Browse publications by year: 2013

1. Boldine protects endothelial function in hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress through an antioxidant mechanism

   Lau YS, Tian XY, Huang Y, Murugan D, Achike FI, Mustafa MR

   Biochem Pharmacol, 2013 Feb 1;85(3):367-75.

   PMID: 23178655 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.11.010

   Abstract

   Increased oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes. Antioxidants are therapeutically beneficial for oxidative stress-associated diseases. Boldine ([s]-2,9-dihydroxy-1,10-dimethoxyaporphine) is a major alkaloid present in the leaves and bark of the boldo tree (Peumus boldus Molina), with known an antioxidant activity. This study examined the protective effects of boldine against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in rat aortic endothelial cells (RAEC) and its mechanisms of vasoprotection related to diabetic endothelial dysfunction. In RAEC exposed to high glucose (30 mM) for 48 h, pre-treatment with boldine reduced the elevated ROS and nitrotyrosine formation, and preserved nitric oxide (NO) production. Pre-incubation with β-NAPDH reduced the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation; this attenuation was reversed by boldine. Compared with control, endothelium-dependent relaxation in the aortas of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats was significantly improved by both acute (1 μM, 30 min) and chronic (20mg/kg/daily, i.p., 7 days) treatment with boldine. Intracellular superoxide and peroxynitrite formation measured by DHE fluorescence or chemiluminescence assay were higher in sections of aortic rings from diabetic rats compared with control. Chronic boldine treatment normalized ROS over-production in the diabetic group and this correlated with reduction of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, NOX2 and p47(phox). The present study shows that boldine reversed the increased ROS formation in high glucose-treated endothelial cells and restored endothelial function in STZ-induced diabetes by inhibiting oxidative stress and thus increasing NO bioavailability.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Antioxidants/pharmacology*; Aorta, Thoracic/cytology; Aporphines/pharmacology*; Cells, Cultured; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism; Hyperglycemia/metabolism*; Male; Nitric Oxide/metabolism; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; Oxidative Stress/physiology; Endothelial Cells/drug effects*; Endothelial Cells/metabolism*; Rats
2. Dentatin isolated from Clausena excavata induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through the intrinsic pathway with involvement of NF-κB signalling and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest: a bioassay-guided approach

   Arbab IA, Abdul AB, Sukari MA, Abdullah R, Syam S, Kamalidehghan B, et al.

   J Ethnopharmacol, 2013 Jan 9;145(1):343-54.

   PMID: 23178663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.11.020

   Abstract

   Clausena excavata Burm. f. has been used in folk medicines in eastern Thailand for the treatment of cancer.

   MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification*; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Biological Assay/methods*; Cell Cycle/drug effects; Cell Membrane Permeability/drug effects; Cell Survival/drug effects; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/isolation & purification*; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/pharmacology*; Humans; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Gene Expression/drug effects; NF-kappa B/metabolism*; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/biosynthesis; Caspases/metabolism; Cytochromes c/secretion; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/biosynthesis; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects; DNA Fragmentation/drug effects; Clausena/chemistry; G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects*; MCF-7 Cells
3. Safe-water shortages, gender perspectives, and related challenges in developing countries: the case of Uganda

   Baguma D, Hashim JH, Aljunid SM, Loiskandl W

   Sci Total Environ, 2013 Jan 1;442:96-102.

   PMID: 23178827 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.10.004

   Abstract

   The need for water continues to become more acute with the changing requirements of an expanding world population. Using a logistical analysis of data from 301 respondents from households that harvest rainwater in Uganda, the relationship between dependent variables, such as water management performed as female-dominated practices, and independent variables, such as years of water harvesting, family size, tank operation and maintenance, and the presence of local associations, was investigated. The number of years of water harvesting, family size, tank operation and maintenance, and presence of local associations were statistically significantly related to adequate efficient water management. The number of years of water harvesting was linked to women's participation in household chores more than to the participation of men, the way of livelihoods lived for many years. Large families were concurrent with a reduction in water shortages, partially because of the availability of active labour. The findings also reveal important information regarding water-related operations and maintenance at the household level and the presence of local associations that could contribute some of the information necessary to minimise water-related health risks. Overall, this investigation revealed important observations about the water management carried out by women with respect to underlying safe-water shortages, gender perspectives, and related challenges in Uganda that can be of great importance to developing countries.

   MeSH terms: Climate; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Developing Countries*; Family Characteristics; Female; Fresh Water/analysis*; Humans; Hygiene; Male; Rain; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Uganda; Water Supply/standards; Water Purification
4. Fulltext Metabolomics profiling of extracellular metabolites in CHO-K1 cells cultured in different types of growth media

   Mohmad-Saberi SE, Hashim YZ, Mel M, Amid A, Ahmad-Raus R, Packeer-Mohamed V

   Cytotechnology, 2013 Aug;65(4):577-86.

   PMID: 23179090 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-012-9508-4

   Abstract

   An efficient mammalian cell system for producing bioproducts should retain high cell viability and efficient use of energy sources rendering the need to understand the effects of various variables on the cell system. In this study, global metabolite (metabolomics) analysis approach was used to try and understand the relationships between types of media used, culture growth behavior and productivity. CHO-KI cells producing IGF-1 were obtained from ATCC and grown in T-flask (37 °C, 5 % CO2) until 70-80 % confluent in RPMI 1640 and Ham's F12, respectively. Samples were taken at 8-hourly intervals for routine cell counting, biochemical responses, insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) protein concentration and global metabolite analysis (gas chromatography mass spectrometry, GCMS). Conditioned media from each time point were spun down before injection into GCMS. Data from GCMS were then transferred to SIMCA-P + Version 12 for chemometric evaluation using principal component analysis. The results showed that while routine analysis gave only subtle differences between the media, global metabolite analysis was able to clearly separate the culture based on growth media with growth phases as confounding factor. Different types of media also appeared to affect IGF-1 production. Asparagine was found to be indicative of healthiness of cells and production of high IGF-1. Meanwhile identification of ornithine and lysine in death phase was found to be associated with apoptosis and oversupplied nutrient respectively. Using the biomarkers revealed in the study, several bioprocessing strategies including medium improvement and in-time downstream processing can be potentially implemented to achieve efficient CHO culture system.
5. Meta-analysis: the association between HIV infection and extrapulmonary tuberculosis

   Naing C, Mak JW, Maung M, Wong SF, Kassim AI

   Lung, 2013 Feb;191(1):27-34.

   PMID: 23180033 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-012-9440-6

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis has been an AIDS-defining condition. Individual studies that highlight the association between HIV and extrapulmonary TB are available. Our objectives were to synthesis evidence on the association between extrapulmonary tuberculosis and HIV and to explore the effective preventive measures of these two diseases.

   METHODS: This is a meta-analysis of observational studies reporting effect estimates on how HIV is associated with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We searched for the eligible studies in the electronic databases using search terms related to HIV and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Where possible, we estimated the summary odds ratios using random effects meta-analysis. We stratified analysis by the type of study design. We assessed heterogeneity of effect estimates within each group of studies was assessed using I (2) test.

   RESULTS: Nineteen studies (7 case control studies and 12 cohort studies) were identified for the present study. The pooled analysis shows a significant association between HIV and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (summary odds ratio: 1.3; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.6; I (2): 0 %). In a subgroup analysis with two studies, a significant association was found between CD4+ count less than 100 and the incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (summary OR: 1.31; 95 % CI 1.02-1.68; I (2): 0 %).

   CONCLUSIONS: Findings show evidence on the association between extrapulmonary tuberculosis and HIV, based on case control studies. Further studies to understand the mechanisms of interaction of the two pathogens are recommended.

   MeSH terms: HIV/physiology; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/physiology; Software Design; Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal/epidemiology*; Tuberculosis, Pleural/epidemiology*; Tuberculosis, Urogenital/epidemiology*; HIV Infections/epidemiology*; Comorbidity
6. New integron gene arrays from multiresistant clinical isolates of members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from hospitals in Malaysia

   Kor SB, Choo QC, Chew CH

   J Med Microbiol, 2013 Mar;62(Pt 3):412-420.

   PMID: 23180481 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.053645-0

   Abstract

   This study investigated 147 multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from hospitalized patients in Malaysia. Class 1 integrons were the most dominant class identified (45.6%). Three isolates were shown to contain class 2 integrons (2.0%), whilst one isolate harboured both class 1 and 2 integrons. No class 3 integrons were detected in this study. In addition, the sul1 gene was amplified in 35% of isolates and was significantly associated with the presence of integrase genes in an integron structure. RFLP and DNA sequencing analyses revealed the presence of 19 different cassette arrays among the detected integrons. The most common gene cassettes were those encoding resistance towards aminoglycosides (aad) and trimethoprim (dfr). As far as is known, this study is the first to identify integron-carrying cassette arrays such as aadA2-linF, aacC3-cmlA5 and aacA4-catB8-aadA1 in the Malaysian population. Patients' age was demonstrated as a significant risk factor for the acquisition of integrons (P=0.028). Epidemiological typing using PFGE also demonstrated a clonal relationship among isolates carrying identical gene cassettes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa but not in Escherichia coli isolates.

   MeSH terms: Age Factors; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism; Base Sequence; Cross Infection/microbiology; Cross Infection/epidemiology; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry; Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects*; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics; Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology*; Enterobacteriaceae Infections/epidemiology; Humans; Inpatients; Malaysia/epidemiology; Molecular Sequence Data; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects*; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics; Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology*; Pseudomonas Infections/epidemiology; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Mutagenesis, Insertional; Integrases/genetics; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Integrons/genetics*
7. Soil-related variations in the population dynamics of six dipterocarp tree species with strong habitat preferences

   Yamada T, Yamada Y, Okuda T, Fletcher C

   Oecologia, 2013 Jul;172(3):713-24.

   PMID: 23183820 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-012-2529-z

   Abstract

   Differences in the density of conspecific tree individuals in response to environmental gradients are well documented for many tree species, but how such density differences are generated and maintained is poorly understood. We examined the segregation of six dipterocarp species among three soil types in the Pasoh tropical forest, Malaysia. We examined how individual performance and population dynamics changed across the soil types using 10-year demographic data to compare tree performance across soil types, and constructed population matrix models to analyze the population dynamics. Species showed only minor changes in mortality and juvenile growth across soil types, although recruitment differed greatly. Clear, interspecific demographic trade-offs between growth and mortality were found in all soil types. The relative trade-offs by a species did not differ substantially among the soil types. Population sizes were projected to remain stable in all soil types for all species with one exception. Our life-table response experiment demonstrated that the population dynamics of a species differed only subtly among soil types. Therefore, species with strong density differences across soil types do not necessarily differ greatly in their population dynamics across the soil types. In contrast, interspecific differences in population dynamics were large. The trade-off between mortality and growth led to a negative correlation between the contributions of mortality and growth to variations in the population growth rate (λ) and thus reduced their net contributions. Recruitment had little impact on the variation in λ. The combination of these factors resulted in little variation in λ among species.

   MeSH terms: Population Dynamics; Soil*; Trees/growth & development; Trees/physiology*; Ecosystem*
8. Blast resistance in rice: a review of conventional breeding to molecular approaches

   Miah G, Rafii MY, Ismail MR, Puteh AB, Rahim HA, Asfaliza R, et al.

   Mol Biol Rep, 2013 Mar;40(3):2369-88.

   PMID: 23184051 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2318-0

   Abstract

   Blast disease caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae is the most severe diseases of rice. Using classical plant breeding techniques, breeders have developed a number of blast resistant cultivars adapted to different rice growing regions worldwide. However, the rice industry remains threatened by blast disease due to the instability of blast fungus. Recent advances in rice genomics provide additional tools for plant breeders to improve rice production systems that would be environmentally friendly. This article outlines the application of conventional breeding, tissue culture and DNA-based markers that are used for accelerating the development of blast resistant rice cultivars. The best way for controlling the disease is to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative genes in resistant variety. Through conventional and molecular breeding many blast-resistant varieties have been developed. Conventional breeding for disease resistance is tedious, time consuming and mostly dependent on environment as compare to molecular breeding particularly marker assisted selection, which is easier, highly efficient and precise. For effective management of blast disease, breeding work should be focused on utilizing the broad spectrum of resistance genes and pyramiding genes and quantitative trait loci. Marker assisted selection provides potential solution to some of the problems that conventional breeding cannot resolve. In recent years, blast resistant genes have introgressed into Luhui 17, G46B, Zhenshan 97B, Jin 23B, CO39, IR50, Pusa1602 and Pusa1603 lines through marker assisted selection. Introduction of exotic genes for resistance induced the occurrence of new races of blast fungus, therefore breeding work should be concentrated in local resistance genes. This review focuses on the conventional breeding to the latest molecular progress in blast disease resistance in rice. This update information will be helpful guidance for rice breeders to develop durable blast resistant rice variety through marker assisted selection.

   MeSH terms: Breeding/methods; Plant Diseases/genetics*; Plant Diseases/microbiology; Oryza/genetics*; Oryza/microbiology; Magnaporthe; Disease Resistance/genetics*
9. Interspecific interactions between primates, birds, bats, and squirrels may affect community composition on Borneo

   Beaudrot L, Struebig MJ, Meijaard E, van Balen S, Husson S, Young CF, et al.

   Am J Primatol, 2013 Feb;75(2):170-85.

   PMID: 23184656 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22095

   Abstract

   For several decades, primatologists have been interested in understanding how sympatric primate species are able to coexist. Most of our understanding of primate community ecology derives from the assumption that these animals interact predominantly with other primates. In this study, we investigate to what extent multiple community assembly hypotheses consistent with this assumption are supported when tested with communities of primates in isolation versus with communities of primates, birds, bats, and squirrels together. We focus on vertebrate communities on the island of Borneo, where we examine the determinants of presence or absence of species, and how these communities are structured. We test for checkerboard distributions, guild proportionality, and Fox's assembly rule for favored states, and predict that statistical signals reflecting interactions between ecologically similar species will be stronger when nonprimate taxa are included in analyses. We found strong support for checkerboard distributions in several communities, particularly when taxonomic groups were combined, and after controlling for habitat effects. We found evidence of guild proportionality in some communities, but did not find significant support for Fox's assembly rule in any of the communities examined. These results demonstrate the presence of vertebrate community structure that is ecologically determined rather than randomly generated, which is a finding consistent with the interpretation that interactions within and between these taxonomic groups may have shaped species composition in these communities. This research highlights the importance of considering the broader vertebrate communities with which primates co-occur, and so we urge primatologists to explicitly consider nonprimate taxa in the study of primate ecology.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Birds/physiology*; Borneo; Chiroptera/physiology; Indonesia; Malaysia; Mammals/physiology*; Primates/physiology; Sciuridae/physiology; Ecosystem*; Biota*; Animal Distribution
10. Synthesis of methyl esters from waste cooking oil using construction waste material as solid base catalyst

    Balakrishnan K, Olutoye MA, Hameed BH

    Bioresour Technol, 2013 Jan;128:788-91.

    PMID: 23186664 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.023

    Abstract

    The current research investigates synthesis of methyl esters by transesterification of waste cooking oil in a heterogeneous system, using barium meliorated construction site waste marble as solid base catalyst. The pretreated catalyst was calcined at 830 °C for 4h prior to its activity test to obtained solid oxide characterized by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, BET surface area and pore size measurement. It was found that the as prepared catalyst has large pores which contributed to its high activity in transesterification reaction. The methyl ester yield of 88% was obtained when the methanol/oil molar ratio was 9:1, reaction temperature at 65 °C, reaction time 3h and catalyst/oil mass ratio of 3.0 wt.%. The catalyst can be reused over three cycles, offer low operating conditions, reduce energy consumption and waste generation in the production of biodiesel.

    MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate; Catalysis; Construction Materials*; Esterification; Esters/chemical synthesis*; Industrial Oils*; Industrial Waste/prevention & control*; Refuse Disposal/methods*; Food Industry; Construction Industry
11. Optimization of lignin production from empty fruit bunch via liquefaction with ionic liquid

    Sidik DA, Ngadi N, Amin NA

    Bioresour Technol, 2013 May;135:690-6.

    PMID: 23186683 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.09.041

    Abstract

    The production of lignin from empty fruit bunch (EFB) has been carried out using liquefaction method with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) ionic liquid (IL), in presence of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) as a catalyst. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a factorial Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to identify the optimum condition for lignin yield. The result indicated that the second order model was adequate for all the independent variables on the response with R(2)=0.8609. The optimum temperature, time, ionic liquid to EFB ratio, and catalyst concentration were 150.5 °C, 151 min, 3:1 wt/wt and 4.73 wt%, respectively for lignin yield=26.6%. The presence of lignin liquefied product was confirmed by UV-Vis and FTIR analysis. It was also demonstrated lignin extraction from lignocellulosic using recycled IL gave sufficient performance.

    MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Biotechnology/methods*; Catalysis/drug effects; Fruit/drug effects; Fruit/metabolism*; Imidazoles/pharmacology*; Lignin/biosynthesis*; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Temperature; Time Factors; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Arecaceae/drug effects; Arecaceae/metabolism*; Ionic Liquids/pharmacology*; Ionic Liquids/chemistry
12. Transcriptome profiling of genes induced by salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate in Polygonum minus

    Ee SF, Oh JM, Mohd Noor N, Kwon TR, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Ismail I, et al.

    Mol Biol Rep, 2013 Mar;40(3):2231-41.

    PMID: 23187733 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2286-4

    Abstract

    The importance of plant secondary metabolites for both mankind and the plant itself has long been established. However, despite extensive research on plant secondary metabolites, plant secondary metabolism and its regulation still remained poorly characterized. In this present study, cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) transcript profiling was applied to generate the expression profiles of Polygonum minus in response to salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) elicitations. This study reveals two different sets of genes induced by SA and MeJA, respectively where stress-related genes were proved to lead to the expression of genes involved in plant secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways. A total of 98 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) were up-regulated, including 46 from SA-treated and 52 from MeJA-treated samples. The cDNA-AFLP transcripts generated using 64 different Mse1/Taq1 primer combinations showed that treatments with SA and MeJA induced genes mostly involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species, including zeaxanthin epoxidase, cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase 1 and peroxidase. Of these stress-related genes, 15 % of other annotated TDFs are involved mainly in secondary metabolic processes where among these, two genes encoding (+)-delta cadinene synthase and cinnamoyl-CoA reductase were highlighted.

    MeSH terms: Acetates/pharmacology*; Cyclopentanes/pharmacology*; Molecular Sequence Data; Phenotype; Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology*; Transcription, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects*; Plant Leaves; Salicylic Acid/pharmacology*; Gene Expression Profiling*; Polygonum/drug effects*; Polygonum/genetics*; Oxylipins/pharmacology*; Molecular Sequence Annotation
13. Fulltext Radiotherapy concurrently with weekly cisplatin, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, for N2-3 nasopharyngeal cancer: a multicenter trial of the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia

    Ohno T, Thinh DH, Kato S, Devi CR, Tung NT, Thephamongkhol K, et al.

    J Radiat Res, 2013 May;54(3):467-73.

    PMID: 23192700 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrs115

    Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of radiotherapy concurrently with weekly cisplatin, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, for the treatment of N2-3 nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) in Asian countries, especially regions of South and Southeast Asian countries where NPC is endemic. Between 2005 and 2009, 121 patients with NPC (T1-4 N2-3 M0) were registered from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, China and Bangladesh. Patients were treated with 2D radiotherapy concurrently with weekly cisplatin (30 mg/m (2)), followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, consisting of cisplatin (80 mg/m(2) on Day 1) and fluorouracil (800 mg/m(2) on Days 1-5) for 3 cycles. Of the 121 patients, 56 patients (46%) required interruption of RT. The reasons for interruption of RT were acute non-hematological toxicities such as mucositis, pain and dermatitis in 35 patients, hematological toxicities in 11 patients, machine break-down in 3 patients, poor general condition in 2 patients, and others in 8 patients. Of the patients, 93% completed at least 4 cycles of weekly cisplatin during radiotherapy, and 82% completed at least 2 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow-up time of 46 months for the surviving 77 patients, the 3-year locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 89%, 74% and 66%, respectively. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Grade 3-4 toxicities of mucositis, nausea/vomiting and leukopenia were observed in 34%, 4% and 4% of the patients, respectively. In conclusion, further improvement in survival and locoregional control is necessary, although our regimen showed acceptable toxicities.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage; Asia/epidemiology; Cisplatin/administration & dosage*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/mortality*; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/therapy*; Radiation Injuries/mortality*; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents/administration & dosage; Risk Factors; Comorbidity; Prevalence; Survival Rate; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/mortality; Radiotherapy, Conformal/mortality*; Young Adult; Chemoradiotherapy/mortality*
14. Cellulose acetate phthalate microencapsulation and delivery of plasmid DNA to the intestines

    Hanafi A, Nograles N, Abdullah S, Shamsudin MN, Rosli R

    J Pharm Sci, 2013 Feb;102(2):617-26.

    PMID: 23192729 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23389

    Abstract

    Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) microcapsules were formulated to deliver plasmid DNA (pDNA) to the intestines. The microcapsules were characterized and were found to have an average diameter of 44.33 ± 30.22 μm, and were observed to be spherical with smooth surface. The method to extract pDNA from CAP was modified to study the release profile of the pDNA. The encapsulated pDNA was found to be stable. Exposure to the acidic and basic pH conditions, which simulates the pH environment in the stomach and the intestines, showed that the release occurred in a stable manner in the former, whereas it was robust in the latter. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules were low but the CAP recovery yield was high which indicates that the microcapsules were efficiently formed but the loading of pDNA can be improved. In vitro transfection study in 293FT cells showed that there was a significant percentage of green-fluorescent-protein-positive cells as a result of efficient transfection from CAP-encapsulated pDNA. Biodistribution studies in BALB/c mice indicate that DNA was released at the stomach and intestinal regions. CAP microcapsules loaded with pDNA, as described in this study, may be useful for potential gene delivery to the intestines for prophylactic or therapeutic measures for gastrointestinal diseases.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Cellulose/administration & dosage; Cellulose/analogs & derivatives*; Cellulose/chemical synthesis; Cellulose/metabolism; DNA/administration & dosage; DNA/chemical synthesis*; DNA/genetics; Drug Compounding/methods*; Female; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Plasmids/administration & dosage; Plasmids/chemical synthesis*; Plasmids/genetics; Gene Transfer Techniques*; Mice
15. Thermoluminescence properties of Li2CO3-K2CO3-H3BO3glass system co-doped with CuO and MgO

    Alajerami YS, Hashim S, Ramli AT, Saleh MA, Kadni T

    Radiat Prot Dosimetry, 2013 Jun;155(1):1-10.

    PMID: 23193136 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncs310

    Abstract

    The thermoluminescent properties of boric glass modified with lithium and potassium carbonates (LKB) and co-doped with CuO and MgO are reported for the first time. Two techniques are applied to investigate the effect of dopants and co-dopants on the thermal stimulation properties of LKB. The induced TL glow curves of a CuO-doped sample are found to be at 220°C with a single peak. An enhancement of about three times is shown with the increment of 0.1 mol % MgO as a co-dopant impurity. This enhancement may contribute to the ability of magnesium to create extra electron traps and consequently the energy transfer to monovalent Cu(+) ions. LKB:Cu,Mg is low Z material (Zeff=8.55), and observed 15 times less sensitive than LiF: Mg, Ti (TLD-100). The proposed dosemeter showed good linearity in TL dose-response, low fading and excellent reproducibility with a simple glow curve, and thus, can be used in the radiation dosimetry.

    MeSH terms: Boric Acids/chemistry*; Carbonates/chemistry*; Copper/chemistry*; Glass/chemistry*; Magnesium Oxide/chemistry*; Potassium/chemistry*; Radiation Dosage; Thermoluminescent Dosimetry/instrumentation*; Thermoluminescent Dosimetry/methods; X-Ray Diffraction; Lithium Compounds/chemistry*
16. Protective role of pectin against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress in rats

    Koriem KM, Fathi GE, Salem HA, Akram NH, Gamil SA

    Toxicol. Mech. Methods, 2013 May;23(4):263-72.

    PMID: 23193971 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2012.748857

    Abstract

    Cadmium has been classified as an environmental pollutant and human carcinogen. Pectin is a family of complex polysaccharides that function as hydrating agents and cementing materials for the cellulosic network. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of pectin against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. Groups 1 and 2 were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) saline (1 mg/kg) and pectin (50 mg/kg), respectively, two days/weeks over three weeks period. Groups 3-5 were injected i.p. with 1 mg/kg cadmium two days/week while groups 4 and 5 co-administrated i.p. with 25 and 50 mg/kg pectin, respectively, three days/week over three weeks period. The results of the present work revealed that cadmium-exposed rats showed decrease in serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and lactate dehydrogenase. Testicular cholesterol, total protein, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and reduced glutathione levels were also decreased while testicular malondialdehyde level was increased after cadmium injection. On the other hand, serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, sex hormone binding globulin and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were increased after cadmium exposure. Cadmium also induced sperms loss. Co-administration of pectin with cadmium restores all the above parameters and sperms to the normal levels where pectin at higher dose was more effective than lower one. These results were supported by histochemical investigations. In conclusion, pectin can counteract the testicular toxicity and oxidative stress induced by cadmium and the effect was dose-dependent.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Antioxidants/administration & dosage; Antioxidants/metabolism; Antioxidants/therapeutic use*; Cadmium/pharmacokinetics; Cadmium/toxicity*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Environmental Pollutants/pharmacokinetics; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity*; Male; Pectins/administration & dosage; Pectins/therapeutic use*; Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism; Spermatogenesis/drug effects; Testicular Diseases/chemically induced; Testicular Diseases/metabolism; Testicular Diseases/pathology; Testicular Diseases/prevention & control*; Testis/drug effects*; Testis/enzymology; Testis/metabolism; Testis/pathology; Tissue Distribution; Rats, Wistar; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; Rats
17. Contribution of CYP2E1 polymorphism to aging in the mechanical workshop workers

    Eshkoor SA, Ismail P, Rahman SA, Adon MY, Devan RV

    Toxicol. Mech. Methods, 2013 May;23(4):217-22.

    PMID: 23193996 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2012.743637

    Abstract

    Aging is attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. Occupational exposure is one of the environmental factors with potential genotoxic effects. Researchers try to determine factors involved in genetic damages at hazards exposure that could accelerate aging. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) gene contributes in activation and detoxification of the environmental hazards. This polymorphism plays an important role in susceptibility of inter-individuals to DNA damage at the occupational exposure. The current study evaluated the possible influence of this gene polymorphism in aging by genomic damages through the biomarkers alterations of micronuclei (MN), comet tail length and telomere length shortening at the exposure. In this study, buccal cells were collected from the oral cavity of exposed workers and non-exposed controls. The CYP2E1 genotypes were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The wild genotype significantly affected MN frequency (p = 0.007) and relative telomere length (p = 0.047) in the older group of workers. It was concluded that the interaction of gene polymorphism and exposure enhances DNA damage and accelerates aging consequently.

    MeSH terms: Automobiles*; DNA Damage; Humans; Mouth Mucosa/cytology; Mouth Mucosa/drug effects; Mouth Mucosa/enzymology; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length*; Risk; Socioeconomic Factors; Micronucleus Tests; Case-Control Studies; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects*; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1/genetics*; Comet Assay; Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective/chemically induced; Telomere Shortening/drug effects; Telomere Shortening/genetics; Gene-Environment Interaction*; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
18. Preliminary study of dengue virus infection in Iran

    Chinikar S, Ghiasi SM, Shah-Hosseini N, Mostafavi E, Moradi M, Khakifirouz S, et al.

    Travel Med Infect Dis, 2013 May-Jun;11(3):166-9.

    PMID: 23194952 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2012.10.001

    Abstract

    Dengue fever is one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases of public health significance. It is endemic in most tropical and subtropical parts of the world, many of which are popular tourist destinations. The presence of dengue infection was examined in Iranian patients who were referred to the Arboviruses and Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers Laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Iran and tested negative for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) between 2000 and 2012. Serum samples from these patients were tested for the presence of specific IgG and IgM and viral nucleic acid in blood. Of the 300 sera tested, 15 (5%) were seropositive, and 3 (1%) were both serologically and PCR positive. Of the 15 seropositive cases, 8 (53.3%) had travelled to endemic areas including Malaysia (5, 62.5%), India (2, 25%) and Thailand (1, 12.5%). In contrast, 7 (46.7%) of the cases had not reported travelling abroad. Of these, six cases were from the Sistan and Baluchistan province in southeast Iran and neighbouring Pakistan. Travellers play a key role in the epidemiology of dengue infection in Iran and it is recommended that travellers to endemic areas take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Viral/blood; Dengue/immunology; Dengue/epidemiology*; Dengue/transmission; Dengue Virus/immunology; Dengue Virus/isolation & purification*; Female; Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean; Humans; Iran/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Travel Medicine*; Public Health Surveillance
19. Ash of palm empty fruit bunch as a natural catalyst for promoting the CO₂ gasification reactivity of biomass char

    Lahijani P, Zainal ZA, Mohamed AR, Mohammadi M

    Bioresour Technol, 2013 Mar;132:351-5.

    PMID: 23195653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.092

    Abstract

    Palm empty fruit bunch ash (EFB-ash) was used as a natural catalyst, rich in potassium to enhance the CO2 gasification reactivity of palm shell char (PS-char). Various EFB-ash loadings (ranging from 0 to 12.5wt.%) were implemented to improve the reactivity of PS-char during CO2 gasification studies using thermogravimetric analysis. The achieved results explored that the highest gasification reactivity was devoted to 10% EFB-ash loaded char. The SEM-EDS and XRD analyses further confirmed the successful loading of EFB-ash on PS-char which contributed to promoting the gasification reactivity of char. Random pore model was applied to determine the kinetic parameters in catalytic gasification of char at various temperatures of 800-900°C. The dependence of char reaction rate on gasification temperature resulted in a straight line in Arrhenius-type plot, from which the activation energy of 158.75kJ/mol was obtained for the catalytic char gasification.

    MeSH terms: Carbon Dioxide/chemistry*; Catalysis; Charcoal/chemistry*; Fruit/chemistry*; Gases/chemistry*; Hot Temperature*; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Models, Chemical; Thermogravimetry; X-Ray Diffraction; Biomass; Arecaceae/chemistry*
20. Fulltext The structural effect of intravitreal Brilliant blue G and Indocyanine green in rats eyes

    Ooi YL, Khang TF, Naidu M, Fong KC

    Eye (Lond), 2013 Mar;27(3):425-31.

    PMID: 23196646 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2012.260

    Abstract

    To compare the potential retinal toxicity of two commercially Brilliant blue G dyes (Brilliant Peel and Ocublue Plus) and Indocyanine green (ICG) at usual clinical concentration.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Count; Coloring Agents/toxicity*; Female; Indocyanine Green/toxicity*; Pilot Projects; Retina/drug effects*; Retina/pathology; Retinal Ganglion Cells/drug effects; Retinal Ganglion Cells/pathology; Rosaniline Dyes/toxicity*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats; Vitreoretinal Surgery; Intravitreal Injections