Browse publications by year: 2012

Fulltext Management and prognosis of teeth with trauma induced crown fractures and large periapical cyst like lesions following apical surgery with and without retrograde filling

Ahmed HM, Al Rayes MH, Saini D

J Conserv Dent, 2012 Jan;15(1):77-9.
PMID: 22368341 DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.92612

Crown fractures are common detrimental consequences of dental traumatic injuries. Early management of such cases is mandatory in order to prevent subsequent pathological changes that could further complicate the treatment. Pulp necrosis, chronic and cystic apical periodontitis can be the fate if these teeth are left untreated. Despite these serious complications, root canal treatment followed by apical surgery is considered a valid treatment option when such cases become complicated with large periapical lesions. However, whether a retrograde filling is essential to be placed or not is still a matter of debate. This case report discusses the orthograde endodontic management, the surgical approach and the clinical outcomes of longstanding crown fractured teeth with large cyst-like periapical lesions with and without retrograde filling.

MeSH terms: Crowns; Cysts; Dental Pulp Cavity; Dental Pulp Necrosis; Periapical Periodontitis; Root Canal Therapy; Tooth Fractures; Tooth Crown
Fulltext Modulation techniques for biomedical implanted devices and their challenges

Hannan MA, Abbas SM, Samad SA, Hussain A

Sensors (Basel), 2012;12(1):297-319.
PMID: 22368470 DOI: 10.3390/s120100297

Implanted medical devices are very important electronic devices because of their usefulness in monitoring and diagnosis, safety and comfort for patients. Since 1950s, remarkable efforts have been undertaken for the development of bio-medical implanted and wireless telemetry bio-devices. Issues such as design of suitable modulation methods, use of power and monitoring devices, transfer energy from external to internal parts with high efficiency and high data rates and low power consumption all play an important role in the development of implantable devices. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on various modulation and demodulation techniques such as amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK) and phase shift keying (PSK) of the existing wireless implanted devices. The details of specifications, including carrier frequency, CMOS size, data rate, power consumption and supply, chip area and application of the various modulation schemes of the implanted devices are investigated and summarized in the tables along with the corresponding key references. Current challenges and problems of the typical modulation applications of these technologies are illustrated with a brief suggestions and discussion for the progress of implanted device research in the future. It is observed that the prime requisites for the good quality of the implanted devices and their reliability are the energy transformation, data rate, CMOS size, power consumption and operation frequency. This review will hopefully lead to increasing efforts towards the development of low powered, high efficient, high data rate and reliable implanted devices.

MeSH terms: Electronics, Medical/instrumentation*; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*; Telemetry/methods*; Prostheses and Implants*
Fulltext Multipath routing in wireless sensor networks: survey and research challenges

Radi M, Dezfouli B, Abu Bakar K, Lee M

Sensors (Basel), 2012;12(1):650-85.
PMID: 22368490 DOI: 10.3390/s120100650

A wireless sensor network is a large collection of sensor nodes with limited power supply and constrained computational capability. Due to the restricted communication range and high density of sensor nodes, packet forwarding in sensor networks is usually performed through multi-hop data transmission. Therefore, routing in wireless sensor networks has been considered an important field of research over the past decade. Nowadays, multipath routing approach is widely used in wireless sensor networks to improve network performance through efficient utilization of available network resources. Accordingly, the main aim of this survey is to present the concept of the multipath routing approach and its fundamental challenges, as well as the basic motivations for utilizing this technique in wireless sensor networks. In addition, we present a comprehensive taxonomy on the existing multipath routing protocols, which are especially designed for wireless sensor networks. We highlight the primary motivation behind the development of each protocol category and explain the operation of different protocols in detail, with emphasis on their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, this paper compares and summarizes the state-of-the-art multipath routing techniques from the network application point of view. Finally, we identify open issues for further research in the development of multipath routing protocols for wireless sensor networks.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Computer Communication Networks/instrumentation*; Data Collection*; Research*; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation*; Wireless Technology/instrumentation*
An observation on sludge granulation in an enhanced biological phosphorus removal process

Ong YH, Chua AS, Lee BP, Ngoh GC, Hashim MA

Water Environ Res, 2012 Jan;84(1):3-8.
PMID: 22368821

A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) seeded with flocculated sludge and fed with synthetic wastewater was operated for an enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process. Eight weeks after reactor startup, sludge granules were observed. The granules had a diameter of 0.5 to 3.0 mm and were brownish in color and spherical or ellipsoidal in shape. No significant change was observed in sludge granule size when operational pH was changed from 7 to 8. The 208-day continuous operation of the SBR showed that sludge granules were stably maintained with a sludge volume index (SVI) between 30 to 55 mL/g while securing a removal efficiency of 83% for carbon and 97% for phosphorus. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the enrichment of polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the SBR. The observations of sludge granulation in this study encourage further studies in the development of granules-based EBPR process.

MeSH terms: Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Phosphorus/isolation & purification*; Sewage*; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
Quality of life and functional status in patients with advanced cancer admitted to hospice home care in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

Shahmoradi N, Kandiah M, Loh SP

Eur J Cancer Care (Engl), 2012 Sep;21(5):661-6.
PMID: 22369227 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2012.01338.x

Cancer patients more than often experience poor quality of life after diagnosis and treatment of cancer. As the disease progresses quality of life issues become important. This cross-sectional study assessed various features of quality of life among 61 (33 women and 28 men) patients with advanced cancer cared by selected hospices in Peninsular Malaysia. The Hospice Quality of Life Index was used to assess quality of life. The mean total Hospice Quality of Life Index score for all subjects was 189.9 ± 51.7. The possible scores range from 0 to 280. The most problem areas in these patients were in the domain of functional well-being, followed by psychophysiological and social/spiritual domain. Patients with advanced cancer have a diminished quality of life. These findings suggest that there is a need for improving quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients in hospice care.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disability Evaluation; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms/physiopathology; Neoplasms/psychology*; Psychometrics; Quality of Life*; Hospice Care/psychology*; Sickness Impact Profile; Terminally Ill; Spirituality; Young Adult
Orbital apex syndrome due to trigeminal perineural spread of sinonasal leprosy: a case report

El Beltagi AH, El-Nil H, Alrabiah L, El Shammari N

Clin Imaging, 2012 Mar-Apr;36(2):142-5.
PMID: 22370135 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2011.07.004

Leprosy is a granulomatous disease primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves caused by Mycobacterium leprae, but also significantly involving sinonasal cavities and cranial nerves. It continues to be a significant public health problem, and despite multidrug therapy, it can still cause significant morbidity. The awareness of cranial nerve, intracranial and orbital apex involvement as in our case is important for appropriate treatment measures.

MeSH terms: Aged, 80 and over; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods; Male; Mycobacterium leprae/isolation & purification; Orbital Diseases/diagnosis; Orbital Diseases/microbiology*; Paranasal Sinuses/microbiology*; Severity of Illness Index; Syndrome; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods; Trigeminal Neuralgia/diagnosis; Trigeminal Neuralgia/microbiology*; Leprosy, Lepromatous/complications*; Leprosy, Lepromatous/diagnosis; Leprosy, Lepromatous/drug therapy; Disease Progression; Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Fulltext Phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and cyanogenic glycosides of organic and mineral-base fertilized cassava tubers

Omar NF, Hassan SA, Yusoff UK, Abdullah NA, Wahab PE, Sinniah U

Molecules, 2012;17(3):2378-87.
PMID: 22370524 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17032378

A field study was conducted to determine the effect of organic and mineral-based fertilizers on phytochemical contents in the tubers of two cassava varieties. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates. The main plot was fertilizer source (vermicompost, empty fruit bunch compost and inorganic fertilizer) and sub-plot was cassava variety (Medan and Sri Pontian). The amount of fertilizer applied was based on 180 kg K(2)O ha-1. The tubers were harvested and analyzed for total flavonoids, total phenolics, antioxidant activity and cyanogenic glucoside content. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and aluminium chloride colorimetric method, respectively. Different sources of fertilizer, varieties and their interactions were found to have a significant effect on phytochemical content. The phenolic and flavonoid content were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the vermicompost treatment compared to mineral fertilizer and EFB compost. The total flavonoids and phenolics content of vermicompost treated plants were 39% and 38% higher, respectively, than those chemically fertilized. The antioxidant activity determined using the DPPH and FRAP assays were high with application of organic fertilizer. Cyanogenic glycoside levels were decreased with the application of organic fertilizer. Among the two types of compost, vermicompost resulted in higher nutritional value of cassava tubers. Medan variety with application of vermicompost showed the most promising nutritional quality. Since the nutritional quality of cassava can be improved by organic fertilization, organic fertilizer should be used in place of chemical fertilizer for environmentally sustainable production of better quality cassava.

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Manihot/growth & development; Manihot/chemistry*; Fertilizers*; Flavonoids/isolation & purification; Flavonoids/chemistry; Glycosides/isolation & purification; Glycosides/chemistry; Phenols/isolation & purification; Phenols/chemistry; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Free Radical Scavengers/isolation & purification; Free Radical Scavengers/chemistry*; Plant Tubers/growth & development; Plant Tubers/chemistry*
Fulltext Circulatory microRNA-145 expression is increased in cerebral ischemia

Gan CS, Wang CW, Tan KS

Genet. Mol. Res., 2012;11(1):147-52.
PMID: 22370881 DOI: 10.4238/2012.January.27.1

Cerebral ischemia or ischemic stroke is mainly attributed to vascular and circulation disorders. Among protein biomarkers, RNA profiles have also been identified as markers of ischemic stroke. MicroRNA-145 expression is ostensibly recognized as marker and modulator of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype; however, expression levels in ischemic stroke had not been investigated. Employing real-time quantitative PCR, we examined the expression profile of circulatory microRNA-145 in healthy control subjects (N = 14) and ischemic stroke patients (N = 32). Circulatory microRNA-145 expression was significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients than in control subjects. This demonstrates that hemostatic mechanisms are affected by ischemic stroke. We conclude that circulating microRNA-145 has potential as a biomarker for ischemic stroke.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Brain Ischemia/genetics*; Brain Ischemia/physiopathology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; RNA, Messenger/metabolism; Biomarkers; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Stroke/genetics*; Stroke/physiopathology; MicroRNAs/blood*; MicroRNAs/genetics; MicroRNAs/metabolism*; Young Adult
Fulltext Identification of actinomycete communities in Antarctic soil from Barrientos Island using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

Learn-Han L, Yoke-Kqueen C, Shiran MS, Vui-Ling CM, Nurul-Syakima AM, Son R, et al.

Genet. Mol. Res., 2012;11(1):277-91.
PMID: 22370930 DOI: 10.4238/2012.February.8.3

The diversity of specific bacteria taxa, such as the actinomycetes, has not been reported from the Antarctic island of Barrientos. The diversity of actinomycetes was estimated with two different strategies that use PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. First, a PCR was applied, using a group-specific primer that allows selective amplification of actinomycete sequences. Second, a nested-PCR approach was used that allows the estimation of the relative abundance of actinomycetes within the bacterial community. Molecular identification, which was based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, revealed eight genera of actinomycetes, Actinobacterium, Actinomyces, an uncultured Actinomycete, Streptomyces, Leifsonia, Frankineae, Rhodococcus, and Mycobacterium. The uncultured Actinomyces sp and Rhodococcus sp appear to be the prominent genera of actinomycetes in Barrientos Island soil. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis patterns were used to look for correlations between actinomycete abundance and environmental characteristics, such as type of rookery and vegetation. There was a significant positive correlation between type of rookery and abundance of actinomycetes; soil samples collected from active chinstrap penguin rookeries had the highest actinomycete abundance. Vegetation type, such as moss, which could provide a microhabitat for bacteria, did not correlate significantly with actinomycete abundance.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antarctic Regions; DNA, Bacterial; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Soil Microbiology*; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods; Actinobacteria/classification*; Actinobacteria/genetics*; Biodiversity; Spheniscidae/microbiology; Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis/methods
Fulltext Characterization of Fusarium species section Liseola by restriction analysis of the IGS region

Heng MH, Baharuddin S, Latiffah Z

Genet. Mol. Res., 2012;11(1):383-92.
PMID: 22370941 DOI: 10.4238/2012.February.16.4

Fusarium species section Liseola namely F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. andiyazi, F. verticillioides, and F. sacchari are well-known plant pathogens on rice, sugarcane and maize. In the present study, restriction analysis of the intergenic spacer regions (IGS) was used to characterize the five Fusarium species isolated from rice, sugarcane and maize collected from various locations in Peninsular Malaysia. From the analysis, and based on restriction patterns generated by the six restriction enzymes, Bsu151, BsuRI, EcoRI, Hin6I, HinfI, and MspI, 53 haplotypes were recorded among 74 isolates. HinfI showed the most variable restriction patterns (with 11 patterns), while EcoRI showed only three patterns. Although a high level of variation was observed, it was possible to characterize closely related species and isolates from different species. UPGMA cluster analysis showed that the isolates of Fusarium from the same species were grouped together regardless of the hosts. We conclude that restriction analysis of the IGS regions can be used to characterize Fusarium species section Liseola and to discriminate closely related species as well as to clarify their taxonomic position.

MeSH terms: Zea mays/microbiology; DNA Restriction Enzymes; DNA, Fungal/genetics; Fusarium/genetics*; Fusarium/isolation & purification; Phylogeny; Oryza/microbiology; Restriction Mapping/methods*; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics*; Saccharum/microbiology
Fulltext Germline mutation analysis of MLH1 and MSH2 in Malaysian Lynch syndrome patients

Zahary MN, Kaur G, Abu Hassan MR, Singh H, Naik VR, Ankathil R

World J Gastroenterol, 2012 Feb 28;18(8):814-20.
PMID: 22371642 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i8.814

To investigate the protein expression profile of mismatch repair (MMR) genes in suspected cases of Lynch syndrome and to characterize the associated germline mutations.

MeSH terms: Base Sequence; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/complications; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/genetics*; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/pathology; DNA Mutational Analysis; Humans; Malaysia; Nuclear Proteins/genetics*; Polymorphism, Genetic; Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics; Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics*; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology; Germ-Line Mutation*; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics*; MutS Homolog 2 Protein/genetics*; DNA Mismatch Repair
Fulltext Impact of connecting tuberculosis directly observed therapy short-course with smoking cessation on health-related quality of life

Awaisu A, Haniki Nik Mohamed M, Noordin NM, Muttalif AR, Aziz NA, Syed Sulaiman SA, et al.

Tob Induc Dis, 2012 Feb 28;10:2.
PMID: 22373470 DOI: 10.1186/1617-9625-10-2

BACKGROUND: With evolving evidence of association between tuberculosis (TB) and tobacco smoking, recommendations for the inclusion of tobacco cessation interventions in TB care are becoming increasingly important and more widely disseminated. Connecting TB and tobacco cessation interventions has been strongly advocated as this may yield better outcomes. However, no study has documented the impact of such connection on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to document the impact of an integrated TB directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS) plus smoking cessation intervention (SCI) on HRQoL.
METHODS: This was a multi-centered non-randomized controlled study involving 120 TB patients who were current smokers at the time of TB diagnosis in Malaysia. Patients were assigned to either of two groups: the usual TB-DOTS plus SCI (SCIDOTS group) or the usual TB-DOTS only (DOTS group). The effect of the novel strategy on HRQoL was measured using EQ-5D questionnaire. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to examine the effects.
RESULTS: When compared, participants who received the integrated intervention had a better HRQoL than those who received the usual TB care. The SCIDOTS group had a significantly greater increase in EQ-5D utility score than the DOTS group during 6 months follow-up (mean ± SD = 0.98 ± 0.08 vs. 0.91 ± 0.14, p = 0.006). Similarly, the mean scores for EQ-VAS showed a consistently similar trend as the EQ-5D indices, with the scores increasing over the course of TB treatment. Furthermore, for the EQ-VAS, there were significant main effects for group [F (1, 84) = 4.91, p = 0.029, η2 = 0.06], time [F (2, 168) = 139.50, p = < 0.001, η2 = 0.62] and group x time interaction [F (2, 168) = 13.89, p = < 0.001, η2 = 0.14].
CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the evidence that an integrated TB-tobacco treatment strategy could potentially improve overall quality of life outcomes among TB patients who are smokers.
Study site: Five chest clinics, Hospitals in Pulau Pinang, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Jaya, Sungai Bakap, and Institut Perubatan Respirotori, Malaysia

MeSH terms: Adult; Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life*; Smoking; Tuberculosis*; Smoking Cessation*
Gastroprotective activities of Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. revisited: Role of arbutin

Taha MM, Salga MS, Ali HM, Abdulla MA, Abdelwahab SI, Hadi AH

J Ethnopharmacol, 2012 May 7;141(1):273-81.
PMID: 22374081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.030

Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. has been used for the treatment of several human disorders including peptic ulcer.

MeSH terms: Ethanol; Animals; Anti-Ulcer Agents/isolation & purification; Anti-Ulcer Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Ulcer Agents/toxicity; Antioxidants/pharmacology; Arbutin/isolation & purification; Arbutin/pharmacology*; Aspirin; Cell Line; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gastric Acid/metabolism; Gastric Mucosa/drug effects*; Gastric Mucosa/immunology; Gastric Mucosa/metabolism; Gastric Mucosa/pathology; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunologic Factors/pharmacology; Liver/drug effects; Liver/pathology; Male; Phytotherapy; Mucus/metabolism; Nitric Oxide/metabolism; Omeprazole/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/toxicity; Plants, Medicinal; Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced; Stomach Ulcer/immunology; Stomach Ulcer/metabolism; Stomach Ulcer/pathology; Stomach Ulcer/prevention & control*; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism; Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects; Interleukin-6/metabolism; Interleukin-10/metabolism; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances/metabolism; Cytoprotection; Rats; Proton Pump Inhibitors/pharmacology
In vitro generation of functional insulin-producing cells from lipoaspirated human adipose tissue-derived stem cells

Mohamad Buang ML, Seng HK, Chung LH, Saim AB, Idrus RB

Arch Med Res, 2012 Jan;43(1):83-8.
PMID: 22374243 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2012.01.012

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Tissue engineering strategy has been considered as an alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus due to lack of permanent pharmaceutical treatment and islet donors for transplantation. Various cell lines have been used to generate functional insulin-producing cells (IPCs) including progenitor pancreatic cell lines, embryonic stem cells (ESCs), umbilical cord blood stem cells (UCB-SCs), adult bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), and adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs).
METHODS: Human ADSCs from lipoaspirated abdominal fat tissue was differentiated into IPCs following a two-step induction protocol based on a combination of alternating high and low glucose, nicotinamide, activin A and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) for a duration of 3 weeks. During differentiation, histomorphological changes of the stem cells towards pancreatic β-islet characteristics were observed via light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Dithizone (DTZ) staining, which is selective towards IPCs, was used to stain the new islet-like cells. Production of insulin hormone by the cells was analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas its hormonal regulation was tested via a glucose challenge test.
RESULTS: Histomorphological changes of the differentiated cells were noted to resemble pancreatic β-cells, whereas DTZ staining positively stained the cells. The differentiated cells significantly produced human insulin as compared to the undifferentiated ADSCs, and its production was increased with an increase of glucose concentration in the culture medium.
CONCLUSIONS: These initial data indicate that human lipoaspirated ADSCs have the potential to differentiate into functional IPCs, and could be used as a therapy to treat diabetes mellitus in the future.

MeSH terms: Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Culture Media; Glucose/pharmacology; Glucose/physiology; Humans; Insulin/metabolism*; Islets of Langerhans/metabolism; Islets of Langerhans/physiology; Cytokines/pharmacology; Cytokines/physiology; Cell Culture Techniques; Secretory Vesicles/ultrastructure; Tissue Engineering; Avian Proteins/pharmacology; Avian Proteins/physiology; Abdominal Fat/cytology*; Adult Stem Cells/physiology*; Adult Stem Cells/ultrastructure; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/physiology*; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/ultrastructure
Fulltext Synthesis, characterization, X-ray crystallography, acetyl cholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activities of some novel ketone derivatives of gallic hydrazide-derived Schiff bases

Gwaram NS, Ali HM, Abdulla MA, Buckle MJ, Sukumaran SD, Chung LY, et al.

Molecules, 2012 Feb 28;17(3):2408-27.
PMID: 22374313 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17032408

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people and the pathogenesis of this disease is associated with oxidative stress. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with antioxidant activities are considered potential treatments for AD. Some novel ketone derivatives of gallic hydrazide-derived Schiff bases were synthesized and examined for their antioxidant activities and in vitro and in silico acetyl cholinesterase inhibition. The compounds were characterized using spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays revealed that all the compounds have strong antioxidant activities. N-(1-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylidene)-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzohydrazide (2) was the most potent inhibitor of human acetyl cholinesterase, giving an inhibition rate of 77% at 100 μM. Molecular docking simulation of the ligand-enzyme complex suggested that the ligand may be positioned in the enzyme's active-site gorge, interacting with residues in the peripheral anionic subsite (PAS) and acyl binding pocket (ABP). The current work warrants further preclinical studies to assess the potential for these novel compounds for the treatment of AD.

MeSH terms: Acetylcholinesterase/chemistry; Binding Sites; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis*; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry; Humans; Hydrazines/chemical synthesis*; Hydrazines/chemistry; Hydrogen Bonding; Ketones/chemical synthesis*; Ketones/chemistry; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Schiff Bases/chemical synthesis*; Schiff Bases/chemistry; Molecular Structure; Free Radical Scavengers/chemical synthesis*; Free Radical Scavengers/chemistry; Crystallography, X-Ray; Amino Acid Motifs; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
Fulltext Flavone enhances dengue virus type-2 (NGC strain) infectivity and replication in vero cells

Zandi K, Lani R, Wong PF, Teoh BT, Sam SS, Johari J, et al.

Molecules, 2012;17(3):2437-45.
PMID: 22374315 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17032437

This study investigates the effects of 2-phenyl-1-benzopyran-4-one (flavone) on DENV-2 infectivity in Vero cells. Virus adsorption and attachment and intracellular virus replication were investigated using a foci forming unit assay (FFUA) and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Addition of flavone (100 μg/mL) significantly increased the number of DENV-2 foci by 35.66% ± 1.52 and 49.66% ± 2.51 when added during and after virus adsorption to the Vero cells, respectively. The average foci size after 4 days of infection increased by 33% ± 2.11 and 89% ± 2.13. The DENV-2 specific RNA copy number in the flavone-treated infected cells increased by 6.41- and 23.1-fold when compared to the mock-treated infected cells. Flavone (100 μg/mL) did not promote or inhibit Vero cell proliferation. The CC₅₀ value of flavone against Vero cells was 446 µg/mL. These results suggest that flavone might enhance dengue virus replication by acting antagonistically towards flavonoids known to inhibit dengue virus replication.

MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Survival/drug effects; Cercopithecus aethiops; Dengue Virus/genetics; Dengue Virus/physiology*; RNA, Viral/genetics; Vero Cells; Virus Replication/drug effects*; Flavones/pharmacology*; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Fulltext Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for dietary assessment in Malay adolescents in Malaysia

Nurul-Fadhilah A, Teo PS, Foo LH

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2012;21(1):97-103.
PMID: 22374566

Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) must be tailored to the target populations because dietary habits vary within the populations due to differences in cultural and lifestyles practices. Limited information is available to assess the validity of FFQ used among Malaysian adolescents.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Energy Intake; Diet/methods*; Diet/statistics & numerical data*; Diet Surveys/methods; Diet Surveys/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Food Habits*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Nutrition Surveys/methods; Nutrition Surveys/statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires*; Mental Recall; Reproducibility of Results; Diet Records*
Symposium on nutrition and cognition: towards research and application for different life stages

Benton D, Winichagoon P, Ng TP, Tee ES, Isabelle M

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2012;21(1):104-24.
PMID: 22374567

A SYMPOSIUM ON NUTRITION AND COGNITION: Towards research and application for different life stages was held on October 2010 in Malaysia. The influence of diet and nutrition on the cognitive development of the child and on cognitive decline in later life was reviewed. Central to the study of such topics is the assessment of cognitive functioning. Cognitive functioning falls into six main areas: executive functioning, memory, attention, perception, psychomotor and language skills, although each domain can be further subdivided. As it is in the nature of human functioning that the performance on any cognitive test can reflect aspects of many of these domains, ideally a battery of tests should be used to establish the basis of any difference in performance. In intervention studies, frequently there has been a failure to demonstrate a beneficial influence of changes in diet. A possible reason is that studies have failed to acknowledge the time scale and critical ages over which diet has an impact. Diet may have a slow and progressive influence making it difficult for short-term studies to show an improvement. In addition, as many factors influence human behaviour, dietary interventions should only be one part of a coordinated approach; the effect of diet will depend on the social and psychological context in which an individual lives. Placing diet into a broader social and psychological context greatly increases the chance of generating significant findings. This report highlights and reviews presentations and discussions at the symposium.

MeSH terms: Aged; Aging*; Child; Child Development; Cognition*; Cognition Disorders; Diet*; Humans; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*; Nutritional Status; Biomedical Research*; Internationality; Malnutrition
Fulltext Nephroprotective effects of Zingiber zerumbet Smith ethyl acetate extract against paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats

Abdul Hamid Z, Budin SB, Wen Jie N, Hamid A, Husain K, Mohamed J

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2012 Mar;13(3):176-85.
PMID: 22374609 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1100133

Paracetamol (PCM) overdose can cause nephrotoxicity with oxidative stress as one of the possible mechanisms mediating the event. In this study, the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome [200 mg per kg of body weight (mg/kg) and 400 mg/kg] on PCM-induced nephrotoxicity were examined. Rats were divided into five groups containing 10 rats each. The control group received distilled water while other groups were treated with extract alone (400 mg/kg), PCM alone (750 mg/kg), 750 mg/kg PCM+200 mg/kg extract (PCM+200-extract), and 750 mg/kg PCM+400 mg/kg extract (PCM+400-extract), respectively, for seven consecutive days. The Z. zerumbet extract was given intraperitoneally concurrent with oral administration of PCM. Treatment with Z. zerumbet extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg prevented the PCM-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative impairments of the kidney, as evidenced by a significantly reduced (P<0.05) level of plasma creatinine, plasma and renal malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma protein carbonyl, and renal advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP). Furthermore, both doses were also able to induce a significant increment (P<0.05) of plasma and renal levels of glutathione (GSH) and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The nephroprotective effects of Z. zerumbet extract were confirmed by a reduced intensity of renal cellular damage, as evidenced by histological findings. Moreover, Z. zerumbet extract administered at 400 mg/kg was found to show greater protective effects than that at 200 mg/kg. In conclusion, ethyl acetate extract of Z. zerumbet rhizome has a protective role against PCM-induced nephrotoxicity and the process is probably mediated through its antioxidant properties.

MeSH terms: Acetaminophen/toxicity*; Acetates; Animals; Antioxidants/administration & dosage; Antioxidants/pharmacology; Creatinine/blood; Glutathione/metabolism; Male; Malondialdehyde/metabolism; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/toxicity; Zingiberaceae*; Rats; Acute Kidney Injury/chemically induced*; Acute Kidney Injury/metabolism; Acute Kidney Injury/pathology; Acute Kidney Injury/prevention & control*
The role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in diabetic complications

Matough FA, Budin SB, Hamid ZA, Alwahaibi N, Mohamed J

Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J, 2012 Feb;12(1):5-18.
PMID: 22375253

Diabetes is considered to be one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. There is a growing scientific and public interest in connecting oxidative stress with a variety of pathological conditions including diabetes mellitus (DM) as well as other human diseases. Previous experimental and clinical studies report that oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis and development of complications of both types of DM. However, the exact mechanism by which oxidative stress could contribute to and accelerate the development of complications in diabetic mellitus is only partly known and remains to be clarified. On the one hand, hyperglycemia induces free radicals; on the other hand, it impairs the endogenous antioxidant defense system in patients with diabetes. Endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms include both enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways. Their functions in human cells are to counterbalance toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Common antioxidants include the vitamins A, C, and E, glutathione (GSH), and the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GRx). This review describes the importance of endogenous antioxidant defense systems, their relationship to several pathophysiological processes and their possible therapeutic implications in vivo.

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