667 mV/mm and 0.45 mm; 0.775 mV/mm and 0.4 mm; 0.5109 mV/mm and 0.5 mm; and 0.25 mV/mm and 0.5 mm, respectively, with a good linearity of more than 99%. The results also show a clear distinction between the cavity and surrounding tooth region. The stability, simplicity of design, and low cost of fabrication make it suitable for restorative dentistry.
    MeSH terms: Diagnosis, Oral/instrumentation*; Equipment Design; Feasibility Studies; Fiber Optic Technology/instrumentation*; Humans; Image Enhancement/instrumentation*; Lighting/instrumentation*; Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods*; Photometry/instrumentation*; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tooth/anatomy & histology*; Transducers*; Reproducibility of Results; Equipment Failure Analysis
  20. Modelling of internal architecture of kinesin nanomotor as a machine language
    Khataee HR, Ibrahim MY
    IET Nanobiotechnol, 2012 Sep;6(3):87-92.
    PMID: 22894532 DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2011.0062
    Kinesin is a protein-based natural nanomotor that transports molecular cargoes within cells by walking along microtubules. Kinesin nanomotor is considered as a bio-nanoagent which is able to sense the cell through its sensors (i.e. its heads and tail), make the decision internally and perform actions on the cell through its actuator (i.e. its motor domain). The study maps the agent-based architectural model of internal decision-making process of kinesin nanomotor to a machine language using an automata algorithm. The applied automata algorithm receives the internal agent-based architectural model of kinesin nanomotor as a deterministic finite automaton (DFA) model and generates a regular machine language. The generated regular machine language was acceptable by the architectural DFA model of the nanomotor and also in good agreement with its natural behaviour. The internal agent-based architectural model of kinesin nanomotor indicates the degree of autonomy and intelligence of the nanomotor interactions with its cell. Thus, our developed regular machine language can model the degree of autonomy and intelligence of kinesin nanomotor interactions with its cell as a language. Modelling of internal architectures of autonomous and intelligent bio-nanosystems as machine languages can lay the foundation towards the concept of bio-nanoswarms and next phases of the bio-nanorobotic systems development.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Artificial Intelligence; Language; Models, Molecular; Models, Theoretical*; Robotics*; Kinesin/ultrastructure*; Nanotechnology/methods*; Nanostructures/ultrastructure*
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