Showing papers by "University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute published in 2014"

Assessment of protein disorder region predictions in CASP10.

Abstract: The article presents the assessment of disorder region predictions submitted to CASP10. The evaluation is based on the three measures tested in previous CASPs: (i) balanced accuracy, (ii) the Matthews correlation coefficient for the binary predictions, and (iii) the area under the curve in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of predictions using probability annotation. We also performed new analyses such as comparison of the submitted predictions with those obtained with a Naive disorder prediction method and with predictions from the disorder prediction databases D2P2 and MobiDB. On average, the methods participating in CASP10 demonstrated slightly better performance than those in CASP9.

Diversity and antimicrobial activities of actinobacteria isolated from tropical mangrove sediments in Malaysia.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Actinobacteria from Malaysia mangrove forest and screen them for production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites. Eighty-seven isolates were isolated from soil samples collected at 4 different sites. This is the first report to describe the isolation of Streptomyces, Mycobacterium, Leifsonia, Microbacterium, Sinomonas, Nocardia, Terrabacter, Streptacidiphilus, Micromonospora, Gordonia, and Nocardioides from mangrove in east coast of Malaysia. Of 87 isolates, at least 5 isolates are considered as putative novel taxa. Nine Streptomyces sp. isolates were producing potent antimicrobial secondary metabolites, indicating that Streptomyces isolates are providing high quality metabolites for drug discovery purposes. The discovery of a novel species, Streptomyces pluripotens sp. nov. MUSC 135(T) that produced potent secondary metabolites inhibiting the growth of MRSA, had provided promising metabolites for drug discovery research. The biosynthetic potential of 87 isolates was investigated by the detection of polyketide synthetase (PKS) and nonribosomal polyketide synthetase (NRPS) genes, the hallmarks of secondary metabolites production. Results showed that many isolates were positive for PKS-I (19.5%), PKS-II (42.5%), and NRPS (5.7%) genes, indicating that mangrove Actinobacteria have significant biosynthetic potential. Our results highlighted that mangrove environment represented a rich reservoir for isolation of Actinobacteria, which are potential sources for discovery of antimicrobial secondary metabolites.

Microbes from Marine Sponges: A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity for Natural Products Discovery

Abstract: Microbes associated with marine sponges are of interest in marine biotechnology for several reasons. Sponge-associated microbes are a resource for drug discovery. Studies on the diversity of microbes associated with sponges and development of methods to culture additional sponge symbionts are important in order to contribute to the future production of new pharmaceuticals. Of particular importance for natural products discovery is the presence in marine sponges of groups of bacteria such as cyanobacteria and actinomycetes, with a good track record for production of bioactive compounds. More generally, the tremendous diversity of bacteria in marine sponges will remain largely untapped as long as >99% of these bacteria remain uncultured and advances are needed in culturing methods for sponge-derived microbes. Many bioactive compounds of potential pharmaceutical importance have already been obtained from microbes isolated from marine sponges. In the examples given here, sponges are used solely as sources of microbes for screening rather than attempts being made to isolate specific microbes that are producers of bioactive compounds previously characterized from the sponges themselves.

Streptomyces pluripotens sp. nov., a bacteriocin-producing streptomycete that inhibits meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Two novel actinobacteria, strains MUSC 135T and MUSC 137, were isolated from mangrove soil at Tanjung Lumpur, Malaysia. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and DNA–DNA relatedness between strains MUSC 135T and MUSC 137 were 100 % and 83±3.2 %, confirming that these two strains should be classified in the same species. Strain MUSC 135T exhibited a broad-spectrum bacteriocin against the pathogens meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain ATCC BAA-44, Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430T and Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966T. A polyphasic approach was used to study the taxonomy of MUSC 135T, and it showed a range of phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the genus Streptomyces . The diamino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ll-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H8). Polar lipids detected were a lipid, an aminolipid, a phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two glycolipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10.0 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0 (20.8 %), iso-C16 : 0 (18.0 %), iso-C15 : 0 (12.2 %) and anteiso-C17 : 0 (11.6 %). The whole-cell sugars were ribose, glucose and mannose. These results suggested that MUSC 135T should be placed within the genus Streptomyces . Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence exhibited that the most closely related strains were Streptomyces cinereospinus NBRC 15397T (99.18 % similarity), Streptomyces mexicanus NBRC 100915T (99.17 %) and Streptomyces coeruleofuscus NBRC 12757T (98.97 %). DNA–DNA relatedness between MUSC 135T and closely related type strains ranged from 26.3±2.1 to 49.6±2.5 %. BOX-PCR fingerprint comparisons showed that MUSC 135T exhibited a unique DNA profile. The DNA G+C content determined was 70.7±0.3 mol%. Based on our polyphasic study of MUSC 135T, the strain merits assignment to a novel species, for which the name Streptomyces pluripotens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 135T ( = MCCC 1K00252T = DSM 42140T).

Mumia flava gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterium of the family Nocardioidaceae

Abstract: A novel actinobacterial strain, designated MUSC 201T, was isolated from a mangrove soil collected from Kuantan, the capital city of Pahang State in Malaysia. The taxonomic status of this strain was determined using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain MUSC 201T represented a novel lineage within the class Actinobacteria . Strain MUSC 201T formed a distinct clade in the family Nocardioidaceae and was most closely related to the members of the genera Nocardioides (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 91.9–95.1 %), Aeromicrobium (92.7–94.6 %), Marmoricola (92.5–93.1 %) and Kribbella (91.5–92.4 %). The cells of this strain were irregular coccoid to short rod shaped. The peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid and the peptidoglycan type was A3γ. The peptidoglycan cell wall contained ll-diaminopimelic acid, glycine, glutamic acid and alanine in a molar ratio of 1.5 : 0.9 : 1.0 : 1.5. The cell-wall sugars were galactose and rhamnose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid, glycolipid and four unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c (30.8 %), C16 : 0 (24.1 %), and 10-methyl C18 : 0 (13.9 %). The DNA G+C content was 72.0±0.1 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic differences from members of the genera of the family Nocardioidaceae , a novel genus and species, Mumia flava gen. nov., sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of Mumia flava is MUSC 201T ( = DSM 27763T = MCCC 1A00646T = NBRC 109973T).

Microbacterium mangrovi sp. nov., an amylolytic actinobacterium isolated from mangrove forest soil.

Abstract: Strain MUSC 115T was isolated from mangrove soil of the Tanjung Lumpur river in the state of Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Cells of this strain stained Gram-positive and were non-spore-forming, short rods that formed yellowish-white colonies on different agar media. The taxonomy of strain MUSC 115T was studied by a polyphasic approach, and the organism showed a range of phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the genus Microbacterium . The cell-wall peptidoglycan was of type B2β, containing the amino acids ornithine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid and homoserine. The muramic acid was of the N-glycolyl form. The predominant menaquinones detected were MK-12, MK-13 and MK-11. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified lipids, three unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified glycolipids. The major fatty acids of the cell membrane were anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The whole-cell sugars detected were ribose, glucose, mannose and galactose. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain MUSC 115T showed the highest sequence similarity to Microbacterium immunditiarum SK 18T (98.1 %), M. ulmi XIL02T (97.8 %) and M. arborescens DSM 20754T (97.5 %) and lower sequence similarity to strains of other species of the genus Microbacterium . DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed a low level of DNA–DNA relatedness (less than 24 %) between strain MUSC 115T and the type strains of closely related species. Furthermore, BOX-PCR fingerprint comparison also indicated that strain MUSC 115T represented a unique DNA profile. The DNA G+C content determined was 70.9±0.7 mol%, which is lower than that of M. immunditiarum SK 18T. Based on the combination of genotypic and phenotypic data, it is proposed that strain MUSC 115T represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium , for which the name Microbacterium mangrovi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 115T ( = MCCC 1K00251T = DSM 28240T = NBRC 110089T).

Spatial analysis of colorectal cancer cases in Kuala Lumpur.

Abstract: Background: In Malaysia, data from the Malaysian Health Ministry showed colorectal cancer (CRC) to be the second most common type of cancer in 2007-2009, after breast cancer. The same was apparent after looking at males and females cases separately. In the present study, the Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed to describe the distribution of CRC cases in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia, according to socio-demographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity and district). Materials and Methods: This retrospective review concerned data for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the years 1995 to 2011 collected from the Wilayah Persekutuan Health Office, taken from the cancer notification form (NCR-2), and patient medical records from the Surgical Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). A total of 146 cases were analyzed. All the data collected were analysed using ArcGIS version 10.0 and SPSS version 19.0. Results: Patients aged 60 to 69 years accounted for the highest proportion of cases (34.2%) and males slightly predominated 76 (52.1%), Chinese had the highest number of registered cases at 108 (74.0%) and staging revealed most cases in the 3rd and 4th stages. Kernel density analysis showed more cases are concentrated up in the northern area of Petaling and Kuala Lumpur subdistricts. Spatial global pattern analysis by average nearest neighbour resulted in nearest neighbour ratio of 0.75, with Z-score of -5.59, p value of <0.01 and the z-score of -5.59. Spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I) showed clustering significant with p<0.01, Z score 3.14 and Moran’s Index of 0.007. When mapping clusters with hotspot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi), hot and cold spots were identified. Hot spot areas fell on the northeast side of KL. Conclusions: This study demonstrated significant spatial patterns of cancer incidence in KL. Knowledge about these spatial patterns can provide useful information to policymakers in the planning of screening of CRC in the targeted population and improvement of healthcare facilities to provide better treatment for CRC patients.

Tocotrienol-rich fraction, [6]-gingerol and epigallocatechin gallate inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of glioma cancer cells

Abstract: Plant bioactives [6]-gingerol (GING), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and asiaticoside (AS) and vitamin E, such as tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), have been reported to possess anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic properties of these bioactive compounds alone or in combination on glioma cancer cells. TRF, GING, EGCG and AS were tested for cytotoxicity on glioma cell lines 1321N1 (Grade II), SW1783 (Grade III) and LN18 (Grade IV) in culture by the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxy-phenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt) (MTS) assay. With the exception of AS, combinations of two compounds were tested, and the interactions of each combination were evaluated by the combination index (CI) using an isobologram. Different grades of glioma cancer cells showed different cytotoxic responses to the compounds, where in 1321N1 and LN18 cells, the combination of EGCG + GING exhibited a synergistic effect with CI = 0.77 and CI = 0.55, respectively. In contrast, all combinations tested (TRF + GING, TRF + EGCG and EGCG + GING) were found to be antagonistic on SW1783 with CI values of 1.29, 1.39 and 1.39, respectively. Combined EGCG + GING induced apoptosis in both 1321N1 and LN18 cells, as evidenced by Annexin-V FITC/PI staining and increased active caspase-3. Our current data suggests that the combination of EGCG + GING synergistically induced apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation 1321N1 and LN18 cells, but not SW1783 cells, which may be due to their different genetic profiles.

Gamma-tocotrienol and hydroxy-chavicol synergistically inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human glioma cells.

Abstract: Gamma-tocotrienol (GTT), an isomer of vitamin E and hydroxy-chavicol (HC), a major bioactive compound in Piper betle, has been reported to possess anti-carcinogenic properties by modulating different cellular signaling events. One possible strategy to overcome multi-drug resistance and high toxic doses of treatment is by applying combinational therapy especially using natural bioactives in cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the interaction of GTT and HC and its mode of cell death on glioma cell lines. GTT or HC alone and in combination were tested for cytotoxicity on glioma cell lines 1321N1 (Grade II), SW1783 (Grade III) and LN18 (Grade IV) by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxy-phenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)- 2H- tetrazolium, inner salt] MTS assay. The interactions of each combination were evaluated by using the combination index (CI) obtained from an isobologram. Individually, GTT or HC displayed mild growth inhibitory effects against glioma cancer cell lines at concentration values ranging from 42–100 μg/ml and 75–119 μg/ml respectively. However, the combination of sub-lethal doses of GTT + HC dramatically enhanced the inhibition of glioma cancer cell proliferation and exhibited a strong synergistic effect on 1321N1 with CI of 0.55, and CI = 0.54 for SW1783. While in LN18 cells, moderate synergistic interaction of GTT + HC was observed with CI value of 0.73. Exposure of grade II, III and IV cells to combined treatments for 24 hours led to increased apoptosis as determined by annexin-V FITC/PI staining and caspase-3 apoptosis assay, showing caspase-3 activation of 27%, 7.1% and 79% respectively. In conclusion, combined treatments with sub-effective doses of GTT and HC resulted in synergistic inhibition of cell proliferation through the induction of apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro.

Penyebaran Varietas Unggul Kedelai dan Dampaknya terhadap Ekonomi Perdesaan

Abstract: Improved soybean varieties are generally possessing high yield, resistant to major pests and diseases, and carrying other important properties. Until 2013 more than 70 improved varieties had been released, but not all are planted by farmers. The present research objectives were: (1) to identify the distribution and farmers preferences of improved soybean varieties, (2) to identify the adoption barrier of new soybean varieties, and (3) to estimate the economic contribution of the new soybean varieties. The study was conducted on soybean production centers in Indonesia, covering East Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, West Java, and South Sulawesi. The research was carried out using survey method, where samples of farmers were used as sources of the primary data. There were total of 600 farmer respondents. Analyses of the data applied the tabulation analysis, principal components analyses, and contributions analyses. The results showed that soybean varieties most widely adopted by farmers in order of the highest were: Anjasmoro (32.1% farmer users, covering area of 190,567 ha), Willis (17.9% farmer users, area of 93,187 ha), Mahameru (9.1% farmer users, area of 78,190 ha), Grobogan (11.2% farmer users, area of 71,576 ha). Farmer’s preferences to soybean variety, included the following characters: flowering at 35-40 days after planting, harvesting 70-75 days after planting, stem with many branches, yellow seed coat color, round seed shape, large seed size, and the grains sold easily. The reason of varieties was not being adopted by farmers include: unavailability of seeds at planting time, seed size was too small, seed price is too expensive, and the distance from farmers’ home to the seed kiosk was too far away. The economic contribution of improve soybean varieties was as followed: Anjasmoro (Rp 1.3 trillion), Mahameru (Rp 0.61 trillion), Grobogan (Rp 0.61 trillion), Willis (Rp 0.56 trillion), Baluran (Rp 0.25 trillion), while the other improved varieties (Argomulyo, Bromo, Orba, Kipas Merah, Galunggung, Kipas Putih, Davros, Gepak kuning, Gepak Hijau, Malabar, Burangrang, Mitani, Kaba, Lokon, Sinabung) each contributed to the rural economy in a total of Rp 0.57 trillion. The total economic contribution of all improved soybean varieties was estimated at Rp 3.9 trillion.

The Growth Response of Prorocentrum minimum Pavill. (Dinophyta) to Karlotoxin Exposure

Abstract: Extracellular metabolites produced by harmful algae can act as growth-inhibiting agents for other phytoplankton species, influencing species competition and succession and hence affecting structure of the plankton community. Karlodinium veneficum Ballant., a cosmopolitan estuarine dinoflagellate, produces toxic compounds known as karlotoxins that exhibit sterol-dependent, cytotoxic activity and are frequently associated with fish kills. Karlotoxin-sensitive cells tend to have desmethyl sterols as predominant cellular sterols, and karlotoxin-resistant cells have 4-methyl sterols as dominant sterols. The allelopathic effects of karlotoxins on other algae have been described, but the question of whether or not K. veneficum is allelopathic against Prorocentrum minimum, a common co-occurring dinoflagellate, is unknown. We determined the sterol profiles of two different Chesapeake Bay strains (RR4B1 and IB) of P. minimum and also exposed them to different concentrations of karlotoxin extracted from K. veneficum cells. The strains, RR4B1 and IB, experienced mortality at high toxin concentrations, i.e., 256 ng mL -1 . After 24 hours of exposure, cell counts declined resulting in calculated “negative growth rates” of -1.17 (d -1 ) for RR4B1 and

Tingkat Adopsi Teknologi USAhatani Padi Lahan Sawah di Jawa Timur : suatu Kajian Model Pengembangan “Cooperative Farming”

Abstract: The study aimed at assessing factors affecting farmers to adopt technology of lowland rice farming system using cooperative farming model. The study was conducted in Jember district during the wet season of 2000/2001. Total samples were 105 farmers and data collection was done through a farm record keeping method. Data were analyzed using logit function. The results showed that factors affecting farmers’ adoption of cultural practices were plant spacing within a legowo parallel system, choice of improved variety of Way Apu Buru, quantity of seed, and balanced fertilizer in the specific location. Factors affecting adoption of legowo parallel system and choice of the Way Apu Buru variety were costs of inputs, total labor, farming experiences, and profitability. The factor of land area affected only plant spacing of legowo parallel system. Adoption of seed application was affected by total labor, land area, and educational background of the farmers. Balanced fertilizer application in the specific location was affected by costs of inputs and profitability. To encourage farmers to adopt new technology of rice farming system in the cooperative farming model, it requires the government programs to improve farmers’ skills and knowledges through extension and capital credit. Key words : technology adoption, rice field, cooperative farming. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengkaji faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat adopsi petani terhadap teknologi sistem usahatani padi di lahan sawah dalam model cooperative farming. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kabupaten Jember pada musim hujan 2000/2001. Total petani contoh sebanyak 105 orang, dan metode pencatatan usahatani farm record keeping method digunakan dalam pengumpulan data. Analisa data menggunakan model fungsi logit. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan keragaman faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat adopsi petani terhadap beberapa teknologi budidaya, antara lain : jarak tanam sistem jajar legowo; pemilihan varietas unggul padi Way Apu Buru; jumlah benih yang digunakan; dan penggunaan pupuk berimbang spesifik lokasi. Faktor yang mempengaruhi adopsi jarak tanam sistem jajar legowo dan pemilihan varietas Way Apo Buru adalah biaya sarana produksi, jumlah tenaga kerja, pengalaman usahatani dan tingkat keuntungan. Faktor luas lahan, hanya mempengaruhi adopsi jarak tanam sistem jajar legowo. Adopsi penggunaan benih dipengaruhi oleh jumlah tenaga kerja, luas lahan dan tingkat pendidikan petani. Sedangkan penggunaan pupuk berimbang spesifik lokasi dipengaruhi oleh biaya sarana produksi dan tingkat keuntungan. Dalam upaya peningkatan adopsi petani terhadap teknologi usahatani padi dalam model kooperatif usahatani masih diperlukan dukungan program peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan petani melalui penyuluhan dan bantuan permodalan. Kata kunci : adopsi teknologi, padi sawah, usaha kooperatif

Effects of Dioscorea Polygonoides (Jamaican Bitter Yam) Supplementation in Normocholesterolemic and Genetically Modified Hypercholesterolemic Mice Species

Abstract: The Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) contains various bioactive components that may increase oxidative stress in various tissues at relatively high concentrations. The present study therefore investigated the effects of bitter yam supplementation (5%) on the integrity of the liver and kidneys. Two mice strains (inbred C57BL/6 and transgenic C57BL/6-Tg(APOA1)1Rub/J) were used in the study. Each strain was divided into two groups. One group was fed a basal diet without supplementation, and the second group was fed a basal diet supplemented with the Jamaican bitter yam. The results revealed that the transgenic mice fed diets with and without bitter yam supplementation experienced significant increases in weight, when compared with inbred mice fed similar diets. Hepatoprotective effects were observed in transgenic mice known to possess high serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Oxidative stress was induced in mice fed diets supplemented with bitter yam at a concentration of 5%. Practical Application The Jamaican bitter yam possesses potent anti-diabetic and hypocholesterolemic properties due to its high levels of sapogenin. Currently, the tuber is consumed in rural areas mostly during times of drought. No toxicology data, however, exist for consumption of this yam species. This study provides information on the possible toxicity from overconsumption and paves the way for future studies to establish an effective consumption dosage. With its potent cholesterol-lowering capabilities, the Jamaican bitter yam can be exploited in the nutraceutical industry and for the development of other value-added products for everyday consumption such as baked goods and granola bars, giving them a hypocholesterolemic twist.

Kajian Penguapan Air dan Penyerapan Minyak pada Penggorengan Ubi Jalar (Ipomoea batatas L.) dengan Metode Deep-Fat Frying

Abstract: Deep-fat frying was a process of cooking and drying through contact with hot oil and it involves simultaneous heat and mass transfer. The aims of this research was to study the misture loss and fat uptake phenomenon during sweet potatoes frying using deep-fat frying method. Sweet potatoes were shaped in bar-strip measuring 1x1x5 cm3 and fried with varying temperature of 160, 170 and 180oC. The moisture loss and oil uptake phenomenon can be analogicially modeled referring to Newton's Law of Cooling, by equation (R 2 =0,997), (R 2 =0,997) and (R 2 =0,997) for moisture loss and (R 2 =0,95), (R 2 =0,94) and (R 2 =0,98) for fat uptake on 160,170, and 180oC frying temperature, respectively. The activation energies were 2,72 kJ/mol for moisture loss and 4,19 kJ/mol for oil uptake. Moisture and fat content had linier relationship for 170 and 180oC and non-linier relationship for 160oC. ABSTRAK Deep-fat frying merupakan proses pemasakan dan pengeringan yang terjadi melalui kontak dengan minyak panas dan ini meliputi perpindahan panas dan massa secara simultan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji phenomena penguapan air dan penyerapan minyak yang terjadi selama proses penggorengan ubi jalar dengan metode penggorengan deep-fat frying pada berbagai suhu penggorengan. Ubijalar dibentuk irisan balok dengan ukuran 1x1x5 cm3, kemudian digoreng pada suhu 160,170, and 180oC. Model analogi Hukum Pendinginan Newton dapat menjelaskan dengan baik laju penguapan air dan penyerapan minyak pada penggorengan ubi jalar menggunakan metode deep-fat frying dengan persamaan MR= e -0,0052.t (R 2 =0,997), MR= e -0,0054.t (R 2 =0,997) dan MR= e -0,0064.t (R 2 =0,997) untuk penguapan air dan OR= e -0,0015.t (R 2 =0,95), OR= e -0,0018.t (R 2 =0,94) dan OR= e -0,0023.t (R 2 =0,98) untuk penyerapan minyak pada suhu 160,170 dan 180oC. Energi aktivasi untuk penguapan air adalah 2,72 kJ.mol dan untuk penyerapan minyak adalah 4,19 kJ/mol. Kadar air dan minyak ubi jalar selama penggorengan berhubungan secara linier pada 170 dan 180oC dan nonlinier pada 160oC.

Hepatic pseudoaneurysms from motor vehicle accidents treated with endovascular embolisations

Abstract: Objectives: To highlight the incidence of hepatic pseudoaneurysms secondary to motor vehicle accidents and the rate of successful treatment with endovascular embolisation. Methods: This was a retrospective study performed in a medical centre in Malaysia from January 2009 to January 2012. Cases were identified using the Integrated Reporting and Imaging System of the department and the angiographic unit server. Further details were collected from the patients’ medical records. All patients were followed up by the primary team for at least a year. Results: There were five cases of hepatic pseudoaneurysms of which two developed arterioportal or arteriovenous shunts. All patients were young adult males with high-grade liver injury. Of these, only one was symptomatic and diagnosed by the presence of fresh blood in the surgical drain; the other four cases were diagnosed by incidental findings on follow-up computed tomography. All the cases were treated successfully with endovascular embolisation: two with glue embolisation and three with coil embolisation. Patients were followed up clinically for 1 year with no significant sequelae. Conclusion: Hepatic pseudoaneuryms from motor vehicle accidents are a rare complication and, commonly, are incidental findings on follow-up computed tomography. Awareness of this complication is important; treatment with a procedure such as endovascular embolisation can prevent further complications.

EFIKASI INSEKTISIDA NABATI DALAM MENGENDALIKAN KUTU KEBUL, Bemisia tabaci GENN. (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

Abstract: Y am bean, neem, and nicotiana are natural pesticides for insect. Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn. is a pest and could decrease in soybean yield up to 80%. The aim of this research was to study the effectiveness of natural pesticides in controlling white fly. The research was carried out in ILETRI screen house and arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial randomized design with four replicates. Fisrt factor was three natural pesticides of yam bean, neem, nicotiana while the second factor was the time of aplications (two week after planting (WAP)-harvested), (2 WAP- floweres), (floweres-harvested). Dosage of each yam bean, neem or nicotin was 50 ml/l. Natural pesticides were sprayed over leaves. Parameters of whitefly population and injury intensity were observed. The result showed that whitefly population was lower in neem aplication (113 whitefly/3 leave trifoliate) and increased in control (684 whitefly/3 leave trifoliate), yam bean aplication (182 whitefly/3 leave trifoliate ) and nicotiana aplication (163 whitefly/3 leave trifoliate ). There was not interaction the kind of natural pesticides with time of application. This study shown that the neem natural pasticide at 2 WAP until harvest is effective in controlling the whitefly.