Browse publications by year: 2012

  1. Anti-angiogenic activity of Morinda citrifolia extracts and its chemical constituents
    Beh HK, Seow LJ, Asmawi MZ, Abdul Majid AM, Murugaiyah V, Ismail N, et al.
    Nat Prod Res, 2012;26(16):1492-7.
    PMID: 22292423 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2011.562208
    Morinda citrifolia L. has been used for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect of M. citrifolia fruits and leaves. Anti-angiogenic activity was evaluated in vivo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Bioactivity-guided fractionation and isolation were performed to identify the active constituent, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis was then used to quantify the amount of this active constituent in the active extracts and fraction. The methanol extracts of fruits and leaves of M. citrifolia and the subsequent chloroform fraction of the fruit methanolic extract were found to have potential anti-angiogenic activity and were more potent compared to suramin. Scopoletin was identified as one of the chemical constituents that may be partly responsible for the anti-angiogenic activity of M. citrifolia fruits. The present findings further support the use of M. citrifolia in cancer or other pathological conditions related to angiogenesis.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Fruit/chemistry; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/chemistry*; Morinda/chemistry*; Chorioallantoic Membrane/drug effects
  2. Fulltext Ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg versus atorvastatin 40 mg in high cardiovascular risk patients with primary hypercholesterolemia: a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multicenter study
    Hing Ling PK, Civeira F, Dan AG, Hanson ME, Massaad R, De Tilleghem Cle B, et al.
    Lipids Health Dis, 2012;11:18.
    PMID: 22293030 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511X-11-18
    A considerable number of patients with severely elevated LDL-C do not achieve recommended treatment targets, despite treatment with statins. Adults at high cardiovascular risk with hypercholesterolemia and LDL-C ≥ 2.59 and ≤ 4.14 mmol/L (N = 250), pretreated with atorvastatin 20 mg were randomized to ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg or atorvastatin 40 mg for 6 weeks. The percent change in LDL-C and other lipids was assessed using a constrained longitudinal data analysis method with terms for treatment, time, time-by-treatment interaction, stratum, and time-by-stratum interaction. Percentage of subjects achieving LDL-C < 1.81 mmol/L, < 2.00 mmol/L, or < 2.59 mmol/L was assessed using a logistic regression model with terms for treatment and stratum. Tolerability was assessed.
    MeSH terms: Atorvastatin Calcium; Ezetimibe; Aged; Anticholesteremic Agents/therapeutic use*; Azetidines/therapeutic use*; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism; Cardiovascular Diseases/blood; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology; Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control*; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Heptanoic Acids/therapeutic use*; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia/blood; Hypercholesterolemia/complications; Hypercholesterolemia/drug therapy*; Lipids/blood; Male; Middle Aged; Pyrroles/therapeutic use*; Treatment Outcome; Simvastatin/therapeutic use*
  3. Molecular cloning, characterization and gene expression of an antioxidant enzyme catalase (MrCat) from Macrobrachium rosenbergii
    Arockiaraj J, Easwvaran S, Vanaraja P, Singh A, Othman RY, Bhassu S
    Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2012 May;32(5):670-82.
    PMID: 22293093 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.01.013
    In this study, we reported a full length of catalase gene (designated as MrCat), identified from the transcriptome database of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The complete gene sequence of the MrCat is 2504 base pairs in length, and encodes 516 amino acids. The MrCat protein contains three domains such as catalase 1 (catalase proximal heme-ligand signature) at 350-358, catalase 2 (catalase proximal active site signature) at 60-76 and catalase 3 (catalase family profile) at 20-499. The mRNA expressions of MrCat in healthy and the infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) challenged M. rosenbergii were examined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The MrCat is highly expressed in digestive tract and all the other tissues (walking leg, gills, muscle, hemocyte, hepatopancreas, pleopods, brain and eye stalk) of M. rosenbergii taken for analysis. The expression is strongly up-regulated in digestive tract after IHHNV challenge. To understand its biological activity, the recombinant MrCat gene was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant MrCat existed in high thermal stability and broad spectrum of pH, which showed over 95% enzyme activity between pH 5 and 10.5, and was stable from 40 °C to 70 °C, and exhibited 85-100% enzyme activity from 30 °C to 40 °C.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Base Sequence; Catalase/genetics*; Catalase/immunology; Catalase/metabolism*; Catalase/chemistry; Cloning, Molecular; Escherichia coli/genetics; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/immunology; Recombinant Proteins/metabolism; RNA, Messenger/genetics; RNA, Messenger/metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Sequence Alignment/veterinary; Densovirinae/physiology; Gene Expression Profiling/veterinary; Palaemonidae/enzymology*; Palaemonidae/genetics*; Palaemonidae/virology; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
  4. 3,5-dibenzyloxy-4'-hydroxystilbene induces early caspase-9 activation during apoptosis in human K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia cells
    Roslie H, Chan KM, Rajab NF, Velu SS, Kadir SA, Bunyamin I, et al.
    J Toxicol Sci, 2012 Feb;37(1):13-21.
    PMID: 22293408
    A series of 22 stilbene derivatives based on resveratrol were synthesized incorporating acetoxy-, benzyloxy-, carboxy-, chloro-, hydroxy- and methoxy functional groups. We examined the cytotoxicity of these 22 stilbenes in human K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia cells. Only four compounds were cytotoxic namely 4'-hydroxy-3-methoxystilbene (15), 3'-acetoxy-4-chlorostilbene (19), 4'-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxystilbene or pterostilbene (3) and 3,5-dibenzyloxy-4'-hydroxystilbene (28) with IC(50)s of 78 µM, 38 µM, 67 µM and 19.5 µM respectively. Further apoptosis assessment on the most potent compound, 28, confirmed that the cells underwent apoptosis based on phosphatidylserine externalization and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Importantly, we observed a concentration-dependent activation of caspase-9 as early as 2 hr with resultant caspase-3 cleavage in 28-induced apoptosis. Additionally, a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study proposed a possible mechanism of action for compound 28. Taken together, our data suggests that the pro-apoptotic effects of 28 involve the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway characterized by an early activation of caspase-9.
    MeSH terms: Cell Survival/drug effects; Humans; Stilbenes/chemical synthesis; Stilbenes/toxicity*; Structure-Activity Relationship; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive; Apoptosis/drug effects*; K562 Cells; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects; Caspase 9/metabolism*
  5. The characteristics of vibrotactile perception threshold among shipyard workers in a tropical environment
    Tamrin SB, Jamalohdin MN, Ng YG, Maeda S, Ali NA
    Ind Health, 2012;50(2):156-63.
    PMID: 22293728
    The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and the characteristics of the vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) among users of hand-held vibrating tools working in a tropical environment. A cross sectional study was done among 47 shipyard workers using instruments and a questionnaire to determine HAVS related symptoms. The vibration acceleration magnitude was determined using a Human Vibration Meter (Maestro). A P8 Pallesthesiometer (EMSON-MAT, Poland) was used to determine the VPT of index and little finger at frequencies of 31.5 Hz and 125 Hz. The mean reference threshold shift was determined from the reference threshold shift derived from the VPT value. The results show a moderate prevalence of HAVS (49%) among the shipyard workers. They were exposed to the same high intensity level of HAVS (mean = 4.19 ± 1.94 m/s(2)) from the use of vibrating hand-held tools. The VPT values were found to be higher for both fingers and both frequencies (index, 31.5 Hz = 110.91 ± 7.36 dB, 125 Hz = 117.0 ± 10.25 dB; little, 31.5 Hz = 110.70 ± 6.75 dB, 125 Hz = 117.71 ± 10.25 dB) compared to the normal healthy population with a mean threshold shift of between 9.20 to 10.61 decibels. The frequency of 31.5 Hz had a higher percentage of positive mean reference threshold shift (index finger=93.6%, little finger=100%) compared to 125 Hz (index finger=85.1%, little finger=78.7%). In conclusion, the prevalence of HAVS was lower than those working in a cold environment; however, all workers had a higher mean VPT value compared to the normal population with all those reported as having HAVS showing a positive mean reference threshold shift of VPT value.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Equipment Safety; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ships*; Tropical Climate*; Vibration/adverse effects*; Occupational Exposure/analysis*; Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome; Young Adult
  6. Fulltext Why breast cancer patients seek traditional healers
    Muhamad M, Merriam S, Suhami N
    Int J Breast Cancer, 2012;2012:689168.
    PMID: 22295249 DOI: 10.1155/2012/689168
    Traditional healing is a common practice in low and middle income countries such as Malaysia. Eighty percent of Malaysians consult traditional healers or "bomoh" at some time in their life for health-related issues. The purpose of our study was to explore why breast cancer patients visit traditional healers. This is a qualitative study utilizing in-depth interviews with 11 cancer survivors who sought both traditional and Western medicine. The findings revealed the following reasons for which patients seek traditional healers: (1) recommendation from family and friends, (2) sanction from family, (3) perceived benefit and compatibility, (4) healer credibility, and (5) reservation with Western medicine and system delay. These factors work together and are strongly influenced by the Malaysian cultural context. The issue with the Western health system is common in a developing country with limited health facilities.
  7. Combustion performance evaluation of air staging of palm oil blends
    Mohd Jaafar MN, Eldrainy YA, Mat Ali MF, Wan Omar WZ, Mohd Hizam MF
    Environ Sci Technol, 2012 Feb 21;46(4):2445-50.
    PMID: 22296110 DOI: 10.1021/es2025005
    The problems of global warming and the unstable price of petroleum oils have led to a race to develop environmentally friendly biofuels, such as palm oil or ethanol derived from corn and sugar cane. Biofuels are a potential replacement for fossil fuel, since they are renewable and environmentally friendly. This paper evaluates the combustion performance and emission characteristics of Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO)/diesel blends B5, B10, B15, B20, and B25 by volume, using an industrial oil burner with and without secondary air. Wall temperature profiles along the combustion chamber axis were measured using a series of thermocouples fitted axially on the combustion chamber wall, and emissions released were measured using a gas analyzer. The results show that RBDPO blend B25 produced the maximum emission reduction of 56.9% of CO, 74.7% of NOx, 68.5% of SO(2), and 77.5% of UHC compared to petroleum diesel, while air staging (secondary air) in most cases reduces the emissions further. However, increasing concentrations of RBDPO in the blends also reduced the energy released from the combustion. The maximum wall temperature reduction was 62.7% for B25 at the exit of the combustion chamber.
    MeSH terms: Air Pollutants/analysis*; Air Pollution/prevention & control; Carbon Monoxide/analysis; Conservation of Energy Resources; Gasoline*; Hot Temperature; Hydrocarbons/analysis; Nitrogen Oxides/analysis; Plant Oils*; Sulfur Dioxide/analysis; Biofuels*
  8. Changes over time in the relationship between symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema: a global perspective from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)
    Asher MI, Stewart AW, Wong G, Strachan DP, García-Marcos L, Anderson HR, et al.
    Allergol Immunopathol (Madr), 2012 Sep-Oct;40(5):267-74.
    PMID: 22297190 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2011.11.004
    BACKGROUND: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) identified trends in the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema over a seven-year period. We hypothesised that environmental influences on the three diseases are different and therefore investigated the correlation over time between trends in the prevalence of these diseases and their combinations at centre and individual level.
    METHODS: Centre level analyses were correlations between time trends in the prevalence of symptoms. At an individual level, odds ratios were calculated for associations between symptoms between Phases One and Three. We also investigated potential effect modification in the younger versus older age group; male versus female; and by average Gross National Income per capita (GNI).
    RESULTS: Both phases were completed in 66 centres in 37 countries for the 6-7 year age group and in 106 centres in 56 countries for the 13-14 year age group. We found that the correlations in time trends were stronger for the older age group than the younger one. Between symptoms of diseases, correlations of time trends were the strongest for rhinoconjunctivitis with eczema and weakest for eczema with asthma. The relationship between the three diseases was generally consistent over the seven-year period, and there was little association found with average GNI.
    CONCLUSIONS: Despite some increase in the proportion of children with symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema, the pattern between the three diseases has not changed much, suggesting that similar factors may be affecting them at a global level.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Age Factors; Asthma/epidemiology*; Child; Conjunctivitis/epidemiology*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eczema/epidemiology*; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; International Cooperation; Male; Population*; Rhinitis/epidemiology*; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors; Prevalence
  9. Effect of ion pair on thermostability of F1 protease: integration of computational and experimental approaches
    Rahman RN, Muhd Noor ND, Ibrahim NA, Salleh AB, Basri M
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2012 Jan;22(1):34-45.
    PMID: 22297217
    A thermophilic Bacillus stearothermophilus F1 produces an extremely thermostable serine protease. The F1 protease sequence was used to predict its three-dimensional (3D) structure to provide better insights into the relationship between the protein structure and biological function and to identify opportunities for protein engineering. The final model was evaluated to ensure its accuracy using three independent methods: Procheck, Verify3D, and Errat. The predicted 3D structure of F1 protease was compared with the crystal structure of serine proteases from mesophilic bacteria and archaea, and led to the identification of features that were related to protein stabilization. Higher thermostability correlated with an increased number of residues that were involved in ion pairs or networks of ion pairs. Therefore, the mutants W200R and D58S were designed using site-directed mutagenesis to investigate F1 protease stability. The effects of addition and disruption of ion pair networks on the activity and various stabilities of mutant F1 proteases were compared with those of the wild-type F1 protease.
    MeSH terms: Geobacillus stearothermophilus/enzymology*; Hot Temperature; Ions/metabolism; Models, Molecular; Protein Conformation; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; Mutant Proteins/metabolism; Mutant Proteins/chemistry; Protein Stability; Serine Proteases/metabolism; Serine Proteases/chemistry*
  10. Distribution and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface soils from five different locations in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Lau EV, Gan S, Ng HK
    Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2012 May;88(5):741-6.
    PMID: 22297628 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-012-0527-9
    The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples were measured at five different sites within Klang Valley, Malaysia. The results showed that the total concentrations of the fourteen priority PAHs ranged from 64 to 155 μg/kg. Irrespective of the land use, all the measured soil PAH concentrations in this study were significantly lower than that found in soil samples in temperate regions. The profile of PAHs in the soils was dominated by the LMW PAHs. The PAHs in Klang Valley soils originated from pyrogenic sources, with a combination of petroleum and biomass combustion in vehicles, industries and non-point sources.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution/statistics & numerical data; Malaysia; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/analysis*; Soil/chemistry*; Soil Pollutants/analysis*
  11. Prescribing patterns of low doses of antipsychotic medications in older Asian patients with schizophrenia, 2001-2009
    Xiang YT, Dickerson F, Kreyenbuhl J, Ungvari GS, Wang CY, Si TM, et al.
    Int Psychogeriatr, 2012 Jun;24(6):1002-8.
    PMID: 22300452 DOI: 10.1017/S1041610211002791
    This study examined the use of low doses of antipsychotic medications (300 mg/day CPZeq or less) in older Asian patients with schizophrenia and its demographic and clinical correlates.
    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Aged; China/epidemiology; Female; Hong Kong/epidemiology; Humans; India/epidemiology; Japan/epidemiology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data*; Schizophrenia/drug therapy*; Sex Factors; Singapore/epidemiology; Taiwan/epidemiology; Antipsychotic Agents/administration & dosage; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use*; Chi-Square Distribution; Logistic Models; Republic of Korea/epidemiology
  12. Aqueous extract of Centella asiatica promotes corneal epithelium wound healing in vitro
    Ruszymah BH, Chowdhury SR, Manan NA, Fong OS, Adenan MI, Saim AB
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2012 Mar 27;140(2):333-8.
    PMID: 22301444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.01.023
    Centella asiatica is a traditional herbal medicine that has been shown to have pharmacological effect on skin wound healing, and could be potential therapeutic agent for corneal epithelial wound healing.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Cycle/drug effects; Cell Differentiation/drug effects; Cell Movement/drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Epithelial Cells/drug effects*; Eye Injuries/drug therapy*; Phytotherapy*; Rabbits; Triterpenes/pharmacology*; Triterpenes/therapeutic use; Wound Healing/drug effects*; Epithelium, Corneal/cytology; Epithelium, Corneal/drug effects*; Centella*; Cell Proliferation/drug effects
  13. Sandbar-regulated hydrodynamic influences on river hydrochemistry at Mengabang Telipot River, Peninsular Malaysia
    Koh MK, Sathiamurthy E, Suratman S, Tahir NM
    Environ Monit Assess, 2012 Dec;184(12):7653-64.
    PMID: 22302401
    Influences of river hydrodynamic behaviours on hydrochemistry (salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen saturations and dissolved phosphorus) were evaluated through high spatial and temporal resolution study of a sandbar-regulated coastal river. River hydrodynamic during sandbar-closed event was characterized by minor dependency on tidal fluctuations, very gradual increase of water level and continual low flow velocity. These hydrodynamic behaviours established a hydrochemistry equilibrium, in which water properties generally were characterized by virtual absence of horizontal gradients while vertical stratifications were significant. In addition, the river was in high trophic status as algae blooms were visible. Conversely, river hydrodynamic in sandbar-opened event was tidal-controlled and showed higher flow velocity. Horizontal gradients of water properties became significant while vertically more homogenised and with lower trophic status. In essence, this study reveals that estuarine sandbar directly regulates river hydrodynamic behaviours which in turn influences river hydrochemistry.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Malaysia; Oxygen/analysis; Water Movements; Rivers/chemistry*; Salinity; Hydrodynamics*; Estuaries
  14. Fulltext Neural network and principal component regression in non-destructive soluble solids content assessment: a comparison
    Chia KS, Abdul Rahim H, Abdul Rahim R
    J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2012 Feb;13(2):145-51.
    PMID: 22302428 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B11c0150
    Visible and near infrared spectroscopy is a non-destructive, green, and rapid technology that can be utilized to estimate the components of interest without conditioning it, as compared with classical analytical methods. The objective of this paper is to compare the performance of artificial neural network (ANN) (a nonlinear model) and principal component regression (PCR) (a linear model) based on visible and shortwave near infrared (VIS-SWNIR) (400-1000 nm) spectra in the non-destructive soluble solids content measurement of an apple. First, we used multiplicative scattering correction to pre-process the spectral data. Second, PCR was applied to estimate the optimal number of input variables. Third, the input variables with an optimal amount were used as the inputs of both multiple linear regression and ANN models. The initial weights and the number of hidden neurons were adjusted to optimize the performance of ANN. Findings suggest that the predictive performance of ANN with two hidden neurons outperforms that of PCR.
    MeSH terms: Random Allocation; Neural Networks (Computer)*; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods*; Principal Component Analysis*; Malus/chemistry*
  15. Fulltext Characterization of Nipah virus from outbreaks in Bangladesh, 2008-2010
    Lo MK, Lowe L, Hummel KB, Sazzad HM, Gurley ES, Hossain MJ, et al.
    Emerg Infect Dis, 2012 Feb;18(2):248-55.
    PMID: 22304936 DOI: 10.3201/eid1802.111492
    Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus that causes fatal encephalitis in humans. The initial outbreak of NiV infection occurred in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998-1999; relatively small, sporadic outbreaks among humans have occurred in Bangladesh since 2001. We characterized the complete genomic sequences of identical NiV isolates from 2 patients in 2008 and partial genomic sequences of throat swab samples from 3 patients in 2010, all from Bangladesh. All sequences from patients in Bangladesh comprised a distinct genetic group. However, the detection of 3 genetically distinct sequences from patients in the districts of Faridpur and Gopalganj indicated multiple co-circulating lineages in a localized region over a short time (January-March 2010). Sequence comparisons between the open reading frames of all available NiV genes led us to propose a standardized protocol for genotyping NiV; this protcol provides a simple and accurate way to classify current and future NiV sequences.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Bangladesh/epidemiology; Child; Disease Outbreaks*; Female; Humans; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Genetic Variation; Viral Proteins/genetics; Viral Proteins/chemistry; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Genome, Viral; Conserved Sequence; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Amino Acid Substitution; Nipah Virus/genetics*; Nipah Virus/isolation & purification; Henipavirus Infections/epidemiology*; Henipavirus Infections/virology; Molecular Typing
  16. Measurement of mass attenuation coefficients of Rhizophora spp. binderless particleboards in the 16.59-25.26 keV photon energy range and their density profile using x-ray computed tomography
    Marashdeh MW, Bauk S, Tajuddin AA, Hashim R
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2012 Apr;70(4):656-62.
    PMID: 22304963 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.01.008
    The mass attenuation coefficients of Rhizophora spp. binderless particleboard with four different particle sizes (samples A, B, C and D) and natural raw Rhizophora spp. wood (sample E) were determined using single-beam photon transmission in the energy range between 16.59 and 25.26 keV. This was done by determining the attenuation of K(α1) X-ray fluorescent (XRF) photons from niobium, molybdenum, palladium, silver and tin targets. The results were compared with theoretical values of young-age breast (Breast 1) and water calculated using a XCOM computer program. It was found that the mass attenuation coefficient of Rhizophora spp. binderless particleboards to be close to the calculated XCOM values in water than natural Rhizophora spp. wood. Computed tomography (CT) scans were then used to determine the density profile of the samples. The CT scan results showed that the Rhizophora spp. binderless particleboard has uniform density compared to natural Rhizophora spp. wood. In general, the differences in the variability of the profile density decrease as the particle size of the pellet samples decreases.
    MeSH terms: Breast; Female; Humans; Materials Testing; Water; Photons; Phantoms, Imaging/standards*; Rhizophoraceae*
  17. Effects of ultrasound on growth, bioconversion of isoflavones and probiotic properties of parent and subsequent passages of Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8633 in biotin-supplemented soymilk
    Ewe JA, Wan-Abdullah WN, Alias AK, Liong MT
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2012 Jul;19(4):890-900.
    PMID: 22305107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2012.01.003
    This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound on Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8633 in parent and subsequent passages based on their growth and isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. The treated cells were also assessed for impact of ultrasound on probiotic properties. The growth of ultrasonicated parent cells increased (P<0.05) by 3.23-9.14% compared to that of the control during fermentation in biotin-soymilk. This was also associated with enhanced intracellular and extracellular (8.4-17.0% and 16.7-49.2%, respectively; P<0.05) β-glucosidase specific activity, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavones glucosides to aglycones during fermentation in biotin-soymilk compared to that of the control (P<0.05). Such traits may be credited to the reversible permeabilized membrane of ultrasonicated parent cells that have facilitated the transport of molecules across the membrane. The growing characteristics of first, second and third passage of treated cells in biotin-soymilk were similar (P>0.05) to that of the control, where their growth, enzyme and isoflavone bioconversion activities (P>0.05) were comparable. This may be attributed to the temporary permeabilization in the membrane of treated cells. Ultrasound affected probiotic properties of parent L. fermentum, by reducing tolerance ability towards acid (pH 2) and bile; lowering inhibitory activities against selected pathogens and reducing adhesion ability compared to that of the control (P<0.05). The first, second and third passage of treated cells did not exhibit such traits, with the exception of their bile tolerance ability which was inherited to the first passage (P<0.05). Our results suggested that ultrasound could be used to increase bioactivity of biotin-soymilk via fermentation by probiotic L. fermentum FTDC 8633 for the development of functional food.
    MeSH terms: Biotin/chemistry*; Biotransformation; Isoflavones/metabolism*; Isoflavones/chemistry; Ultrasonics*; Probiotics/metabolism*; Probiotics/chemistry; Soy Milk/metabolism*; Soy Milk/chemistry; Lactobacillus fermentum/growth & development*; Lactobacillus fermentum/metabolism; Lactobacillus fermentum/chemistry
  18. Fulltext Antimicrobial activity and essential oils of Curcuma aeruginosa, Curcuma mangga, and Zingiber cassumunar from Malaysia
    Kamazeri TS, Samah OA, Taher M, Susanti D, Qaralleh H
    Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2012 Mar;5(3):202-9.
    PMID: 22305785 DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60025-X
    OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils of Curcuma aeruginosa (C. aeruginosa), Curcuma mangga (C. mangga), and Zingiber cassumunar (Z. cassumunar), and study their antimicrobial activity.

    METHODS: Essential oils obtained by steam distillation were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was evaluated against four bacteria: Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa); and two fungi: Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Cyptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans), using disc-diffusion and broth microdilution methods.

    RESULTS: Cycloisolongifolene, 8,9-dehydro formyl (35.29%) and dihydrocostunolide (22.51%) were the major compounds in C. aeruginosa oil; whereas caryophyllene oxide (18.71%) and caryophyllene (12.69%) were the major compounds in C. mangga oil; and 2,6,9,9-tetramethyl-2,6,10-cycloundecatrien-1-one (60.77%) and α-caryophyllene (23.92%) were abundant in Z. cassumunar oil. The essential oils displayed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. C. mangga oil had the highest and most broad-spectrum activity by inhibiting all microorganisms tested, with C. neoformans being the most sensitive microorganism by having the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of 0.1 μL/mL. C. aeruginosa oil showed mild antimicrobial activity, whereas Z. cassumunar had very low or weak activity against the tested microorganisms.

    CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results suggest promising antimicrobial properties of C. mangga and C. aeruginosa, which may be useful for food preservation, pharmaceutical treatment and natural therapies.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry; Bacteria/drug effects*; Fungi/drug effects*; Malaysia; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Phytotherapy; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Oils, Volatile/pharmacology*; Oils, Volatile/chemistry; Plant Oils/pharmacology*; Plant Oils/chemistry; Curcuma/chemistry; Zingiberaceae/chemistry*
  19. Three-dimensional anatomical accuracy of cranial models created by rapid prototyping techniques validated using a neuronavigation station
    Waran V, Devaraj P, Hari Chandran T, Muthusamy KA, Rathinam AK, Balakrishnan YK, et al.
    J Clin Neurosci, 2012 Apr;19(4):574-7.
    PMID: 22305869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2011.07.031
    In neurosurgery and ear, nose and throat surgery the application of computerised navigation systems for guiding operations has been expanding rapidly. However, suitable models to train surgeons in using navigation systems are not yet available. We have developed a technique using an industrial, rapid prototyping process from which accurate spatial models of the cranium, its contents and pathology can be reproduced for teaching. We were able to register, validate and navigate using these models with common available navigation systems such as the Medtronic StealthStation S7®.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Models, Anatomic*; Skull/anatomy & histology*; Skull/surgery*; Neuronavigation/education*
  20. Fulltext Determinants of uncontrolled dyslipidaemia among adult type 2 diabetes in Malaysia: the Malaysian Diabetes Registry 2009
    Chew BH, Ismail M, Lee PY, Taher SW, Haniff J, Mustapha FI, et al.
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2012 Jun;96(3):339-47.
    PMID: 22305940 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2012.01.017
    Numerous studies with compelling evidence had shown a clear relationship between dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with diabetes mellitus. This was an observational study based on secondary data from the online registry database Adult Diabetes Control and Management (ADCM) looking into the determinants of uncontrolled dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Independent predictors were identified using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 303 centres (289 health clinics, 14 hospitals) contributed a total of 70,889 patients (1972 or 2.8% patients were from hospital). About thirty eight percent were reported to have dyslipidaemia. There were 40.7% patients on lipid-lowering agents and of those above age 40 years old, only 38.1% of them were on a statin. Malay ethnicity and younger age groups (<50 years old) were two major determinants of uncontrolled LDL-C, TG and HDL-C. Female gender and uncontrolled blood pressure were determinants of uncontrolled LDL-C, and poor glycaemic control was related independently to high TG. This study has highlighted the suboptimal management of diabetic dyslipidaemia in Malaysia. Pharmacological treatment of dyslipidaemia could be more effective. Healthcare stakeholders in this country, especially in the primary care, have to recognize these shortfalls and take immediate remedial measures.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Hypolipidemic Agents/therapeutic use; Blood Glucose/metabolism; Cardiovascular Diseases/blood; Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology*; Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control; China/ethnology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology*; Female; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/metabolism; Hospitals; Humans; India/ethnology; Cholesterol, HDL/blood*; Malaysia; Malaysia/ethnology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Registries; Triglycerides/blood*; Biomarkers/blood; Multivariate Analysis; Logistic Models; Dyslipidemias/blood; Dyslipidemias/etiology; Dyslipidemias/epidemiology*; Young Adult
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