Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. Gelsolin and ceruloplasmin as potential predictive biomarkers for cervical cancer by 2D-DIGE proteomics analysis
    Lokamani I, Looi ML, Md Ali SA, Mohd Dali AZ, Ahmad Annuar MA, Jamal R
    Pathol Oncol Res, 2014 Jan;20(1):119-29.
    PMID: 23925487 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-013-9670-9
    This study aimed to identify candidate proteins which may serve as potential biological markers for cervical cancer using 2D-DIGE. Serum samples of controls, patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3), squamous cell carcinoma of early (SCC I and II) and late (SCC III and IV) stage were subjected to 2D-DIGE. Differentially expressed spots were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Validation of candidate proteins in serum and tissue samples were then performed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis respectively. A total of 20 differentially expressed proteins were identified. These proteins were found to play key roles in the apoptosis pathway, complement system, various types of transportation such as hormones, fatty acids, lipid, vitamin E and drug transportation, coagulation cascade, regulation of iron and immunologic response. Based on their functional relevancy to the progression of various cancers, 4 proteins namely the complement factor H, CD5-like antigen, gelsolin and ceruloplasmin were chosen for further validation using ELISA. Biological network analysis showed that ceruloplasmin and gelsolin are closely interacted with the oncogene NF-κb. These two proteins were further validated using the IHC. Gelsolin and ceruloplasmin may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for the progression of high grade lesions.
    MeSH terms: Ceruloplasmin/metabolism*; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/blood*; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Biomarkers, Tumor/blood*; NF-kappa B/metabolism; Gelsolin/blood*; Disease Progression; Proteomics/methods; Two-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis/methods
  2. Fulltext Rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by a newly developed dry reagent-based polymerase chain reaction assay
    Al-Talib H, Yean CY, Al-Khateeb A, Hasan H, Ravichandran M
    J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2014 Dec;47(6):484-90.
    PMID: 23927820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2013.06.004
    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen responsible for significant numbers of nosocomial and community-acquired infections worldwide. Molecular diagnosis for MRSA nasal carriers is increasingly important for rapid detection and screening of MRSA colonization because the conventional methods are time consuming and labor intensive. However, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests still require cold-chain storage as well as trained personnel, which makes them unsuitable for rapid high-throughput analysis. The aim of this study was to develop a thermostabilized PCR assay for MRSA in a ready-to-use form that requires no cold chain.
    MeSH terms: Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Bacteriological Techniques/methods*; Bacteriological Techniques/standards; Carrier State/diagnosis*; Carrier State/microbiology; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Humans; Reference Standards; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Sensitivity and Specificity; Staphylococcal Infections/diagnosis*; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*; Polymerase Chain Reaction/standards; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods*; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/standards; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification*
  3. Fulltext Robot-assisted radiofrequency ablation of primary and secondary liver tumours: early experience
    Abdullah BJ, Yeong CH, Goh KL, Yoong BK, Ho GF, Yim CC, et al.
    Eur Radiol, 2014 Jan;24(1):79-85.
    PMID: 23928933 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-013-2979-7
    OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography (CT)-compatible robots, both commercial and research-based, have been developed with the intention of increasing the accuracy of needle placement and potentially improving the outcomes of therapies in addition to reducing clinical staff and patient exposure to radiation during CT fluoroscopy. In the case of highly inaccessible lesions that require multiple plane angulations, robotically assisted needles may improve biopsy access and targeted drug delivery therapy by avoidance of the straight line path of normal linear needles.

    METHODS: We report our preliminary experience of performing radiofrequency ablation of the liver using a robotic-assisted CT guidance system on 11 patients (17 lesions).

    RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted planning and needle placement appears to have high accuracy, is technically easier than the non-robotic-assisted procedure, and involves a significantly lower radiation dose to both patient and support staff.

    KEY POINTS: • An early experience of robotic-assisted radiofrequency ablation is reported • Robotic-assisted RFA improves accuracy of hepatic lesion targeting • Robotic-assisted RFA makes the procedure technically easier with significant lower radiation dose.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Female; Fluoroscopy; Humans; Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis; Liver Neoplasms/surgery*; Male; Middle Aged; Robotics*; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Reproducibility of Results; Treatment Outcome; Catheter Ablation/methods*; Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods*
  4. Recent advances in gel technologies for topical and transdermal drug delivery
    Rehman K, Zulfakar MH
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2014 Apr;40(4):433-40.
    PMID: 23937582 DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2013.828219
    Transdermal drug delivery systems are a constant source of interest because of the benefits that they afford in overcoming many drawbacks associated with other modes of drug delivery (i.e. oral, intravenous). Because of the impermeable nature of the skin, designing a suitable drug delivery vehicle that penetrates the skin barrier is challenging. Gels are semisolid formulations, which have an external solvent phase, may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic in nature, and are immobilized within the spaces of a three-dimensional network structure. Gels have a broad range of applications in food, cosmetics, biotechnology, pharmatechnology, etc. Typically, gels can be distinguished according to the nature of the liquid phase, for example, organogels (oleogels) contain an organic solvent, and hydrogels contain water. Recent studies have reported other types of gels for dermal drug application, such as proniosomal gels, emulgels, bigels and aerogels. This review aims to introduce the latest trends in transdermal drug delivery via traditional hydrogels and organogels and to provide insight into the latest gel types (proniosomal gels, emulgels, bigels and aerogels) as well as recent technologies for topical and transdermal drug delivery.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Topical; Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage*; Pharmaceutical Preparations/chemistry; Gels; Humans; Skin Absorption*; Solvents/chemistry; Drug Delivery Systems*; Hydrogels; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  5. Effect of salinity and temperature on marine leech, Zeylanicobdella arugamensis (De Silva) under laboratory conditions
    Kua BC, Choong FC, Leaw YY
    J Fish Dis, 2014 Mar;37(3):201-7.
    PMID: 23941201 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12087
    The high prevalence (80-100%) of the marine leech Zeylanicobdella arugamensis (De Silva) on cage-cultured Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch) led us to investigate the percentage of juvenile leeches hatched from deposited cocoons, survival of juvenile and adult marine leeches at different salinity and temperature. The results showed that the hatching percentage of juvenile leeches was highest at salinity of 30 ppt (32.5 ± 2.8%) followed by 20 ppt (18.0 ± 4.3%) and 10 ppt (12.1 ± 1.4%), respectively. It was found that the adult and juvenile leeches could live up to an average range of 4-7 days at salinity ranging from 10 to 40 ppt. The juvenile leeches were able to hatch at temperature ranging from 25 to 35 °C but unable to hatch at 40 °C. The survival period of adult and juvenile leeches ranged from 11 to 16 days at 25 °C, which was comparatively longer than 5-13 days and 10 h--5 days at 27-30 °C and 35-40 °C, respectively. The study provided the information on the physical parameters of salinity and temperature which are most optimal for the marine leech Z. arugamensis to propagate.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Ectoparasitic Infestations/parasitology; Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary*; Fish Diseases/parasitology*; Fisheries; Leeches/growth & development; Leeches/physiology*; Perciformes/parasitology; Reproduction; Temperature*; Salinity*
  6. Fulltext Characterizing HIV manifestations and treatment outcomes of perinatally infected adolescents in Asia
    Chokephaibulkit K, Kariminia A, Oberdorfer P, Nallusamy R, Bunupuradah T, Hansudewechakul R, et al.
    Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2014 Mar;33(3):291-4.
    PMID: 23942457 DOI: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3182a18223
    More perinatally HIV-infected children in Asia are reaching adolescence.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology; Child; Female; Humans; India/epidemiology; Male; Retrospective Studies; HIV Infections/drug therapy*; HIV Infections/immunology; HIV Infections/mortality; HIV Infections/epidemiology*; Treatment Outcome; Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use*
  7. Effect of surfactants and identification of metabolites on the biodegradation of fluoranthene by basidiomycetes fungal isolate Armillaria sp. F022
    Hadibarata T, Kristanti RA
    Bioprocess Biosyst Eng, 2014 Apr;37(4):593-600.
    PMID: 23943046 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-013-1025-0
    The effects of structure and concentration of surfactants on the biodegradation of fluoranthene, a three rings polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the aqueous phase, as well as their effects on the biodegradation and enzyme activity were investigated. The toxicity ranking of studied surfactants is: non-ionic Tween 80 4,500 mg/L) was showed by Tween 80 (10 mg/L) culture, manifesting that the non-ionic surfactant present in the culture were beneficial to the fungal growth. Laccase showed the highest enzymes activity in all surfactants culture. Non-ionic Tween 80 showed a significant result for laccase activity (1,902 U/L) in the Armillaria sp. F022 culture. The increased enzymes cumulative activity may stem directly from the rising fluoranthene biodegradability as addition of appropriate surfactants. The biotransformation of fluoranthene was greatly improved by Tween 80, and totally fluoranthene degradation was obtained as Tween 80 was 10 mg/L. Two fluoranthene metabolites were isolated from the culture medium and analyzed by a thin layer chromatography, UV visible spectrometer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The oxidation of fluoranthene is initiated by oxygenation at the C-2,3 positions resulting 9-fluorenone. At the end of experiment, one metabolite was detected in the culture extract and identified as phthalic acid. Evidently, Armillaria sp. F022 seems efficient, high effective and deserves further application on the enhanced bioremediation technologies for the treatment of fluoranthene-contaminated soil.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Enzyme Inhibitors/metabolism*; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology; Fluorenes/metabolism*; Fluorenes/pharmacology; Surface-Active Agents/pharmacology*; Armillaria/isolation & purification; Armillaria/metabolism*
  8. Performance of ANFIS versus MLP-NN dissolved oxygen prediction models in water quality monitoring
    Najah A, El-Shafie A, Karim OA, El-Shafie AH
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2014 Feb;21(3):1658-1670.
    PMID: 23949111 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2048-4
    We discuss the accuracy and performance of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) in training and prediction of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. The model was used to analyze historical data generated through continuous monitoring of water quality parameters at several stations on the Johor River to predict DO concentrations. Four water quality parameters were selected for ANFIS modeling, including temperature, pH, nitrate (NO3) concentration, and ammoniacal nitrogen concentration (NH3-NL). Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of the input parameters. The inputs with the greatest effect were those related to oxygen content (NO3) or oxygen demand (NH3-NL). Temperature was the parameter with the least effect, whereas pH provided the lowest contribution to the proposed model. To evaluate the performance of the model, three statistical indices were used: the coefficient of determination (R (2)), the mean absolute prediction error, and the correlation coefficient. The performance of the ANFIS model was compared with an artificial neural network model. The ANFIS model was capable of providing greater accuracy, particularly in the case of extreme events.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Models, Chemical*; Oxygen/analysis*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Water Pollution, Chemical/statistics & numerical data*; Neural Networks (Computer)*; Fuzzy Logic; Rivers/chemistry; Water Quality
  9. Treatment stability of Milwaukee brace in idiopathic hyperkyphosis
    Mehdikhani M, Behtash H, Ganjavian MS, Abu Osman NA, Khalaj N
    Prosthet Orthot Int, 2014 Aug;38(4):316-20.
    PMID: 23950552 DOI: 10.1177/0309364613499063
    The Milwaukee brace is an efficient method for correcting hyperkyphosis before skeletal maturity. However, loss of correction in long-term follow-up is inevitable.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Braces*; Child; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Kyphosis/therapy*; Male; Retrospective Studies; Scheuermann Disease/therapy; Treatment Outcome
  10. Risk factors and predictors of levodopa-induced dyskinesia among multiethnic Malaysians with Parkinson's disease
    Hashim HZ, Norlinah MI, Nafisah WY, Tan HJ, Raymond AA, Tamil AM
    Int J Neurosci, 2014 Mar;124(3):187-91.
    PMID: 23952588 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2013.833511
    Chronic pulsatile levodopa therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to the development of motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. We studied the prevalence and predictors of levodopa-induced dyskinesia among multiethnic Malaysian patients with PD.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Antiparkinson Agents/adverse effects*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Levodopa/adverse effects*; Malaysia/ethnology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index
  11. Body mass index (BMI)-for-age and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among high school students in Tehran
    Jalali-Farahani S, Chin YS, Amiri P, Mohd Taib MN
    Child Care Health Dev, 2014 Sep;40(5):731-9.
    PMID: 23952615 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12103
    The study aimed to determine the association between body mass index (BMI)-for-age and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among high school students in Tehran.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Status Indicators; Humans; Iran/epidemiology; Male; Mental Health; Nutrition Surveys; Obesity/psychology; Quality of Life*; Sex Factors; Thinness/psychology; Body Mass Index*; Overweight/psychology*; Self Report
  12. Detection and molecular characterization of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus from major ornamental fish breeding states in Peninsular Malaysia
    Subramaniam K, Shariff M, Omar AR, Hair-Bejo M, Ong BL
    J Fish Dis, 2014 Jul;37(7):609-18.
    PMID: 23952914 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12152
    'Gold standard' OIE reference PCR assay was utilized to detect the presence of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) in freshwater ornamental fish from Malaysia. From total of 210 ornamental fish samples representing 14 species, ISKNV was detected in 36 samples representing 5 fish species. All positive cases did not show any clinical signs of ISKNV. Three restriction enzymes analyses showed that the fish were infected by identical strains of the same virus species within Megalocytivirus genus. Major capsid protein (MCP) genes of 10 ISKNV strains were sequenced and compared with 9 other reference nucleotide sequences acquired from GenBank. Sequence analysis of MCP gene showed that all strains detected in this study were closely related to the reference ISKNV with nucleotide sequence identity that was ranging from 99.8% to 100%. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of MCP gene revealed that viruses from genus Megalocytivirus can be divided into three genotypes: genotype 1 include reference ISKNV and all other strains that were detected in this study, genotype 2 include viruses closely related to red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV), and genotype 3 include viruses closely related turbot reddish body iridovirus (TRBIV).
    MeSH terms: Animals; DNA Virus Infections/epidemiology; DNA Virus Infections/veterinary*; DNA Virus Infections/virology; Fish Diseases/epidemiology; Fish Diseases/virology*; Fishes*; Iridoviridae/classification; Iridoviridae/genetics*; Iridoviridae/isolation & purification*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Sequence Analysis, DNA/veterinary; Capsid Proteins/genetics*
  13. Neuronavigation with the universal probe to access intracranial targets
    Waran V, Chandran H, Devaraj P, Ravindran K, Rathinam AK, Balakrishnan YK, et al.
    J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg, 2014 Nov;75(6):422-6.
    PMID: 23955263 DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1345091
    The universal probe is a tool devised to allow navigation-directed biopsies and drainage procedures to be performed in a simple manner using a single hardware and software.
    MeSH terms: Biopsy/instrumentation*; Biopsy/methods; Brain/pathology; Brain/surgery*; Drainage/instrumentation*; Drainage/methods; Humans; Neuronavigation/instrumentation*; Neuronavigation/methods
  14. Quantifying (12/13)CH(4) migration and fate following sub-surface release to an agricultural soil
    Shaw G, Atkinson B, Meredith W, Snape C, Steven M, Hoch A, et al.
    J Environ Radioact, 2014 Jul;133:18-23.
    PMID: 23958331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.07.006
    Following gas generation in a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF), (14)C-containing gases could migrate through the geosphere, eventually diffusing into soils at the Earth's surface. This paper reports summary results from laboratory and field experiments to obtain information on the probable rates of a) diffusive transport and b) oxidation of (12/13)CH(4) (as a surrogate for (14)CH4) in a typical agricultural soil in the UK. Rates of CH(4) oxidation were generally low in the field and undisturbed soil columns, though a re-packed column of homogenised topsoil oxidised ambient atmospheric CH(4) 20× faster than an undisturbed soil column. In contrast to low observed rates of CH(4) oxidation, the effective diffusion of CH(4) through the soil was rapid. Isotopically labelled CH(4) injected at a depth of 45 cm in the field diffused to the surface and exited the soil over a time period ranging from 8 to 24 h. The rate of CH(4) diffusion through the soil was increased by the presence of ryegrass roots which increased soil porosity and decreased water content. δ(13)C values for laboratory column soils after labelled CH(4) injection experiments showed no sign of residual (13)C, despite the extremely high δ(13)C values of the injected (12/13)CH(4). If laboratory observations are confirmed by measurements in field samples it can be concluded that the majority of (14)CH(4) from a GDF which enters a soil with low methanotrophic activity will be lost to the free atmosphere after diffusing rapidly through the soil column.
    MeSH terms: Agriculture*; Carbon Radioisotopes/analysis; Methane/analysis*; Refuse Disposal*; Soil/chemistry*; Soil Microbiology
  15. Comparative characterization and cytotoxicity study of TAT-peptide as potential vectors for siRNA and Dicer-substrate siRNA
    Katas H, Abdul Ghafoor Raja M, Ee LC
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2014 Nov;40(11):1443-50.
    PMID: 23962166 DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2013.828222
    Recently, a newly discovered Dicer-substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) demonstrates higher potency in gene silencing than siRNA but both suffer from rapid degradation, poor cellular uptake and chemical instability. Therefore, Tat-peptide was exploited to protect and facilitate their delivery into cells. In this study, Tat-peptide was complexed with siRNA or DsiRNA through simple complexation. The physicochemical properties (particle size, surface charge and morphology) of the complexes formed were then characterized. The ability of Tat-peptide to carry and protect siRNA or DsiRNA was determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and serum protection assay, respectively. Cytotoxicity effect of these complexes was assessed in V79 cell line. siRNA-Tat complexes had particle size ranged from 186 ± 17.8 to 375 ± 8.3 nm with surface charge ranged from -9.3 ± 1.0 to +13.5 ± 1.0 mV, depending on the Tat-to-siRNA concentration ratio. As for DsiRNA-Tat complexes, the particle size was smaller than the ones complexed with siRNA, ranging from 176 ± 8.6 to 458 ± 14.7 nm. Their surface charge was in the range of +27.1 ± 3.6 to +38.1 ± 0.9 mV. Both oligonucleotide (ON) species bound strongly to Tat-peptide, forming stable complexes with loading efficiency of more than 86%. These complexes were relatively non cytotoxic as the cell viability of ∼90% was achieved. In conclusion, Tat-peptide has a great potential as siRNA and DsiRNA vector due to the formation of stable complexes with desirable physical characteristics, low toxicity and able to carry high amount of siRNA or DsiRNA.
    MeSH terms: Cell Survival; Oligonucleotides/chemistry*; Particle Size; Transfection/methods*; Genes, tat*; Drug Delivery Systems; Gene Silencing; RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage*; Cell-Penetrating Peptides*
  16. Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in rocks and their relationships with the geological structure of Johor state, Malaysia
    Alnour IA, Wagiran H, Ibrahim N, Hamzah S, Elias MS, Laili Z, et al.
    Radiat Prot Dosimetry, 2014 Jan;158(2):201-7.
    PMID: 23965286 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nct206
    The distribution of natural radionuclides ((238)U, (232)Th and (40)K) and their radiological hazard effect in rocks collected from the state of Johor, Malaysia were determined by gamma spectroscopy using a high-purity germanium detector. The highest values of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K activity concentrations (67±6, 85±7 and 722±18 Bg kg(-1), respectively) were observed in the granite rock. The lowest concentrations of (238)U and (232)Th (2±0.1 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U and 2±0.1 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th) were observed in gabbro rock. The lowest concentration of (40)K (45±2 Bq kg(-1)) was detected in sandstone. The radium equivalent activity concentrations for all rock samples investigated were lower than the internationally accepted value of 370 Bq kg(-1). The highest value of radium equivalent in the present study (239±17 Bq kg(-1)) was recorded in the area of granite belonging to an acid intrusive rock geological structure. The absorbed dose rate was found to range from 4 to 112 nGy h(-1). The effective dose ranged from 5 to 138 μSv h(-1). The internal and external hazard index values were given in results lower than unity. The purpose of this study is to provide information related to radioactivity background levels and the effects of radiation on residents in the study area under investigation. Moreover, the relationships between the radioactivity levels in the rocks within the geological structure of the studied area are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Background Radiation; Gamma Rays; Geography; Geology; Malaysia; Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis*; Radiation Monitoring/methods; Radioactivity; Radium/analysis*; Soil Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis; Spectrometry, Gamma/methods*; Thorium/analysis*
  17. Clinical profile, morbidity, and outcome of adult-onset generalized pustular psoriasis: analysis of 102 cases seen in a tertiary hospital in Johor, Malaysia
    Choon SE, Lai NM, Mohammad NA, Nanu NM, Tey KE, Chew SF
    Int J Dermatol, 2014 Jun;53(6):676-84.
    PMID: 23967807 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12070
    BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe but rare variant of psoriasis. Our objective is to review the clinical profile, comorbidities, and outcome of patients with GPP.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective note review of all patients with adult-onset GPP.
    RESULTS: A total of 102 patients with adult-onset GPP were diagnosed between 1989 and November 2011, with a female to male ratio of 2 : 1. The mean age at onset of GPP was 40.9 years (range: 21-81 years). Acute GPP was the most common variant seen (95 cases), followed by four localized variants of GPP and three with annular pustular psoriasis. Fever and painful skin were present in 89% of patients, arthritis in 34.7%, and leukocytosis in 78.4%. Common triggers were systemic steroids (45 cases), pregnancy (17 cases), and upper respiratory tract infections (16 cases). A positive family history of psoriasis and GPP was present in 29% and 11%, respectively. Comorbidities included obesity (42.9%), hypertension (25.7%), hyperlipidemia (25.7%), and diabetes mellitus (23.7%). The mean duration of admission and pustular flare for acute GPP was 10.3 days (range: 3-44 days) and 16 days (range: 7-60 days), respectively. Fifty-four patients responded to systemic retinoid, 21 to methotrexate, eight to cyclosporine, and one to adalimumab, but recurrences were common.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the poor response of GPP to currently available anti-psoriatic agents, with frequent flare-ups. There is a need for a more effective targeted therapy for this condition.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*; Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use; Developing Countries; Female; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Methotrexate/therapeutic use*; Middle Aged; Psoriasis/diagnosis; Psoriasis/drug therapy*; Psoriasis/epidemiology*; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Cohort Studies; Incidence; Proportional Hazards Models; Treatment Outcome; Age of Onset; Age Distribution; Sex Distribution; Risk Assessment; Statistics, Nonparametric; Young Adult; Tertiary Care Centers
  18. Contraceptive choice and acceptability: the future for STI risk in Kelantan, Malaysia
    Shiely F, Saifuddin MS
    Int J STD AIDS, 2014 Mar;25(3):219-27.
    PMID: 23970646 DOI: 10.1177/0956462413497699
    More than 150 million women become pregnant in developing countries annually and an estimated 287,000 die from pregnancy-related causes. Contraception is vital to prevent unnecessary maternal deaths, as well as sexually transmitted infections. The objective of this study was to investigate preferred contraceptive methods and the factors that influence contraceptive choice among women in Kelantan, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study using interview-based questionnaires was conducted, during July and August 2009, in local family planning clinics in Kelantan. The questionnaire was administered to adult women (age 20-50). Prevalence of unplanned pregnancies was high (48%). Contraceptive preference was Depo contraceptive injection (32%), oral contraceptive pills (27%), intrauterine devices (15%) and contraceptive implants (12%); 9% used condoms. Only 2% used contraception to protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV/AIDS. Younger women (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.807-0.993) were more likely to use contraception. In conclusion, non-interrupted contraceptive methods were preferred. More than 60% would stop using contraception if it interrupted intercourse. From both a public health and infectious disease perspective, this is extremely worrying.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Choice Behavior*; Contraception/methods; Contraception/utilization; Contraception Behavior*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Planning Services/utilization; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Intrauterine Devices; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data*; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control*; Socioeconomic Factors; HIV Infections/prevention & control*; Prevalence; Condoms/utilization; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Young Adult
  19. Strategies and validation for siRNA-based therapeutics for the reversal of multi-drug resistance in cancer
    Fatemian T, Othman I, Chowdhury EH
    Drug Discov Today, 2014 Jan;19(1):71-8.
    PMID: 23974068 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.08.007
    Resistance of cancer cells to anticancer drugs is the main reason for the failure of traditional cancer treatments. Various cellular components and different loops within the signaling pathways contribute to drug resistance which could be modulated with the aim to restore drug efficacy. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms for cancer drug resistance has now paved the way for the development of novel approaches to regulate the response rates to anticancer drugs at the genetic level. The recent progress on identification and validation of the vital genes directly or indirectly involved in development of cancer drug resistance with the aid of the specific knock down ability of RNA interference technology is discussed in this review.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage; Humans; Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Neoplasms/genetics*; Reproducibility of Results; Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects; Drug Resistance, Multiple/genetics*; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*; RNA, Small Interfering/antagonists & inhibitors; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics*; Cell Line, Tumor
  20. Modeling of nitrate concentration in groundwater using artificial intelligence approach--a case study of Gaza coastal aquifer
    Alagha JS, Said MA, Mogheir Y
    Environ Monit Assess, 2014 Jan;186(1):35-45.
    PMID: 23974533 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3353-6
    Nitrate concentration in groundwater is influenced by complex and interrelated variables, leading to great difficulty during the modeling process. The objectives of this study are (1) to evaluate the performance of two artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, namely artificial neural networks and support vector machine, in modeling groundwater nitrate concentration using scant input data, as well as (2) to assess the effect of data clustering as a pre-modeling technique on the developed models' performance. The AI models were developed using data from 22 municipal wells of the Gaza coastal aquifer in Palestine from 2000 to 2010. Results indicated high simulation performance, with the correlation coefficient and the mean average percentage error of the best model reaching 0.996 and 7 %, respectively. The variables that strongly influenced groundwater nitrate concentration were previous nitrate concentration, groundwater recharge, and on-ground nitrogen load of each land use land cover category in the well's vicinity. The results also demonstrated the merit of performing clustering of input data prior to the application of AI models. With their high performance and simplicity, the developed AI models can be effectively utilized to assess the effects of future management scenarios on groundwater nitrate concentration, leading to more reasonable groundwater resources management and decision-making.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Middle East; Models, Chemical*; Nitrates/analysis*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Neural Networks (Computer)*; Groundwater/chemistry*
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