Browse publications by year: 2012

  1. Anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-leishmanial and anti-fungal activities of chemical constituents of Beilschmiedia species
    Mollataghi A, Coudiere E, Hadi AH, Mukhtar MR, Awang K, Litaudon M, et al.
    Fitoterapia, 2012 Mar;83(2):298-302.
    PMID: 22119096 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2011.11.009
    Phytochemical investigation of Beilschmiedia alloiophylla has resulted in the isolation of one new alkaloid, 2-hydroxy-9-methoxyaporphine (1), and ten known natural products, laurotetanine (2), liriodenine (3), boldine (4), secoboldine (5), isoboldine (6), asimilobine (7), oreobeiline (8), 6-epioreobeiline (9), β-amyrone (10), and (S)-3-methoxynordomesticine (11). Chemical studies on the bark of B. kunstleri afforded compounds 2 and 4 along with one bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, N-dimethylphyllocryptine (12). Structures of compounds 1-12 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. All of these isolates were evaluated for their anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), anti-α-glucosidase, anti-leishmanial and anti-fungal activities. Compounds 1-12 exhibited strong to moderate bioactivities in aforementioned bioassays.
    MeSH terms: Acetylcholinesterase/drug effects; Alkaloids/isolation & purification; Alkaloids/pharmacology*; Alkaloids/chemistry; Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification; Antifungal Agents/pharmacology*; Antifungal Agents/chemistry; Aporphines/isolation & purification; Aporphines/pharmacology*; Aporphines/chemistry; Biological Assay; Candida albicans/drug effects; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Leishmania/drug effects*; Leishmaniasis/parasitology; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Molecular Structure; Lauraceae/chemistry*; Plant Bark/chemistry; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
  2. Effect of infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) infection on caspase 3c expression and activity in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
    Arockiaraj J, Easwvaran S, Vanaraja P, Singh A, Othman RY, Bhassu S
    Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2012 Jan;32(1):161-9.
    PMID: 22119573 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2011.11.006
    Caspase 3c (MrCasp3c) was sequenced from the freshwater giant prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii using Illumina Solexa Genome Analyzer Technique. MrCasp3c consisted of 2080 bp nucleotide encoded 521 polypeptide with an estimated molecular mass of 59 kDa. MrCasp3c sequence contains caspase family p20 domain profile and caspase family p10 domain profile at 236-367 and 378-468 respectively. The quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed a broad expression of MrCasp3c with the highest expression in haemocyte and the lowest in stomach. The expression of MrCasp3c after challenge with the infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) was tested in haemocyte. In addition, MrCasp3c was expressed in Escherichia coli by prokaryotic expression plasmid pMAL-c2x. The enzyme activity of MrCasp3c was also found to be up-regulated by IHHNV in haemocyte and hepatopancreas tissues. This study suggested that MrCasp3c may be an effector caspase associated with the induction of apoptosis which is potentially involved in the immune defence of M. rosenbergii.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Base Sequence; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/immunology; Recombinant Proteins/isolation & purification; Recombinant Proteins/metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic*; Sequence Alignment; Densovirinae/immunology; Densovirinae/physiology*; Gene Expression Profiling; Hepatopancreas/enzymology; Caspase 3/genetics*; Caspase 3/immunology; Caspase 3/isolation & purification; Caspase 3/metabolism*
  3. Effectiveness of a colour coded HbA1c graphical record in improving diabetes control in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomized control trial
    Wong SS, Ng CJ, Liew SM, Hussein N
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2012 Feb;95(2):e41-4.
    PMID: 22119614 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2011.11.001
    We conducted a six-month randomized-controlled-trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a colour-coded HbA1c-graphical record in improving HbA1c level among type 2 diabetes patients. There was an improvement in the mean HbA1c knowledge score but the usage of the colour-coded HbA1c-graphical record did not produce reduction in the HbA1c level.
    Study site: Primary care clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Color*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood*; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/metabolism*; Humans; Malaysia; Medical Records*; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Patient Compliance; Patient Education as Topic; Biomarkers/blood
  4. Laser capture microdissection with genome-wide expression profiling displayed gene expression signatures in endometrioid endometrial cancer
    Mokhtar NM, Ramzi NH, Yin-Ling W, Rose IM, Hatta Mohd Dali AZ, Jamal R
    Cancer Invest, 2012 Feb;30(2):156-64.
    PMID: 22122087 DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2011.633290
    This research determined genes contributing to the pathogenesis of endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). Eight pairs of microdissected EEC samples matched with normal glandular epithelium were analyzed using microarray. Unsupervised analysis identified 162 transcripts (58 up- and 104 down-regulated) that were differentially expressed (p < .01, fold change ≥ 1.5) between both groups. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) validated the genes of interest: SLC7A5, SATB1, H19, and ZAK (p < .05). Pathway analysis revealed genes involved in acid amino transport, translation, and chromatin remodeling (p < .05). Laser capture microdissection (LCM) followed by microarray enabled precise assessment of homogeneous cell population and identified putative genes for endometrial carcinogenesis.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Down-Regulation; Up-Regulation; Genome, Human; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Incidence; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods; Endometrial Neoplasms/genetics*; Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology; Carcinoma, Endometrioid/genetics*; Carcinoma, Endometrioid/pathology; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis/methods; Gene Expression Profiling; Laser Capture Microdissection/methods*
  5. Hypoactive sexual desire among depressed female patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a comparison between escitalopram and fluoxetine
    Sidi H, Asmidar D, Hod R, Jaafar NR, Guan NC
    Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 2012 Mar;16(1):41-7.
    PMID: 22122658 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2011.617457
    To determine the risk of hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) in depressed female patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, comparing escitalopram and fluoxetine. The associated factors were also examined.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy; Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Fluoxetine/administration & dosage; Fluoxetine/adverse effects; Fluoxetine/therapeutic use*; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior/drug effects; Sexual Behavior/ethnology; Sexual Behavior/psychology; Citalopram/administration & dosage; Citalopram/adverse effects; Citalopram/therapeutic use*; Prevalence; Multivariate Analysis; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors/administration & dosage; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors/adverse effects; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors/therapeutic use*; Sexuality/drug effects; Sexuality/ethnology; Sexuality/psychology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/chemically induced; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/diagnosis; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/epidemiology*; Young Adult
  6. Fulltext Ability to return to driving after major lower limb amputation
    Engkasan JP, Ehsan FM, Chung TY
    J Rehabil Med, 2012 Jan;44(1):19-23.
    PMID: 22124514 DOI: 10.2340/16501977-0904
    The aims of this study were to examine the ability of patients to return to driving cars and riding motorcycles after lower limb amputation, and to explore the factors that significantly affect such ability.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Amputation/adverse effects; Amputation/rehabilitation*; Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Disabled Persons/rehabilitation*; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motorcycles/statistics & numerical data; Lower Extremity/surgery*; Young Adult
  7. Nutritional properties of spent duck surimi-like material prepared by conventional and acid-alkaline solubilization methods
    Nurkhoeriyati T, Huda N, Ahmad R
    Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2012 Jun;63(4):498-505.
    PMID: 22126368 DOI: 10.3109/09637486.2011.637902
    The nutritional properties of surimi-like materials produced from spent duck meat processed conventionally (CDS) and processed with acid and alkaline solubilization (ACDS and ALDS, respectively) were studied. The essential amino acids (EAAs) content was significantly higher (p 
    MeSH terms: Amino Acids, Essential/analysis*; Animals; Diet*; Dietary Fats/analysis*; Dietary Proteins/analysis*; Ducks; Fatty Acids/analysis*; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/analysis; Food Handling/methods*; Humans; Meat Products/analysis*; Nutritive Value
  8. Application of Spiroplasma melliferum proteogenomic profiling for the discovery of virulence factors and pathogenicity mechanisms in host-associated spiroplasmas
    Alexeev D, Kostrjukova E, Aliper A, Popenko A, Bazaleev N, Tyakht A, et al.
    J Proteome Res, 2012 Jan 1;11(1):224-36.
    PMID: 22129229 DOI: 10.1021/pr2008626
    To date, no genome of any of the species from the genus Spiroplasma has been completely sequenced. Long repetitive sequences similar to mobile units present a major obstacle for current genome sequencing technologies. Here, we report the assembly of the Spiroplasma melliferum KC3 genome into 4 contigs, followed by proteogenomic annotation and metabolic reconstruction based on the discovery of 521 expressed proteins and comprehensive metabolomic profiling. A systems approach allowed us to elucidate putative pathogenicity mechanisms and to discover major virulence factors, such as Chitinase utilization enzymes and toxins never before reported for insect pathogenic spiroplasmas.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bacterial Proteins/genetics*; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism; Chromosome Mapping; Codon; Multigene Family; Insects/microbiology; Peptide Mapping; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Spiroplasma/genetics*; Spiroplasma/metabolism; Spiroplasma/physiology; Genome, Bacterial; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Proteome/genetics*; Proteome/metabolism; Virulence Factors/genetics*; Virulence Factors/metabolism; Proteomics; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Molecular Sequence Annotation
  9. Protein directed assembly of lipids
    Nordin D, Yarkoni O, Donlon L, Savinykh N, Frankel D
    Chem Commun (Camb), 2012 Jan 18;48(5):672-4.
    PMID: 22129789 DOI: 10.1039/c1cc15902j
    Highly ordered ring-like structures are formed via the directed assembly of lipid domains in supported bilayers, using the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. The ability of biological molecules to guide nanoscale assembly suggests potential biomimetic approaches to nanoscale structures.
    MeSH terms: Fibronectins/metabolism*; Fibronectins/chemistry; Lipid Bilayers/metabolism*; Lipid Bilayers/chemistry; Phosphatidylcholines/metabolism; Phosphatidylcholines/chemistry; 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/metabolism; 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/chemistry; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Membrane Microdomains/metabolism; Membrane Microdomains/chemistry; Biomimetics/methods*; Nanotechnology/methods*; Nanostructures/ultrastructure; Nanostructures/chemistry
  10. Newly developed baffled subsurface-flow constructed wetland for the enhancement of nitrogen removal
    Tee HC, Lim PE, Seng CE, Nawi MA
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Jan;104:235-42.
    PMID: 22130081 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.032
    The objectives of this study are to compare the performance of newly developed baffled and conventional horizontal subsurface-flow (HSF) constructed wetlands in the removal of nitrogen at the hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 2, 3 and 5 days and to evaluate the potential of rice husk as wetland media for wastewater treatment. The results show that the planted baffled unit achieved 74%, 84% and 99% ammonia nitrogen (NH(4)(+)-N) removal versus 55%, 70% and 96% for the conventional unit at HRT of 2, 3 and 5 days, respectively. The better performance of the baffled unit was explained by the longer pathway due to the up-flow and down-flow conditions sequentially thus allowing more contact of the wastewater with the rhizomes and micro-aerobic zones. Near complete total oxidized nitrogen was observed due to the use of rice husk as wetland media which provided the COD as the electron donor in the denitrification process.
    MeSH terms: Equipment Design; Filtration/instrumentation*; Filtration/methods; Nitrogen/isolation & purification*; Rheology/instrumentation; Rheology/methods; Oryza/chemistry*; Seeds/chemistry*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/isolation & purification*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry; Water Purification/instrumentation*; Water Purification/methods; Equipment Failure Analysis; Wetlands*
  11. Artificial soils from alluvial tin mining wastes in Malaysia--a study of soil chemistry following experimental treatments and the impact of mycorrhizal treatment on growth and foliar chemistry
    Tompkins DS, Bakar BB, Hill SJ
    J Environ Monit, 2012 Jan;14(1):279-91.
    PMID: 22130476 DOI: 10.1039/c1em10578g
    For decades Malaysia was the world's largest producer of Sn, but now the vast open cast mining operations have left a legacy of some 100,000 ha of what is effectively wasteland, covered with a mosaic of tailings and lagoons. Few plants naturally recolonise these areas. The demand for such land for both urban expansion and agricultural use has presented an urgent need for better characterisation. This study reports on the formation of artificial soils from alluvial Sn mining waste with a focus on the effects of experimental treatments on soil chemistry. Soil organic matter, clay, and pH were manipulated in a controlled environment. Adding both clay tailings and peat enhanced the cation exchange capacity of sand tailings but also reduced the pH. The addition of peat reduced the extractable levels of some elements but increased the availability of Ca and Mg, thus proving beneficial. The use of clay tailings increased the levels of macro and micronutrients but also released Al, As, La, Pb and U. Additionally, the effects of soil mix and mycorrhizal treatments on growth and foliar chemistry were studied. Two plant species were selected: Panicum milicaeum and Pueraria phaseoloides. Different growth patterns were observed with respect to the additions of peat and clay. The results for mycorrhizal treatment (live inoculum or sterile carrier medium) are more complex, but both resulted in improved growth. The use of mycorrhizal fungi could greatly enhance rehabilitation efforts on sand tailings.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Environmental Monitoring; Industrial Waste/analysis*; Malaysia; Mining; Soil/chemistry*; Soil Microbiology; Soil Pollutants/analysis; Soil Pollutants/metabolism*; Tin; Mycorrhizae/growth & development*; Plant Development*
  12. Enhanced growth and bioconversion of isoflavones in prebiotic-soymilk fermented by UV-treated lactobacilli and bifidobacteria
    Yeo SK, Liong MT
    Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2012 Aug;63(5):566-79.
    PMID: 22133079 DOI: 10.3109/09637486.2011.639349
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC) at 30-90 J/m²) on the membrane properties of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, and their bioconversion of isoflavones in prebiotic-soymilk. UV treatment caused membrane permeabilization and alteration at the acyl chain, polar head and interface region of membrane bilayers via lipid peroxidation. Such alteration subsequently led to decreased (p < 0.05) viability of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria immediately after the treatment. However, the effect was transient where cells treated with UV, particularly UVA, grew better in prebiotic-soymilk than the control upon fermentation at 37°C for 24 h (p < 0.05). In addition, UV treatment also increased (p < 0.05) the intracellular and extracellular β-glucosidase activity of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. This was accompanied by an increased (p < 0.05) bioconversion of glucosides to bioactive aglycones in prebiotic-soymilk. Our present study illustrated that treatment of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria with UV could develop a fermented prebiotic-soymilk with enhanced bioactivity.
    MeSH terms: beta-Glucosidase/metabolism; Bifidobacterium/growth & development; Bifidobacterium/metabolism; Bifidobacterium/radiation effects*; Cell Membrane/radiation effects*; Cell Membrane/chemistry; Glucosides/metabolism; Isoflavones/metabolism*; Lactobacillus/growth & development; Lactobacillus/metabolism; Lactobacillus/radiation effects*; Lipid Bilayers/metabolism; Lipid Bilayers/radiation effects; Permeability; Ultraviolet Rays; Lipid Peroxidation/radiation effects; Probiotics/radiation effects*; Soy Milk/metabolism*; Soy Foods/microbiology; Microbial Viability; Prebiotics*
  13. Anti-leukemic activity of Newcastle disease virus strains AF2240 and V4-UPM in murine myelomonocytic leukemia in vivo
    Alabsi AM, Ali R, Ideris A, Omar AR, Bejo MH, Yusoff K, et al.
    Leuk. Res., 2012 May;36(5):634-45.
    PMID: 22133641 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2011.11.001
    Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a member of the Paramyxoviridae that has caused severe economic losses in poultry industry worldwide. Several strains of NDV were reported to induce cytolysis to cancerous cell lines. It has prompted much interest as anticancer agent because it can replicate up to 10,000 times better in human cancer cells than in most normal cells. In this study, two NDV strains, viserotropic-velogenic strain AF2240 and lentogenic strain V4-UPM, showed cytolytic activity and apoptosis induction against Mouse myelomoncytic leukemia (WEHI 3B). The cytolytic effects of NDV strains were determined using microtetrazolium (MTT) assay. The cytolytic dose - fifty percent (CD(50)) were 2 and 8HAU for AF2240 and V4-UPM strains, respectively. Cells treated with NDV strains showed apoptotic features compared to the untreated cells under fluorescence microscope. NDV induced activation of caspase-3 and DNA laddering in agarose gel electrophoresis which confirmed the apoptosis. The anti-leukemic activity of both strains was evaluated on myelomoncytic leukemia BALB/c mice. The results indicated that both NDV strains significantly decreased liver and spleen weights. It also decreased blasts cell percentage in blood, bone marrow and spleen smears of treated mice (p<0.05). Histopathological studies for spleen and liver confirmed the hematological results of blood and bone marrow. From the results obtained, the exposure to both NDV stains AF2240 and V4-UPM showed similar results for Ara-c. In conclusion NDV strains AF2240 and V4-UPM can affect WEHI 3B leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chick Embryo; Humans; Liver/pathology; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Newcastle disease virus*; Spleen/pathology; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/pathology; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/therapy*; Apoptosis; Cell Line, Tumor; Oncolytic Virotherapy*; Mice
  14. Koetjapic acid, a natural triterpenoid, induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells
    Nassar ZD, Aisha AF, Idris N, Khadeer Ahamed MB, Ismail Z, Abu-Salah KM, et al.
    Oncol Rep, 2012 Mar;27(3):727-33.
    PMID: 22134768 DOI: 10.3892/or.2011.1569
    Deregulated cell signaling pathways result in cancer development. More than one signal transduction pathway is involved in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and progression. Koetjapic acid (KA) is a naturally occurring seco-A-ring oleanene triterpene isolated from the Sandoricum koetjape stem bark. We report the cellular and molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity of KA towards human colorectal cancer. The results showed that KA induces apoptosis in HCT 116 colorectal carcinoma cells by inducing the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic caspases. We confirmed that KA-induced apoptosis was mediated by DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation and disruption in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Further studies on the effect of KA on cancer pathways show that the compound causes down-regulation of Wnt, HIF-1α, MAP/ERK/JNK and Myc/Max signaling pathways and up-regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway. The result of this study highlights the anticancer potential of KA against colorectal cancer.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Cell Line; Cell Nucleus/drug effects; Cell Nucleus/genetics; Cell Nucleus/metabolism; Humans; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Triterpenes/pharmacology*; Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Apoptosis/genetics; Caspases/metabolism; Meliaceae/chemistry*; HCT116 Cells; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects; DNA Fragmentation/drug effects; Hep G2 Cells
  15. Mycoremediation--a prospective environmental friendly technique of bioseparation and dewatering of domestic wastewater sludge
    Molla AH, Fakhru'l-Razi A
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2012 Jun;19(5):1612-9.
    PMID: 22134862 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-011-0676-0
    INTRODUCTION: Environmental safe and friendly management and disposal of wastewater sludge is a problem of every treatment plant throughout the world. Bioseparation and dewaterability of raw domestic wastewater sludge were evaluated for proper management and disposal by mycoremediation, i.e., using prior grown 2% (v/v) spore suspension of filamentous fungal (Mucor hiemalis Wehmer) broth inoculation, which were grown in 2% (w/v) solution of malt extract and wheat flour for 48-60 h in orbital shaker.

    DISCUSSION: Within 2-3 days of treatment application, encouraging results were achieved in total dry solids (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), specific resistance to filtration (SRF), and pH due to fungal treatment in recognition of bioseparation and dewaterability of wastewater sludge compared to control. The significant reduction of TDS was remarked at fungal biomass (FB) in wheat flour (WF) treatment. The removal of TSS, turbidity, COD, and SRF were observed 96.0%, 99.4%, 92.6%, and 97.6%, respectively, in supernatant at 5 days by FB in WF. The SRF measuring the dewaterability was decreased with maximum (0.26 × 10(-12) mg/kg) equivalent to 95.5% at 2 days in FB in WF also. FB in WF broth is a potential, environmental friendly, comparatively low-cost biological technique which might play the significant role for bioremediation and bioseparation of domestic wastewater sludge. The present technique may bring a dynamic change in treatment of wastewater in future.

    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental*; Filtration; Flour; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Mucor*; Prospective Studies; Sewage/microbiology*; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods*; Triticum; Biomass; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Agricultural Inoculants*
  16. Fulltext Delayed activation of host innate immune pathways in streptozotocin-induced diabetic hosts leads to more severe disease during infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei
    Chin CY, Monack DM, Nathan S
    Immunology, 2012 Apr;135(4):312-32.
    PMID: 22136109 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2011.03544.x
    Diabetes mellitus is a predisposing factor of melioidosis, contributing to higher mortality rates in diabetics infected with Burkholderia pseudomallei. To investigate how diabetes alters the inflammatory response, we established a streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic murine acute-phase melioidosis model. Viable B. pseudomallei cells were consistently detected in the blood, liver and spleen during the 42-hr course of infection but the hyperglycaemic environment did not increase the bacterial burden. However, after 24 hr, granulocyte counts increased in response to infection, whereas blood glucose concentrations decreased over the course of infection. A genome-wide expression analysis of the STZ-diabetic murine acute melioidosis liver identified ~1000 genes whose expression was altered in the STZ-diabetic mice. The STZ-diabetic host transcriptional response was compared with the normoglycaemic host transcriptional response recently reported by our group. The microarray data suggest that the presence of elevated glucose levels impairs the host innate immune system by delaying the identification and recognition of B. pseudomallei surface structures. Consequently, the host is unable to activate the appropriate innate immune response over time, which may explain the increased susceptibility to melioidosis in the STZ-diabetic host. Nevertheless, a general 'alarm signal' of infection as well as defence programmes are still triggered by the STZ-diabetic host, although only 24 hr after infection. In summary, this study demonstrates that in the face of a B. pseudomallei acute infection, poor glycaemic control impaired innate responses during the early stages of B. pseudomallei infection, contributing to the increased susceptibility of STZ-induced diabetics to this fatal disease.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/immunology*; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Hyperglycemia/immunology; Immunity, Innate/immunology*; Liver/immunology; Liver/metabolism; Liver/microbiology; Melioidosis/immunology; Melioidosis/microbiology; Melioidosis/mortality*; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Spleen/immunology; Spleen/metabolism; Spleen/microbiology; Time Factors; Burkholderia pseudomallei/pathogenicity*; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Gene Expression Profiling; Mice; Transcriptome/immunology*
  17. Cat's whiskers tea (Orthosiphon stamineus) extract inhibits growth of colon tumor in nude mice and angiogenesis in endothelial cells via suppressing VEGFR phosphorylation
    Ahamed MB, Aisha AF, Nassar ZD, Siddiqui JM, Ismail Z, Omari SM, et al.
    Nutr Cancer, 2012;64(1):89-99.
    PMID: 22136553 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2012.630160
    Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus) is commonly used as Java tea to treat kidney stones including a variety of angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as tumorous edema, rheumatism, diabetic blindness, and obesity. In the present study, antitumor potential of standardized 50% ethanol extract of O. stamineus leaves (EOS) was evaluated against colorectal tumor in athymic mice and antiangiogenic efficacy of EOS was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). EOS at 100 mg/kg caused 47.62 ± 6.4% suppression in tumor growth, while at 200 mg/kg it caused 83.39 ± 4.1% tumor regression. Tumor histology revealed significant reduction in extent of vascularization. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed EOS (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in vitro (211 ± 0.26 pg/ml cell lysate) as well as in vivo (90.9 ± 2 pg/g tissue homogenate) when compared to the control (378 ± 5 and 135.5 ± 4 pg, respectively). However, EOS was found to be noncytotoxic to colon cancer and endothelial cells. In vitro, EOS significantly inhibited the migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). EOS suppressed VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2 in HUVECs. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of EOS showed high rosmarinic acid contents, whereas phytochemical analysis revealed high protein and phenolic contents. These results demonstrated that the antitumor activity of EOS may be due to its VEGF-targeted antiangiogenicity.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Movement/drug effects; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Colonic Neoplasms/blood supply; Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Mice, Nude; Phosphorylation; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Plants, Medicinal; Tyrosine/metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Orthosiphon/chemistry*; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/metabolism; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; Mice; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism
  18. The nasopharynx in infants with cleft lip and palate
    Rajion ZA, Al-Khatib AR, Netherway DJ, Townsend GC, Anderson PJ, McLean NR, et al.
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2012 Feb;76(2):227-34.
    PMID: 22136741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2011.11.008
    The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional computed tomography data and computer imaging technology to assess the skeletal components of the naso-pharyngeal area in patients with cleft lip and palate and to quantify anatomical variations.
    MeSH terms: Cleft Lip/physiopathology; Cleft Lip/radiography*; Cleft Palate/physiopathology; Cleft Palate/radiography*; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia; Male; Nasopharynx/anatomy & histology; Nasopharynx/radiography*; Reference Values; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods; Case-Control Studies; Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  19. Profiles of women presenting for abortions in Singapore: focus on teenage abortions and late abortions
    Lim L, Wong H, Yong E, Singh K
    Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2012 Feb;160(2):219-22.
    PMID: 22137571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.11.017
    OBJECTIVE: Teenage abortions predispose women to adverse pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies such as anemia, stillbirths, preterm deliveries and low birth weight babies. We aim to profile the women presenting for abortions in our institution and determine risk factors for late presentation for abortions.
    STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, all women who underwent an abortion at the National University Hospital, Singapore, from 2005 to 2009 were recruited. Data was obtained from a prepared questionnaire during the mandatory pre-abortion counseling sessions. Profiles of women aged <20 years were compared with those ≥ 20 years old using Chi-square test if the assumptions for Chi-square test were met; otherwise, Fisher's exact test was carried out. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors for second trimester termination of pregnancy.
    RESULTS: 2109 women presented for induced abortions, of which 1998 had single abortion throughout the course of the study. The mean age of women with single abortion was 29.1 years (sd 7). In the group of women with single abortion, 182 (9.1%) were teenage abortions. In contrast to women ≥ 20 years of age, pregnant teenagers were more likely not to have used any contraception (51.1% vs. 25.2%) and more likely to present late for abortions (39.6% vs. 15.9%). Other risk factors for late presentation for abortions include Malay ethnicity, singlehood, nulliparity and lack of prior usage of contraception.
    CONCLUSION: Teenagers are more likely to have no prior contraceptive usage and to present late for abortions. Lack of proper sexual education and awareness of contraceptive measures may have a major contributory factor to such a trend in teenage abortions. Recommendations have been made in order to curb this societal problem.
    MeSH terms: Abortion, Induced/adverse effects; Abortion, Induced/psychology*; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior/ethnology; Adult; Contraception Behavior/ethnology; Female; Hospitals, University; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Adolescence/ethnology; Pregnancy in Adolescence/psychology*; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Surveys and Questionnaires; Retrospective Studies; Singapore; Single Person; Cohort Studies; Young Adult
  20. Greenhouse gas reductions through enhanced use of residues in the life cycle of Malaysian palm oil derived biodiesel
    Hansen SB, Olsen SI, Ujang Z
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Jan;104:358-66.
    PMID: 22137753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.10.069
    This study identifies the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, which can be achieved by optimizing the use of residues in the life cycle of palm oil derived biodiesel. This is done through compilation of data on existing and prospective treatment technologies as well as practical experiments on methane potentials from empty fruit bunches. Methane capture from the anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent was found to result in the highest GHG reductions. Among the solid residues, energy extraction from shells was found to constitute the biggest GHG savings per ton of residue, whereas energy extraction from empty fruit bunches was found to be the most significant in the biodiesel production life cycle. All the studied waste treatment technologies performed significantly better than the conventional practices and with dedicated efforts of optimized use in the palm oil industry, the production of palm oil derived biodiesel can be almost carbon neutral.
    MeSH terms: Air Pollution/prevention & control*; Gases/isolation & purification*; Malaysia; Plant Oils/isolation & purification; Plant Oils/chemistry*; Greenhouse Effect/prevention & control*; Biofuels*; Recycling/methods*
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