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S Ali

Publications and source records attributed to S Ali.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Genetic study of the CD36 gene in a French diabetic population.

OBJECTIVES: CD36 is a multifunctional membrane receptor widely expressed in different tissues which binds and internalizes oxidized low-density lipoprotein. In rodents, CD36 gene variations modulate glucose homeostasis and contribute to metabolic syndrome associated with type 2 diabetes but the effects in human are unknown. METHODS: We screened the entire coding sequence of the CD36 gene in 272 individuals and we genotyped both rare and frequent variants in 454 T2D subjects and 221 controls. RESULTS: We detected five mutations, P191P and N247S were only found each in one family and did not segregate with diabetes, the three others (A/C-178 in the promoter, A/G-10 in intron 3 and (GGGTTGAGA) insertion in intron 13) being equally frequent in diabetic subjects and in controls. However, adiponectin levels, a marker for insulin sensitivity, were significantly associated with the -178 A/C promoter variant allele (p=0.003, p corrected for multiple testing=0.036), possibly reflecting association with insulin-resistance in the French population. CONCLUSION: Thus, the -178 A/C SNP promoter mutation in the CD36 gene represents a putative genetic marker for insulin-resistance in the French population, although it does not appear to contribute to the genetic risk for T2D.

Adiponectin↗
PubMed2004

Risk factors for transmission of foodborne illness in restaurants and street vendors in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a previous risk factor study in Jakarta we identified purchasing street food as an independent risk factor for paratyphoid. Eating from restaurants, however, was not associated with disease. To explain these findings we compared 128 street food-vendors with 74 food handlers from restaurants in a cross-sectional study in the same study area. Poor hand-washing hygiene and direct hand contact with foods, male sex and low educational level were independent characteristics of street vendors in a logistic regression analysis. Faecal contamination of drinking water (in 65 % of samples), dishwater (in 91 %) and ice cubes (in 100 %) was frequent. Directly transmittable pathogens including S. typhi (n = 1) and non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. (n = 6) were isolated in faecal samples in 13 (7 %) vendors; the groups did not differ, however, in contamination rates of drinking water and Salmonella isolation rates in stools. Poor hygiene of street vendors compared to restaurant vendors, in combination with faecal carriage of enteric pathogens including S. typhi, may help explain the association found between purchasing street food and foodborne illness, in particular Salmonella infections. Public health interventions to reduce transmission of foodborne illness should focus on general hygienic measures in street food trade, i.e. hand washing with soap, adequate food-handling hygiene, and frequent renewal of dishwater.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Five-year surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis in Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: The nation-wide surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) was implemented in Malaysia in 1995 and further intensified in 1996 as part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) certification process for polio eradication in the Western Pacific Region. Clinical data on AFP cases during a 5-year surveillance period from 1997 to 2001 were compiled and analysed. RESULTS: Based on 517 cases of AFP reported during this 5-year period, the overall rate of AFP was 1.2 per 100 000 children below 15 years old. The major clinical diagnosis associated with AFP were Guillain-Barre syndrome (30.2%), central nervous system infection (16.2%), transverse myelitis (10.6%) non-polio enterovirus infection (6.2%), and hypokalaemic paralysis (5.2%). This unusual pattern with an excess of CNS infection and non-polio enterovirus infection was attributed to the outbreak of enterovirus 71 infection nation-wide in 1997. According to the WHO virological classification, there was no case of poliomyelitis due to wild poliovirus. Three cases were 'polio compatible', there were no cases of vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP), while 62 cases (12.0%) were merely classified as 'non-polio AFP'. CONCLUSION: Overall, these data suggest the absence of circulation of wild poliovirus in Malaysia from 1997 to 2001. The pattern of AFP in this study is different from other published reports.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

The stimulant cathartic, emodin, contracts the rat isolated ileum by triggering release of endogenous acetylcholine.

Anthraquinone stimulant cathartics, such as emodin, are believed to increase the rate of contraction of ileum tissue in vitro via multiple mechanisms. The aim of this study was to probe the effects of emodin on acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction of the rat isolated ileum preparation. 2 Ileal sections were incubated in Tyrode's solution and responses to methacholine, ACh and emodin obtained in the absence and presence of the muscarinic antagonist atropine and the choline uptake inhibitor hemicholinium (HC-3). Depletion of endogenous ACh in the presence of HC-3 was achieved by construction of an ACh dose-response curve, using exogenous ACh, prior to re-testing the effects of emodin in the presence of HC-3. 3 Emodin caused dose-dependent tissue contraction that was abolished by inclusion of atropine (1 microM) in the buffer. Atropine (1 microM) antagonized the response caused by methacholine. Incubation of tissues with HC-3 (1 and 10 microM) reduced the maximum response caused by emodin by 45% and 71% respectively, but had no effect on ACh-induced tissue contraction. These data suggest that, emodin causes contraction of the ileum by triggering the release of endogenous ACh which acts on muscarinic receptors to cause contraction of the rat isolated ileum preparation.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2004

The nuclear oxysterol receptor LXRalpha is expressed in the normal human breast and in breast cancer.

The liver X> or = receptor alpha (LXRalpha) is a nuclear receptor with a key role in bile acid biosynthesis and cholesterol metabolism. The present study investigated the expression and function of LXRalpha in the normal and malignant human breast. LXRalpha mRNA transcripts were detected by RT-PCR in nine breast carcinoma cell lines. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned PCR product was identical to the corresponding human LXRalpha cDNA sequence. Expression of LXRalpha protein was confirmed by immunoblot analysis of breast cancer cell lysates. LXRalpha mRNA was expressed in 14/15 (93%) of normal human breast mammoplasty specimens and in 11/15 (73%) of primary breast carcinomas. Oxysterol and nonsteroidal LXRalpha agonists at low micromolar concentrations inhibited proliferation of breast carcinoma cell lines in culture. The importance of LXRalpha signaling in cholesterol homeostasis and the observed expression of LXRalpha in normal breast tissue suggest that this nuclear oxysterol receptor has an important physiological function in the breast. LXRalpha gene expression is regulated by dietary fatty acids implicated in breast carcinogenesis and detection of LXRalpha expression in breast cancer cell lines and breast tumors in the present study indicates that LXRalpha may also be important in breast carcinogenesis. Inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation suggests that pharmacological LXRalpha agonists may have potential preventive and/or therapeutic antitumor activity in breast cancer.

Breast↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence and factors associated with practice of modern contraceptive methods among currently married women in District Naushahro Feroze.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with practice of modern contraceptive methods among currently married women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in District Naushahro Feroze. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2000. We interviewed 420 currently married women of reproductive age group (15-49) years. Information regarding socio-demographic factors, economic condition, their source of information for the message of family planning and reason of using any modern contraceptive method. RESULTS: The prevalence of modern contraceptive method was 27.9%. Final multiple logistic regression analysis showed that with husband agreement (OR, 5.4; 95% CI 2.2-13.2), women could go alone to a health care provider (OR, 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-2.4) and women employment status (OR, 2.5 95% CI 1.2-5.2) were significantly associated with practice of modern contraceptive methods. Similarly, those women who had 3 or more children were more likely to use any modern contraceptive methods compared to those who have 2 or less children. In addition, husband's education was also found significantly associated with family planning practice. CONCLUSION: The practice of modern contraceptive method is low. Socio demographic factors of women were significantly associated with use of modern contraceptive methods. Male and female education and small group discussions of various issues related to family planningand reproductive health may be helpful in creating awareness in the district.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Purified malignant mammary epithelial cells maintain hormone responsiveness in culture.

Currently, the therapy for breast cancer is determined by immunohistochemical staining of the primary tumour for oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). However, a proportion of ERalpha-positive patients fail to respond to tamoxifen and a proportion of ERalpha-negative patients show response. Here, we describe a novel procedure for the purification of malignant breast epithelial cells in an attempt to identify these patients at an early stage. Using this procedure, we are able to purify malignant cells to >90% purity as determined by immunohistochemical staining, cytology and fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH). While the malignant cells can be maintained in culture they do not proliferate in contrast to purified breast epithelial cells from reduction mammoplasties. Moreover, ERalpha and progesterone receptor (PR) expression is maintained in malignant cells, whereas normal epithelial cells rapidly lose ERalpha and PR. Functional studies were performed on the separated malignant cells in terms of their response to oestradiol and tamoxifen. Four out of the seven ERalpha-positive tumours showed a significant reduction in cell numbers after tamoxifen treatment compared to oestradiol, ERalpha negative tumours failed to show a response. We conclude that (a) it is possible to purify and maintain breast cancer cells for a sufficient period to permit functional studies and (b) ERalpha is retained in culture facilitating the use of these cells in studies of the mechanism of endocrine response and resistance in vitro.

Breast↗
PubMed2003

Development of a DNA marker by minisatellite associated sequence amplification (MASA) from the endangered Indian rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis).

Rhinoceroses are highly endangered species and their protection warrants immediate remedial measures. Development of DNA markers is envisaged to complement global efforts of the conservation of these extant animals. Minisatellite associated sequence amplification (MASA) of DNA from Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and three sub-species of South African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) was carried out using a primer based on consensus sequence of the minisatellite repeat locus 33.15. Several bands in the range of 3.0 kilobases (kb) to 650 base pairs (bp) were identified that were useful for successful differentiation of R. unicornis from D. bicornis. Of these fragments, a 688 bp one, unique to R. unicornis was cloned and sequenced (Accession No. AF-296689). The band patterns uncovered by MASA and the species-specific hybridisation of pSG5 may be utilised as a tool for differentiating the R. unicornis genome from that of D. bicornis. This approach may also be adopted for the development of DNA-based genetic marker(s) useful for identification of other endangered species.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Fire and frost!

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Analgesia, Epidural↗
PubMed2003

Influence of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy on autoantibody titres to BP Ag1 and BP Ag2 in patients with bullous pemphigoid.

BACKGROUND: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease, which is characterized by blisters on the skin. Autoantibodies to components of the basement membrane zone are usually observed in the sera of patients with BP. Autoantibodies to the bullous pemphigoid antigens (BP Ag1, 230-kDa desmoplakin protein, and BP Ag2, 180-kDa hemidesmosomal protein) are present in the sera of BP patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report the influence of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy on autoantibody titres to BP Ag1 and BP Ag2. METHODS: In this prospective study, we measured autoantibody titres to both BP Ag1 and BP Ag2, in 10 patients with severe BP, over a period of 18 consecutive months on each patient, using an immunoblot assay. RESULTS: Prior to the initiation of IVIg therapy, the sera of nine patients demonstrated the presence of high autoantibody titres to both BP Ag1 and BP Ag2. One patient had autoantibodies to BP Ag1 only. A statistically significant decline in the autoantibody titres to both BP Ag1 and BP Ag2 was observed after 3 months of receiving the first cycle of IVIg therapy. This gradual decline in autoantibody titres continued until patients were observed to have non-detectable titres to BP Ag1 after 11 months and to BP Ag2 after 10 months of receiving IVIg therapy. Once patients achieved non-detectable titres, these patients were considered to be in a serological remission. This serological remission was sustained for an additional 7 months of observation. CONCLUSION: Autoantibody titres to BP Ag1 and BP Ag2 can be used to monitor the serological response to treatment in patients with BP. Patients with severe BP who are treated with IVIg therapy, as described in our protocol, achieve a long-term serological remission.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Effect of volume of culture medium on enhanced citric acid productivity by a mutant culture of Aspergillus niger in stirred fermentor.

AIMS: The present study deals with the effect of volume of culture medium on enhanced citric acid productivity by a mutant culture of Aspergillus niger. METHODS AND RESULTS: A laboratory scale stirred fermentor of 15-l capacity was employed for all microbial cultivations. Blackstrap molasses, a by-product of sugar industries is easily and abundantly available for its exploitation as a carbon source in fermentation processes. The parental culture of A. niger was improved by mutation using ultraviolet radiations and N-methyl N-nitro N-nitroso guanidine, i.e. mutagen MNNG. Six MUV and eight MNNG-treated mutant strains were isolated after extensive screening and optimization. Mutant strain of A. niger MNNG-2 showed enhanced citric productivity (87.60 g l-1) over the parental strain BTL-45 (19.53 g l-1) and other mutant derivatives (49.85 g l-1 citric acid in case of mutant MUV-5 and 76.82 g l-1 in case of mutant MNNG-7). The optimal sugar level was found to be 150 g l-1 (optimum volume of the medium, 60%) after 6 days of inoculation, which is economically significant. Specific productivity of the mutant culture MNNG-2 (qp = 0.057 g/g cells h-1) was several folds higher than other strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of the present study are of commercial level. All kinetic parameters including yield coefficients and volumetric rates revealed the hyper-producibility of citric acid by mutant MNNG-2 using blackstrap molasses as the basal medium in stirred fermentor.

Aspergillus niger↗
PubMed2003

Graphical display of variability and inter-relationships of pressure signals in children with traumatic brain injury.

A prospective observational study was undertaken to examine time series ICU data of pressure variables (mean arterial pressure (MAP), intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)) and relate their variability (SD) to outcome, together with simple graphical displays which could be useful at the ICU bedspace. Forty-three children (aged < 1-15 years) were admitted to the intensive care unit for Regional Neurosurgical Service, Edinburgh, following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The standard deviations from 221,291 validated pressure data measurements (representing three variables) were calculated for the duration of ICP monitoring (and in 48 h epochs from the time of injury). Data were displayed on polygraphs, and several well-defined 'patterns' were described. The standard deviations of MAP, ICP and CPP for the total duration of monitoring were found to be significantly related to survival (p = 0.003, <0.001 and 0.005, respectively), while the SD of ICP alone was strongly related to global recovery (p = 0.008) in the first 48 h post-injury. Patterns in 104 epochs (each of 48 h) were identified. Ninety-two were of the type I (MAP > CPP > ICP) pattern and 12 were of the non-type I pattern. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores at 12 months were significantly related to the dichotomized pattern type (Fisher's exact test p < 0.001 for both alive versus dead and independent versus dependent outcomes). Only one patient with type I pattern died in this series. While variability of ICP during the first 48 h post-injury is predictive of the outcome, the pattern behaviour of three pressure signals gives useful outcome prediction information throughout monitoring. These displays may help interpret some of the plethora of data produced at the bedside.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2003

Chemokines and breast cancer: a gateway to revolutionary targeted cancer treatments?

Breast cancer is an example of a solid tumour which is well treated in the early stages of disease by surgical excision, but once metastatic spread has occurred, medical therapies (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) are highly toxic, expensive and palliative. It is known that certain tumours exhibit specific patterns of metastasis, chemokines may provide a molecular answer to this mystery. Chemokines and their receptors play important roles in the various stages of tumour development and metastasis. Chemokines interact with their specific receptors as well as interacting with the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) component of proteoglycan. We discuss the basic metastatic process and the involvement of chemokines in breast cancer biology. Finally, we summarize potential therapeutic applications of chemokines and chemokine/glycosaminoglycan interactions including chemokine agonists, antagonists, anti-sense therapy, immunotherapy and soluble GAGs, as well as future perspectives in this field.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2003

Serum lipid profile in hypertensive and normotensive type II diabetes mellitus patients--a comparative study.

A comparative prospective study was done in 10 patients suffering from hypertension with type II diabetes mellitus and 10 patients suffering from type II diabetes without hypertension. The serum Lipid profile was studied on 10 healthy normotensive nondiabetic subject, on 10 patients suffering from hypertension with type II diabetes mellitus and on 10 patients suffering from type II diabetes mellitus without hypertension. In present study a significantly higher level of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-Cholesterol concentration were observed in hypertensive type II diabetes mellitus and normotensive type II diabetes mellitus subjects in comparison to control group and serum HDL-cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in both the groups in comparison to healthy control. There was significantly increased level of serum total cholesterol (P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001) in hypertensive type II diabetes mellitus in comparison to normotensive type II diabetes mellitus. Though serum triglyceride level was increased in hypertensive type II diabetes mellitus in comparison to normotensive type II diabetes mellitus, but it was not statistically significant. Serum HDL-cholesterol level was more in normotensive type II diabetes mellitus in comparison to hypertensive type II diabetes mellitus group but it was not statistically significant.

Adult↗