Browse publications by year: 2012

Detection of 10 medically important Candida species by seminested polymerase chain reaction

Than LT, Chong PP, Ng KP, Seow HF

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 2012 Feb;72(2):196-8.
PMID: 22154674 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2011.10.008

A seminested PCR detecting ten medically important Candida species were achieved. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were not compromised.

MeSH terms: Candida/classification*; Candida/genetics; Candida/isolation & purification*; DNA, Fungal/genetics; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Species Specificity; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*
Bitten by the "flying" tree snake, Chrysopelea paradisi

Tan TL, Ismail AK, Kong KW, Ahmad NK

J Emerg Med, 2012 Apr;42(4):420-3.
PMID: 22154775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.03.038

The paradise tree snake, Chrysopelea paradisi, is a rear-fanged colubrid. Like other members of the genus Chrysopelea, it is able to glide through the air, and thus, is commonly known as a "flying snake." There are few documented effects of its bite on humans.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Animals; Hand Injuries/etiology*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Snake Bites*; Snake Venoms/poisoning*; Colubridae*
The aporphine alkaloid boldine improves endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Lau YS, Machha A, Achike FI, Murugan D, Mustafa MR

Exp Biol Med (Maywood), 2012 Jan;237(1):93-8.
PMID: 22156043 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2011.011145

Boldine, a major aporphine alkaloid found in Chilean boldo tree, is a potent antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a detrimental role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. In the present study, we investigated the effects of boldine on endothelial dysfunction in hypertension using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the most studied animal model of hypertension. SHR and their age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with boldine (20 mg/kg per day) or its vehicle, which served as control, for seven days. Control SHR displayed higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), reduced endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh), marginally attenuated endothelium-independent aortic relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), increased aortic superoxide and peroxynitrite production, and enhanced p47(phox) protein expression as compared with control WKY rats. Boldine treatment significantly lowered SBP in SHR but not in WKY. Boldine treatment enhanced the maximal relaxation to ACh in SHR, but had no effect in WKY, whereas the sensitivity to ACh was increased in both SHR and WKY aortas. Boldine treatment enhanced sensitivity, but was without effect on maximal aortic relaxation responses, to SNP in both WKY and SHR aortas. In addition, boldine treatment lowered aortic superoxide and peroxynitrite production and downregulated p47(phox) protein expression in SHR aortas, but had no effect in the WKY control. These results show that boldine treatment exerts endothelial protective effects in hypertension, achieved, at least in part, through the inhibition of NADPH-mediated superoxide production.

MeSH terms: Acetylcholine/pharmacology; Animals; Antioxidants/pharmacology; Aporphines/administration & dosage; Aporphines/pharmacology*; Blood Pressure/drug effects; Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects*; Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology; Hypertension/drug therapy*; Hypertension/physiopathology; Male; Nitroprusside/pharmacology; Random Allocation; Superoxides/metabolism; Vasodilation/drug effects; Rats, Wistar; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; NADPH Oxidase/biosynthesis; Peroxynitrous Acid/metabolism; Rats
p53 codon 72 polymorphisms and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of non-melanoma skin cancer through archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue

Yoke-Kqueen C, Ab Mutalib NS, Sidik SM, Learn-Han L, Geok-Chin T

Oncol Rep, 2012 Mar;27(3):753-63.
PMID: 22159872 DOI: 10.3892/or.2011.1581

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is classified among the ten most frequent cancers in Malaysia. A common polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene and its influence on cancer risk has been studied for different types of cancer with mixed and inconsistent results with limited published data on the Malaysian population so far. In the present study, the frequency of p53 codon 72 polymorphism in 60 patients with NMSC was investigated from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue obtained from Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). Additionally, random amplified polymorhic DNA -polymorphic chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was employed for preliminary biomarker development. NMSC FFPE samples (70%) possess Arg/Arg, 20% with Pro/Pro and 10% with Arg/Pro. In total, there was no significant difference in the p53 codon 72 genotypes between histological types of NMSC, gender, race, tumor location and age group. However, there was an apparent age-associated increase in the Arg/Arg genotype but did not reach statistical significance (P=0.235). NMSC types and demographic characteristics did not influence genotype distribution. On the other hand, BCC and SCC distributions are influenced by age group, race and tumor location.

MeSH terms: Adult; DNA Mutational Analysis; Female; Formaldehyde; Genotype; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Melanoma/genetics; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Genetic; Skin Neoplasms/genetics*; Skin Neoplasms/pathology; Genes, p53*; Paraffin Embedding; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique/methods; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Fulltext Extended and stable gene expression via nucleofection of MIDGE construct into adult human marrow mesenchymal stromal cells

Mok PL, Cheong SK, Leong CF, Chua KH, Ainoon O

Cytotechnology, 2012 Mar;64(2):203-16.
PMID: 22160354 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-011-9413-2

Human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) is a potential target for cell and gene therapy-based approaches against a variety of different diseases. Whilst cationic lipofection has been widely experimented, the Nucleofector technology is a relatively new non-viral transfection method designed for primary cells and hard-to-transfect cell lines. Herein, we compared the efficiency and viability of nucleofection with cationic lipofection, and used the more efficient transfection method, nucleofection, to deliver a construct of minimalistic, immunologically defined gene expression encoding the erythropoietin (MIDGE-EPO) into hMSC. MIDGE construct is relatively safer than the viral and plasmid expression systems as the detrimental eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene and sequences have been eliminated. Using a plasmid encoding the luciferase gene, we demonstrated a high transfection efficiency using the U-23 (21.79 ± 1.09%) and C-17 (5.62 ± 1.09%) pulsing program in nucleofection. The cell viabilities were (44.93 ± 10.10)% and (21.93 ± 5.72)%, respectively 24 h post-nucleofection. On the other hand, lipofection treatment only yielded less than 0.6% efficiencies despite showing higher viabilities. Nucleofection did not affect hMSC renewability, immunophenotype and differentiation potentials. Subsequently, we nucleofected MIDGE-EPO using the U-23 pulsing program into hMSC. The results showed that, despite a low nucleofection efficiency with this construct, the EPO protein was stably expressed in the nucleofected cells up to 55 days when determined by ELISA or immunocytochemical staining. In conclusion, nucleofection is an efficient non-viral transfection approach for hMSC, which when used in conjunction with a MIDGE construct, could result in extended and stable transgene expression in hMSC.
Classification of air quality using fuzzy synthetic multiplication

Abdullah L, Khalid ND

Environ Monit Assess, 2012 Nov;184(11):6957-65.
PMID: 22160435 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2472-1

Proper identification of environment's air quality based on limited observations is an essential task to meet the goals of environmental management. Various classification methods have been used to estimate the change of air quality status and health. However, discrepancies frequently arise from the lack of clear distinction between each air quality, the uncertainty in the quality criteria employed and the vagueness or fuzziness embedded in the decision-making output values. Owing to inherent imprecision, difficulties always exist in some conventional methodologies when describing integrated air quality conditions with respect to various pollutants. Therefore, this paper presents two fuzzy multiplication synthetic techniques to establish classification of air quality. The fuzzy multiplication technique empowers the max-min operations in "or" and "and" in executing the fuzzy arithmetic operations. Based on a set of air pollutants data carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter (PM(10)) collected from a network of 51 stations in Klang Valley, East Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak were utilized in this evaluation. The two fuzzy multiplication techniques consistently classified Malaysia's air quality as "good." The findings indicated that the techniques may have successfully harmonized inherent discrepancies and interpret complex conditions. It was demonstrated that fuzzy synthetic multiplication techniques are quite appropriate techniques for air quality management.

MeSH terms: Air Pollutants/analysis*; Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data*; Decision Support Techniques; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Malaysia; Nitrogen Dioxide/analysis; Ozone/analysis; Sulfur Dioxide/analysis; Models, Statistical; Fuzzy Logic; Particulate Matter/analysis
Sociodemographic determinants of leisure participation among elderly in Malaysia

Minhat HS, Mohd Amin R

J Community Health, 2012 Aug;37(4):840-7.
PMID: 22160659 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-011-9518-8

Leisure participation has been proven to be beneficial and has a positive link to successful ageing. This study aims to explore the sociodemographic determinants of leisure participation among the Malaysian elderly. A cross-sectional study was conducted among persons aged 60 years and above, purposively selected from eight health clinics in the state of Selangor. Leisure participation was measured using a validated Leisure Participation Questionnaire specific for Malaysian elderly, consisting of 25 activities, categorized into 4 categories, namely recreational (physical), cognitive, social and productive. Frequency of such participation was measured on a 6-point scale. Its association with sociodemographic variables was examined using inferential and regression analysis. 268 participants were involved in this study (response rate = 100%). The most common daily leisure activities were having conversations while relaxing (78.7%), watching television (74.6%) and reading (63.4%). The least frequently done leisure activities were from the recreational and cognitive categories. The activities were weakly correlated to each other, reflecting the lack of diversity of leisure activities among respondents. Education was the main predictor for leisure participation among elderly, with higher educational level is associated with high RAS (B = 1.020, P < 0.05), CAS (B = 1.580, P < 0.05) and SAS (B = 1.276, P < 0.05). Education level, marital status and locality were important determinants of leisure participation among elderly, with education being the main predictor. Further studies exploring the effective method of educating the ageing society are recommended.

MeSH terms: Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Leisure Activities*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext The anti-inflammatory role of vitamin E in prevention of osteoporosis

Nazrun AS, Norazlina M, Norliza M, Nirwana SI

Adv Pharmacol Sci, 2012;2012:142702.
PMID: 22162676 DOI: 10.1155/2012/142702

There is growing evidence that inflammation may be one of the causal factors of osteoporosis. Several cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, RANKL, OPG, and M-CSF were implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. These cytokines are important determinants of osteoclast differentiation and its bone resorptive activity. Anticytokine therapy using cytokine antagonists such as IL-receptor antagonist and TNF-binding protein was able to suppress the activity of the respective cytokines and prevent bone loss. Several animal studies have shown that vitamin E in the forms of palm-derived tocotrienol and α-tocopherol may prevent osteoporosis in rat models by suppressing IL-1 and IL-6. Free radicals are known to activate transcription factor NFκB which leads to the production of bone resorbing cytokines. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, may be able to neutralise free radicals before they could activate NFκB, therefore suppressing cytokine production and osteoporosis. Vitamin E has also been shown to inhibit COX-2, the enzyme involved in inflammatory reactions. Of the two types of vitamin E studied, tocotrienol seemed to be better than tocopherol in terms of its ability to suppress bone-resorbing cytokines.

MeSH terms: Osteoporosis*; Vitamin E*
Fulltext Metabolic routes affecting rubber biosynthesis in Hevea brasiliensis latex

Chow KS, Mat-Isa MN, Bahari A, Ghazali AK, Alias H, Mohd-Zainuddin Z, et al.

J Exp Bot, 2012 Mar;63(5):1863-71.
PMID: 22162870 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/err363

The cytosolic mevalonate (MVA) pathway in Hevea brasiliensis latex is the conventionally accepted pathway which provides isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) for cis-polyisoprene (rubber) biosynthesis. However, the plastidic 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway may be an alternative source of IPP since its more recent discovery in plants. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) expression profiles of genes from both pathways in latex showed that subcellular compartmentalization of IPP for cis-polyisoprene synthesis is related to the degree of plastidic carotenoid synthesis. From this, the occurrence of two schemes of IPP partitioning and utilization within one species is proposed whereby the supply of IPP for cis-polyisoprene from the MEP pathway is related to carotenoid production in latex. Subsequently, a set of latex unique gene transcripts was sequenced and assembled and they were then mapped to IPP-requiring pathways. Up to eight such pathways, including cis-polyisoprene biosynthesis, were identified. Our findings on pre- and post-IPP metabolic routes form an important aspect of a pathway knowledge-driven approach to enhancing cis-polyisoprene biosynthesis in transgenic rubber trees.

MeSH terms: Base Sequence; Carotenoids/metabolism; Erythritol/analogs & derivatives*; Erythritol/metabolism; Latex/analysis*; Mevalonic Acid/metabolism*; Molecular Sequence Data; Rubber/metabolism*; Sugar Phosphates/metabolism*; Terpenes/metabolism; Gene Library; Gene Expression/genetics*; Genes, Plant/genetics; Sequence Analysis, DNA; RNA, Plant/genetics; Hevea/genetics; Hevea/metabolism*; Transcriptome
Microalgae biofuels: A critical review of issues, problems and the way forward

Lam MK, Lee KT

Biotechnol Adv, 2012 May-Jun;30(3):673-90.
PMID: 22166620 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.11.008

Culturing of microalgae as an alternative feedstock for biofuel production has received a lot of attention in recent years due to their fast growth rate and ability to accumulate high quantity of lipid and carbohydrate inside their cells for biodiesel and bioethanol production, respectively. In addition, this superior feedstock offers several environmental benefits, such as effective land utilization, CO(2) sequestration, self-purification if coupled with wastewater treatment and does not trigger food versus fuel feud. Despite having all these 'theoretical' advantages, review on problems and issues related to energy balance in microalgae biofuel are not clearly addressed until now. Base on the maturity of current technology, the true potential of microalgae biofuel towards energy security and its feasibility for commercialization are still questionable. Thus, this review is aimed to depict the practical problems that are facing the microalgae biofuel industry, covering upstream to downstream activities by accessing the latest research reports and critical data analysis. Apart from that, several interlink solutions to the problems will be suggested with the purpose to bring current microalgae biofuel research into a new dimension and consequently, to revolutionize the entire microalgae biofuel industry towards long-term sustainability.

MeSH terms: Ethanol/metabolism*; Ethanol/chemistry; Humans; Cell Culture Techniques; Bioreactors; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Lipid Metabolism; Biofuels*; Microalgae/growth & development*; Microalgae/metabolism; Microalgae/chemistry*
Low-temperature synthesis of indium tin oxide nanowires as the transparent electrodes for organic light emitting devices

Kee YY, Tan SS, Yong TK, Nee CH, Yap SS, Tou TY, et al.

Nanotechnology, 2012 Jan 20;23(2):025706.
PMID: 22166812 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/23/2/025706

Low-temperature growth of indium tin oxide (ITO) nanowires (NWs) was obtained on catalyst-free amorphous glass substrates at 250 °C by Nd:YAG pulsed-laser deposition. These ITO NWs have branching morphology as grown in Ar ambient. As suggested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), our ITO NWs have the tendency to grow vertically outward from the substrate surface, with the (400) plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nanowires. These NWs are low in electrical resistivity (1.6×10⁻⁴ Ω cm) and high in visible transmittance (~90–96%), and were tested as the electrode for organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). An enhanced current density of ~30 mA cm⁻² was detected at bias voltages of ~19–21 V with uniform and bright emission. We found that the Hall mobility of these NWs is 2.2–2.7 times higher than that of ITO film, which can be explained by the reduction of Coulomb scattering loss. These results suggested that ITO nanowires are promising for applications in optoelectronic devices including OLED, touch screen displays, and photovoltaic solar cells.

MeSH terms: Electrodes; Light; Tin Compounds/chemistry*; Nanowires/ultrastructure; Nanowires/chemistry*
Risk factors associated with adverse drug reactions in hospitalised children: international multicentre study

Rashed AN, Wong IC, Cranswick N, Tomlin S, Rascher W, Neubert A

Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 2012 May;68(5):801-10.
PMID: 22166934 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-011-1183-4

BACKGROUND: Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is important in order to develop appropriate prevention strategies. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with ADRs in hospitalised children and recommend strategies to minimise ADRs.
METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted on paediatric general medical wards in five European and non-European hospitals. ADRs were identified by intensive chart review. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors associated with ADRs. For the risk factor analysis, prescribed drugs were divided into high-risk and low-risk drug groups. Analgesics, anti-epileptics, antibacterials and antimycotics for systemic use, corticosteroids for systemic use and immunosuppressant agents were considered as high-risk groups whereas the remaining drug classes were defined as low-risk drug groups.
RESULTS: A total of 1,253 paediatric patients were identified [Australia (n = 145), Germany (n = 372), Hong Kong (n = 138), Malaysia (n = 291), UK (n = 307)]. A total of 328 ADRs were observed in 16.7% of patients (186/1,115). Use of five or more low-risk drugs per patient or three or more high-risk drugs was a strong predictor for ADRs (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.4-9.3; OR 6.5, 95% CI 2.7-16.0 respectively; p < 0.001). Older children were more likely to experience ADRs; gender was not significantly associated.
CONCLUSION: To reduce the risk of ADRs in children, clinicians and pharmacists should aim to minimise polypharmacy and be aware of higher ADR risks associated with some drug groups.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Asia/epidemiology; Child; Child Development*; Child, Preschool; Europe/epidemiology; Female; Hospitals, General; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Cohort Studies; Incidence; Polypharmacy; Adolescent Development*; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology*; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/physiopathology; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/prevention & control
Application of 16s rDNA and cytochrome b ribosomal markers in studies of lineage and fish populations structure of aquatic species

Baharum SN, Nurdalila AA

Mol Biol Rep, 2012 May;39(5):5225-32.
PMID: 22167328 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1320-2

The most economically important form of aquaculture is fish farming, which is an industry that accounts for an ever increasing share of world fishery production. Molecular markers can be used to enhance the productivity of the aquaculture and fish industries to meet the increasing demand. Molecular markers can be identified via a DNA test regardless of the developmental stage, age or environmental challenges experienced by the organism. The application of 16s and cytochrome b markers has enabled rapid progress in investigations of genetic variability and inbreeding, parentage assignments, species and strain identification and the construction of high resolution genetic linkage maps for aquaculture fisheries. In this review, the advantages of principles and potential power tools of 16s and cytochrome b markers are discussed. Main findings in term of trend, aspects and debates on the reviewed issue made from the model of aquatic species for the benefit of aquaculture genomics and aquaculture genetics research are discussed. The concepts in this review are illustrated with various research examples and results that relate theory to reality and provide a strong review of the current status of these biotechnology topics.

MeSH terms: Animals; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics*; Fishes/genetics*; Genetic Markers; Phylogeny*; Population Dynamics; Cytochromes b/genetics*; Aquatic Organisms/genetics*
Fulltext Characterization of oral disintegrating film containing donepezil for Alzheimer disease

Liew KB, Tan YT, Peh KK

AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012 Mar;13(1):134-42.
PMID: 22167416 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-011-9729-4

The aim of this study was to develop a taste-masked oral disintegrating film (ODF) containing donepezil, with fast disintegration time and suitable mechanical strength, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, corn starch, polyethylene glycol, lactose monohydrate and crosspovidone served as the hydrophilic polymeric bases of the ODF. The uniformity, in vitro disintegration time, drug release and the folding endurance of the ODF were examined. The in vitro results showed that 80% of donepezil hydrochloride was released within 5 minutes with mean disintegration time of 44 seconds. The result of the film flexibility test showed that the number of folding time to crack the film was 40 times, an indication of sufficient mechanical property for patient use. A single-dose, fasting, four-period, eight-treatment, double-blind study involving 16 healthy adult volunteers was performed to evaluate the in situ disintegration time and palatability of ODF. Five parameters, namely taste, aftertaste, mouthfeel, ease of handling and acceptance were evaluated. The mean in situ disintegration time of ODF was 49 seconds. ODF containing 7 mg of sucralose were more superior than saccharin and aspartame in terms of taste, aftertaste, mouthfeel and acceptance. Furthermore, the ODF was stable for at least 6 months when stored at 40°C and 75% relative humidity.

MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods*; Double-Blind Method; Drug Carriers/administration & dosage; Drug Carriers/metabolism*; Female; Humans; Indans/administration & dosage; Indans/metabolism*; Male; Piperidines/administration & dosage; Piperidines/metabolism*; Solubility/drug effects; Sweetening Agents/administration & dosage; Sweetening Agents/metabolism*; Taste/drug effects; Taste/physiology*; Tensile Strength; Young Adult
Physicochemical characterization of natural-like branched-chain glycosides toward formation of hexosomes and vesicles

Ahmad N, Ramsch R, Esquena J, Solans C, Tajuddin HA, Hashim R

Langmuir, 2012 Feb 7;28(5):2395-403.
PMID: 22168405 DOI: 10.1021/la203736b

Synthetic branched-chain glycolipids have become of great interest in biomimicking research, since they provide a suitable alternative for natural glycolipids, which are difficult to extract from natural resources. Therefore, branched-chain glycolipids obtained by direct syntheses are of utmost interest. In this work, two new branched-chain glycolipids are presented, namely, 2-hexyldecyl β(α)-D-glucoside (2-HDG) and 2-hexyldecyl β(α)-D-maltoside (2-HDM) based on glucose and maltose, respectively. The self-assembly properties of these glycolipids have been studied, observing the phase behavior under thermotropic and lyotropic conditions. Due to their amphiphilic characteristics, 2-HDG and 2-HDM possess rich phase behavior in dry form and in aqueous dispersions. In the thermotropic study, 2-HDG formed a columnar hexagonal liquid crystalline phase, whereas in a binary aqueous system, 2-HDG formed an inverted hexagonal liquid crystalline phase in equilibrium with excess aqueous solution. Furthermore, aqueous dispersions of the hexagonal liquid crystal could be obtained, dispersions known as hexosomes. On the other hand, 2-HDM formed a lamellar liquid crystalline phase (smectic A) in thermotropic conditions, whereas multilamellar vesicles have been observed in equilibrium with aqueous media. Surprisingly, 2-HDM mixed with sodium dodecyl sulfate or aerosol OT induced the formation of more stable unilamellar vesicles. Thus, the branched-chain glycolipids 2-HDG and 2-HDM not only provided alternative nonionic surfactants with rich phase behavior and versatile nanostructures, but also could be used as new drug carrier systems in the future.

MeSH terms: Chemistry, Physical; Glycosides/chemical synthesis; Glycosides/chemistry*; Particle Size; Surface Properties; Temperature; Molecular Structure
Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound value for middle-aged and elderly Malaysian Chinese men and its association with age and body anthropometry

Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S, Isa Naina M, Norazlina M, Ahmad Nazrun S, Norliza M, et al.

J Clin Densitom, 2012 Jan-Mar;15(1):86-91.
PMID: 22169197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2011.09.004

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a relatively easy, reliable, and safe method for bone status assessment, but reference data for Asian males remain scarce. Our study aimed to determine the values for one QUS parameter, the speed of sound (SOS) at the calcaneus, in Malaysian Chinese men and to determine the association between the SOS and several demographic characteristics, such as age, weight, height, and body mass index. Three hundred forty-eight Malaysian Chinese men aged 40 yr and older were recruited, and their calcaneal QUS value was determined using the CM-200 densitometer (Furuno Electric, Nishinomiya City, Japan). The results indicated a significant correlation between SOS and age, and multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that age and height were important predictors of SOS. A significant reduction in SOS value was observed when men 60 yr and older were compared with men aged 40-49 yr. Compared with the reference data for Japanese males, Chinese men in Malaysia showed higher SOS values across all the age groups studied. In conclusion, there is an age-related decrease in SOS values in Malaysian Chinese men, and the SOS values established in this study can be used as a reference for future studies.

MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anthropometry; Calcaneus/ultrasonography*; China/ethnology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis/epidemiology; Osteoporosis/ultrasonography*; Bone Density
Differences in physician attitudes towards patient-centredness: across four medical specialties

Chan CM, Ahmad WA

Int J Clin Pract, 2012 Jan;66(1):16-20.
PMID: 22171901 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2011.02831.x

Aims: There is limited study on patient-centred attitudes with regards to the patient–physician relationship in physicians. The objective of this study was to examine and compare physician attitudes toward patient-centredness in four different medical settings.
Methods: The present study utilised a cross-sectional survey design and purposive sampling to recruit physicians from a single academic medical centre via face-to-face interviews. Patient-centred attitudes of physicians specialising in surgery, oncology, obstetrics and gynaecology and primary care
(N = 78) were compared on the Patient–Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) using an independent one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The four medical
specialties comprised the four levels, with role orientation (patient-centred orientation vs. doctor-centred orientation) as the dependent measure.
Results: A significant level of difference (p < 0.001) was found between the four specialisations:
oncologists were found to have the highest level of patient-centeredness, followed by obstetricians & gynaecologists and primary care physicians, with surgeons being the least patient-centred among specialisations sampled.
Conclusion: These data are the first from the South-East Asian region to demonstrate differences in
physician attitudes between medical specialties. Our findings prompt further investigation and confirmation as to whether physicians with particular attitudinal traits are attracted to any particular specialties of medicine, or if physician attitudes are acquired through professional experience and training. In addition, this study offers better insight into the attitudinal differences of physician between medical specialities.
Questionnaire: Patient–Practitioner Orientation Scale; PPOS

MeSH terms: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Attitude of Health Personnel*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Gynecology; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Medical Oncology*; Obstetrics; Physician-Patient Relations*; Specialties, Surgical*; Patient-Centered Care*; General Practice*; Physicians, Primary Care
Mechanisms underlining gender differences in Phenylephrine contraction of normoglycaemic and short-term Streptozotocin-induced diabetic WKY rat aorta

Aloysius UI, Achike FI, Mustafa MR

Vascul Pharmacol, 2012 Sep-Oct;57(2-4):81-90.
PMID: 22172524 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2011.11.009

The female gender reduces the risk, but succumbs more to cardiovascular disease. The hypothesis that short-term (8weeks) Streptozotocin-induced diabetes could produce greater female than male vascular tissue reactivity and the mechanistic basis were explored. Aortic ring responses to Phenylephrine were examined in age- and sex-matched normoglycaemic/diabetic rats. The normoglycaemic male tissue contracted significantly more than the normoglycaemic female and the male/female diabetic tissues. Endothelial-denudation, l-NAME or MB reversed these differences suggesting an EDNO-cGMP dependence. 17β-oestradiol exerted relaxant effect on all endothelium-denuded (and normoglycaemic endothelium-intact male) tissues, but not endothelium-intact normoglycaemic female. The greater male tissue contraction is attributable to absent 17β-oestradiol-modulated relaxation. Indomethacin blockade of COX attenuated male normoglycaemic and female diabetic tissue contraction (both reversed by l-NAME), but augmented diabetic male tissue contraction. These data are consistent with the raised contractile TXA(2) and PGE(2) in normoglycaemic male and diabetic female tissues, and the relaxant PGI(2) in diabetic male (and female). The higher levels of PGI(2) in the normoglycaemic and diabetic female perhaps explain their greater relaxant response to Acetylcholine compared to the respective male. In conclusion, there is an endothelium-dependent gender difference in the effect of short term diabetes on vascular tissue reactivity which is COX mediated.

MeSH terms: Acetylcholine/pharmacology; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects*; Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology*; Estradiol/pharmacology; Female; Indomethacin/pharmacology; Male; Muscle Contraction/drug effects; Phenylephrine/pharmacology*; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases/drug effects; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases/metabolism; Epoprostenol/metabolism; Rats, Inbred WKY; Sex Factors; Streptozocin; Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology*; Rats
Clinical evaluation of two prosthetic suspension systems in a bilateral transtibial amputee

Gholizadeh H, Abu Osman NA, Kamyab M, Eshraghi A, Lúvíksdóttir AG, Wan Abas WA

Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2012 Oct;91(10):894-8.
PMID: 22173083

The effects of Seal-In X5 and Dermo liner (Össur) on suspension and patient's comfort in lower limb amputees are unclear. In this report, we consider the case of a 51-yr-old woman with bilateral transtibial amputation whose lower limbs were amputated because of peripheral vascular disease. The subject had bony and painful residual limbs, especially at the distal ends. Two prostheses that used Seal-In X5 liners and a pair of prostheses with Dermo liners were fabricated, and the subject wore each for a period of 2 wks. Once the 2 wks had passed, the pistoning within the socket was assessed and the patient was questioned as to her satisfaction with both liners. This study revealed that Seal-In X5 liner decreased the residual limb pain experienced by the patient and that 1-2 mm less pistoning occurred within the socket compared with the Dermo liner. However, the patient needed to put in extra effort for donning and doffing the prosthesis. Despite this, it is clear that the Seal-In X5 liner offers a viable alternative for individuals with transtibial amputations who do not have enough soft tissue around the bone, especially at the end of the residual limb.

MeSH terms: Amputation/methods*; Amputation/rehabilitation*; Amputation Stumps; Artificial Limbs*; Postural Balance/physiology; Female; Humans; Leg; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Prosthesis Design/instrumentation*; Prosthesis Design/methods; Tibia/surgery*; Walking/physiology; Weight-Bearing; Peripheral Vascular Diseases/diagnosis; Peripheral Vascular Diseases/surgery; Patient Satisfaction; Prosthesis Fitting*
Not by science alone: why orangutan conservationists must think outside the box

Meijaard E, Wich S, Ancrenaz M, Marshall AJ

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2012 Feb;1249:29-44.
PMID: 22175247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06288.x

Orangutan survival is threatened by habitat loss and illegal killing. Most wild populations will disappear over the next few decades unless threats are abated. Saving orangutans is ultimately in the hands of the governments and people of Indonesia and Malaysia, which need to ensure that habitats of viable orangutan populations are protected from deforestation and well managed to ensure no hunting takes place. Companies working in orangutan habitat also have to play a much bigger role in habitat management. Although the major problems and the direct actions required to solve them-reducing forest loss and hunting-have been known for decades, orangutan populations continue to decline. Orangutan populations in Sumatra and Borneo have declined by between 2,280 and 5,250 orangutans annually over the past 25 years. As the total current population for the two species is some 60,000 animals in an area of about 90,000 km(2) , there is not much time left to make conservation efforts truly effective. Our review discusses what has and has not worked in conservation to guide future conservation efforts.

MeSH terms: Animals; Indonesia; Malaysia; Pongo pygmaeus; Population Dynamics; Ecosystem; Endangered Species; Pongo*; Pongo abelii

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