Showing papers by "National University of Malaysia published in 1997"

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Some Malaysian Traditional Vegetables (Ulam)

Abstract: Ethanol extracts of 19 Malaysian traditional vegetables (locally known as ‘ulam’) belonging to 15 families were screened for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities Both the disc diffusion (qualitative) and tube dilution (quantitative) assays were employed for the determination of antimicrobial activity against six pathogenic microorganisms, ie two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungi (Aspergillus ochraceous and Cryptococcus neoformans) Six extracts, ie Anacardium occidentale, Garcinia atroviridis, Averrhoa bilimbi, Polygonum minus, Diplazium esculentum and Etlingera elatior, showed antimicrobial with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) values in the respective ranges of 100 ? 800 µg/ml and 400 ? 800 µg/ml Seven extracts, ie Anacardium occidentale, Garcinia atroviridis, Sesbania grandiflora, Barringtonia racemosa, Polygonum minus, Kaempferia

Coagulopathy in acute head injury : a study of its role as a prognostic indicator

Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to determine the prognostic value of coagulation abnormalities in a defined subset of patients with acute head injury. Prothrombin time, accelerated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin clotting time, fibrinogen assay, platelet count, fibrin degradation products (FDP) were assayed in 204 patients with acute closed head injury. Their values were graded on a score 0-3 and the sum score for each patient regarded as the disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score. Moderate to severe DIC scores were evident in 38% of the cohort. At least one parameter was abnormal in 71% of patients. The DIC score correlated inversely with the Glasgow coma score (GCS) ( p 0.0001). In the GCS 13-15 subset, FDP scores were significant predictors of poor outcome ( p 0.001). In the GCS 6-12 subset, the APTT score ( p 0.001), and DIC score ( p 0.0001) predicted an adverse outcome. The DIC scores were significantly abnormal in most patients who had a poor outcome, without evidence of ...

Frequency dependence of the complex impedances and dielectric behaviour of some Mg-Zn ferrites

Abstract: Complex impedances of some magnesium-zinc ferrites, MgxZn1-xFe2O4 (x=04, 05, 06 and 07), in the frequency range of 1 mHz-10 MHz were measured at 300 K The complex-plane impedance spectrum from each sample indicates that the capacitive and the resistive properties of the materials are mainly attributed to the processes that associated with the bulk (grain) and the grain boundary A low-frequency dispersion (LFD) and a negative capacitance regions are also observed at low frequencies A small series resistance of about the same value for all samples is also observed The bulk and the grain boundary components are analysed by assuming a two-layer leaky capacitor The simulated complex impedances using the Cole-Cole expression are in agreement with the measured values The dielectric properties of the materials are attributed to the interfacial polarization and LFD at low frequencies and the orientational polarization at high frequencies These properties result in the dielectric loss which composed of a Debye-like loss peak at high frequency end and a strong LFD below 1 Hz Both regions exhibit universality with regard to the power-law relation between the dielectric loss (e″r or χ″) and frequency as given by e″r∝ωn-1, where n=014 and n=002, respectively The exponent is marginally negative, n=−003, in the region of negative capacitance below 3–4 mHz The variations of the above properties and the characteristic parameters for different compositions of the Mg-Zn ferrites are discussed

Cytotoxicity and electron microscopy of cell death induced by goniothalamin

Abstract: The cytotoxicity of goniothalamin was found to be strong towards both cancerous (HGC-27, MCF-7, PANC-1, HeLa), and non-cancerous (3T3) cell lines, especially in cases of dividing cells. Drug exposure studies indicated that the cytotoxic action of goniothalamin was time- and dose-dependent. At the ultrastructural level, goniothalamin-induced cytotoxicity revealed a necrotic mode of cell death towards MCF-7 cells.

The oral and intratracheal toxicities of ROUNDUP and its components to rats.

Abstract: The toxicities of ROUNDUP and its component chemicals, glyphosate (N-phosphonomethylglycine) and polyoxyethyleneamine (POEA), were determined at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 24 h following administration to rats. The intratracheal administration of glyphosate (0.2 g/kg), POEA (0.1 g/kg), a mixture of glyphosate (0.2 g/kg) + POEA (0.1 g/kg), or ROUNDUP (containing 0.2 g/kg glyphosate and 0.1 g/kg POEA) elicited immediate respiratory effects which were more severe and which lasted longer in the groups receiving the POEA-containing preparations than in the glyphosate alone group. By 1 h, all test preparations had caused deaths, but more occurred from the POEA-containing preparations than from glyphosate. The po administration of POEA (1 g/kg), the mixture of glyphosate (2 g/kg) +POEA (1 g/kg), or ROUNDUP (containing 2 g/kg glyphosate and 1 g/kg POEA) produced diarrhea and blood-stained weeping from noses. Death was only seen from POEA at 24 h. Glyphosate (2 g/kg po) produced transient diarrhea without nose bleeds; POEA caused diarrhea at 1 h; and the mixture of POEA + glyphosate produced diarrhea later that increased in severity with time. Bloody nose secretions were seen only with the preparations that contained POEA. No deaths, respiratory effects or bloody nose secretions occurred in controls given saline. Both POEA and glyphosate caused lung hemorrhages and lung epithelial cell damage with po or intratracheal exposures. These results indicate POEA and preparations that contained POEA were more toxic than glyphosate.

Urban development and urban poverty in Malaysia

Abstract: Reports that urban poverty in Malaysia is not considered a serious phenomenon; however, rapid urbanization and industrialization is expected to bring in rural migrants into urban centres bringing along low incomes while putting pressure on urban services, infrastructure and the environment. Reviews past and present trends of urbanization and urban poverty, especially in the metropolitan city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and highlights evidence on the nature and causes of urban poverty based on a recent survey of urban poverty in Kuala Lumpur. Also assesses past policies on urban development and urban poverty alleviation programmes and makes recommendations for alternative policies.

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Anthurium scherzerianum

Abstract: Several types of explants, growth regulators, sugars and gelling agents were tested to induce somatic embryogenesis in Anthurium scherzerianum Schott For induction, leaf pieces from micropropagated plants were found to be the best explant on a medium with 18 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and a high sucrose concentration (6), solidified with Gelrite Somatic embryos converted to entire plants on a medium with 046 μM kinetin Plantlets were transferred to greenhouse conditions for evaluation of plant uniformity

Efficacy of single dose albendazole on the prevalence and intensity of infection of soil-transmitted helminths in Orang Asli children in Malaysia.

Abstract: The efficacy of a single-dose 400 mg albendazole to treat Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm infection was studied in Orang Asli community. Kato-Katz examination was performed on fecal samples which were collected before treatment, 1 and 4 months after treatment. A total of 123 children were involved in all three surveys. The cure rate of Ascaris infection was 97.4% and the egg reduction after treatment was 99.9%. The cure rate for hookworm infection was 93.1% with 96.6% egg reduction. Although the cure rate was low in Trichuris infection (5.5%), egg reduction was more evident (49.1%). The reinfection rate at 4 months after treatment was 54.5%, 3.6% and 10.3% for Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm infection, respectively. Within 4 months after treatment almost one-fifth children with Ascaris and hookworm infection reached pre-treatment intensity infection. In Trichuris infection, however more than half of the children reached their pre-treatment intensity infection at 4 months after treatment. Findings suggest that 4-monthly targeted periodic treatment with 400 mg single-dose albendazole in highly endemic areas can have a significant impact on intensity infection of Ascaris and hookworm, but not on Trichuris infection.

The importance of country‐of‐origin information and perceived product quality in Uzbekistan

Abstract: There has been a proliferation of studies on product perceptions based on the country of origin. Most of these studies were conducted in western or developed countries. Studies in the less developed nations are still scarce, especially research conducted in the former Soviet Union. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the former Soviet republics offer vast new market opportunities for businesses. However, successful marketing can only be achieved through knowledge about the market, including perceptions of imported products. Aims to contribute to the limited knowledge about market expectations in the former Soviet republics, specifically Uzbekistan. Gathers information on country‐of‐origin perspectives with regard to product perceptions and the importance of product origin information. Based on data collected through personal interviews in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan.

Pawnshop as an instrument of microenterprise credit in Malaysia

Abstract: Reports that poverty alleviation is a particular developmental focus in Malaysian plans. Reveals that for this to be attained microenterprises are encouraged, and that the financing of microenterprises by means of pawnshop loans in small amounts and with low risk is a popular one among the marginal groups. Examines the efficacy of this instrument of microenterprise financing.

Prevalence of overweight and obese school children aged between 7 to 16 years amongst the major 3 ethnic groups in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Abstract: 6239 children aged 7 to 16 years, attending 22 primary and secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were screened using a self report questionnaire, with their heights and weights measured using a digital electronic SECA beam balance. The selection was done by a two staged stratified random sampling from a total of 226 schools in Kuala Lumpur. The racial distribution was 56.7% Malays, 33.8% Chinese and 8.1% Indians; 3.6% (n:222) of the children were identified as obese and 6% (n:373) identified as overweight. The definitions of obese and overweight were computed using growth charts of the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) from the median of the reference population. There were no significant differences amongst the 3 major ethnic groups in the obese group. The differences were significant in the overweight group with the Indians most overweight, followed by the Chinese and the Malays.

Plasma renin and aldosterone in thyroid diseases.

Abstract: The effect of thyroid hormones on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has not been fully resolved. Highly specific immunoassays for measurement of renin, aldosterone, free T4 (fT4), free T3 (fT3) and ultrasensitive TSH enables a direct and more accurate measurement of these hormones. We investigated the relationship between plasma renin, aldosterone and thyroid hormones in the basal state and after intravenous frusemide. This is a cross-sectional study involving 37 patients with thyrotoxicosis, 42 rendered euthyroid with normal fT4, fT3 and TSH levels, 17 with euthyroid levels of fT4 and fT3 but suppressed TSH, and 11 with hypothyroidism. Basal plasma renin was significantly higher in thyrotoxicosis (63.4 +/- 9.8 microU/ml, mean +/- SEM) compared to euthyroid (32.7 +/- 4.4 microU/ml) and hypothyroid (26.7 +/- 9.8 microU/ml). Basal plasma renin for euthyroid with suppressed TSH (41.0 +/- 7.4 microU/ml) was significantly higher than hypothyroid (p = 0.02). Basal plasma aldosterones were not significantly different except for suppressed TSH (157.7 +/- 13 pg/ml), which was higher than normal (109.9 +/- 10.4 pg/ml; p = 0.04). Following frusemide, plasma renin and aldosterone were significantly increased in all groups. Plasma renin was highly correlated to fT3 (r = 0.405, p < 0.001), total T3 (r = 0.359, p < 0.001), fT4 (r = 0.331, p < 0.001) and TSH (r = 0.300, p < 0.001) in the basal state, but less to total T4 (r = 0.248, p < 0.01). Plasma renin correlated poorly to serum aldosterone (r = 0.212, p < 0.03). This study clearly showed that regulation of renin was mainly influenced by fT3, and that aldosterone response to frusemide was blunted in thyrotoxicosis despite normal electrolytes.

Tent construction and social organization in Cynopterus brachyotis (Muller) (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract: This study examined the tent-making behaviour and social organization of the lesser dog-faced fruit bat, Cynopterus brachyotis (Muller), in Peninsular Malaysia Cynopterus brachyotis alters the leaves of eight species of broad-leafed palms (Palmae) to form palmate umbrella tents, the leaves of Scindapsus aureus Engl (Araceae) to form apical tents, and the leaves of Dracaena fragrans Ker-Gawl (Liliaceae) to form conical tents Cynopterus brachyotis also severed the roots of Cymbidium finlaysonianum Lindl (Orchidaceae), and the leaves and stems of Philodendron lacerum Schott (Araceae) to form stem tents In addition, C brachyotis also roosted in unmodified plants Cynopterus brachyotis possesses a harem type of social organization, but it was not possible to distinguish between a resource-defence polygyny and female-defence polygyny mating system Our observations indicate that dominant males construct tents, and recruit females for the purpose of gaining reproductive access

The prevalence of Trichuris, Ascaris and hookworm infection in Orang Asli children.

Abstract: Tissue factor (TF), a potent initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, is believed to have a critical role in thrombogenesis and haemostasis. To elucidate the role of TF in the development of various syndrome, we developed a quantitative assay method for the determination of TF using FIX complex (Profilnine) and the synthetic chromogenic substrate S-2238, all of which are commercially availabel. The method is simple, very sensitive, good linearity and applicable to the tissue culture plate, indicating its promising usage for the quantitation of TF activity of cells.

Malnutrition and its risk factors among children 1-7 years old in rural Malaysian communities.

Abstract: The aims of this study were to investigate the nutritional status of children aged 1-7 years in Malaysian rural communities and to identify its risk factors. In all, 221 children were assessed using anthropometric measurements, dietary questionnaires and other tools. Weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height were analysed. Based on the NCHS standards, the overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 46.2%, 18.1% and 30.3% respectively. Almost one-third of the 1-2 years old groups were malnourished. Univariate analysis identified household income £ MR750.00 as a significant risk factor of stunting and wasting.

Behavioural and reproductive ecology of the dog-faced fruit bats, Cynopterus brachyotis and C. horsfieldi, in a Malaysian rainforest

Abstract: Roosting, foraging and reproductive aspects of two species of dog-faced fruit bats, Cynopterus brachyotis and C. horsfieldi, were examined in Ulu Gombak, Selangor, West Malaysia. The day roosts of C. horsfieldi were sparsely distributed and were found mainly in palms, whereas roosts of C. brachyotis were abundant, and mostly found in non-palm tree species. Males of both species frequently changed their roosts. The nocturnal activity patterns of the two species were different. The initial peak of flight activity of C. brachyotis was two hours sooner after sunset than that of C. horsfieldi, and its flight activity gradually declined during the night. In C. horsfieldi flight activity decreased around midnight then increased again three hours before sunrise. The home ranges of C. horsfieldi were larger than those of C. brachyotis, however these were non-exclusive ranges with individual home ranges of both species overlapping extensively. In association with their greater home range size, C. horsfieldi also tended to move further than C. brachyotis (when comparing means of greatest distances moved). The diets of the two species also differed, with C. brachyotis eating fruits, flowers and leaves, whereas C. horsfieldi ate Ficus fruits virtually throughout the year. The wet weight of figs carried by C. brachyotis per feeding bout averaged 7.9 g, while C. horsfieldi carried on average 17.8 g of figs. The average distances between feeding roost sites and fruiting Ficus variegata trees were 50-78 m. Cynopterus brachyotis probably produces two or three litters per year whereas C. horsfieldi has two litters.

Desiccation sensitivity of recalcitrant seeds-a study on tropical fruit species

Abstract: Mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana L.), rambai ( Baccaurea motleyana Muell.- Arg.) and jelentik ( Baccaurea polyneura Hook. f.) are tropical fruit species believed to have recalcitrant seeds. The seeds showed no dormancy; they germinated easily. At harvest, the mean moisture contents (fresh weight basis) were 53.54, 51.20 and 44.90% for G. mangostana, B. motleyana and B. polyneura , respectively. G. mangostana seeds lost viability when their moisture content fell to about 24% while B. motleyana seeds lost viability below 35.5% moisture content. However, for B. polyneura , the seeds could be dried to low moisture content with high survival. The viability was still high when the moisture content was reduced to 13.46%. At this moisture content, the percentage germination was 91.76% and it was found that the seeds survived cyopreservation with 8.3% viability. For B. motleyana axes, the loss of viability occurred when their moisture content fell to about 36% (15% viability with predominantly callus formation) while for B. polyneura axes, viability was reduced to 33-67% when the moisture was 27–30%. At various moisture contents, the seeds of the fruit species studied were exposed for 48 h to 7°C and −4°C. G. mangostana seeds did not survive either temperature. Baccaurea seeds survived 7°C but failed to survive −4°C. No axes from B. motleyana seeds at various moisture contents survived cryopreservation. However, some viability (20–30%) was observed in B. polyneura axes cryopreserved at a moisture content of about 27%. At this moisture content no normal growth was obtained; callus formation was observed. It appears that the seeds vary in the degree of desiccation sensitivity. They also vary in size. Seeds of G. mangostana are larger than Baccaurea seeds and thus, more sensitive to desiccation. Seed and embryonic axis structure may also play a role in desiccation sensitivity.

A study of Malaysian drug addicts with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the clinical profile, haematological and biochemical changes, seroprevalence of common opportunistic pathogens, and AIDS-defining events in 49 Malaysian male drug addicts with HIV infection. Their mean age was 33.2 years, the majority had been injecting drugs for more than 5 years and 88% reporting sharing needles. Fatigue, weight loss and night sweats were common presenting symptoms and the most frequent physical findings were hepatomegaly (57%), lymphadenopathy (35%) and thrush (29%). Pulmonary infections were the commonest complications seen (61%) and of these, 13 had septic pulmonary emboli, 7 had bacterial pneumonias, 7 had pulmonary tuberculosis, and 4 had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Eight patients had infective endocarditis and 5 had infected pseudoaneurysm in the groin. Anaemia (82%), leucocytosis (53%), hypoalbuminaemia (43%), hyperglobulinaemia (88%), elevated liver enzymes and hyponatraemia (57%) were frequent laboratory findings. The prevalence of HCV, HBV, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma infection (by serology) were 100%, 12.2%, 72.7% and 59% respectively. All 7 patients with AIDS (4 P. carinii pneumonia, 2 extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and one oesophageal candidiasis) presented with their AIDS-defining illness, suggesting that HIV-infected intravenous drug user (IVDU) patients present late in the course of the disease.

Surfactant Enhanced Desorption of TNT from Soil

Abstract: Surfactant enhanced desorption of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from contaminated soils at a military site was investigated. Anionic (SDS and DOWFAX 8390), cationic (CTAC and CTAB), and nonionic (Tween 80 and Brij 35) surfactants were first tested at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1%. The anionic and nonionic surfactants were further tested at concentrations of up to 10%. Anionic surfactants, particularly SDS, provided the best desorption of TNT from the soil. There was not any increase in TNT desorption for both the nonionics and cationics at concentrations ranging between 0.1 to 1% and the extent of desorption was found to be lower than the TNT desorption only by water. The competition of the negatively charged soil surfaces for the positively charged cationics and the neutral nonionic surfactants may constitute the underlying reason. TNT was significantly desorbed when the concentrations of Tween 80, DOWFAX 80 and SDS were increased up to 10%.

Dereplication of Saccharide and Polyol Constituents of Candidate Sweet‐tasting Plants: Isolation of the Sesquiterpene Glycoside Mukurozioside IIb as a Sweet Principle of Sapindus rarak

Abstract: In the search for new potently sweet compounds from plants, the rapid identification and quantification of free sugars and polyols in a crude plant extract is important for dereplication purposes, wherein compounds of known structure or biological activity are removed from further consideration. Accordingly, plants found to have high levels of free sugars and polyols are regarded as lower priority leads when screening for novel natural sweeteners. In the present study, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to examine the sugar/polyol content of six sweet-tasting species, comprised of the pericarp of Dialium indum L. (Leguminosae), the stem of Drypetes floribunda Hutchinson (Euphorbiaceae), the fruit of Hymenaea oblongifolia Huber var. palustris (Ducke) Lee and Langenheim (Leguminosae), the rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauvois (Gramineae), the fruit of Manilkara zapota (L.) van Royen (Sapotaceae), and the pericarp of Sapindus rarak DC. (Sapindaceae). The total yields of sugars/polyols in these plant parts were 1.9, 6.1, 7.8, 4.5, 10.8 and 2.9% w/w, respectively. Several uncommon polyols were identified, including bornesitol in D. floribunda and quebrachitol in S. rarak. It is likely that the sweet taste of the plants containing more than 5% of sugars/polyols is imparted as a result of the high free sugar and/or polyol content. Owing to its low level of free sugars, S. rarak pericarp was chosen for further study, and the known sesquiterpene glycoside mukurozioside IIb (1) was isolated in high yield (6.3% w/w) as a sweet-tasting constituent. Preliminary evaluations, comprised of mouse acute toxicity and bacterial mutagenesis determinations, indicated the safety of 1. The compound was subsequently rated by a human taste panel as having about the same sweetness potency as sucrose. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determination of mercury and organic mercury contents in Malaysian seafood

Abstract: The contents of mercury and organic mercury in various types of seafood from various location in Malaysia were determined by neutron activation analysis. Total mercury was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) whilst organic mercury was determined by INAA after chemical separation. Samples were digested in acid media and into the solution was added copper ion and KBr to release organic mercury compound from sulphur component of the tissue. The organic mercury was then extracted into toluene and then treated with cysteine paper to convert the compound into sub-organo-mercury from. The paper was then transferred into polyethylene vials and irradiated in the MINT TRIGA Reactor. Analytical results of organic mercury in Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), Spanish mackerel (Scomberomurus commersoni), shrimp (Peneaus sp.), squid (Loligo sp.) and cockle (Anadara granosa) is in the range of 45%–94% of the total mercury.

Do tides affect water quality in the upper phreatic zone of a small oceanic island, Sipadan Island, Malaysia?

Abstract: Sipadan Island is a small oceanic island with limited storage of fresh groundwater. A study was carried out to determine the effect of tidal change on the groundwater quality of such an island using temperature, dissolved oxygen content, conductivity, salinity, and pH values as indicators. Overall, the results indicated that the groundwater quality changes with tides, but the trends of fluctuation differs between the observed parameters. It was found that the percentages of changes during the period of study were 0.8% (temperature), 53% (dissolved oxygen), 61% (conductivity), 58% (salinity), and 1.7% (pH) at the centre of the island; and 0.9% (temperature), 33% (dissolved oxygen), 40% (conductivity), 42% (salinity), and 9% (pH) at a station 120 m from the coast, based on 2.9-m and 2.8-m tidal ranges at each station.

Different starting times of α-tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol supplementation and tumor marker enzyme activities in-the rat chemically induced with cancer

Abstract: 1. 1. α-Tocopherol (α-T) and γ-tocotrienol (γ-T) were supplemented continuously for 8 weeks in the diets of normal rats and rats chemically induced with cancer using diethylnitrosamine (DEN), 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) and partial hepatectomy. Hepatocarcinogenesis was followed by determining the plasma γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities as well as placental glutathione S-transferase (PGST) and GGT activities histochemically, at 4-week intervals. 2. 2. Male Rattus norvegicus were supplemented α-T and γ-T at two different doses of 30 and 300 mg/kg diet. The supplementation was started at three different times: simultaneously with DEN administration; 4 weeks; and 8 weeks after DEN administration. 3. 3. Elevation of plasma GGT activities and formation of PGST and GGT positive foci were attenuated significantly (P< 0.05) when α-T and γ-T were supplemented simultaneously with cancer induction. Supplementation begun 4 and 8 weeks after cancer induction did not affect plasma enzyme activities and formation of enzyme-positive foci. 4. 4. α-T was more effective than γ-T, and a lower dose of 30 mg/kg was found to be more effective in reducing the severity of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Micropropagation of Citrus halimii - An endangered species of South-east Asia

Abstract: A successful system of direct organogenesis is described for the wild citrus tree, Citrus halimii Stone which used in vitro seedling explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 04–111 µM 6-benzyladenine Hypocotyl was the best explant for multiple shoots regeneration Maximum number of shoots was obtained on medium with 22–111 µM 6-benzyladenine Rooting of regenerated shoots was best on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 27 µM α-naphthalenacetic acid In vitro and ex vitro rooted plantlets survived (on average 833%) after being transferred to the soil mixture consisting of soil, sand and organic material (1: 1: 1) and kept in the glasshouse

Usefulness of stable microbubble test of tracheal aspirate for the diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: Objectives: To compare the overall accuracy of the stable microbubble test (SM test) with measurement of level of surfactant protein A (SP-A) of tracheal aspirate for the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methodology: Tracheal aspirates were obtained from neonates on ventilatory support. The SM test was carried out on specimens of tracheal aspirate immediately after collection. Levels of SP-A in tracheal aspirates were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The results of the SM test and SP-A level of the tracheal aspirates were compared against the clinical diagnosis of RDS based on clinical, radiological and bacteriological findings. Results: Both the median microbubble counts (6 microbubbles/mm,2 range = 0–90) and median SP-A levels (100μg/L, range = 0–67 447) of infants with RDS were significantly lower than those of infants with no obvious lung pathology (P<0.0001), and pneumonia (P<0.0001). The SM test of tracheal aspirates had higher overall accuracy for the diagnosis of RDS than measurement of SP-A levels (94.6%vs 82.4%). When the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of both tests for RDS were compared, the area under the ROC curve of the SM test was larger (0.9689) than that of the SP-A method (0.8965). Conclusions: This study showed that the SM test of tracheal aspirate was a useful bedside diagnostic test for RDS. It could be carried out at any time after birth on infants requiring ventilatory support.