Browse publications by year: 2013

1. Solution structure and in silico binding of a cyclic peptide with hepatitis B surface antigen

   Muhamad A, Ho KL, Rahman MB, Uhrín D, Tan WS

   Chem Biol Drug Des, 2013 Jun;81(6):784-94.

   PMID: 23405984 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12120

   Abstract

   A specific ligand targeting the immunodominant region of hepatitis B virus is desired in neutralizing the infectivity of the virus. In a previous study, a disulfide constrained cyclic peptide cyclo S(1) ,S(9) Cys-Glu-Thr-Gly-Ala-Lys-Pro-His-Cys (S(1) , S(9) -cyclo-CETGAKPHC) was isolated from a phage displayed cyclic peptide library using an affinity selection method against hepatitis B surface antigen. The cyclic peptide binds tightly to hepatitis B surface antigen with a relative dissociation constant (KD (rel) ) of 2.9 nm. The binding site of the peptide was located at the immunodominant region on hepatitis B surface antigen. Consequently, this study was aimed to elucidate the structure of the cyclic peptide and its interaction with hepatitis B surface antigen in silico. The solution structure of this cyclic peptide was solved using (1) H, (13) C, and (15) N NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations with NMR-derived distance and torsion angle restraints. The cyclic peptide adopted two distinct conformations due to the isomerization of the Pro residue with one structured region in the ETGA sequence. Docking studies of the peptide ensemble with a model structure of hepatitis B surface antigen revealed that the cyclic peptide can potentially be developed as a therapeutic drug that inhibits the virus-host interactions.

   MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Binding Sites; Circular Dichroism; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/metabolism*; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/chemistry; Kinetics; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Peptides, Cyclic/chemical synthesis; Peptides, Cyclic/metabolism*; Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry; Protein Binding; Solutions/chemistry; Protein Structure, Secondary; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Peptide Library; Molecular Docking Simulation
2. Size-related assessment on viability and insulin secretion of caprine islets in vitro

   Vakhshiteh F, Allaudin ZN, Mohd Lila MA, Hani H

   Xenotransplantation, 2013 02 14;20(2):82-8.

   PMID: 23406308 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12023

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: The successful isolation, purification, and culture of caprine islets has recently been reported. The present study shows arange of size distribution in caprine islet diameter from 50 to 250 μm, in which 80% of the total islet yield was comprised of small islets.

   METHODS: Caprine islets were isolated and purified. Islets were handpicked and the diameter of the islets was recorded using light microscopy. Viablility of the islets was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Insulin secretion assay was carried out and analyzed by ELISA.

   RESULTS: When tested at 48 h after isolation, these small islets were 29.3% more viable compared to the large-sized islets. Large islets showed a high ratio (P 

   MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Survival/physiology; Coloring Agents; Goats; Insulin/metabolism*; Islets of Langerhans/cytology*; Islets of Langerhans/metabolism*; Male; Organ Culture Techniques; Organ Size; Propidium; Transplantation, Heterologous*; Islets of Langerhans Transplantation*; Microscopy, Confocal
3. Relationships among perceived career support, affective commitment, and work engagement

   Poon JM

   Int J Psychol, 2013;48(6):1148-55.

   PMID: 23406464 DOI: 10.1080/00207594.2013.768768

   Abstract

   This study sought to test the predictive effects of perceived career support and affective commitment on work engagement. It was hypothesized that perceived career support would relate positively to work engagement and this relationship would be transmitted through affective commitment. Survey data were collected from 115 full-time employees enrolled as part-time graduate students in a large public university in Malaysia. Multiple regression analysis yielded results indicating that the relationship between perceived career support and work engagement was mediated by affective commitment. This finding suggests that employers can promote employee work engagement by ensuring employees perceive their organization to be supportive of their career and increasing employees' level of affective commitment.

   MeSH terms: Adult; Employment/psychology*; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Malaysia; Male; Organizational Objectives*; Perception; Personnel Loyalty*; Personnel Management; Organizational Culture
4. Fulltext Multi-ethnic perspective of uptake of HIV testing and HIV-related stigma: a cross-sectional population-based study

   Wong LP

   AIDS Care, 2013;25(11):1356-69.

   PMID: 23406514 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2013.766302

   Abstract

   The objective of this study was to identify demographic characteristics and correlates of the uptake of HIV testing, willingness to be tested and perceived HIV-related stigma of Malaysian lay public. A cross-sectional computer-assisted telephone interview survey of a representative sample of multiracial Malaysians aged 18 years and above was conducted between December and July 2011. The survey collected information on demographics, knowledge about HIV transmission and religious beliefs on attitudes to HIV/AIDS. A total of 2271 households were successfully interviewed. The response rate was 48.65%. The HIV transmission knowledge score ranged from 0 to 15 (mean =10.56; SD±2.42). Three of the most common misconceptions about HIV transmission were mosquito bite (42.8%), eating in a restaurant where the cook is HIV positive (20.4%) and using a public toilet (20.1%). Only 20.6% reported ever having been tested for HIV, 49.1% reported a willingness to be tested for HIV and 30.3% had no intention of getting an HIV test. Low-risk perception (63.7%) constitutes a major barrier to HIV testing. Being Malay and Chinese (relative to Indian) were the strongest predictors of low-risk perception. Other significant predictors of low-risk perception were being male, being married and living in an urban locality. Perceived self-stigma if tested positive for HIV was prevalent (78.8%). Multivariate findings showed that being female, Malay, low income, living in rural localities and public stigma were significant correlates of self-stigma. These findings warrant interventions to reduce the disproportionate HIV transmission misconception, barriers to HIV testing and stigma and discriminative attitudes to involve considerations of sociocultural economic and demographic characteristics.

   MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mass Screening/psychology*; Mass Screening/utilization; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology; Patient Education as Topic; Prejudice/psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Rural Population; Self Concept; Socioeconomic Factors; Stereotyping; Urban Population; HIV Infections/ethnology*; HIV Infections/prevention & control; HIV Infections/psychology*; Marital Status; Young Adult; Social Stigma*
5. Leaflet extension in rheumatic mitral valve reconstruction

   Dillon J, Yakub MA, Nordin MN, Pau KK, Krishna Moorthy PS

   Eur J Cardiothorac Surg, 2013 Oct;44(4):682-9.

   PMID: 23407161 DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezt035

   Abstract

   Type IIIa mitral regurgitation (MR) due to rheumatic leaflet restriction often renders valve repair challenging and may predict a less successful repair. However, the utilization of leaflet mobilization and extension with the pericardium to increase the surface of coaptation may achieve satisfactory results. We reviewed our experience with leaflet extension in rheumatic mitral repair with emphasis on the technique and mid-term results.

   MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Bioprosthesis; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve/surgery*; Mitral Valve Insufficiency/surgery*; Pericardium/surgery; Prospective Studies; Prosthesis Failure; Reoperation; Treatment Outcome; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures/adverse effects; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures/methods*; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Young Adult
6. Fulltext Lack of association between TYK2 and STAT3 genes and Crohn's disease in the Malaysian population

   Lian LH, Lau TP, Lee VL, Lee WS, Hilmi I, Goh KL, et al.

   Genet. Mol. Res., 2013;12(1):167-74.

   PMID: 23408403 DOI: 10.4238/2013.January.24.9

   Abstract

   This study aimed to investigate the potential association of TYK2 and STAT3 genes with the susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD) among Malaysians. DNA samples were obtained from 80 CD patients and 100 healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods were employed for genotyping, followed by statistical analysis. In our current study, none of the single nucleotide polymorphisms of either TYK2 or STAT3 was statistically associated with the susceptibility to CD in our local population (P > 0.05). In contrast, there was a statistically significant association between the G/G homozygotes of the STAT3 rs2293152 and the healthy control group (χ(2) = 6.229, P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study does not support the role of the TYK2 and STAT3 genes influencing CD susceptibility.

   MeSH terms: Crohn Disease/genetics*; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Heterozygote; Homozygote; Humans; Malaysia; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics*; STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics*; TYK2 Kinase/genetics*
7. Fulltext An alternate method for DNA and RNA extraction from clotted blood

   Zakaria Z, Umi SH, Mokhtar SS, Mokhtar U, Zaiharina MZ, Aziz AT, et al.

   Genet. Mol. Res., 2013;12(1):302-11.

   PMID: 23408417 DOI: 10.4238/2013.February.4.4

   Abstract

   We developed an alternative method to extract DNA and RNA from clotted blood for genomic and molecular investigations. A combination of the TRIzol method and the QIAamp spin column were used to extract RNA from frozen clotted blood. Clotted blood was sonicated and then the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit was used for DNA extraction. Extracted DNA and RNA were adequate for gene expression analysis and copy number variation (CNV) genotyping, respectively. The purity of the extracted RNA and DNA was in the range of 1.8-2.0, determined by absorbance ratios of A(260):A(280). Good DNA and RNA integrity were confirmed using gel electrophoresis and automated electrophoresis. The extracted DNA was suitable for qPCR and microarrays for CNV genotyping, while the extracted RNA was adequate for gene analysis using RT-qPCR.

   MeSH terms: Blood Chemical Analysis/methods*; DNA/blood*; DNA/genetics; DNA/isolation & purification*; DNA/chemistry; Electrophoresis/methods; Genotype; Humans; RNA/blood*; RNA/genetics; RNA/isolation & purification*; RNA/chemistry; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods; DNA Copy Number Variations
8. Fulltext The validity and reliability of motion analysis in patellar tendon reflex assessment

   Tham LK, Abu Osman NA, Wan Abas WA, Lim KS

   PLoS One, 2013;8(2):e55702.

   PMID: 23409022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055702

   Abstract

   The deep tendon reflex assessments that are essential to the accurate diagnosis of neurological or neuromuscular disorders are conducted subjectively in clinical neurology. Our aim was to assess deep tendon reflexes objectively with a new reflex quantification method.

   MeSH terms: Humans; Motion*; Reference Values; Patellar Ligament/physiology*
9. Fulltext Super, red palm and palm oleins improve the blood pressure, heart size, aortic media thickness and lipid profile in spontaneously hypertensive rats

   Boon CM, Ng MH, Choo YM, Mok SL

   PLoS One, 2013;8(2):e55908.

   PMID: 23409085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055908

   Abstract

   Oleic acid has been shown to lower high blood pressure and provide cardiovascular protection. Curiosity arises as to whether super olein (SO), red palm olein (RPO) and palm olein (PO), which have high oleic acid content, are able to prevent the development of hypertension.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Aorta/drug effects*; Aorta/pathology*; Blood Pressure/drug effects*; Body Weight; Cardiotonic Agents/administration & dosage; Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology; Diet; Fatty Acids/metabolism; Heart/anatomy & histology*; Heart/drug effects*; Heart Rate/drug effects; Kidney Function Tests; Lipids/blood; Liver Function Tests; Male; Oleic Acids/administration & dosage; Oleic Acids/pharmacology*; Organ Size; Plant Oils/chemistry*; Rats, Inbred SHR; Systole/drug effects; Tunica Media; Lipid Metabolism; Rats
10. Fulltext Draft Genome Sequence of Herpotrichiellaceae sp. UM 238 Isolated from Human Skin Scraping

    Ng KP, Yew SM, Chan CL, Tan R, Soo-Hoo TS, Na SL, et al.

    Genome Announc, 2013 Jan;1(1).

    PMID: 23409267 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00148-12

    Abstract

    Herpotrichiellaceae spp. are known to be opportunistic human pathogens. Here, we report the ~28.46-Mb draft genome of Herpotrichiellaceae sp. UM 238, isolated from human skin scraping. The UM 238 genome was found to contain many classes of protective genes that are responsible for fungal adaptation under adverse environmental conditions.

    MeSH terms: Acclimatization; Adaptation, Physiological; Ascomycota; Humans
11. Fulltext Genome sequence of the hepatitis C virus subtype 6n isolated from malaysia

    Ng KT, Lee YM, Al-Darraji HA, Xia X, Takebe Y, Chan KG, et al.

    Genome Announc, 2013 Jan;1(1).

    PMID: 23409272 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00168-12

    Abstract

    We report the full genome sequence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype 6n from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolate 10MYKJ032 suggests that Southeast Asia might be the origin for the HCV subtype 6n and highlights the possible spread of this lineage from Southeast Asia to other regions.

    MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern; Base Sequence; Hepatitis C; Malaysia; Phylogeny; Hepacivirus
12. Social support and work engagement: a study of Malaysian nurses

    Othman N, Nasurdin AM

    J Nurs Manag, 2013 Nov;21(8):1083-90.

    PMID: 23409702 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01448.x

    Abstract

    This study addressed the question of whether social support (supervisor support and co-worker support) could contribute to the variance in work engagement.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Female; Humans; Job Satisfaction*; Malaysia; Male; Motivation; Quality of Health Care; Social Support*; Nursing Administration Research; Patient Satisfaction; Young Adult
13. Concentrations and profiles of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (OH-PAHs) in several Asian countries

    Guo Y, Senthilkumar K, Alomirah H, Moon HB, Minh TB, Mohd MA, et al.

    Environ Sci Technol, 2013 Mar 19;47(6):2932-8.

    PMID: 23409981 DOI: 10.1021/es3052262

    Abstract

    Concentrations of 12 hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) were determined in 306 urine samples collected from seven Asian countries (China, India, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Vietnam) by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The total concentrations of OH-PAHs found in the seven Asian countries were in the following increasing order: Malaysia (median: 2260 pg/mL) < Japan (4030 pg/mL) < China (5770 pg/mL) < India (6750 pg/mL) < Vietnam (8560 pg/mL) < Korea (9340 pg/mL) < Kuwait (10170 pg/mL). The measured urinary concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-PYR) in samples from Malaysia, Korea, and Japan (∼ 100 pg/mL) were similar to those reported for North America and Western Europe. The concentrations of 1-PYR in urine samples from China, India, and Vietnam were 4-10 times higher than those reported for other countries, thus far. Among the 12 OH-PAH compounds analyzed, hydroxynaphthalene (NAP: sum of 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 2-hydroxynaphthalene) was the dominant compound (accounting for 60-90% of total OH-PAHs), followed by hydroxyphenanthrene (PHEN: sum of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene [3-16%]), 2-hydroxyfluorene (3-20%), and 1-PYR (2-8%). The total daily intakes (DIs) of PAHs were estimated based on the urinary concentrations of their metabolites. The DIs of naphthalene were found to be higher for populations in Korea, Kuwait, and Vietnam (> 10 μg/day) than those of the other countries studied (∼ 5 μg/day). The DIs of phenanthrene and pyrene (> 10 μg/day) in the populations of China, India, and Vietnam were higher than those estimated for the populations in the other countries studied (∼ 5 μg/day).

    MeSH terms: Adult; Asia; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Environmental Exposure/analysis; Environmental Pollutants/metabolism*; Environmental Pollutants/urine*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/metabolism*; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/urine*; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
14. Fulltext Factors influencing diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis after a fragility fracture among postmenopausal women in Asian countries: a retrospective study

    Kung AW, Fan T, Xu L, Xia WB, Park IH, Kim HS, et al.

    BMC Womens Health, 2013;13:7.

    PMID: 23410131 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-13-7

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: A vast amount of literature describes the incidence of fracture as a risk for recurrent osteoporotic fractures in western and Asian countries. Osteoporosis evaluation and treatment after a low-trauma fracture, however, has not been well characterized in postmenopausal women in Asia. The purpose of this study was to characterize patient and health system characteristics associated with the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women hospitalized with a fragility fracture in Asia.
    METHODS: Patient surveys and medical charts of postmenopausal women (N=1,122) discharged after a fragility hip fracture from treatment centers in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007 were reviewed for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement, osteoporosis diagnosis, and osteoporosis treatment.
    RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 72.9 (11.5) years. A BMD measurement was reported by 28.2% of patients, 51.5% were informed that they had osteoporosis, and 33.0% received prescription medications for osteoporosis in the 6 months after discharge. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, prior history of fracture decreased the odds of a BMD measurement (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.88). Having a BMD measurement increased the odds of osteoporosis diagnosis (OR 10.1, 95% CI 6.36-16.0), as did having health insurance (OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.51-16.21 for private insurance with partial self-payment relative to 100% self-payment). A history of fracture was not independently associated with an osteoporosis diagnosis (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.56-1.15). Younger age reduced the odds of receiving medication for osteoporosis (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.96 relative to age ≥65), while having a BMD measurement increased the odds (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.23-2.61).
    CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in Asian countries were driven by BMD measurement but not by fracture history. Future efforts should emphasize education of general practitioners and patients about the importance of fracture.

    MeSH terms: Adult; China/epidemiology; Female; Hong Kong/epidemiology; Humans; Malaysia; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Singapore/epidemiology; Taiwan/epidemiology; Thailand/epidemiology; Bone Density; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/epidemiology*; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/radiography*; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/therapy; Comorbidity; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Women's Health/statistics & numerical data; Postmenopause*; Republic of Korea/epidemiology; Osteoporotic Fractures/epidemiology*; Osteoporotic Fractures/radiography*; Osteoporotic Fractures/therapy
15. Fulltext Chemical constituents and antihistamine activity of Bixa orellana leaf extract

    Yong YK, Zakaria ZA, Kadir AA, Somchit MN, Ee Cheng Lian G, Ahmad Z

    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013 Feb 14;13:32.

    PMID: 23410184 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-32

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Bixa orellana L. has been traditionally used in Central and South America to treat a number of ailments, including internal inflammation, and in other tropical countries like Malaysia as treatment for gastric ulcers and stomach discomfort. The current study aimed to determine the major chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of B. orellana (AEBO) and to evaluate the antihistamine activity of AEBO during acute inflammation induced in rats.

    METHODS: Acute inflammation was produced by subplantar injection of 0.1 mL of 0.1% histamine into the right hind paw of each rat in the control and treatment groups. The degree of edema was measured before injection and at the time points of 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min after injection. Changes of peritoneal vascular permeability were studied using Evans blue dye as a detector. Vascular permeability was evaluated by the amount of dye leakage into the peritoneal cavity in rats. To evaluate the inhibitory effect of AEBO on biochemical mediators of vascular permeability, the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined in histamine-treated paw tissues. The major constituents of AEBO were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

    RESULTS: AEBO produced a significant inhibition of histamine-induced paw edema starting at 60 min time point, with maximal percentage of inhibition (60.25%) achieved with a dose of 150 mg/kg of AEBO at 60 min time point. Up to 99% of increased peritoneal vascular permeability produced by histamine was successfully suppressed by AEBO. The expression of biochemical mediators of vascular permeability, NO and VEGF, was also found to be downregulated in the AEBO treated group. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the major constituent in AEBO was acetic acid.

    CONCLUSIONS: The experimental findings demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of AEBO was due to its inhibitory effect on vascular permeability, which was suppressed as a result of the reduced expression of biochemical mediators (NO and VEGF) in tissues. Our results contribute towards the validation of the traditional use of Bixa orellana in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Capillary Permeability/drug effects*; Edema/drug therapy; Edema/metabolism; Histamine/metabolism; Histamine/pharmacology; Histamine Antagonists/pharmacology; Histamine Antagonists/therapeutic use*; Inflammation/drug therapy*; Inflammation/metabolism; Male; Phytotherapy*; Nitric Oxide/metabolism; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Down-Regulation; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Plant Leaves; Acetic Acid/analysis; Acetic Acid/pharmacology; Acetic Acid/therapeutic use*; Bixaceae/chemistry*; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism; Rats
16. Sensitive voltammetric determination of paracetamol by poly (4-vinylpyridine)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode

    Ghadimi H, Tehrani RM, Ali AS, Mohamed N, Ab Ghani S

    Anal Chim Acta, 2013 Feb 26;765:70-6.

    PMID: 23410628 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.12.039

    Abstract

    A novel glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a composite film of poly (4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (P4VP/MWCNT GCE) was used for the voltammetric determination of paracetamol (PCT). This novel electrode displayed a combined effect of P4VP and MWCNT on the electro-oxidation of PCT in a solution of phosphate buffer at pH 7. Hence, conducting properties of P4VP along with the remarkable physical properties of MWCNTs might have combined effects in enhancing the kinetics of PCT oxidation. The P4VP/MWCNT GCE has also demonstrated excellent electrochemical activity toward PCT oxidation compared to that with bare GCE and MWCNT GCE. The anodic peak currents of PCT on the P4VP/MWCNT GCE were about 300 fold higher than that of the non-modified electrodes. By applying differential pulse voltammetry technique under optimized experimental conditions, a good linear ratio of oxidation peak currents and concentrations of PCT over the range of 0.02-450 μM with a limit of detection of 1.69 nM were achieved. This novel electrode was stable for more than 60 days and reproducible responses were obtained at 99% of the initial current of PCT without any influence of physiologically common interferences such as ascorbic acid and uric acid. The application of this electrode to determine PCT in tablets and urine samples was proposed.

    MeSH terms: Acetaminophen/analysis*; Acetaminophen/urine; Ascorbic Acid/chemistry; Carbon/chemistry*; Electrodes; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Oxidation-Reduction; Polyvinyls/chemistry*; Uric Acid/chemistry; Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry*; Electrochemical Techniques*
17. Antioxidant synergism between ethanolic Centella asiatica extracts and α-tocopherol in model systems

    Thoo YY, Abas F, Lai OM, Ho CW, Yin J, Hedegaard RV, et al.

    Food Chem, 2013 Jun 1;138(2-3):1215-9.

    PMID: 23411234 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.11.013

    Abstract

    The synergistic antioxidant effects of ethanolic extracts of Centella asiatica (CE), and α-tocopherol have been studied. The types of interactions exhibited by CE and α-tocopherol combined at different ratios were measured using three assays: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical-scavenging capacity, the β-carotene bleaching system and liposome peroxidation assays. Fixed-fraction isobolographic analysis was used to detect any inducement of the antioxidant activity compared with the individual activities of CE and α-tocopherol. Of all synergistic combinations of CE and α-tocopherol, only fraction 2/3 showed the synergistic combination that fits well in three different assays and can be explained by the regeneration of α-tocopherol by CE despite the interaction effect of β-carotene present in the analytical assay. This phenomenon involved complex interactions between CE and α-tocopherol to exhibit different degrees of interactions that eventually increased antioxidant activity.

    MeSH terms: Antioxidants/pharmacology; Antioxidants/chemistry*; Drug Synergism; Models, Biological; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects; alpha-Tocopherol/pharmacology; alpha-Tocopherol/chemistry*; Centella/chemistry*
18. Preparation of highly porous binderless activated carbon electrodes from fibres of oil palm empty fruit bunches for application in supercapacitors

    Farma R, Deraman M, Awitdrus A, Talib IA, Taer E, Basri NH, et al.

    Bioresour Technol, 2013 Mar;132:254-61.

    PMID: 23411456 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.01.044

    Abstract

    Fibres from oil palm empty fruit bunches, generated in large quantities by palm oil mills, were processed into self-adhesive carbon grains (SACG). Untreated and KOH-treated SACG were converted without binder into green monolith prior to N2-carbonisation and CO2-activation to produce highly porous binderless carbon monolith electrodes for supercapacitor applications. Characterisation of the pore structure of the electrodes revealed a significant advantage from combining the chemical and physical activation processes. The electrochemical measurements of the supercapacitor cells fabricated using these electrodes, using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques consistently found that approximately 3h of activation time, achieved via a multi-step heating profile, produced electrodes with a high surface area of 1704m(2)g(-1) and a total pore volume of 0.889cm(3)g(-1), corresponding to high values for the specific capacitance, specific energy and specific power of 150Fg(-1), 4.297Whkg(-1) and 173Wkg(-1), respectively.

    MeSH terms: Carbon/analysis; Carbon/chemistry*; Carbon Dioxide/chemistry; Electrochemistry/methods*; Electrodes*; Fruit/chemistry*; Nitrogen/chemistry; Time Factors; Biomass; Arecaceae/chemistry*; Dielectric Spectroscopy
19. Noncompaction cardiomyopathy manifesting as retinal artery occlusion

    Jin-Poi T, Shatriah I, Ng SL, Zurkurnai Y, Yunus R

    JAMA Ophthalmol, 2013 Feb;131(2):263-5.

    PMID: 23411903 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.587

    MeSH terms: Anticoagulants/therapeutic use; Blindness/diagnosis; Blindness/physiopathology; Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnosis*; Heart Defects, Congenital/drug therapy; Heart Defects, Congenital/physiopathology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Visual Acuity/physiology; Visual Fields; Warfarin/therapeutic use; Retinal Artery Occlusion/diagnosis*; Retinal Artery Occlusion/drug therapy; Retinal Artery Occlusion/physiopathology; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
20. Prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia and usefulness of HbA1c as a diagnostic criterion

    Wan Nazaimoon WM, Md Isa SH, Wan Mohamad WB, Khir AS, Kamaruddin NA, Kamarul IM, et al.

    Diabet Med, 2013 Jul;30(7):825-8.

    PMID: 23413941 DOI: 10.1111/dme.12161

    Abstract

    AIM: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Malaysians aged ≥ 30 years of age has increased by more than twofold over a 20-year period. This study aimed to determine the current status and to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of the HbA(1c) cut-off point of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%).
    METHODS: Using a two-stage stratified sampling design, participants aged ≥ 18 years were recruited from five zones selected to represent Malaysia. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on all those not known to have diabetes.
    RESULTS: A total of 4341 subjects were recruited. By World Health Organization criteria, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 22.9%; of that percentage, 10.8% was known diabetes and 12.1% was newly diagnosed diabetes. Diabetes was most prevalent amongst Indians (37.9%) and Malays (23.8%). Prevalence of new diabetes mellitus was only 5.5% (95% CI 4.9-6.3) when based on the HbA(1c) diagnostic criteria of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) and, although the cut-off point was highly specific (98.1%), it was less sensitive (36.7%) compared with 45 mmol/mol (6.3%), which showed the optimal sum of sensitivity (42.5%) and specificity (97.4%) in identifying new diabetes mellitus.
    CONCLUSION: This study recorded an overall diabetes prevalence of 22.6%, almost a twofold increase from 11.6% reported in 2006. This was likely attributable to the higher prevalence of new diabetes (12.1%) diagnosed following an oral glucose tolerance test. An HbA(1c) of 45 mmol/mol (6.3%) was found to be a better predictive cut-off point for detecting new diabetes in our multi-ethnic population.

    MeSH terms: Adult; China/ethnology; Diabetes Mellitus/blood*; Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology*; Ethnic Groups; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/analysis; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Prediabetic State; Reference Values; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; World Health Organization; Prevalence