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  1. Fulltext Improvement of thermal stability via outer-loop ion pair interaction of mutated T1 lipase from Geobacillus zalihae strain T1
    Ruslan R, Abd Rahman RN, Leow TC, Ali MS, Basri M, Salleh AB
    Int J Mol Sci, 2012;13(1):943-60.
    PMID: 22312296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13010943
    Mutant D311E and K344R were constructed using site-directed mutagenesis to introduce an additional ion pair at the inter-loop and the intra-loop, respectively, to determine the effect of ion pairs on the stability of T1 lipase isolated from Geobacillus zalihae. A series of purification steps was applied, and the pure lipases of T1, D311E and K344R were obtained. The wild-type and mutant lipases were analyzed using circular dichroism. The T(m) for T1 lipase, D311E lipase and K344R lipase were approximately 68.52 °C, 70.59 °C and 68.54 °C, respectively. Mutation at D311 increases the stability of T1 lipase and exhibited higher T(m) as compared to the wild-type and K344R. Based on the above, D311E lipase was chosen for further study. D311E lipase was successfully crystallized using the sitting drop vapor diffusion method. The crystal was diffracted at 2.1 Å using an in-house X-ray beam and belonged to the monoclinic space group C2 with the unit cell parameters a = 117.32 Å, b = 81.16 Å and c = 100.14 Å. Structural analysis showed the existence of an additional ion pair around E311 in the structure of D311E. The additional ion pair in D311E may regulate the stability of this mutant lipase at high temperatures as predicted in silico and spectroscopically.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature; Transition Temperature
  2. Characterization of Afp1, an antifreeze protein from the psychrophilic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica PI12
    Hashim NH, Bharudin I, Nguong DL, Higa S, Bakar FD, Nathan S, et al.
    Extremophiles, 2013 Jan;17(1):63-73.
    PMID: 23132550 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-012-0494-4
    The psychrophilic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica demonstrated high antifreeze activity in its culture filtrate. The culture filtrate exhibited both thermal hysteresis (TH) and ice recrystallization inhibition (RI) properties. The TH of 0.1 °C was comparable to that previously reported for bacteria and fungi. A genome sequence survey of the G. antarctica genome identified a novel antifreeze protein gene. The cDNA encoded a 177 amino acid protein with 30 % similarity to a fungal antifreeze protein from Typhula ishikariensis. The expression levels of AFP1 were quantified via real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the highest expression levels were detected within 6 h of growth at -12 °C. The cDNA of the antifreeze protein was cloned into an Escherichia coli expression system. Expression of recombinant Afp1 in E. coli resulted in the formation of inclusion bodies that were subsequently denatured by treatment with urea and allowed to refold in vitro. Activity assays of the recombinant Afp1 confirmed the antifreeze protein properties with a high TH value of 0.08 °C.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cold Temperature*
  3. Profiling of recovery efficiencies for three standard protocols (FDA-BAM, ISO-11290, and modified USDA) on temperature-injured Listeria monocytogenes
    Lee HY, Chai LC, Pui CF, Wong WC, Mustafa S, Cheah YK, et al.
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2011 Sep;21(9):954-9.
    PMID: 21952372
    There have been a number of studies conducted in order to compare the efficiencies of recovery rates, utilizing different protocols, for the isolation of L. monocytogenes. However, the severity of multiple cell injury has not been included in these studies. In the current study, L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 was injured by exposure to extreme temperatures (60°C and -20°C) for a one-step injury, and for a two-step injury the cells were transferred directly from a heat treatment to frozen state to induce a severe cell injury (up to 100% injury). The injured cells were then subjected to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the ISO-11290, and the modified United States Department of Agriculture (mUSDA) protocols, and plated on TSAyeast (0.6% yeast), PALCAM agar, and CHROMAgar Listeria for 24 h or 48 h. The evaluation of the total recovery of injured cells was also calculated based on the costs involved in the preparation of media for each protocol. Results indicate that the mUSDA method is best able to aid the recovery of heat-injured, freeze-injured, and heat-freeze-injured cells and was shown to be the most cost effective for heat-freeze-injured cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cold Temperature; Hot Temperature
  4. Fulltext Physiological responses of 3 chicken breeds to acute heat stress
    Soleimani AF, Zulkifli I, Omar AR, Raha AR
    Poult Sci, 2011 Jul;90(7):1435-40.
    PMID: 21673158 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01381
    Domestic animals have been modified by selecting individuals exhibiting desirable traits and culling the others. To investigate the alterations introduced by domestication and selective breeding in heat stress response, 2 experiments were conducted using Red Jungle Fowl (RJF), village fowl (VF), and commercial broilers (CB). In experiment 1, RJF, VF, and CB of a common chronological age (30 d old) were exposed to 36 ± 1°C for 3 h. In experiment 2, RJF, VF, and CB of common BW (930 ± 15 g) were subjected to similar procedures as in experiment 1. Heat treatment significantly increased body temperature, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and plasma corticosterone concentration in CB but not in VF and RJF. In both experiments and irrespective of stage of heat treatment, RJF showed lower heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, higher plasma corticosterone concentration, and higher heat shock protein 70 expression than VF and CB. It can be concluded that selective breeding for phenotypic traits in the domestication process has resulted in alterations in the physiology of CB and concomitantly the ability to withstand high ambient temperature compared with RJF and VF. In other words, domestication and selective breeding are leading to individuals that are more susceptible to stress rather than resistant. It is also apparent that genetic differences in body size and age per se may not determine breed or strain variations in response to heat stress.
    Matched MeSH terms: Body Temperature/physiology
  5. Fulltext Synthesis of nanocrystalline SnO(x) (x = 1-2) thin film using a chemical bath deposition method with improved deposition time, temperature and pH
    Ebrahimiasl S, Yunus WM, Kassim A, Zainal Z
    Sensors (Basel), 2011;11(10):9207-16.
    PMID: 22163690 DOI: 10.3390/s111009207
    Nanocrystalline SnO(x) (x = 1-2) thin films were prepared on glass substrates by a simple chemical bath deposition method. Triethanolamine was used as complexing agent to decrease time and temperature of deposition and shift the pH of the solution to the noncorrosive region. The films were characterized for composition, surface morphology, structure and optical properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that SnO(x) thin films consist of a polycrystalline structure with an average grain size of 36 nm. Atomic force microscopy studies show a uniform grain distribution without pinholes. The elemental composition was evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The average O/Sn atomic percentage ratio is 1.72. Band gap energy and optical transition were determined from optical absorbance data. The film was found to exhibit direct and indirect transitions in the visible spectrum with band gap values of about 3.9 and 3.7 eV, respectively. The optical transmittance in the visible region is 82%. The SnO(x) nanocrystals exhibit an ultraviolet emission band centered at 392 nm in the vicinity of the band edge, which is attributed to the well-known exciton transition in SnO(x). Photosensitivity was detected in the positive region under illumination with white light.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature*
  6. Fulltext 'Heat-treatment aqueous two phase system' for purification of serine protease from Kesinai (Streblus asper) leaves
    Mehrnoush A, Mustafa S, Yazid AM
    Molecules, 2011 Dec 08;16(12):10202-13.
    PMID: 22158589 DOI: 10.3390/molecules161210202
    A 'Heat treatment aqueous two phase system' was employed for the first time to purify serine protease from kesinai (Streblus asper) leaves. In this study, introduction of heat treatment procedure in serine protease purification was investigated. In addition, the effects of different molecular weights of polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000, 6000 and 8000) at concentrations of 8, 16 and 21% (w/w) as well as salts (Na-citrate, MgSO₄ and K₂HPO₄) at concentrations of 12, 15, 18% (w/w) on serine protease partition behavior were studied. Optimum conditions for serine protease purification were achieved in the PEG-rich phase with composition of 16% PEG6000-15% MgSO₄. Also, thermal treatment of kesinai leaves at 55 °C for 15 min resulted in higher purity and recovery yield compared to the non-heat treatment sample. Furthermore, this study investigated the effects of various concentrations of NaCl addition (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w) and different pH (4, 7 and 9) on the optimization of the system to obtain high yields of the enzyme. The recovery of serine protease was significantly enhanced in the presence of 4% (w/w) of NaCl at pH 7.0. Based on this system, the purification factor was increased 14.4 fold and achieved a high yield of 96.7%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature*
  7. Hot compressed water pretreatment of oil palm fronds to enhance glucose recovery for production of second generation bio-ethanol
    Goh CS, Lee KT, Bhatia S
    Bioresour Technol, 2010 Oct;101(19):7362-7.
    PMID: 20471249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.04.048
    This work presents the pretreatment of oil palm fronds (OPF) using hot compressed water (HCW) to enhance sugar recovery in enzymatic hydrolysis. A central, composite rotatable design was used to optimize the effect of reaction temperature, reaction time and liquid-solid ratio on the pretreatment process. All variables were found to significantly affect the glucose yield. A quadratic polynomial equation was used to model glucose yield by multiple regression analysis, using response surface methodology (RSM). Using a 10 bar pressurized reactor, the optimum conditions for pretreatment of OPF were found at 178 degrees C, 11.1 min and a liquid-solid ratio of 9.6. The predicted glucose yield was 92.78 wt.% at the optimum conditions. Experimental verification of the optimum conditions gave a glucose yield in good agreement with the estimated value of the model.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature*
  8. Hyperthermic effects of Durio zibethinus and its interaction with paracetamol
    Chua YA, Nurhaslina H, Gan SH
    Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 2008 Dec;30(10):739-43.
    PMID: 19271022 DOI: 10.1358/mf.2008.30.10.1316830
    Because durian (Durio zibethinus), which is known in Southeast Asia as "the king of fruits", is thought to have special body-warming properties, it should not be consumed with paracetamol due to a risk of toxic effects. The claim of warming properties, however, has not been scientifically proven. This study was conducted to investigate durian's hyperthermic effect and its toxicity when consumed together with paracetamol in rats. Five groups of rats (n=6) were fed with: 1) distilled water (4 ml/250 g), 2) homogenized durian (4 g/250 g), 3) paracetamol solution (2400 mg/kg), 4) durian (4 g/250 g) followed by paracetamol solution (2400 mg/kg), or 5) prazosin solution (15 mg/kg, pregavaged) followed 1 h later by durian (4 g/250 g) and paracetamol solution (2400 mg/kg). Rectal temperature, systolic blood pressure and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were taken from each rat at baseline and after the various administrations at 1, 2 and 5 h. Our results showed that the body temperature of rats in the durian-treated group was not significantly elevated when compared to the control. However, there was a significant decrease in body temperature over time in animals from groups 4 and 5. We did not, however, observe a consistent pattern of blood pressure change. Serum chemical analysis for ALT also did not show any significant change in any of the groups. In conclusion, contrary to what some believe, even though durian was found to increase body temperature in some rats, this increment was not significant. Rats receiving the durian-paracetamol combination showed a significant drop in body temperature, which may explain the belief that the two mixtures are toxic. However, the exact mechanism of toxicity is still unknown.
    Matched MeSH terms: Body Temperature/drug effects
  9. Cell growth, cell-cycle progress, and antibody production in hybridoma cells cultivated under mild hypothermic conditions
    Chong SL, Mou DG, Ali AM, Lim SH, Tey BT
    Hybridoma (Larchmt), 2008 Apr;27(2):107-11.
    PMID: 18642675
    The effect of mild hypothermic (32 degrees C) conditions on cell growth, cell-cycle progress, and antibody production of hybridoma C2E7 cells was investigated in the present study. The growth of hybridoma cells was slower during the mild hypothermic condition compared to that at 37 degrees C; this led to about 10% decrease in maximum viable cell density and volumetric antibody productivity. However, under mild hypothermic growth conditions, the culture viability was substantially improved and the specific antibody productivity was enhanced compared to that at 37 degrees C. The average specific productivity for the entire batch culture at 32 degrees C is about 5% higher than that at 37 degrees C. Cell-cycle analysis data showed that there was no growth arrestment during the mild hypothermic growth of hybridoma cells. The G1-phase cells were increased, while the S-phase cells were decreased gradually as the culture time progressed. Further analysis showed that the specific antibody productivity of hybridoma cells was correlated to the fraction of S-phase cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cold Temperature*
  10. A low cost solution for post-biopsy complications using available RFA generator and coaxial core biopsy needle
    Azlan CA, Mohd Nasir NF, Saifizul AA, Faizul MS, Ng KH, Abdullah BJ
    Australas Phys Eng Sci Med, 2007 Dec;30(4):288-91.
    PMID: 18274069
    Percutaneous image-guided needle biopsy is typically performed in highly vascular organs or in tumours with rich macroscopic and microscopic blood supply. The main risks related to this procedure are haemorrhage and implantation of tumour cells in the needle tract after the biopsy needle is withdrawn. From numerous conducted studies, it was found that heating the needle tract using alternating current in radiofrequency (RF) range has a potential to minimize these effects. However, this solution requires the use of specially designed needles, which would make the procedure relatively expensive and complicated. Thus, we propose a simple solution by using readily available coaxial core biopsy needles connected to a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) generator. In order to do so, we have designed and developed an adapter to interface between these two devices. For evaluation purpose, we used a bovine liver as a sample tissue. The experimental procedure was done to study the effect of different parameter settings on the size of coagulation necrosis caused by the RF current heating on the subject. The delivery of the RF energy was varied by changing the values for delivered power, power delivery duration, and insertion depth. The results showed that the size of the coagulation necrosis is affected by all of the parameters tested. In general, the size of the region is enlarged with higher delivery of RF power, longer duration of power delivery, and shallower needle insertion and become relatively constant after a certain value. We also found that the solution proposed provides a low cost and practical way to minimizes unwanted post-biopsy effects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature/therapeutic use
  11. Evaluation of thermochemical pretreatment and continuous thermophilic condition in rice straw composting process enhancement
    Hosseini SM, Abdul Aziz H
    Bioresour Technol, 2013 Apr;133:240-7.
    PMID: 23428821 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.01.098
    The effects of thermochemical pretreatment and continuous thermophilic conditions on the composting of a mixture of rice straw residue and cattle manure were investigated using a laboratory-scale composting reactor. Results indicate that the composting period of rice straw can be shortened to less than 10 days by applying alkali pre-treatment and continuous thermophilic composting conditions. The parameters obtained on day 9 of this study are similar to the criteria level published by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. The moisture content, organic matter reduction, pH level, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon reduction, soluble chemical oxygen demand reduction, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and germination index were 62.07%, 16.99%, 7.30%, 1058 μS/cm, 17.00%, 83.43%, 2.06%, 16.75%, and 90.33%, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the application of chemical-biological integrated processes under thermophilic conditions is a novel method for the rapid degradation and maturation of rice straw residue.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature*
  12. Fulltext Structure, Properties, and In Vitro Behavior of Heat-Treated Calcium Sulfate Scaffolds Fabricated by 3D Printing
    Asadi-Eydivand M, Solati-Hashjin M, Shafiei SS, Mohammadi S, Hafezi M, Abu Osman NA
    PLoS One, 2016;11(3):e0151216.
    PMID: 26999789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151216
    The ability of inkjet-based 3D printing (3DP) to fabricate biocompatible ceramics has made it one of the most favorable techniques to generate bone tissue engineering (BTE) scaffolds. Calcium sulfates exhibit various beneficial characteristics, and they can be used as a promising biomaterial in BTE. However, low mechanical performance caused by the brittle character of ceramic materials is the main weakness of 3DP calcium sulfate scaffolds. Moreover, the presence of certain organic matters in the starting powder and binder solution causes products to have high toxicity levels. A post-processing treatment is usually employed to improve the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of the printed scaffolds. In this study, the effects of heat treatment on the structural, mechanical, and physical characteristics of 3DP calcium sulfate prototypes were investigated. Different microscopy and spectroscopy methods were employed to characterize the printed prototypes. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the specimens was also evaluated before and after heat treatment. Results showed that the as-printed scaffolds and specimens heat treated at 300°C exhibited severe toxicity in vitro but had almost adequate strength. By contrast, the specimens heat treated in the 500°C-1000°C temperature range, although non-toxic, had insufficient mechanical strength, which was mainly attributed to the exit of the organic binder before 500°C and the absence of sufficient densification below 1000°C. The sintering process was accelerated at temperatures higher than 1000°C, resulting in higher compressive strength and less cytotoxicity. An anhydrous form of calcium sulfate was the only crystalline phase existing in the samples heated at 500°C-1150°C. The formation of calcium oxide caused by partial decomposition of calcium sulfate was observed in the specimens heat treated at temperatures higher than 1200°C. Although considerable improvements in cell viability of heat-treated scaffolds were observed in this study, the mechanical properties were not significantly improved, requiring further investigations. However, the findings of this study give a better insight into the complex nature of the problem in the fabrication of synthetic bone grafts and scaffolds via post-fabrication treatment of 3DP calcium sulfate prototypes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature*
  13. Fulltext Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature on Physico-Chemical Properties of Corn Stover (Zea mays L.) Biochar and Feasibility for Carbon Capture and Energy Balance
    Rafiq MK, Bachmann RT, Rafiq MT, Shang Z, Joseph S, Long R
    PLoS One, 2016;11(6):e0156894.
    PMID: 27327870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156894
    This study examined the influence of pyrolysis temperature on biochar characteristics and evaluated its suitability for carbon capture and energy production. Biochar was produced from corn stover using slow pyrolysis at 300, 400 and 500°C and 2 hrs holding time. The experimental biochars were characterized by elemental analysis, BET, FTIR, TGA/DTA, NMR (C-13). Higher heating value (HHV) of feedstock and biochars was measured using bomb calorimeter. Results show that carbon content of corn stover biochar increased from 45.5% to 64.5%, with increasing pyrolysis temperatures. A decrease in H:C and O:C ratios as well as volatile matter, coupled with increase in the concentration of aromatic carbon in the biochar as determined by FTIR and NMR (C-13) demonstrates a higher biochar carbon stability at 500°C. It was estimated that corn stover pyrolysed at 500°C could provide of 10.12 MJ/kg thermal energy. Pyrolysis is therefore a potential technology with its carbon-negative, energy positive and soil amendment benefits thus creating win- win scenario.
    Matched MeSH terms: Temperature*
  14. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Malaysian Chinese: occupational exposures to particles, formaldehyde and heat
    Armstrong RW, Imrey PB, Lye MS, Armstrong MJ, Yu MC, Sani S
    Int J Epidemiol, 2000 Dec;29(6):991-8.
    PMID: 11101539 DOI: 10.1093/ije/29.6.991
    BACKGROUND: During 1990-1992, 282 Chinese residents of Selangor and the Federal Territory, Malaysia with histologically confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were interviewed about occupational history, diet, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, as were an equal number of Malaysian Chinese population controls, pair-matched to cases by age and sex.

    METHODS: Exposures to 20 kinds of workplace substances, solar and industrial heat, and cigarette smoke, were analysed by univariate and multivariate methods.

    RESULTS: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was associated with occupational exposures to construction, metal and wood dusts; motor fuel and oil; paints and varnishes; certain other chemicals; industrial heat; solar heat from outdoor occupations; certain smokes; cigarette smoking; and childhood exposure to parental smoking. After adjustment for risk from diet and cigarette smoke, only wood dust (OR = 2.36; 95% CI : 1.33- 4.19), and industrial heat (OR = 2.21; 95% CI : 1.12-4.33) remained clearly associated. Wood dust remained statistically significant after further adjustment for social class. No significant crude or adjusted association was found between NPC and formaldehyde (adjusted OR = 0.71; 95% CI : 0.34-1.43).

    CONCLUSIONS: This study supports previous findings that some occupational inhalants are risk factors for NPC. The statistical effect of wood dust remained substantial after adjustment for diet, cigarette smoke, and social class. Intense industrial heat emerged as a previously unreported risk factor, statistically significant even after adjustment for diet and cigarette smoke. No association was found between NPC and formaldehyde.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature/adverse effects*
  15. Transfusion malaria in an infant in Singapore
    Paul FM, Kleevens JW
    J Singapore Paediatr Soc, 1969 Apr;11(1):62-6.
    PMID: 5366340
    Matched MeSH terms: Cold Temperature/adverse effects
  16. Growth performance, duodenal morphology and the caecal microbial population in female broiler chickens fed glycine-fortified low protein diets under heat stress conditions
    Awad EA, Idrus Z, Soleimani Farjam A, Bello AU, Jahromi MF
    Br Poult Sci, 2018 Jun;59(3):340-348.
    PMID: 29433333 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2018.1440377
    1. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of feeding glycine (Gly)-fortified low protein (LP) diets on the growth performance, duodenal morphology and caecal microbial populations of broiler chickens raised under unheated, cyclic or constant heat stress environmental conditions. 2. From d 1 to 21 (starter phase), an equivalent number of birds were fed either a normal protein (NP) diet or a LP diet fortified with Gly. From d 22 to 42 (grower phase), an equivalent number of birds from each starter diet were distributed to one of the following dietary groups: (i) an NP diet during the starter and grower phases (NPNP), (ii) an NP diet during the starter phase and a LP diet during the grower phase (NPLP), (iii) an LP diet during the starter phase and an NP diet during the grower phase (LPNP) or (iv) LP diets during both phases (LPLP). 3. Commencing from d 22, an equivalent number of birds from each dietary group were exposed to (i) 23 ± 1°C throughout (unheated), (ii) 34 ± 1°C for 7 h each day from 10:00 to 17:00 (cyclic heat) or (iii) 34 ± 1°C throughout (constant heat). 4. Feeding the LP diet during the starter phase resulted in feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratios (FCR) and energy efficiency ratios (EER) similar to those for the NP diet. The birds fed the LP diet had a significantly higher protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared with the birds fed the NP diet. 5. During the grower phase, there were significant diet × temperature interactions for F, WG, FCR, PER, EER, villus height, crypt depth and caecal Clostridia. The birds fed the NPLP and LPLP diets had lower FI, WG and EER, higher FCR, shorter villus height and crypt depth and higher caecal Clostridia compared with the birds fed LPNP and NPNP diets under constant heat stress. However, feeding birds the NPLP and LPLP diets resulted in FI, WG, EER, FCR, morphology parameters and caecal Clostridia equivalent to the birds fed LPNP and NPNP diets, as well as improved PER, under unheated and cyclic heat stress conditions. 6. In conclusion, our results indicate that Gly-fortified LP diets can be fed to broilers under normal and acute heat stress environmental conditions without any adverse effects on performance. However, the use of such LP diets can be detrimental to broilers under chronic heat stress conditions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature*
  17. Fulltext Chemical immobilization of free-ranging and captive Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi) with two anesthetic protocols: medetomidine-ketamine and tiletamine-zolazepam
    Nájera F, Hearn AJ, Ross J, Ramírez Saldivar DA, Evans MN, Guerrero-Sánchez S, et al.
    J Vet Med Sci, 2017 Nov 17;79(11):1892-1898.
    PMID: 28904261 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0259
    There is currently no available information regarding the veterinary management of Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi), either in captivity or in the wild. In this study, 12 Sunda clouded leopards were anesthetized between January 2008 and February 2014 for medical exams, and/or GPS-collaring. Seven wild-caught individuals were kept in captivity and 5 free-ranging animals were captured by cage traps. Two anesthesia combinations were used: medetomidine-ketamine (M-K) or tiletamine-zolazepam (T-Z). Atipamezole (0.2 mg/kg im) was used as an antagonist for medetomidine. Medetomidine (range: 0.039-0.054 mg/kg) and ketamine (range: 3-4.39 mg/kg) were administered during 5 immobilizations, resulting in median induction times of 7 min. After a median anesthesia time of 56 min, atipamezole was injected, observing effects of antagonism at a median time of 12 min. T-Z (range: 6.8-10.8 mg/kg) was administered on 7 occasions. Median induction times observed with this combination were shorter than with M-K (4 min vs 7 min; P=0.04), and anesthesia and recovery times were significantly longer (244 and 35 min vs 56 and 16 min, respectively; P=0.02). Lower heart rates were measured in the M-K group, while lower rectal temperatures were found in the T-Z group. Both combinations resulted in safe and reliable immobilizations, although given the favorable anesthesia and recovery times of M-K, we recommend this approach over T-Z for the veterinary handling of Sunda clouded leopards.
    Matched MeSH terms: Body Temperature/drug effects
  18. Fulltext Community Needs Assessment in Relation to Urban Heat Effects: A Study in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Wong LP, Alias H, Aghamohammadi N, Nik Sulaiman NM
    Biomed Environ Sci, 2018 09;31(9):705-711.
    PMID: 30369349 DOI: 10.3967/bes2018.095
    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature*
  19. Fulltext New Recombinant Cold-Adapted and Organic Solvent Tolerant Lipase from Psychrophilic Pseudomonas sp. LSK25, Isolated from Signy Island Antarctica
    Salwoom L, Raja Abd Rahman RNZ, Salleh AB, Mohd Shariff F, Convey P, Mohamad Ali MS
    Int J Mol Sci, 2019 Mar 13;20(6).
    PMID: 30871178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061264
    In recent years, studies on psychrophilic lipases have become an emerging area of research in the field of enzymology. The study described here focuses on the cold-adapted organic solvent tolerant lipase strain Pseudomonas sp. LSK25 isolated from Signy Station, South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic. Strain LSK25 lipase was successfully cloned, sequenced, and over-expressed in an Escherichia coli system. Sequence analysis revealed that the lipase gene of Pseudomonas sp. LSK25 consists of 1432 bp, lacks an N-terminal signal peptide and encodes a mature protein consisting of 476 amino acids. The recombinant LSK25 lipase was purified by single-step purification using Ni-Sepharose affinity chromatography and had a molecular mass of approximately 65 kDa. The final recovery and purification fold were 44% and 1.3, respectively. The LSK25 lipase was optimally active at 30 °C and at pH 6. Stable lipolytic activity was reported between temperatures of 5⁻30 °C and at pH 6⁻8. A significant enhancement of lipolytic activity was observed in the presence of Ca2+ ions, the organic lipids of rice bran oil and coconut oil, a synthetic C12 ester and a wide range of water immiscible organic solvents. Overall, lipase strain LSK25 is a potentially desirable candidate for biotechnological application, due to its stability at low temperatures, across a range of pH and in organic solvents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cold Temperature; Temperature
  20. Fulltext The Impact of Heat on Health and Productivity among Maize Farmers in a Tropical Climate Area
    Sadiq LS, Hashim Z, Osman M
    J Environ Public Health, 2019;2019:9896410.
    PMID: 31061664 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9896410
    Background: Heat stress disorders may cause negative health outcome and subsequent productivity reduction especially in those who work under direct sunlight for an extended number of hours.

    Objective: This study assessed the impact of heat on the health and productivity among maize farmers in a hot tropical country.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 maize farmers, randomly selected across Gombe province, Nigeria. The wet bulb globe temperature monitor (WBGT) Model QuesTemp036 was used in determining the heat index. Health was determined using a validated questionnaire, while productivity was determined by recording work output based on the number of ridges cultivated during the working hours.

    Results: The farms recorded mean heat index with standard deviation (SD) of 31.56 (2.19) and 34.08 (1.54) in the hours of 9 am to 12 pm and 12-3 pm respectively, which exceeded the threshold level set by the ACGIH. Heavy sweating (93.2%), tiredness (48.5%), dizziness (34.1%), and headache (40.4%) were experienced by the respondents almost on daily basis. The finding further showed a significant difference in the farmers' productivity during the three time duration of the work day (p < 0.001). The productivity was significantly higher between the hours of 6-9 am (p < 0.001) and 12-3 pm (p < 0.001), compared to the hours of 9 am to 12 pm (p < 0.001). The factors that significantly predict the productivity outcome include temperature (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), age (p=0.033), and BMI (p=0.008).

    Conclusion: The farmers were frequently experiencing heat exhaustion which decreased their productivity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Hot Temperature/adverse effects*
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