Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. The relationship between sexual functioning among couples undergoing infertility treatment: a pair of perfect gloves
    Yeoh SH, Razali R, Sidi H, Razi ZR, Midin M, Nik Jaafar NR, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S1-6.
    PMID: 23116967 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2012.09.002
    The study aimed to measure the relationship of sexual functioning between male and female partners, who sought infertility treatment in a university hospital setting in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Coitus/physiology; Coitus/psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Infertility/psychology*; Malaysia; Male; Orgasm/physiology; Personal Satisfaction*; Sexual Behavior/physiology; Sexual Behavior/psychology*; Sexual Partners/psychology*
  2. Ethical considerations in clinical trials: a critique of the ICH-GCP guideline
    Kaur S, Choy CY
    Dev World Bioeth, 2014 Apr;14(1):20-8.
    PMID: 23170779 DOI: 10.1111/dewb.12004
    This article examines issues relating to ethics decision-making in clinical trials. The overriding concern is to ensure that the well being and the interests of human subjects are adequately safeguarded. In this respect, this article will embark on a critical analysis of the ICH-GCP Guideline. The purpose of such an undertaking is to highlight areas of concern and the shortcomings of the existing ICH-GCP Guideline. Particular emphasis is made on how ethics committees perform their duties and responsibilities in line with the principles outlined in the ICH-GCP Guideline. This article will draw attention to the need for a new approach to addressing the weaknesses of the ICH-GCP Guideline in its present form.
    MeSH terms: Clinical Trials as Topic/ethics*; Europe; Humans; International Cooperation; Japan; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care)/methods; United States; Guidelines as Topic/standards*; Ethics Committees, Research*; Ethics, Research
  3. Apoptosis induced by para-phenylenediamine involves formation of ROS and activation of p38 and JNK in chang liver cells
    Chye SM, Tiong YL, Yip WK, Koh RY, Len YW, Seow HF, et al.
    Environ Toxicol, 2014 Sep;29(9):981-90.
    PMID: 23172806 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21828
    para-Phenylenediamine (p-PD) is a suspected carcinogen, but it has been widely used as a component in permanent hair dyes. In this study, the mechanism of p-PD-induced cell death in normal Chang liver cells was investigated. The results demonstrated that p-PD decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Cell death via apoptosis was confirmed by enhanced DNA damage and increased cell number in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle, using Hoechst 33258 dye staining and flow cytometry analysis. Apoptosis via reactive oxygen species generation was detected by the dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining method. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was assessed by western blot analysis and revealed that p-PD activated not only stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 MAPK but also extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by p-PD were markedly enhanced by ERK activation and selectively inhibited by ERK inhibitor PD98059, thus indicating a negative role of ERK. In contrast, inhibition of p38 MAPK activity with the p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 moderately inhibited cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction by p-PD. Similarly, SP600125, an inhibitor of SAPK/JNK, moderately inhibited cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by p-PD, thus implying that p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK had a partial role in p-PD-induced apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that p-PD significantly increased phosphorylation of p38 and SAPK/JNK and decreased phosphorylation of ERK. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that SAPK/JNK and p38 cooperatively participate in apoptosis induced by p-PD and that a decreased ERK signal contributes to growth inhibition or apoptosis.
    MeSH terms: Cell Line; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Imidazoles/pharmacology; Liver/cytology; Liver/drug effects*; Liver/enzymology; Phenylenediamines/pharmacology*; Phosphorylation; Pyridines/pharmacology; Apoptosis/drug effects*; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*; MAP Kinase Kinase 4/metabolism*
  4. Malaysian government dentists' experience, willingness and barriers in providing domiciliary care for elderly people
    Othman AA, Yusof Z, Saub R
    Gerodontology, 2014 Jun;31(2):136-44.
    PMID: 23173906 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12023
    To assess Malaysian government dentists' experience, willingness and barriers in providing domiciliary care for elderly people.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Dentists; Government; Home Care Services; Humans
  5. Morphological variation between isolates of the nematode Haemonchus contortus from sheep and goat populations in Malaysia and Yemen
    Gharamah AA, Rahman WA, Siti Azizah MN
    J Helminthol, 2014 Mar;88(1):82-8.
    PMID: 23176779 DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X12000776
    Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic nematode parasite of sheep and goats. This work was conducted to investigate the population and host variations of the parasitic nematode H. contortus of sheep and goats from Malaysia and Yemen. Eight morphological characters were investigated, namely the total body length, cervical papillae, right spicule, left spicule, right barb, left barb, gubernaculum and cuticular ridge (synlophe) pattern. Statistical analysis showed the presence of morphological variation between populations of H. contortus from Malaysia and Yemen, with minor variation in the synlophe pattern of these isolates. Isolates from each country were grouped together in the scatterplots with no host isolation. Body, cervical papillae and spicule lengths were the most important characters that distinguished between populations of the two countries. This variation between Malaysia and Yemen may be attributed to geographical isolation and the possible presence of a different isolate of this worm in each country.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Female; Goats; Haemonchus/anatomy & histology*; Haemonchus/isolation & purification; Malaysia; Male; Sheep; Yemen; Phylogeography
  6. A large unilateral submandibular mass
    Rajandram RK, Sha PP, Hussaini HM, Jabar NA
    Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol, 2014 Apr;117(4):402-6.
    PMID: 23183027 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2012.08.456
    MeSH terms: Biopsy; Choristoma/diagnosis*; Choristoma/surgery*; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Submandibular Gland Diseases/diagnosis*; Submandibular Gland Diseases/surgery*; Thyroid Gland*; Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  7. Sex reassignment technology: the dilemma of transsexuals in Islam and Christianity
    Ishak MS, Haneef SS
    J Relig Health, 2014 Apr;53(2):520-37.
    PMID: 23187616 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-012-9656-z
    The birth of people with confused or ambiguous sex makeup as a biological fact since the annals of history has posed the challenge of accommodating them within the binary gender of sociocultural systems. In this process, the role of religion as a defining factor in social engineering has been paramount. Major religions, such as Islam and Christianity, have addressed this issue within the frame of their God-ordained laws by devising a set of moral and legal imperatives specific to the "third gender." Modern developments in medicine and biology, however, have made sex reassignment possible for this category of people, today called transsexuals. The question is: How do Islam and Christianity respond to it. After presenting an analytical view of both Muslim scholars and Christian religious authorities on the legitimacy of sex reassignment for transsexuals, this paper attempts to explore if such a dilemma can be resolved.
    MeSH terms: Christianity*; Culture; Female; Humans; Islam*; Male; Morals; Religion and Medicine*; Transsexualism/psychology; Sex Reassignment Procedures*; Transgender Persons/legislation & jurisprudence*; Transgender Persons/psychology*
  8. Scanning electron microscopic assessment on surface morphology of preserved human amniotic membrane after gamma sterilisation
    Ab Hamid SS, Zahari NK, Yusof N, Hassan A
    Cell Tissue Bank, 2014 Mar;15(1):15-24.
    PMID: 23187886 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-012-9353-x
    Human amniotic membrane that has been processed and sterilised by gamma irradiation is widely used as a biological dressing in surgical applications. The morphological structure of human amniotic membrane was studied under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess effects of gamma radiation on human amniotic membrane following different preservation methods. The amniotic membrane was preserved by either air drying or submerged in glycerol before gamma irradiated at 15, 25 and 35 kGy. Fresh human amniotic membrane, neither preserved nor irradiated was used as the control. The surface morphology of glycerol preserved amnion was found comparable to the fresh amniotic membrane. The cells of the glycerol preserved was beautifully arranged, homogonous in size and tended to round up. The cell structure in the air dried preserved amnion seemed to be flattened and dehydrated. The effects of dehydration on intercellular channels and the microvilli on the cell surface were clearly seen at higher magnifications (10,000×). SEM revealed that the changes of the cell morphology of the glycerol preserved amnion were visible at 35 kGy while the air dried already changed at 25 kGy. Glycerol preservation method is recommended for human amniotic membrane as the cell morphological structure is maintained and radiation doses lower than 25 kGy for sterilization did not affect the appearance of the preserved amnion.
    MeSH terms: Amnion/radiation effects*; Amnion/transplantation*; Gamma Rays; Glycerol/pharmacology; Humans; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Sterilization/methods*; Surface Properties/radiation effects; Tissue Preservation/methods*; Wound Closure Techniques
  9. Religious commitment, attitudes toward suicide, and suicidal behaviors among college students of different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia
    Foo XY, Alwi MN, Ismail SI, Ibrahim N, Osman ZJ
    J Relig Health, 2014 Jun;53(3):731-46.
    PMID: 23196328 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-012-9667-9
    The variation in suicide patterns across ethnic groups with different religious background is a puzzling social phenomenon. This study sought to examine the impact of religious commitment and attitudes toward suicide on suicidal behaviors of college students across major ethnic and religious groups in a multicultural society of Malaysia. A total of 139 college students completed Religious Commitment Inventory-10, Attitudes Toward Suicide Scale, and Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Findings showed significant discrepancies in attitudes toward suicide, but not suicidal behaviors across ethnic and religious groups. Suicide acceptance significantly affected suicidal behaviors as well. Although religious commitment is not associated with suicidal behaviors, its deviation is reflected in students' acceptance of suicide. Additionally, college students' suicide risk, lifetime, and recent suicide ideation, as well as their likelihood of future suicide attempt can be associated with their acceptance of suicide. The influence of attitudes toward suicide and religion, therefore, should be taken into consideration while implementing suicide prevention programs as it helps shape the norms about suicide among youths.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Attitude to Health*; Cross-Cultural Comparison*; Ethnic Groups/psychology*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Religion*; Religion and Psychology*; Students/psychology; Suicide/ethnology*; Suicide/prevention & control; Suicide/psychology*; Suicide, Attempted/ethnology*; Suicide, Attempted/prevention & control; Suicide, Attempted/psychology*; Cultural Diversity; Young Adult; Suicidal Ideation
  10. Duration of hypertension and antihypertensive agents in correlation with the phases of female sexual response cycle
    Latif RA, Muhamad R, Ann AY, Sidi H, Nik Jaafar NR, Midin M, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S7-12.
    PMID: 23206495 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2012.10.008
    This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the construct of the phases of the female sexual response cycle (SRC) in women with hypertension and their association with the duration of hypertension and types of antihypertensive agents.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Antihypertensive Agents/adverse effects*; Coitus/physiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Hypertension/drug therapy*; Middle Aged; Orgasm/drug effects*; Personal Satisfaction; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sexual Behavior/drug effects*
  11. The effects of magnetic separation on cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa motility, viability and cryo-capacitation status
    Faezah SS, Zuraina FM, Farah JH, Khairul O, Hilwani NI, Iswadi MI, et al.
    Zygote, 2014 Aug;22(3):378-86.
    PMID: 23237064 DOI: 10.1017/S0967199412000597
    Cryopreservation is a technique used to preserve cells for long-time storage. It is widely used in agriculture to store male gametes in liquid nitrogen. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum thawing temperature and time for samples subjected to annexin V magnetic-activated cell sorting (AnMACS) as the sperm preparation technique. Pooled semen samples from three ejaculates were divided into two groups. The treatment group was subjected both to AnMACS and to being cryopreserved, whilst the control group was cryopreserved directly without MACS. Post-thaw analysis was carried out for samples thawed at either 20°C for 13 s, 37°C for 30 s, 40°C for 7 s, 60°C for 6 s or 80°C for 5 s. Sperm kinematics, viability and capacitation status were determined for samples subjected to all thawing temperatures described. Results showed that thawing at 37°C for 13 s for MACS-processed samples was a superior option compared with other thawing procedures; there was a significant difference in P < 0.05 values for curvilinear velocity (VCL μm/s) and sperm straightness (STR %) when samples were thawed at 40°C for 7 s, with fewer capacitated spermatozoa (P < 0.05) when samples were thawed at 37°C for 30 s, 40°C for 7 s or 60°C for 6 s. Hence, we can speculate that the use of AnMACS as the sperm preparation technique can somehow enhance sperm cryosurvival rate after cryopreservation, however the fertilization potential of these cells has yet to be determined.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cattle; Cell Survival; Male; Semen Preservation/methods; Sperm Capacitation; Sperm Motility*; Spermatozoa/physiology*; Temperature; Cryopreservation/methods*; Magnetic Phenomena
  12. Patellar thickness and lateral retinacular release affects patellofemoral kinematics in total knee arthroplasty
    Merican AM, Ghosh KM, Baena FR, Deehan DJ, Amis AA
    Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 2014 Mar;22(3):526-33.
    PMID: 23271038 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-012-2312-z
    PURPOSE: To study the effect of increasing patellar thickness (overstuffing) on patellofemoral kinematics in total knee arthroplasty and whether subsequent lateral retinacular release would restore the change in kinematics.

    METHODS: The quadriceps of eight fresh-frozen knees were loaded on a custom-made jig. Kinematic data were recorded using an optical tracking device for the native knee, following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), then with patellar thicknesses from -2 to +4 mm, during knee extension motion. Staged lateral retinacular releases were performed to examine the restoration of normal patellar kinematics.

    RESULTS: Compared to the native knee, TKA led to significant changes in patellofemoral kinematics, with significant increases in lateral shift, tilt and rotation. When patellar composite thickness was increased, the patella tilted further laterally. Lateral release partly corrected this lateral tilt but caused abnormal tibial external rotation. With complete release of the lateral retinaculum and capsule, the patella with an increased thickness of 4 mm remained more laterally tilted compared to the TKA with normal patellar thickness between 45° and 55° knee flexion and from 75° onwards. This was on average by 2.4° ± 2.9° (p 

    MeSH terms: Aged; Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Middle Aged; Patella/physiopathology; Patella/surgery*; Rotation; Range of Motion, Articular; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods*; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome/etiology; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome/prevention & control; Patellofemoral Joint/physiopathology*; Patellofemoral Joint/surgery
  13. Fulltext Osteoblasts growth behaviour on bio-based calcium carbonate aragonite nanocrystal
    Shafiu Kamba A, Zakaria ZA
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:215097.
    PMID: 24734228 DOI: 10.1155/2014/215097
    Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocrystals derived from cockle shells emerge to present a good concert in bone tissue engineering because of their potential to mimic the composition, structure, and properties of native bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological response of CaCO3 nanocrystals on hFOB 1.19 and MC3T3 E-1 osteoblast cells in vitro. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT and BrdU assays, and LDH was measured to determine the effect of CaCO3 nanocrystals on cell membrane integrity. Cellular morphology was examined by SEM and fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that CaCO3 nanocrystals had no toxic effects to some extent. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and protein synthesis were enhanced by the nanocrystals when compared to the control. Cellular interactions were improved, as indicated by SEM and fluorescent microscopy. The production of VEGF and TGF-1 was also affected by the CaCO3 nanocrystals. Therefore, bio-based CaCO3 nanocrystals were shown to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and improve the osteointegration process.
    MeSH terms: Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism; Animals; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Bone and Bones/chemistry; Calcium/chemistry; Calcium Carbonate/chemistry*; Cell Differentiation; Cell Membrane/metabolism; Cell Survival; Colorimetry; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Osteoblasts/cytology*; 3T3 Cells; Nanotechnology/methods*; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism; Cell Proliferation; Mice; Nanoparticles/chemistry*; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism; Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry
  14. Fulltext Simple and cost-effective restriction endonuclease analysis of human adenoviruses
    Adhikary AK, Hanaoka N, Fujimoto T
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:363790.
    PMID: 24734232 DOI: 10.1155/2014/363790
    Restriction endonuclease analyses (REAs) constitute the only inexpensive molecular approach capable of typing and characterizing human adenovirus (HAdV) strains based on the entire genome. However, the application of this method is limited by the need for time-consuming and labor-intensive procedures. We herein developed a simple and cost-effective REA for assessing HAdV. The method consists of (1) simple and cost-effective DNA extraction, (2) fast restriction endonuclease (RE) digestion, and (3) speedy mini agarose gel electrophoresis. In this study, DNA was isolated according to the kit-based method and 21.0 to 28.0  μg of viral DNA was extracted from prototypes (HAdV-1, HAdV-3, HAdV-4, and HAdV-37) in each flask. The amount of DNA ranged from 11.4 to 57.0  μg among the HAdV-3 (n=73) isolates. The obtained viral DNA was found to be applicable to more than 10 types of REAs. Fast-cut restriction endonucleases (REs) were able to digest the DNA within 15 minutes, and restriction fragments were easily separated via horizontal mini agarose gel electrophoresis. The whole procedure for 10 samples can be completed within approximately six hours (the conventional method requires at least two days). These results show that our REA is potentially applicable in many laboratories in which HAdVs are isolated.
    MeSH terms: Adenoviruses, Human/genetics*; DNA Restriction Enzymes/economics; DNA Restriction Enzymes/chemistry*; DNA, Viral/chemistry; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel/economics; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel/methods; Humans; Species Specificity; Restriction Mapping/methods*; Genome; Genome, Viral; Cell Line, Tumor
  15. Phenotypic characterization of culture expanded rabbit limbal corneal keratocytes
    Abd Ghafar N, Chua KH, Wan Ngah WZ, Che Hamzah J, Othman F, Abd Rahman R, et al.
    Cell Tissue Bank, 2014 Mar;15(1):25-34.
    PMID: 23292197 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-012-9360-y
    The in vivo quiescent corneal stroma keratocytes need to be transformed to activated state in order to obtain sufficient number of cells either for monolayer evaluation or corneal stroma reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic characterization of corneal stromal cells during culture expansion from the limbal region of the cornea. Isolated corneal keratocytes from limbal tissue of New Zealand White Strain rabbits' corneas (n = 6) were culture expanded until three passages. Keratocytes morphology was examined daily with viability, growth rate, number of cell doubling and population doubling time were recorded at each passage. The expression of collagen type 1, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), lumican and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by RT-PCR. Immunocytochemistry was also used to detect ALDH, α-SMA, collagen type I and Cytokeratin-3 (CK3). Growth kinetic study revealed that the growth rate was low at the initial passage but increase to about two folds with concomitant reduction in population doubling time in later passages. Freshly isolated and cultured keratocytes expressed collagen type 1, ALDH and lumican but α-SMA expression was absent. However, α-SMA was expressed along with the other genes during culture expansion. Keratocytes at P1 expressed all the proteins except CK3. These results suggest that cultured keratocytes maintained most of the gene expression profile of native keratocytes while the emergence of α-SMA in serial passages showed a mix population of various phenotypes. The phenotypic characterization of monolayer keratocytes provides useful information before reconstruction of bioengineered tissue or in vitro pharmaceutical applications.
    MeSH terms: Actins/biosynthesis; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Corneal Stroma/cytology*; Fibroblasts; Keratan Sulfate/biosynthesis; Phenotype; Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans/biosynthesis; Rabbits; Gene Expression; Collagen Type I/biosynthesis; Keratin-3/biosynthesis; Bioengineering; Corneal Keratocytes/cytology*; Corneal Keratocytes/transplantation; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
  16. Intrapancreatic gastric duplication cyst-a rare cause of chronic abdominal pain in childhood
    Lee CL, binti Che Daud CZ, binti Ismail R
    J Clin Ultrasound, 2014 Jan;42(1):42-4.
    PMID: 23303464 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22029
    We report a rare case of a gastric duplication cyst in the tail of the pancreas in a child presenting with chronic abdominal pain which was cured by excision of the cyst and adjacent pancreas. This case report highlights the role of sonography as an excellent imaging tool for depiction of the bowel wall and, hence, in aiding diagnosis even when clinical picture and findings of other modalities are nonspecific.
    MeSH terms: Child, Preschool; Choristoma/complications; Choristoma/ultrasonography*; Humans; Male; Pancreatic Cyst/complications; Pancreatic Cyst/ultrasonography*; Stomach*; Abdominal Pain/etiology*; Pancreatitis, Chronic/diagnosis; Pancreatitis, Chronic/etiology*; Chronic Pain/etiology*
  17. Effect of polymer, plasticizer and filler on orally disintegrating film
    Liew KB, Tan YT, Peh KK
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2014 Jan;40(1):110-9.
    PMID: 23311593 DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2012.749889
    Difficulty in swallowing tablets or capsules has been identified as one of the contributing factors to non-compliance of geriatric patients. Although orally disintegrating tablet was designed for fast disintegration in mouth, the fear of taking solid tablets and the risk of choking for certain patient populations still exist.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/administration & dosage; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry; Drug Stability; Drug Storage; Excipients/chemistry*; Female; Humans; Indans/administration & dosage*; Indans/chemistry; Male; Piperidines/administration & dosage*; Piperidines/chemistry; Plasticizers/chemistry*; Polymers/chemistry*; Solubility; Tablets; Tensile Strength; Time Factors; Medication Adherence; Young Adult
  18. The utilization of cranial models created using rapid prototyping techniques in the development of models for navigation training
    Waran V, Pancharatnam D, Thambinayagam HC, Raman R, Rathinam AK, Balakrishnan YK, et al.
    J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg, 2014 Jan;75(1):12-5.
    PMID: 23315670 DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1330960
    Navigation in neurosurgery has expanded rapidly; however, suitable models to train end users to use the myriad software and hardware that come with these systems are lacking. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) industrial rapid prototyping processes, we have been able to create models using actual computed tomography (CT) data from patients with pathology and use these models to simulate a variety of commonly performed neurosurgical procedures with navigation systems.
    MeSH terms: Brain/radiography; Brain/surgery*; Humans; Models, Anatomic*; Skull/radiography; Skull/surgery*; Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Neuronavigation/methods*
  19. Thermal sintering: a novel technique used in the design, optimization and biopharmaceutical evaluation of propranolol HCl gastric floating tablets
    Venkata Srikanth M, Songa AS, Nali SR, Battu JR, Kolapalli VR
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2014 Jan;40(1):33-45.
    PMID: 23317339 DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2012.744416
    The objective of the present investigation was to study the applicability of thermal sintering technique for the development of gastric floating tablets of propranolol HCl. Formulations were prepared using four independent variables, namely (i) polymer quantity, (ii) sodium bicarbonate concentration, (iii) sintering temperature and (iv) sintering time. Floating lag time and t95 were taken as dependent variables. Tablets were prepared by the direct compression method and were evaluated for physicochemical properties, in vitro buoyancy and dissolution studies. From the drug release studies, it was observed that drug retarding property mainly depends upon the sintering temperature and time of exposure. The statistically optimized formulation (PTSso) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies, and no significant chemical interaction between drug and polymer was observed. Optimized formulation was stable at accelerated conditions for a period of six months. PTSso was evaluated for in vivo buoyancy studies in humans for both fed and fasted states and found that gastric residence time of the floating tablets were enhanced by fed stage but not in fasted state. Optimized formulation PTSso and commercial formulation Ciplar LA 80 were subjected to bioavailability studies in healthy human volunteers by estimating pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax, Tmax, area under curve (AUC), elimination rate constant (Kel), biological half-life (t1/2) and mean residence time (MRT). There was a significant increase in the bioavailability of the propranolol HCl from PTSso formulation, which was evident from increased AUC levels and larger MRT values than Ciplar LA 80.
    MeSH terms: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/administration & dosage; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/pharmacokinetics; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/chemistry; Adult; Biological Availability; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods; Drug Compounding/methods; Excipients/chemistry*; Half-Life; Humans; Male; Polymers/chemistry*; Propranolol/administration & dosage*; Propranolol/pharmacokinetics; Propranolol/chemistry; Solubility; Tablets; Temperature; Time Factors; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Sodium Bicarbonate/chemistry*; Cross-Over Studies; Area Under Curve; Young Adult
  20. Post tsunami psychological impact among survivors in Aceh and West Sumatra, Indonesia
    Musa R, Draman S, Jeffrey S, Jeffrey I, Abdullah N, Halim NA, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S13-6.
    PMID: 23318005 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2012.12.002
    In 2004, the province of Aceh, Indonesia was rocked by tsunami and in September 2009, West Sumatra, Indonesia was hit by an earthquake. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term psychological impact on the residents inhabiting these regions and to identify factors associated with it.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Anxiety/etiology; Anxiety/epidemiology*; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression/etiology; Depression/epidemiology*; Disasters; Employment/psychology; Employment/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Humans; Indonesia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Factors; Stress, Psychological/etiology; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology*; Survivors/psychology*; Young Adult; Earthquakes; Tsunamis
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