Browse publications by year: 2013

Fulltext Efficacy of mometasone furoate and fluticasone furoate on persistent allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Aneeza WH, Husain S, Rahman RA, Van Dort D, Abdullah A, Gendeh BS

Allergy Rhinol (Providence), 2013;4(3):e120-6.
PMID: 24498516 DOI: 10.2500/ar.2013.4.0065

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis denotes both nasal and ocular manifestation of allergy, which may be solely treated with intranasal steroid. This study compares the efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray (NS) and fluticasone furoate NS in treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The secondary objective is to study the severity of baseline ocular symptoms in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Seventy-eight patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were assessed subjectively and objectively using twice-daily symptom scores for nasal (reflective total nasal symptom score [rTNSS] and instantaneous TNSS [iTNSS]) and ocular (reflective total ocular symptom score [rTOSS] and instantaneous TOSS [iTOSS]) symptoms, rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaires (RQOLQs), and acoustic rhinometry. All measurements were taken at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Sixty-three patients who were randomized into the mometasone furoate group (n = 36) and the fluticasone furoate group (n = 27) completed the study. Seventy-six percent of patients had mild ocular symptoms, 20.5% had moderate symptoms, and only 2.6% had severe symptoms at baseline based on the iTOSS; 65.1% had mild nasal symptoms and 3% had severe nasal symptoms. There was significant reduction in the symptom scores after 1 week (p < 0.05). Both groups had significant improvement in RQOLQ scores after 1 month, which further improved at 2 months (p < 0.05). The nasal dimensions also improved in both groups (p < 0.05) but there was no statistically significant difference between groups. Both mometasone furoate and fluticasone furoate are effective as single-modality treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The majority of patients manifest mild ocular symptoms that may be solely treated with intranasal steroids.
Contact toxicity and residual effects of selected insecticides against the adult Paederus fuscipes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Bong LJ, Neoh KB, Jaal Z, Lee CY

J Econ Entomol, 2013 Dec;106(6):2530-40.
PMID: 24498755

The contact toxicity of four insecticide formulations (deltamethrin, fipronil, fenitrothion, and imidacloprid) applied on three different substrates (tile, plywood, and concrete) against the adult rove beetle, Paederus fuscipes Curtis, was evaluated. The relative order of speed of killing effects was as follows: deltamethrin > imidacloprid > fipronil > fenitrothion. Although deltamethrin showed the fastest action against P. fuscipes, the recovery rate of rove beetles at 48 h posttreatment was moderate (approximately 25%) on the tile surface to high (approximately 80%) on the plywood surface. Thus, it is likely that the insects did not pick up the lethal dose especially on porous surfaces. In contrast, fipronil demonstrated delayed toxicity that might promote maximal uptake by the insects. More than 80% mortality was registered for tile and plywood surfaces up to 4 wk after exposure. High mortality (almost 100%) was recorded for imidacloprid-exposed P. fuscipes at 48 h posttreatment, but only on the tile surface. Among the four insecticides tested, fenitrothion was the least effective against P. fuscipes because low percentage to no mortality was recorded in the fenitrothion treatment.

MeSH terms: Animals; Beetles/drug effects*; Construction Materials; Female; Insect Control; Insecticides/toxicity*; Male; Pesticide Residues/toxicity*; Time Factors
Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Liza subviridis (Valenciennes, 1836) of Parangipettai waters, southeast coast of India

Ashiq Ur Rahman M, Khan SA, Lyla PS, Kadharsha K, Chander PM, John BA

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Apr 01;16(7):345-50.
PMID: 24498802

Determination of Length-weight Relationship (LWR) of any commercially important fish is crucial to validate the wild stock level, to predict their wellbeing in the natural habitat and for various sustainable fishery management practices. Liza subviridis (Valenciennes) is noted to be highly abundant along the coast of Parangipettai, South east coast of India. Hence, the present study was aimed to establish Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Greenback mullet, Liza subviridis (Valenciennes) occurring in Vellar estuary, Parangipettai (lat. 11 degrees 30' N, long. 79 degrees 46' E) using least square method. To determine the actual relationship between length and weight of L. subviridis exponent coefficient or equilibrium constant (b) and relative condition factor (Kn) analysis were adopted. The females were found to be heavier than males at similar length. The equilibrium constant 'b' was found to be 2.7106 in males and 2.8927 in females. The corresponding parabolic representation for male was W = 0.0462L(2.7106) and for female W = 0.0382L(2.8927). The equilibrium constant did not obey the cube law as it deviated significantly from 3 in the case of males. The relative condition factor around 1 and little over it revealed the well-being of L. subviridis in Parangipettai waters.

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Biometry; Body Weight*; Female; India; Male; Sex Factors; Linear Models; Least-Squares Analysis; Smegmamorpha/anatomy & histology*; Smegmamorpha/growth & development; Estuaries
Municipal solid waste characterization, Tehran-Iran

Heravi HM, Sabour MR, Mahvi AH

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Aug 15;16(16):759-69.
PMID: 24498828

Effective waste management has been greatly restricted by insufficient statistical data on the generation, processing and waste disposal. This study was undertaken in the municipality of Tehran. A total of 6,060 samples were compared by statistically comparing source generation, destination and intermediate stations. The results from these analyses showed that the average per capita waste generation in Tehran was 589 g day(-1). It was also observed that, of the total amount of waste generated in the municipality of Tehran, 73% was domestic waste and 27% was non-domestic waste. In addition, 68% of total household waste was organic waste, while 41% of non-domestic waste was organic waste. Furthermore, 61% of waste in Tehran was generated at the source, while 72% of the waste coming into the Aradkoh disposal and processing center was organic waste. The physical analysis was showed that there was no significant difference between the wastes generated in 2004 and those generated in 2009 and that there was not equal percentage of wet waste coming into the disposal center with urban service stations. This indicates that active source separation programs in metropolitan Tehran.

MeSH terms: Humans; Iran; Time Factors; Models, Statistical; Waste Management/methods*; Waste Management/statistics & numerical data
Ruminal degradation of soybean, canola and cottonseed meal using In sacco procedure in sheep

Jafari Khorshidi K, Abedi Chemazkoti S, Kioumarsi H, Shariman Yahya Z

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Sep 01;16(17):898-900.
PMID: 24498847

This research was conducted in order to investigate rumen degradability of some factors includes; Dray Matter (DM), Organic Matter (OM), Crude Protein (CP), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) in three different plant protein supplements includes; soybean, canola and cottonseed meal. The experiment was carried out using in three castrated and fistulated male Zel sheep. Each feedstuff was weighed into duplicate nylon bags and incubated in each of the three rumen fistulated sheep for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 h. Results revealed that effective degradability of DM of soybean, canola and cottonseed meal were 55.8, 73.8 and 48.5%, respectively. Effective degradabilities of the CP in feedstuffs were 55.8, 62 and 48.3% for the respective feedstuffs. Effective degradabilities of the OM were 55.7, 56.4 and 47.4%, respectively. Results also showed that effective degradabilities of the ADF were 55, 56.4 and 37.6, respectively. According to the results the researchers concluded that canola and soybean were more degradable in the rumen of the sheep while cottonseed meal were less degradable and, hence resulted in higher rumen undegradable protein.

MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Feed*; Gossypium/metabolism*; Dietary Fiber/metabolism; Digestion*; Male; Nutritive Value; Orchiectomy; Seeds/metabolism*; Sheep; Soybeans/metabolism*; Stomach, Ruminant/metabolism*; Time Factors; Vegetable Proteins/metabolism
Fulltext Effect of oral administration of ethanolic extract of Vitex negundo on thioacetamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Kadir FA, Kassim NM, Abdulla MA, Yehye WA

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013 Oct 30;13:294.
PMID: 24499255 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-294

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress due to abnormal induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) molecules is believed to be involved in the etiology of many diseases. Evidences suggest that ROS is involved in nephrotoxicity through frequent exposure to industrial toxic agents such as thioacetamide (TAA). The current investigation was designed to explore the possible protective effects of the leaves of Vitex negundo(VN) extract against TAA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
METHODS: Twenty four Sprague Dawleyrats were divided into four groups: (A) Normal control, (B) TAA (0.03% w/v in drinking water), (C) VN100 (VN 100 mg/kg + TAA) and (D) VN300 (VN 300 mg/kg + TAA). Blood urea and serum creatinine levels were measured,supraoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of renal tissue were assayed. Histopathological analysis together with the oxidative stress nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase p22phox in kidney sections were examined in all experimental groups.
RESULTS: Blood urea and serum creatinine levels were increased in TAA group as a result of the nephrotoxicity compared to the VN100 and VN300 groups where, the levels were significantly decreased (p

MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants/administration & dosage; Catalase/metabolism; Humans; Kidney/drug effects*; Kidney/enzymology; Kidney/metabolism; Kidney Diseases/chemically induced; Kidney Diseases/drug therapy*; Kidney Diseases/enzymology; Kidney Diseases/metabolism; Male; Malondialdehyde/metabolism; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage*; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism; Thioacetamide/toxicity; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Oxidative Stress/drug effects; Vitex/chemistry*; Rats
Fulltext Amoebic forms of Blastocystis spp. - evidence for a pathogenic role

Rajamanikam A, Govind SK

Parasit Vectors, 2013;6(1):295.
PMID: 24499467 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-295

Blastocystis spp. are one of the most prevalent parasites isolated from patients suffering from diarrhea, flatulence, constipation and vomiting. It's pathogenicity and pathophysiology remains controversial to date. Protease activity and amoebic forms have been reported previously in symptomatic isolates but there has been no conclusive evidence provided to correlate the protease activity and any specific life cycle stage of the parasite thus far.

MeSH terms: Humans; Microscopy; Molecular Weight; Peptide Hydrolases/secretion*; Peptide Hydrolases/chemistry; Blastocystis Infections/parasitology*; Blastocystis/cytology*; Blastocystis/enzymology; Blastocystis/growth & development; Blastocystis/pathogenicity; Virulence Factors/metabolism*; Virulence Factors/chemistry
Fulltext Genetic variability within and among Haemonchus contortus isolates from goats and sheep in China

Yin F, Gasser RB, Li F, Bao M, Huang W, Zou F, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2013 Sep 25;6(1):279.
PMID: 24499637 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-279

BACKGROUND: Haemonchus contortus (order Strongylida) is a common parasitic nematode infecting small ruminants and causing significant economic losses worldwide. Knowledge of genetic variation within and among H. contortus populations can provide a foundation for understanding transmission patterns, the spread of drug resistance alleles and might assist in the control of haemonchosis.
METHODS: 152 H. contortus individual adult worms were collected from seven different geographical regions in China. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit 4 gene (nad4) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced directly. The sequence variations and population genetic diversities were determined.
RESULTS: Nucleotide sequence analyses revealed 18 genotypes (ITS-2) and 142 haplotypes (nad4) among the 152 worms, with nucleotide diversities of 2.6% and 0.027, respectively, consistent with previous reports from other countries, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Sweden, the USA and Yemen. Population genetic analyses revealed that 92.4% of nucleotide variation was partitioned within populations; there was no genetic differentiation but a high gene flow among Chinese populations; some degree of genetic differentiation was inferred between some specimens from China and those from other countries.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study of genetic variation within H. contortus in China. The results revealed high within-population variations, low genetic differentiation and high gene flow among different populations of H. contortus in China. The present results could have implications for studying the epidemiology and ecology of H. contortus in China.

MeSH terms: Animals; China; Goats; Haemonchiasis/parasitology; Haemonchiasis/veterinary*; Haemonchus/classification*; Haemonchus/genetics*; Haemonchus/isolation & purification; Molecular Sequence Data; Sheep; Sheep Diseases/parasitology*; Genetic Variation*; Goat Diseases/parasitology*; Cluster Analysis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA, Helminth/genetics; DNA, Helminth/chemistry; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry; Electron Transport Complex I/genetics; Phylogeography
Malaria successes and challenges in Asia

Bhatia R, Rastogi RM, Ortega L

J Vector Borne Dis, 2013 Dec;50(4):239-47.
PMID: 24499845

Asia ranks second to Africa in terms of malaria burden. In 19 countries of Asia, malaria is endemic and 2.31 billion people or 62% of the total population in these countries are at risk of malaria. In 2010, WHO estimated around 34.8 million cases and 45,600 deaths due to malaria in Asia. In 2011, 2.7 million cases and > 2000 deaths were reported. India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Pakistan are responsible for >85% of the reported cases (confirmed) and deaths in Asia. In last 10 yr, due to availability of donor's fund specially from Global fund, significant progress has been made by the countries in Asia in scaling-up malaria control interventions which were instrumental in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality significantly. There is a large heterogeneity in malaria epidemiology in Asia. As a result, the success in malaria control/elimination is also diverse. As compared to the data of the year 2000, out of 19 malaria endemic countries, 12 countries were able to reduce malaria incidence (microscopically confirmed cases only) by 75%. Two countries, namely Bangladesh and Malaysia are projected to reach 75% reduction by 2015 while India is projected to reach 50-75% only by 2015. The trend could not be assessed in four countries, namely Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Timor-Leste due to insufficient consistent data. Numerous key challenges need to be addressed to sustain the gains and eliminate malaria in most parts of Asia. Some of these are to control the spread of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin, control of outdoor transmission, control of vivax malaria and ensuring universal coverage of key interventions. Asia has the potential to influence the malaria epidemiology all over the world as well as to support the global efforts in controlling and eliminating malaria through production of quality-assured ACTs, RDTs and long-lasting insecticidal nets.

MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Asia/epidemiology; Drug Resistance; Humans; Malaria/mortality; Malaria/epidemiology*; Malaria/prevention & control; Plasmodium/drug effects; Plasmodium/physiology*; Incidence; Artemisinins/pharmacology*; Disease Eradication
Fulltext Identification of bacterial endophytes associated with traditional medicinal plant Tridax procumbens Linn

Preveena J, Bhore SJ

Anc Sci Life, 2013 Jan;32(3):173-7.
PMID: 24501447 DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.123002

BACKGROUND: In traditional medicine, Tridax procumbens Linn. is used in the treatment of injuries and wounds. The bacterial endophytes (BEs) of medicinal plants could produce medicinally important metabolites found in their hosts; and hence, the involvement of BEs in conferring wound healing properties to T. Procumbens cannot be ruled out. But, we do not know which types of BEs are associated with T. Procumbens.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the fast growing and cultivable BEs associated with T. procumbens.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaves and stems of healthy T. Procumbens plants were collected and cultivable BEs were isolated from surface-sterilized leaf and stem tissue samples using Luria-Bertani (LB) agar (medium) at standard conditions. A polymerase chain reaction was employed to amplify 16S rRNA coding gene fragments from the isolates. Cultivable endophytic bacterial isolates (EBIs) were identified using 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequence similarity based method of bacterial identification.
RESULTS: Altogether, 50 culturable EBIs were isolated. 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences analysis using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) revealed identities of the EBIs. Analysis reveals that cultivable Bacillus spp., Cronobacter sakazakii, Enterobacter spp., Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Pantoea spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Terribacillus saccharophilus are associated with T. Procumbens.
CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we conclude that 24 different types of culturable BEs are associated with traditionally used medicinal plant, T. Procumbens, and require further study.
Fulltext Application of geophysical techniques for 3D geohazard mapping to delineate cavities and potential sinkholes in the northern part of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bakhshipour Z, Huat BB, Ibrahim S, Asadi A, Kura NU

ScientificWorldJournal, 2013;2013:629476.
PMID: 24501583 DOI: 10.1155/2013/629476

This work describes the application of the electrical resistivity (ER) method to delineating subsurface structures and cavities in Kuala Lumpur Limestone within the Batu Cave area of Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. In all, 17 ER profiles were measured by using a Wenner electrode configuration with 2 m spacing. The field survey was accompanied by laboratory work, which involves taking resistivity measurements of rock, soil, and water samples taken from the field to obtain the formation factor. The relationship between resistivity and the formation factor and porosity for all the samples was established. The porosity values were plotted and contoured. A 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional representation of the subsurface topography of the area was prepared through use of commercial computer software. The results show the presence of cavities and sinkholes in some parts of the study area. This work could help engineers and environmental managers by providing the information necessary to produce a sustainable management plan in order to prevent catastrophic collapses of structures and other related geohazard problems.

MeSH terms: Conductometry/methods*; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Malaysia; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods*; Geographic Information Systems*; Caves*; Geographic Mapping*
Bioconversion of oil palm frond by Aspergillus niger to enhances it's fermentable sugar production

Lim SH, Ibrahim D

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Sep 15;16(18):920-6.
PMID: 24502148

The aim of this study was to develop an economical bioprocess to produce the fermentable sugars at laboratory scales Using Oil Palm Frond (OPF) as substrate in Solid State Fermentation (SSF). OPF waste generated by oil palm plantations is a major problem in terms of waste management. However, this lignocellulosic waste material is a cheap source of cellulose. We used OPF as substrate to produce fermentable sugars. The high content of cellulose in OPF promises the high fermentable sugars production in SSF. Saccharification of OPF waste by A. niger USMAI1 generates fermentable sugars and was evaluated through a solid state fermentation. Physical parameters, e.g., inoculum size, initial substrate moisture, initial pH, incubation temperature and the size of substrate were optimized to obtain the maximum fermentable sugars from oil palm fronds. Up to 77 mg of fermentable sugars per gram substrate was produced under the optimal physical parameter conditions. Lower productivity of fermentable sugars, 32 mg fermentable sugars per gram substrate was obtained under non optimized conditions. The results indicated that about 140.6% increase in fermentable sugar production after optimization of the physical parameters. Glucose was the major end component amongst the fermentable sugars obtained. This study indicated that under optimum physical parameter conditions, the OPF waste can be utilized to produce fermentable sugars which then convert into other products such as alcohol.

MeSH terms: Aspergillus niger/growth & development; Aspergillus niger/metabolism*; Biotransformation; Cellulose/metabolism; Energy Metabolism*; Fermentation*; Glucose/metabolism; Industrial Microbiology; Plant Oils/metabolism*; Time Factors; Plant Leaves; Biomass; Arecaceae/metabolism*
Studies on extraction of mannanase enzyme by Aspergillus terreus SUK-1 from fermented palm kernel cake

Rashid JI, Samat N, Yusoff WM

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Sep 15;16(18):933-8.
PMID: 24502150

Microbial mannanases have become biotechnologically important in industry but their application is limited due to high production cost. In presents study, the extraction of mannanase from fermented Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) in the Solid State Fermentation (SSF) was optimized. Local isolate of Aspergillus terreus SUK-1 was grown on PKC in (SSF) using column bioreactor. The optimum condition were achieved after two washes of fermented PKC by adding of 10% glycerol (v/v) soaked for 10 h at the room temperature with solvent to ratio, 1:5 (w/v).

MeSH terms: Aspergillus/enzymology*; Aspergillus/growth & development; Bacterial Proteins/biosynthesis; Bacterial Proteins/isolation & purification*; Fermentation*; Glycerol/chemistry; Industrial Microbiology/instrumentation; Mannosidases/biosynthesis; Mannosidases/isolation & purification*; Plant Oils/metabolism*; Solvents/chemistry; Temperature; Time Factors; Bioreactors; Arecaceae/metabolism*
Optimization of complex fermentation media for glucose oxidase production using statistical approach

Gunny AA, Arbain D, Sithamparam L

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Sep 15;16(18):960-4.
PMID: 24502155

Production cost of enzyme is largely determined by the type of the strain and raw material used to propagate the strain. Hence, selection of the strain and raw materials is crucial in enzyme production. For Glucose oxidase (GOx), previous studies showed Aspergillus terreus UniMAP AA-1 offers a better alternative to the existing sources. Thus, a lower production cost could be logically anticipated by growing the strain in a cheaper complex media such as molasses. In this work, sugar cane molasses, supplemented with urea and carbonate salt and a locally isolated strain Aspergillus terreus UniMAP AA-1 were used to produce a crude GOx enzyme in a small scale. A statistical optimization approach namely Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the media components for highest GOx activity. It was found that the highest GOx activity was achieved using a combination of molasses, carbonate salt and urea at concentration 32.51, 4.58 and 0.93% (w/v), respectively. This study provides an alternative optimized media conditions for GOx production using locally available raw materials.

MeSH terms: Aspergillus/enzymology*; Bacterial Proteins/biosynthesis*; Calcium Carbonate/metabolism; Fermentation*; Gluconates/metabolism; Glucose/metabolism; Glucose Oxidase/biosynthesis*; Industrial Microbiology/methods*; Kinetics; Lactones/metabolism; Molasses*; Substrate Specificity; Urea/metabolism; Reproducibility of Results; Models, Statistical*; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
Molecular biodiversity of selected mango cultivars based on DNA sequences of internal transcribed spacer region

Hidayat T, Arif SM, Samad AA

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Oct 01;16(19):1072-5.
PMID: 24502175

The mango (Mangifer indica L.) is an important species of the family Anacardiaceae and is one of the most important crops cultivated commercially in many parts of the world. Hence, a better understanding of the phylogeny in this species is crucial as it is the basis knowledge of improving its genetic resources which is beneficial for breeding programs. Phylogenetic relationships among 13 mango cultivars from Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan were carried out by comparing DNA sequence data sets derived from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region pfnuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA). Analysis using parsimony method showed that the cultivars were classified into three major groups. The first group composed almost Malaysian cultivars although with low bootstrap value, the second group consisted of mainly Taiwan cultivars and the last group included mostly Indonesia one. The results indicated that some cultivars have a close relationships with each other even it is originated from different countries. With regards to the relationship among these cultivars, this gives better insight for generating new cultivar.

MeSH terms: Base Sequence; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics*; Phylogeny; Transcription, Genetic; DNA, Plant/genetics*; Mangifera/genetics*; Biodiversity
Design and evaluation of a gastroretentive drug delivery system for metformin HCl using synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers

Meka VS, Gorajana A, Dharmanlingam SR, Kolapalli VR

Invest Clin, 2013 Dec;54(4):347-59.
PMID: 24502177

The aim of the present research was to prepare and evaluate a gastroretentive drug delivery system for metformin HCl, using synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers. The floating approach was applied for preparing gastroretentive tablets (GRT) and these tablets were manufactured by the direct compression method. The drug delivery system comprises of synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers such as polyethylene oxide and Carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose (CMEC) as release-retarding polymers. GRT were evaluated for physico-chemical properties like weight variation, hardness, assay friability, in vitro floating behaviour, swelling studies, in vitro dissolution studies and rate order kinetics. Based upon the drug release and floating properties, two formulations (MP04 & MC03) were selected as optimized formulations. The optimized formulations MP04 and MC03 followed zero order rate kinetics, with non-Fickian diffusion and first order rate kinetics with erosion mechanism, respectively. The optimized formulation was characterised with FTIR studies and it was observed that there was no interaction between the drug and polymers.

MeSH terms: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods; Metformin/administration & dosage*; Polymers; Stomach; Tablets
Investigation of biogas production and its residue with fertilization effect from municipal waste

Bee ST, Nithiyaa M, Sin LT, Tee TT, Rahmat AR

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Oct 15;16(20):1104-12.
PMID: 24506009

This study was aimed to investigate the production of methane gas from three different types of food waste (vegetables waste, fruit waste and grain waste) using batch type anaerobic digestion method. The digestion process was conducted by using temperature range of 27 to 36 degrees C and pH 6.5 to 7.5 to yield an optimum condition for the digestion process. The digestion was continued for a period of two weeks with the aid of cow dung as the inoculums. It was found that the grain waste yielded the highest methane 2546 mL due to the high content of carbohydrate. At the mean time, the fruit waste produced the second highest methane gas with 2000 mL as well as the vegetable waste generated the lowest methane gas with volume of 1468 mL. The vegetable waste produced the lowest methane gas because the vegetables waste contains high fibres and cellulose walls but low in glucose amount. For the fertilization test, fruit waste demonstrated the best observation for the growth of plant due to high content of potassium and followed by vegetable waste. The least effective fertilizer was grain waste due to less content of nutrients essential for plants growth.

MeSH terms: Anaerobiosis; Animals; Cattle; Edible Grain/metabolism; Edible Grain/chemistry; Fertilization; Food; Fruit/metabolism; Fruit/chemistry; Methane/biosynthesis*; Refuse Disposal/methods*; Vegetables/metabolism; Vegetables/chemistry; Biofuels*
Effect of some environmental parameters on biobutanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum NCIMB 13357 in date fruit medium

Khamaiseh EI, Hamid AA, Yusoff WM, Kalil MS

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Oct 15;16(20):1145-51.
PMID: 24506014

Date fruit juice contains high concentration of simple sugars ranging from 65 to 75% (w/w) in dry form. In this study, the potential of date fruit juice as biobutanol fermentation medium by C. acetobutylicum was investigated. The fermentation process was carried out at initial pH of 5, 6 and 7, incubation temperature of 30, 35 and 40 degrees C for 72 hours. The date fruit concentrations tested were 10, 20, 30 and 40 g L(-1). Medium containing 30 g L(-1) of date fruit at 35 degrees C incubation temperature with initial medium pH 7.0 gave the highest concentration of solvents of 3.1, 0.1 and 1.1 g L(-1) butanol, ethanol and acetone respectively. The yield and productivity of biobutanol were 0.32 g g(-1) and 0.044 g L(-1)/h respectively, while for total ABE were 0.45 g g(-1) and 0.06 g L(-1) h, respectively.

MeSH terms: Butanols/metabolism*; Culture Media; Fermentation; Fruit/metabolism*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Solvents/metabolism; Temperature; Clostridium acetobutylicum/growth & development*; Clostridium acetobutylicum/metabolism*
In vitro anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activity of methanolic extract from Sanchezia speciosa leaves

Paydar M, Wong YL, Moharam BA, Wong WF, Looi CY

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Oct 15;16(20):1212-5.
PMID: 24506026

Sanchezia speciosa, is a bushy shrub from Acanthaceae family which commonly grows in tropical areas of South and Central America. In this study, we employed MTT assay to test the cytotoxicity of that methanolic fraction of S. speciosa leaves on MCF-7 human breast cancer, SK-MEL-5 human malignant melanoma and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVEC cells. The extract showed highest activity on MCF-7 and moderate cytotoxicity towards SK-MEL-5. In contrast, the extract demonstrated lowest cell growth inhibition activity on HUVEC cells, indicating better selectivity compare to standard drug, doxorubicin. In addition, we also performed ORAC assay to determine the radical scavenging capacity of methanolic extract of S. speciosa leaves. The extract exhibited nearly similar anti-oxidant activity as quercetin, suggesting S. speciosa leaves as a potential source of natural anti-oxidant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on anti-oxidant and cytotoxic activity of S. speciosa.

MeSH terms: Methanol/chemistry; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Antioxidants/pharmacology*; Antioxidants/chemistry; Cell Line; Humans; Neoplasms/drug therapy; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Quercetin/pharmacology; Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology; Free Radical Scavengers/chemistry; Plant Leaves/chemistry*; Acanthaceae/chemistry*; Cell Line, Tumor; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; MCF-7 Cells
Morphological re-description of Cochlochila bullita (Stål) (Heteroptera: Tingidae), a potential pest of Orthosiphon aristatus Blume Miq. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) in Malaysia

Peng TL, Sajap AS, Jeen LH, Lee SH, Lum WC

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Dec 01;16(23):1786-90.
PMID: 24506049

One species of lace bug Cochlochila bullita Stål (Heteroptera: Tingidae) was found heavily infested Orthosiphon aristatus Blume Miq., an important medicinal plant in Malaysia. A morphological re-description of C. bullita was done in order to facilitate the identification of this oligophagous insect pest. Five variables, body length and width, antenna length, tibia length and head width were measured from 15 samples from each stage. Among these variables, body length and width were used to construct the ratio for species identification; while body lengths with the other three variables were used to distinguish the nymphs from each developmental stage. The measurements of four traits except the antenna length showed significant differences between the development stages. And thus suggest the body width, tibia length and head width were suitable parameters used to distinguish the nymphal stages. However, the result on the growth factor showed only the sizes of the head followed a more constant growth rate with growth ratios (1.21-1.39) lie between the Dyar's ratio. Body length and width ratio for the adult female and male was 1.51 +/- 0.00 and 1.59 +/- 0.01, respectively. These data are pertinent for identifying developmental stages and to distinguish the species of the lace bug.

MeSH terms: Animals; Biometry; Female; Head/growth & development; Host-Parasite Interactions; Malaysia; Male; Nymph/growth & development; Tibia/growth & development; Heteroptera/anatomy & histology; Heteroptera/classification; Heteroptera/growth & development*; Orthosiphon/parasitology*; Body Size; Arthropod Antennae/growth & development

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