Browse publications by year: 2012

  1. Fulltext Honey supplementation in spontaneously hypertensive rats elicits antihypertensive effect via amelioration of renal oxidative stress
    Erejuwa OO, Sulaiman SA, Ab Wahab MS, Sirajudeen KN, Salleh S, Gurtu S
    Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2012;2012:374037.
    PMID: 22315654 DOI: 10.1155/2012/374037
    Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of elevated blood pressure in hypertension. This study investigated the effect of honey on elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). It also evaluated the effect of honey on the amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR as a possible mechanism of its antihypertensive effect. SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomly divided into 2 groups and administered distilled water or honey by oral gavage once daily for 12 weeks. The control SHR had significantly higher SBP and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than did control WKY. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly downregulated while total antioxidant status (TAS) and activities of GST and catalase (CAT) were higher in the kidney of control SHR. Honey supplementation significantly reduced SBP and MDA levels in SHR. Honey significantly reduced the activities of GST and CAT while it moderately but insignificantly upregulated the Nrf2 mRNA expression level in the kidney of SHR. These results indicate that Nrf2 expression is impaired in the kidney of SHR. Honey supplementation considerably reduces elevated SBP via amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents/administration & dosage*; Honey*; Hypertension/diet therapy*; Hypertension/metabolism; Hypertension/pathology; Kidney/metabolism; Kidney/pathology; Male; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; Oxidative Stress/physiology; Dietary Supplements; Rats
  2. Ergonomic evaluation of postural stress in school workshop
    Hashim AM, Dawal SZ, Yusoff N
    Work, 2012;41 Suppl 1:827-31.
    PMID: 22316824 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0249-827
    The objective of this study is to compare the evaluation of postural analysis between a self-report questionnaire and physical assessments methods for students aged 13 to 15 years old in school workshop. 336 students were volunteered as participants to fill in the questionnaire and being observed in the workshop. Total of 104 positions were selected and analyzed while students performing their tasks. Questionnaire data was examined to specify the prevalence of postural stress symptoms. The relationship of postural stress by physical assessment methods (RULA and REBA methods) was defined to identify the risk level of students' working posture. From the results, comparison of four factors categorized from total of 22 questions among ages, the mean values were lower for 13 years old students meaning that they were faced higher posture problems while using the workstation. The obtained results from both physical assessment methods and questionnaire analysis have identified 13 years old students faced higher risk exposure. Analysis results emphasized the fact that self-reports questionnaire method has almost accurate as postural evaluation methods to identify physical risks in workplace. The result also shows that an intervention is needed to overcome the posture problems.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Humans; Human Engineering*; Malaysia; Posture*; Schools*; Task Performance and Analysis; Risk Assessment; Self Report; Musculoskeletal Pain/etiology*
  3. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among staffs in specialized healthcare centre
    Ibrahim NI, Mohanadas D
    Work, 2012;41 Suppl 1:2452-60.
    PMID: 22317086 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0480-2452
    This study was conducted to investigate pervasiveness of the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among staffs in a specialized healthcare centre. Sixty-eight staffs from three departments namely Cardiovascular Lab (CVL), Nuclear Radiology, and General Radiography were recruited in this study. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was distributed among study population. The result shows that the prevalence of MSD was highest in lower back (88.2%), neck (76.5%) and shoulder (60.3%) for the past 12 months followed by lower back and elbow (44.1%), and wrist (39.1%) correspondingly, for the past 7 days. Present results suggest that healthcare professionals - radiographers, patient assistants and nurses incurs MSD risks through work tasks as well as psychosocial factors. These include awkward posture during patient handling, workload, work stress and time pressure. Therefore, an ergonomics improvement on the job design and workspace are needed in order to reduce the MSD risks.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Health Facilities*; Health Surveys; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Medical Staff*; Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*; Specialization; Sex Distribution
  4. Aging: physical difficulties and safety in cooking tasks
    Ibrahim NI, Davies S
    Work, 2012;41 Suppl 1:5152-9.
    PMID: 22317518 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0804-5152
    It is known that many older people have difficulties in performing daily living activities such as cooking. These are due to the demands of the tasks and the changes in functional capabilities of the older people. This study examines cooking tasks performed by the aged that includes preparing and cooking meals, and storing kitchen tools in the kitchen. The objectives are to investigate the cooking difficulties encounter by older people and the safety concerning cooking tasks. This study focuses on individuals of age 65 years and above who can cook for themselves and/or family. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires and role play methods. The findings revealed that the common problems were due to the awkward body position where subjects had to bend down to take things from lower shelves, taking/storing things on higher shelves and cleaning the cooker. Moreover, the safety concerns were the layout of work centres (storage, cooker and sink), the use of cooker and opening packaging. It can be concluded that cooking difficulties are caused by inappropriate kitchen design and the decline of functional capabilities in older people.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging*; Cooking*; Female; Humans; Human Engineering; Male; Safety*
  5. Fresh from the biotech pipeline--2011 [corrected]
    Kling J
    Nat Biotechnol, 2012 Feb;30(2):128-31.
    PMID: 22318024 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2111
    MeSH terms: Argentina; Biotechnology/trends; Brazil; France; Germany; Humans; Industry/economics; Industry/trends*; Malaysia; Scotland
  6. Impact of the herbicide (RS)-MCPP on an anaerobic membrane bioreactor performance under different COD/nitrate ratios
    Yuzir A, Chelliapan S, Sallis PJ
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Apr;109:31-7.
    PMID: 22318083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.01.038
    The degradation of (RS)-MCPP was investigated in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) using nitrate as an available electron acceptor under different COD/NO(3)(-)-N ratios. Results showed high soluble COD removal efficiency (80-93%) when the reactor was operated at high COD/NO(3)(-)-N ratios. However, the COD removal started to decline (average 15%) at high nitrate concentrations coinciding with a drop in nitrate removal efficiency to 37%, suggesting that the denitrification activity dropped and affected the AnMBR performance when nitrate was the predominant electron acceptor. Additionally, the removal efficiency of (RS)-MCPP increased from 2% to 47% with reducing COD/NO(3)(-)-N ratios, whilst the (RS)-MCPP specific utilisation rate (SUR) was inversely proportional to the COD/NO(3)(-)-N ratio, suggesting that a lower COD/NO(3)(-)-N ratios had a positive influence on the (RS)-MCPP SUR. Although nitrate had a major impact on methane production rates, the methane composition was stable (approximately 80%) for COD/NO(3)(-)-N ratios of 23 or more.
    MeSH terms: Anaerobiosis; Biodegradation, Environmental; Fatty Acids, Volatile/analysis; Herbicides/isolation & purification*; 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid/analogs & derivatives*; 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid/isolation & purification; Membranes, Artificial*; Methane/analysis; Nitrates/analysis*; Bioreactors/standards*; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis/instrumentation*
  7. Neuroprotective properties of Loranthus parasiticus aqueous fraction against oxidative stress-induced damage in NG108-15 cells
    Wong DZ, Kadir HA, Lee CL, Goh BH
    J Nat Med, 2012 Jul;66(3):544-51.
    PMID: 22318341 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-011-0622-y
    Loranthus parasiticus, a Chinese folk medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of brain diseases, particularly in southwest China. Hence, the present neuroprotection model was designed to investigate its neuroprotective properties against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress in NG108-15 cells. L. parasiticus aqueous fraction (LPAF), which was selected in the present study, had proved to be the most active fraction among the other tested extracts and fractions in our previous screening. The restoration of depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH), a major endogenous antioxidant, by LPAF was observed after H(2)O(2) insult. Pretreatment with LPAF substantially reduced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species generated from H(2)O(2). Apoptotic features such as externalization of phosphatidylserine and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly attenuated by LPAF. In addition, cell cycle analysis revealed a prominent decrease in the H(2)O(2)-induced sub-G(1) population by LPAF. Moreover, apoptotic morphological analysis by DAPI nuclear staining demonstrated that NG108-15 cells treated with H(2)O(2) exhibited apoptotic features, while such changes were greatly reduced in cells pretreated with LPAF. Taken together, these findings confirmed that LPAF exerts marked neuroprotective activity, which raises the possibility of potential therapeutic application of LPAF for managing oxidative stress-related neurological disorders and supports the traditional use of L. parasiticus in treating brain-related diseases.
    MeSH terms: Cell Cycle/drug effects; Glutathione/metabolism; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; Loranthaceae/drug effects*; Cell Line, Tumor
  8. RCL2, a potential formalin substitute for tissue fixation in routine pathological specimens
    Masir N, Ghoddoosi M, Mansor S, Abdul-Rahman F, Florence CS, Mohamed-Ismail NA, et al.
    Histopathology, 2012 Apr;60(5):804-15.
    PMID: 22320393 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2011.04127.x
    To investigate RCL2 as a fixative for tissue fixation in routine histopathological examination and to assess tissue suitability for ancillary investigations.
    MeSH terms: DNA/genetics; Female; Fixatives*; Formaldehyde*; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Microtomy; Silver Staining/methods; Genome/genetics; Tissue Fixation/methods*; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  9. Photocatalytic decolourisation of Reactive Red 4 dye by an immobilised TiO2/chitosan layer by layer system
    Nawi MA, Sabar S, Sheilatina
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2012 Apr 15;372(1):80-7.
    PMID: 22321991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.01.024
    The synergistic photocatalysis-adsorption processes by the immobilized TiO(2)/chitosan layer by layer system on a glass support (TiO(2)/CS/glass) were investigated for the decolourisation of Reactive Red 4 (RR4) dye solution. Effects of different reaction parameters such as TiO(2) loading, initial pH of the solution, visible light, dissolved oxygen and radical quenchers were studied. The decolourisation rate of RR4 by TiO(2)/CS/glass was more than 32 times faster than a single layer of TiO(2) but was highly dependent on the TiO(2) loading and the initial pH of the solution. A thin layer of TiO(2) and acidic conditions favoured the adsorption of RR4 at the TiO(2)/CS interface. The h(+)/OH() species that diffused from the TiO(2) layer into the TiO(2)/CS interface oxidised the chemisorbed RR4 anions at the interface, and the generated electrons were then transferred to the conduction band of TiO(2). Excess electrons in the conduction band of TiO(2) increased the number of superoxide ions produced and thus improved the photocatalytic decolourisation of RR4. Therefore, apart from the synergistic photocatalysis-adsorption processes, a charge transfer process was also found to be responsible for maintaining the efficiency, sustainability and reusability of the TiO(2)/CS/glass layer by layer system.
  10. Immunological properties of Hypnale hypnale (hump-nosed pit viper) venom: antibody production with diagnostic and therapeutic potentials
    Tan CH, Tan NH, Sim SM, Fung SY, Gnanathasan CA
    Acta Trop, 2012 Jun;122(3):267-75.
    PMID: 22322247 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.01.016
    Envenomation by hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale, Hh) in Sri Lanka has caused significant morbidity and mortality, attributed to 35% of total venomous snakebites. In Southwestern India (Kerala), H. hypnale was increasingly identified as a dangerous and common source of envenomation, second to the Russell's viper but ahead of the cobra bites. Unfortunately, there is still no specific antivenom to date. This study aims to investigate the immunological properties of the venom and to assess the feasibility of specific Hh antivenom production as well as the development of a diagnostic assay. Hh venom elicited satisfactory titers of anti-Hh IgG in rabbits after 3rd immunization. The anti-Hh IgG, isolated with caprylic acid precipitation method, was effective in neutralizing the venom lethality (potency=48 LD(50) per ml IgG) as well as its procoagulant, hemorrhagic and necrotic effects, indicating the possibility to produce the specific antivenom using the common immunization regime. Cross-reactivity studies using indirect ELISA showed that anti-Hh IgG cross-reacted extensively with several Asiatic crotalid venoms, particularly that of Calloselasma rhodostoma (73.6%), presumably due to the presence of venom antigens common to both snakes. Levels of immunological cross-reactivity were vastly reduced with double-sandwich ELISA. Further work demonstrated that the assay was able to distinguish and quantify venoms of H. hypnale, Daboia russelii and Echis carinatus sinhaleyus (three common local viperid) used to spike human sera at various concentrations. The assay hence may be a useful investigating tool for diagnosing biting species and studying the time course profile of venom concentrations in blood.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antivenins/isolation & purification; Antivenins/therapeutic use*; Cross Reactions; Crotalid Venoms/immunology*; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Immunoglobulin G/isolation & purification; Immunoglobulin G/therapeutic use; India; Rabbits; Snake Bites/therapy; Sri Lanka; Viperidae*; Mice; Antibodies, Neutralizing/isolation & purification; Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
  11. Fulltext Economic impact of dyspepsia in rural and urban malaysia: a population-based study
    Mahadeva S, Yadav H, Everett SM, Goh KL
    J Neurogastroenterol Motil, 2012 Jan;18(1):43-57.
    PMID: 22323987 DOI: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.1.43
    BACKGROUND/AIMS: The economic impact of dyspepsia in regions with a diverse healthcare system remains uncertain. This study aimed to estimate the costs of dyspepsia in a rural and urban population in Malaysia.

    METHODS: Economic evaluation was performed based on the cost-of-illness method. Resource utilization and quality of life data over a specific time frame, were collected to determine direct, indirect and intangible costs related to dyspepsia.

    RESULTS: The prevalences of dyspepsia in the rural (n = 2,000) and urban (n = 2,039) populations were 14.6% and 24.3% respectively. Differences in socioeconomic status and healthcare utilisation between both populations were considerable. The cost of dyspepsia per 1,000 population per year was estimated at USD14,816.10 and USD59,282.20 in the rural and urban populations respectively. The cost per quality adjusted life year for dyspepsia in rural and urban adults was USD16.30 and USD69.75, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: The economic impact of dyspepsia is greater in an urban compared to a rural setting. Differences in socioeconomic status and healthcare utilisation between populations are thought to contribute to this difference.

  12. Vitamin D levels: its relationship to bone mineral density response and disease activity in premenopausal Malaysian systemic lupus erythematosus patients on corticosteroids
    Yeap SS, Othman AZ, Zain AA, Chan SP
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2012 Feb;15(1):17-24.
    PMID: 22324943 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185X.2011.01653.x
    AIM: To determine if baseline vitamin D levels would influence the gain in bone mineral density (BMD) in female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients on corticosteroids (CS) taking bone-active medication.

    METHOD: Premenopausal SLE patients participating in a trial assessing the efficacy of calcium alone, calcitriol and calcium, and alendronate and calcium, on BMD in patients on CS, were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to the treatment groups at the start of the study and followed up for 2 years. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured at baseline.

    RESULTS:   Thirty-eight patients were studied. One (2%) patient had osteoporosis, nine (24%) had osteopenia and all others had normal BMD. The mean baseline 25(OH)D levels were 21.6 ± 4.6 ng/mL (± 1 SD). Twelve (32%) patients had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. There was a significant negative correlation between SLEDAI scores and 25(OH)D levels, that is, patients with high SLEDAI scores had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels (P = 0.033). Left femoral neck BMD was significantly lower in the deficient compared to insufficient group (P = 0.042). There was a trend toward better BMD gain at 2 years in the vitamin D insufficient compared to the deficient group, which did not reach statistical significance.

    CONCLUSION: This study showed that in female SLE patients, low vitamin D levels are associated with higher disease activity and suggests that patients who have higher vitamin D levels have a better BMD response during treatment with bone-active agents.
    MeSH terms: Adrenal Cortex Hormones/adverse effects*; Adult; Bone and Bones/drug effects*; Bone and Bones/metabolism; Calcitriol/therapeutic use; Calcium/therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy*; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/ethnology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Osteoporosis/blood; Osteoporosis/chemically induced*; Osteoporosis/prevention & control; Time Factors; Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives*; Vitamin D/blood; Biomarkers/blood; Absorptiometry, Photon; Bone Density/drug effects*; Treatment Outcome; Premenopause; Alendronate/therapeutic use; Dietary Supplements; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Bone Density Conservation Agents/therapeutic use; Young Adult
  13. Gas chromatographic method validation for the analysis of major components in illicit heroin seized in Malaysia
    Chan KW, Tan GH, Wong RC
    Sci Justice, 2012 Mar;52(1):9-16.
    PMID: 22325905 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2011.07.005
    Apart from routine analysis of total morphine content required by the criminal justice system, quantification of other major components in illicit heroin has not been considered by the Malaysian enforcement laboratory. In order to quantify various other cutting agents in addition to alkaloids, a gas chromatographic (GC) method was developed to facilitate simultaneous quantification of eight target analytes commonly found in illicit heroin seized in Malaysia within a 12 min run time. The validation results demonstrated high selectivity with the use of an HP Ultra 2 capillary column. Different solvents were studied and methanol:chloroform (1:9) proved best for sample dissolution. The method was repeatable and reproducible. The study ranges covering 50-150% of the preferred concentrations of the eight analytes obtained r(2)>0.9997. Limits of detection up to 6μg/mL were also obtained and the method achieved 99-102% recovery. The capability of the method in heroin profiling was verified using samples from ten case samples.
    MeSH terms: Acetaminophen/analysis; Acetaminophen/chemistry; Caffeine/analysis; Caffeine/chemistry; Chromatography, Gas*; Codeine/analogs & derivatives; Codeine/analysis; Codeine/chemistry; Dextromethorphan/analysis; Dextromethorphan/chemistry; Heroin/analysis*; Heroin/chemistry; Malaysia; Morphine/analysis; Morphine/chemistry; Morphine Derivatives/analysis; Morphine Derivatives/chemistry; Reproducibility of Results
  14. Novel sol-gel hybrid methyltrimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane as solid phase extraction sorbent for organophosphorus pesticides
    Wan Ibrahim WA, Veloo KV, Sanagi MM
    J Chromatogr A, 2012 Mar 16;1229:55-62.
    PMID: 22326188 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.01.022
    A novel sol-gel hybrid methyltrimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane (MTMOS-TEOS) was produced and applied as sorbent for solid phase extraction (SPE). Five selected organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) were employed as model compounds to evaluate the extraction performance of the synthesized sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid MTMOS-TEOS. Analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Several important SPE parameters were optimized. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the method using the sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid MTMOS-TEOS as SPE sorbent showed good linearity in the range of 0.001-1 μg L(-1), good repeatability (RSD 2.1-3.1%, n=5), low limits of detection at S/N=3 (0.5-0.9 pg mL(-1)) and limit of quantification (1-3 pg mL(-1), S/N=10). The performance of the MTMOS-TEOS SPE was compared to commercial C18 Supelclean SPE since C18 SPE is widely used for OPPs. The MTMOS-TEOS SPE method LOD was 500-600 × lower than the LOD of commercial C18 SPE. The LOD achieved with the sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid MTMOS-TEOS SPE sorbent allowed the detection of these OPPs in drinking water well below the level set by European Union (EU) at 0.1 μg L(-1) of each pesticides. The developed MTMOS-TEOS SPE method was successfully applied to real sample analysis of the selected OPPs from several water samples and its application extended to the analysis of several fruits samples. Excellent recoveries and RSDs of the OPPs were obtained from the various water samples (recoveries: 97-111%, RSDs 0.4-2.8%, n=3) and fruit samples (recoveries: 96-111%), RSDs 1-4%, n=5) using the sol-gel organic-inorganic hybrid MTMOS-TEOS SPE sorbent. Recoveries and RSDs of OPPs from river water samples and fruit samples using C18 Supelclean SPE sorbent were 91-97%, RSD 0.9-2.6, n=3 and 86-96%, RSD 3-8%, n=5, respectively). The novel sol-gel hybrid MTMOS-TEOS SPE sorbent demonstrate the potential as an alternative inexpensive extraction sorbent for OPPs with higher sensitivity for the OPPs.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Fruit/chemistry; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods*; Organophosphorus Compounds/analysis*; Organophosphorus Compounds/isolation & purification; Pesticide Residues/analysis*; Pesticide Residues/isolation & purification; Silanes/chemistry*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical/isolation & purification; Reproducibility of Results; Rivers/chemistry; Solid Phase Extraction/methods*; Limit of Detection
  15. Pretreatment of oil palm frond using hot compressed water: an evaluation of compositional changes and pulp digestibility using severity factors
    Goh CS, Tan HT, Lee KT
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Apr;110:662-9.
    PMID: 22326327 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.01.083
    The influence of reaction temperature (160-200°C), residence time (45-90min), and liquid-solid ratio (8-16v/w) on oil palm frond (OPF) pre-treated with hot compressed water (HCW) was evaluated using severity factors. Effect of the process parameters studied on pulps composition and digestibility were found to be complex. The results revealed that digestibility could not be predicted merely according to composition. Severity factor was correlated with compositional changes and digestibility with good R-squared values at varied liquid-solid ratios (8-16v/w), but not with overall glucose yield. HCW pretreatment significantly improved the overall glucose yield up to 83.72% with severity of 3.31 and liquid-solid ratio of 8.0 compared to untreated raw OPF which only recorded an overall glucose yield of 30.97%. HCW is therefore an effective method for pretreatment of OPF for glucose recovery.
    MeSH terms: Hot Temperature*; Plant Oils*; Water*
  16. Gasification of oil palm empty fruit bunches: a characterization and kinetic study
    Mohammed MA, Salmiaton A, Wan Azlina WA, Mohamad Amran MS
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Apr;110:628-36.
    PMID: 22326334 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.01.056
    Empty fruit bunches (EFBs), a waste material from the palm oil industry, were subjected to pyrolysis and gasification. A high content of volatiles (>82%) increased the reactivity of EFBs, and more than 90% decomposed at 700°C; however, a high content of moisture (>50%) and oxygen (>45%) resulted in a low calorific value. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the higher the heating rate and the smaller the particle size, the higher the peak and final reaction temperatures. The least squares estimation for a first-order reaction model was used to study the degradation kinetics. The values of activation energy increased from 61.14 to 73.76 and from 40.06 to 47.99kJ/mol when the EFB particle size increased from 0.3 to 1.0mm for holocellulose and lignin degradation stages, respectively. The fuel characteristics of EFB are comparable to those of other biomasses and EFB can be considered a good candidate for gasification.
    MeSH terms: Gases/chemistry*; Kinetics; Lignin/analysis; Oxygen; Thermogravimetry; Water
  17. Assays for aptamer-based platforms
    Citartan M, Gopinath SC, Tominaga J, Tan SC, Tang TH
    Biosens Bioelectron, 2012 Apr 15;34(1):1-11.
    PMID: 22326894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2012.01.002
    Aptamers are single stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that have high affinity and specificity towards a wide range of target molecules. Aptamers have low molecular weight, amenable to chemical modifications and exhibit stability undeterred by repetitive denaturation and renaturation. Owing to these indispensable advantages, aptamers have been implemented as molecular recognition element as alternative to antibodies in various assays for diagnostics. By amalgamating with a number of methods that can provide information on the aptamer-target complex formation, aptamers have become the elemental tool for numerous biosensor developments. In this review, administration of aptamers in applications involving assays of fluorescence, electrochemistry, nano-label and nano-constructs are discussed. Although detection strategies are different for various aptamer-based assays, the core of the design strategies is similar towards reporting the presence of specific target binding to the corresponding aptamers. It is prognosticated that aptamers will find even broader applications with the development of new methods of transducing aptamer target binding.
    MeSH terms: Biological Assay/methods*; Fluorescence; Humans; Biosensing Techniques*; Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry; Electrochemical Techniques/methods*
  18. Molecular classification and phylogenetic relationships of selected edible Basidiomycetes species
    Avin FA, Bhassu S, Shin TY, Sabaratnam V
    Mol Biol Rep, 2012 Jul;39(7):7355-64.
    PMID: 22327649 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-1567-2
    Morphological identification of edible mushrooms can sometimes prove troublesome, because phenotypic variation in fungi can be affected by substrate and environmental factors. One of the most important problems for mushroom breeders is the lack of a systematic consensus tool to distinguish different species, which are sometimes morphologically identical. Basidiomycetes as one of the largest groups of edible mushrooms have become more important in recent times for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Partial rDNA sequences, including the Internal Transcribed Spacer I-5.8SrDNA-Internal Transcribed Spacer II, were used in this study for molecular identification and assessment of phylogenetic relationships between selected edible species of the Basidiomycetes. Phylogenetic trees showed five distinct clades; each clade belonging to a separate family group. The first clade included all the species belonging to the Pleurotaceae (Pleurotus spp.) family; similarly, the second, third, fourth, and fifth clades consist of species from the Agaricaceae (Agaricus sp.), Lyophllaceae (Hypsigygus sp.), Marasmiaceae (Lentinula edodes sp.) and Physalacriaceae (Flammulina velutipes sp.) families, respectively. Moreover, different species of each family were clearly placed in a distinct sub-cluster and a total of 13 species were taken for analysis. Species differentiation was re-confirmed by AMOVA analysis (among the populations: 99.67%; within: 0.33%), nucleotide divergence, haplotyping and P value. Polymorphism occurred throughout the ITS regions due to insertion-deletion and point mutations, and can be clearly differentiated within the families as well as genera. Moreover, this study proves that the sequence of the ITS region is a superior molecular DNA barcode for taxonomic identification of Basidiomycetes.
    MeSH terms: Base Sequence; Basidiomycota/classification*; Basidiomycota/genetics*; DNA, Fungal/genetics*; Food; Haplotypes; Molecular Sequence Data; Phenotype; Phylogeny; Polymorphism, Genetic; Genetic Variation; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics*; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
  19. Acute myocardial infarction in an adolescent
    Muthupalaniappen L, Menon RK, Das S
    Saudi Med J, 2012 Feb;33(2):197-200.
    PMID: 22327763
    Myocardial infarction (MI) is known to be common in adults. Interestingly, we report a case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with typical chest pain secondary to myocardial infarct attributable to a combination of familial hyperlipidemia and possible episode of Kawasaki disease in the past. The patient failed treatment and follow-up care, and died 2 years later. Although rare, this case demonstrates that MI should be considered as a diagnosis in adolescents presenting with typical chest pain as early detection, and management is vital for survival.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Coronary Aneurysm/complications*; Humans; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/complications*; Male; Myocardial Infarction/etiology*
  20. Fulltext Applications of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of palm oil and oil from natural sources
    Akanda MJ, Sarker MZ, Ferdosh S, Manap MY, Ab Rahman NN, Ab Kadir MO
    Molecules, 2012 Feb 10;17(2):1764-94.
    PMID: 22328076 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17021764
    Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), which has received much interest in its use and further development for industrial applications, is a method that offers some advantages over conventional methods, especially for the palm oil industry. SC-CO₂ refers to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) that uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a solvent which is a nontoxic, inexpensive, nonflammable, and nonpolluting supercritical fluid solvent for the extraction of natural products. Almost 100% oil can be extracted and it is regarded as safe, with organic solvent-free extracts having superior organoleptic profiles. The palm oil industry is one of the major industries in Malaysia that provides a major contribution to the national income. Malaysia is the second largest palm oil and palm kernel oil producer in the World. This paper reviews advances in applications of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction of oils from natural sources, in particular palm oil, minor constituents in palm oil, producing fractionated, refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil, palm kernel oil and purified fatty acid fractions commendable for downstream uses as in toiletries and confectionaries.
    MeSH terms: Oils/isolation & purification*; Plant Oils/isolation & purification*; Solvents; Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid/methods*
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