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Ahmad MF, Fauzi MA, Ahmad MH, Wider W, Lee CK. Are we eating plastic? Science mapping of microplastic pollution in the aquatic food chain. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024. [PMID: 38593234 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluates the knowledge structure of microplastic pollution and its effects on the aquatic food chain. The presence of microplastics has seriously harmed the ecosystem. Through bibliometric analysis, 216 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2008 to 2023 (April), with no restriction in the time frame. Applying bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis, the emerging, current, and future themes of microplastic pollution are presented. Three research streams are derived from bibliographic coupling, centralized on the source of microplastic pollution and its impact. At the same time, research streams from co-word analysis are associated with overcoming the issue of microplastics in the ecosystem. This study's implications suggest three main principles to mitigate microplastic issues: (1) educating the public on the impact of microplastic pollution, (2) implementing holistic regulations and policies, and (3) developing treatment strategies through conventional, innovative, and hybrid approaches. Microplastic pollution is a global concern, requiring a holistic and comprehensive approach to overcome it. This review is the first to present a scientific mapping of the microplastics literature, which is a fundamental basis for future research on microplastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faizal Ahmad
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Walton Wider
- Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Chia Kuang Lee
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
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Ahmad MH, Pathak S, Clement KD, Aly EH. Meta-analysis of the use of sterilized mosquito net mesh for inguinal hernia repair in less economically developed countries. BJS Open 2019; 3:429-435. [PMID: 31406956 PMCID: PMC6681152 DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.50147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inguinal hernias are common in less economically developed countries (LEDCs), and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Tension-free mesh repair is the standard treatment worldwide. Lack of resources combined with the high cost of commercial synthetic mesh (CSM) have limited its use in LEDCs. Sterilized mosquito net mesh (MNM) has emerged as a low-cost, readily available alternative to CSM. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MNM for the use in hernia repair in LEDCs. Methods A systematic review and data meta-analysis of all published articles from inception to August 2018 was performed. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched. The primary outcome measure was the overall postoperative complication rate of hernia repair when using MNM. Secondary outcome measures were comparisons between MNM and CSM with regard to overall complication rate, wound infection, chronic pain and haematoma formation. Results A total of nine studies were considered relevant (3 RCTs, 1 non-randomized trial and 5 prospective studies), providing a total cohort of 1085 patients using MNM. The overall complication rate for hernia repair using MNM was 9·3 per cent. There was no significant difference between MNM and CSM regarding the overall postoperative complication rate (odds ratio 0·99, 95 per cent c.i. 0·65 to 1·53; P = 0·98), severe or chronic pain (OR 2·52, 0·36 to 17·42; P = 0·35), infection (OR 0·56, 0·19 to 1·61; P = 0·28) or haematoma (OR 1·05, 0·62 to 1·78; P = 0·86). Conclusion MNM has a low overall postoperative complication rate and is unlikely to be inferior to CSM in terms of safety and efficacy. MNM is a suitable low-cost alternative to CSM in the presence of financial constraint.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Ahmad
- University Hospitals of Leicester Leicester UK
| | - S Pathak
- University Hospitals of Leicester Leicester UK
| | - K D Clement
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow UK
| | - E H Aly
- Department of General Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Aberdeen UK.,University of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
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Kamran A, Lotos L, Amer MA, Al-Saleh MA, Alshahwan IM, Shakeel MT, Ahmad MH, Umar M, Katis NI. Characterization of Pepper leafroll chlorosis virus, a New Polerovirus Causing Yellowing Disease of Bell Pepper in Saudi Arabia. Plant Dis 2018; 102:318-326. [PMID: 30673532 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-17-0418-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
During the growing seasons of 2014 through 2016, a total of 336 leaf samples from bell pepper (showing leafroll and interveinal yellowing) and arable weeds were collected from Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. The use of a polerovirus generic reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay confirmed their presence in the bell pepper samples. Sequencing of the generic amplicon revealed high similarity (87.6 to 98.1% in nt) with four poleroviruses; Tobacco vein distorting virus, Pepper vein yellows virus, Pepper yellows virus, and Pepper yellow leaf curl virus. To further characterize one of these isolates (105D), a larger part of the genome (∼1,300 nt) spanning approximately from the 3' end of ORF2 to the middle of ORF3, was amplified and sequenced. Blasting the resulting sequence revealed the low amino acid and nucleotide identity percentages in the coat protein and movement protein partial genes with viruses deposited in GenBank. Next-generation sequence was used to acquire a larger part of the genome, which resulted in the reconstruction of isolate 105D's partial genome (5,496 nt). Sequence similarity analysis revealed the presence of a divergent polerovirus isolate belonging to a new species that was tentatively named Pepper leafroll chlorosis virus (PeLRCV). Using a specific RT-PCR assay for this isolate confirmed the presence of this new viral species in the symptomatic peppers. Aphid transmission experiments showed that PeLRCV is vectored by Aphis gossypii and that it can infect at least five out of the 15 different plants species tested. Based on our findings, PeLRCV is a new member of genus Polerovirus in the family Luteoviridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kamran
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - L Lotos
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Pathology Lab, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - M A Amer
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; and Viruses and Phytoplasma Research Department, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt
| | - M A Al-Saleh
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - I M Alshahwan
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - M T Shakeel
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; and Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - M H Ahmad
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Umar
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - N I Katis
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Pathology Lab, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
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Abstract
Delayed presentation of Developmental Dysplasia of Hip (DDH) comes with challenges in treatment as well as high surgical cost. Therefore the objective of this study is to quantify the economic impact of management of late presentation of DDH during a last 3-year period. We conducted a retrospective study with analysis of DDH cases managed between years 2012 to 2014. Early and late presentations of DDH were identified and cost management for both was estimated. Out of twenty-four DDH cases, thirteen cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All were female with majority of them presenting with unilateral DDH predominantly of the left hip. Most patients presented after age of six months and the principal complaint was abnormal or limping gait. The grand total cost for managing DDH during the three years period was USD 12,385.51, with 86% of the amount having been used to manage late presentation of DDH that was mostly contributed by the cost of surgery. We concluded that delayed presentation of DDH contributes heavily to high national expenditure. Early detection of DDH cases with systematic neonatal screening may help to minimize the incidence of the late presenting DDH and subsequently reduce the economic burden to the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rim Anuar
- Department of Orthopaedics, Penang Hospital, Georgetown, Malaysia
| | | | - M H Ahmad
- Department of Orthopaedics, Penang Hospital, Georgetown, Malaysia
| | - O Zulkiflee
- Department of Orthopaedics, Penang Hospital, Georgetown, Malaysia
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Al-Saleh MA, Al-Shahwan IM, Amer MA, Shakeel MT, Ahmad MH, Kamran A, Efthimiou CE, Katis NI. First Report of Tomato spotted wilt virus in Lettuce Crops in Saudi Arabia. Plant Dis 2014; 98:1591. [PMID: 30699827 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-05-14-0444-pdn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A survey for viruses in open field lettuce crops was carried out in March 2014 in the Al-Uyaynah area, central region of Saudi Arabia. In one plot, more than 50% of the lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa; hybrid: Romaine), with the majority of the affected plants in the edges of the plot, were showing virus-like symptoms such as necrotic lesions, necrosis of the lamina of the younger leaves, and leaf curling, indicating a possible infection by a Tospovirus, possibly Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Most of them were dead when the field was visited again 3 weeks later. Samples from 10 symptomatic and two asymptomatic plants were collected. Five of the samples from symptomatic and two from asymptomatic plants were mechanically inoculated onto Nicotiana benthamiana and N. glutinosa (three indicator plants of each species were used for each sample) using 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7) containing 0.01M Na2SO3 mM. All the symptomatic lettuce samples were also tested serologically using polyclonal antisera (3) against TSWV, CMV, and by using monoclonal antibodies against potyviruses. Moreover, total RNA was extracted (1) and detection of TSWV was also attempted with reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using species specific primers (4) for a 276-bp fragment of the L RNA segment. In both serological and molecular methods, positive and negative controls were included. All the mechanically inoculated plants with tissue from the symptomatic lettuce plants of N. benthamiana showed chlorotic local lesions followed by systemic top necrosis 2 to 3 weeks post inoculation. Similarly, all inoculated N. glutinosa plants showed necrotic local lesions followed by systemic chlorosis. However, all the indicator plants mechanically inoculated with tissue from asymptomatic lettuce plants gave no reaction. All the symptomatic lettuce samples reacted positively, while asymptomatic samples reacted negatively in ELISA tests with TSWV antiserum and the presence of the virus was further confirmed by RT-PCR by using specific primers (method A) (4). PCR products of two randomly selected positive samples were directly sequenced and BLAST analysis of the obtained sequences (Accession Nos. KJ701035 and KJ701036) revealed 99% nucleotide and 100% amino acid identity with the deposit sequence in NCBI from South Korea (KC261947). Regarding mechanical inoculation, 10 days post-inoculation, both indicator plants showed typical symptoms of TSWV infection, such as necrotic local lesions, systemic necrotic patterns, and leaf deformation. None of the symptomatic plants was found to be infected with either CMV or potyvirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TSWV naturally infecting lettuce in Saudi Arabia; therefore, insect vector and weed management are necessary measures to control the virus spread to other crops such as tomato and pepper (2). References: (1) E. Chatzinasiou et al. J. Virol. Meth. 169:305, 2010. (2) E. K. Chatzivassiliou. Plant Dis. 92:1012, 2008. (3) E. K. Chatzivassiliou et al. Phytoparasitica 28:257, 2000. (4) R. A. Mumford et al. J. Virol. Meth. 46:303, 1994.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Al-Saleh
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - I M Al-Shahwan
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Amer
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - M T Shakeel
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - M H Ahmad
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - A Kamran
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - C E Efthimiou
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Pathology Lab, P.O. Box 269, Thessaloniki 54124. Greece
| | - N I Katis
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Pathology Lab, P.O. Box 269, Thessaloniki 54124. Greece
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Al-Saleh MA, Ahmad MH, Al-Shahwan IM, Brown JK, Idris AM. First Report of Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus Infecting Watermelon in Saudi Arabia. Plant Dis 2014; 98:1451. [PMID: 30703998 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-06-14-0583-pdn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the Saudi Arabian deserts, watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] is cultivated in the lowlands and wadis (washes) where water accumulates following rainfall, and where heat, salt, and drought stress are common constraints on production. During the spring of 2014, watermelon leaves exhibited yellowing and severe chlorotic mottling symptoms. The foliar symptoms were reminiscent of Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV), a bipartite begomovirus previously reported in several neighboring countries (1,3). Ten samples were collected from three farms in the Leith region, where 100% of the watermelon plants were symptomatic. Total nucleic acids were extracted from the symptomatic watermelon plants and were subjected to PCR using WmCSV DNA-A specific primers designed based on a complete genome sequence (GenBank Accession No. AJ012081), WmCSVF-3'-CGTGCTGTTGCCCCCACTGT-5' and WmCSVR-3'-CCTGCATATCTCGTGCCAGAATC-5' to obtain an expected size fragment of 1,111 bp located between the nucleotide (nt) coordinates 400-1510. The amplicons (one per sample) were cloned, and the DNA sequence was determined for each and used to search the NCBI database. The top hits for sequences obtained from all 10 samples were to WmSCV sequences, with shared nt identity values of 97 to 98%. To clone the full-length begomoviral DNA-A and DNA-B components, nucleic acids were subjected to rolling circle amplification (RCA) (2). The RCA products were cloned into the pGEM7 plasmid vector using the unique restriction sites, identified as HindIII for DNA-A, and as EcoRI for DNA-B, respectively. Ten DNA-A clones and two DNA-B component clones were sequenced. The DNA-A components ranged in size from 2,751 (KM066100) to 2,752 bp (KJ939448), whereas the DNA-B components were 2,757 bp in size (KJ939447). Analysis of the viral sequences from the DNA-A clones indicated they had the characteristics of a typical genome of a begomovirus DNA-A component that consist of a hairpin stem-loop structure in the intergenic region, two tandem copies of the iteron (TGGAGAC) located between the nt coordinates 2675 and 2680, 2682 and 2688 predicted to be involved in Rep binding, and six predicted genes encoding proteins with high sequence identity to those encoded by other WmCSV isolates. The 10 DNA-A component sequences were aligned with sequences for previously described WmCSV isolates available in GenBank using Muscle, followed by pairwise comparisons using SDT software (4). The analysis revealed that the cloned DNA-A components shared 99 to 100% nt sequence identity with each other, and 97 to 98% nt identity with WmCSV isolates reported from Yemen (AJ012081), Jordan (EU561237), Iran (AJ245652), and Sudan (AJ245650). Further, the WmCSV DNA-B from Saudi Arabia shared the highest nt identity with sequences from Yemen (AJ012082) at 96%, Iran (AJ245653) at 95%, and only 94% with DNA-B from both Sudan (AJ245651) and Jordan (EU561236). To our knowledge, this is the first report of WmCSV in Saudi Arabia. WmCSV poses a serious threat to the production of this highly valued crop in Saudi Arabia and considerably reduces crop yield (1). References: (1) I. D. Bedford et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 100:243, 1994. (2) A. Idris et al. Plant Dis. 97:910, 2007. (3) A. Kheyr-Pour et al. Phytopathology 90:629, 2000. (4) B. Muhire et al. Arch. Virol. 158:1411, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Al-Saleh
- Plant Protection Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M H Ahmad
- Plant Protection Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - I M Al-Shahwan
- Plant Protection Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - J K Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson 85741
| | - A M Idris
- Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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Wazir U, Ahmad MH, Bridger JM, Harvey A, Jiang WG, Sharma AK, Mokbel K. Abstract P6-04-14: mRNA expressions of lamin B1 and lamin B receptor: Clinical correlations with human breast cancer. Cancer Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs13-p6-04-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lamin B (LMNB) and lamin B receptor (LBR) are key components of the nuclear envelope, with roles in chromosomal stability, DNA repair, and cell differentiation. Lamins provide structural support to the nuclear envelope, while LBR is believed to anchor lamin B to the envelope. In addition, LBR also has a number of downstream mediators which affect cell cycle and cell differentiation.
Classically, they have been implicated in a spectrum of largely congenital ailments including certain forms of muscle dystrophy and progeria. These conditions are collectively referred to as “laminopathies”.
More recently, defects in the expression of lamins have been implicated in neoplasias of the colon, prostate, liver and ovaries.
In this study, we have endeavoured to elucidate the relationships between the mRNA expressions of LMNB1 and LBR and the clinicopathological parameters of human breast cancer.
METHODS: Breast cancer tissues (n = 115) and associated non-cancerous tissue (ANCT) (n = 30) underwent reverse transcription and quantitative PCR. Transcript levels were correlated with clinicopathological data.
RESULTS: LMNB1 mRNA expression was higher in ANCT as compared to cancerous tissue (ANCT vs. cancerous tissue: 0.12 vs. 0.00; p = <0.0001). This difference remained highly significant in all patient categories by tumour grade and clinical stage.
In addition, the expression of LMNB1 declined with worsening clinical outcome. This association was statistically significant when comparing patient with disease-free survival with disease related mortalities (Disease-free vs. mortalities: 0.0011 vs. 0.000; p = 0.0177).
LBR mRNA expression was found to be directly associated with tumour grade (grade 1 vs.3: 0.00 vs. 0.00; p = 0.0479) and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI1 vs. 3: 0.00 vs. 0.00; p = 0.0551).
CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest such a role for LMNB1 and LBR in human breast cancer.
The contrasting relationships of LMNB1 and LBR expressions with the clinicopathological parameters of human breast cancer may suggest that disruptions in the physiologically normal interactions between these molecules in the nuclear envelope may serve as pathway leading towards the pathogenesis of human breast cancer. Potentially this may be a significant pathway requiring further investigation to be better understood, in order to identify further potential areas for therapeutic intervention.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-04-14.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Wazir
- The London Breast Institute, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cell & Chromosome Biology, 4Brunel Institute for Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; St. George's Hospital and Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - MH Ahmad
- The London Breast Institute, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cell & Chromosome Biology, 4Brunel Institute for Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; St. George's Hospital and Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - JM Bridger
- The London Breast Institute, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cell & Chromosome Biology, 4Brunel Institute for Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; St. George's Hospital and Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Harvey
- The London Breast Institute, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cell & Chromosome Biology, 4Brunel Institute for Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; St. George's Hospital and Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - WG Jiang
- The London Breast Institute, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cell & Chromosome Biology, 4Brunel Institute for Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; St. George's Hospital and Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - AK Sharma
- The London Breast Institute, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cell & Chromosome Biology, 4Brunel Institute for Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; St. George's Hospital and Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - K Mokbel
- The London Breast Institute, The Princess Grace Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cell & Chromosome Biology, 4Brunel Institute for Cancer Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; St. George's Hospital and Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Papaya rinsgpot virus type P (PRSV), a member of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae, is primarily transmitted by aphids in a nonpersistent manner (2). The virus is geographically widespread but has a narrow host range within the plant families Caricaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Cucurbitaceae (2). The first reported epidemic of PRSV in Jamaica was during the late 1980s (1). Since then, the virus has spread across the island and is recognized as a potential problem for continued production of papaya (Carica papaya L.). In the summers of 1999 and 2000, prominent vein clearing symptoms were observed on leaves of a common weed, cerasee (Momordica charantia L.), in papaya orchards of western Jamaica. This weed, a climbing annual in the Cucurbitaceae family used in a variety of local herbal preparations, was found to be growing on fences or the ground along the periphery of the orchards. Leaf samples were collected and tested for PRSV by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA with polyclonal antibodies (Agdia Inc, Elkhart, IN). In addition, crude sap extracts from 12 cerasee leaf samples that were diluted 1:20 were mechanically inoculated onto six plants each of cerasee and papaya. Within 2 weeks, vein clearing symptoms were observed on cerasee and symptoms (vein clearing followed by mosaic development and leaf distortions) typical of PRSV infection were obtained on papaya (2). All original leaf samples and inoculated plants tested positive in DAS-ELISA. In subsequent vector transmission tests, 10 healthy cerasee or papaya seedlings were inoculated with aphids (Aphis gossypii) that were previously permitted to feed on PRSV-infected papaya or cerasee. High rates of virus transmission were achieved in three tests from cerasee to papaya (77 to 83%), papaya to cerasee (90 to 93%), and cerasee to cerasee (60 to 70%). Total RNA from papaya samples was subjected to reverse transcriptase-PCR using primers to the capsid protein gene (3). A single fragment of the expected size (approximately 996 bp) was amplified and sequenced and showed high nucleotide identity (90.3 to 91.4%) with previously reported PRSV type P from Jamaica (GenBank Accession No. DQ104823), Cuba (GenBank Accession No. DQ089482), Florida (GenBank Accession No. AF196839), Brazil (GenBank Accession No. AF344650), and Hawaii (GenBank Accession No. S46722). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the natural occurrence of PRSV on a weed host in Jamaica. Because of its widespread distribution and potential of serving as a reservoir of PRSV, cerasee may play a role in the epidemiology of PRSV. References: (1) M. Chin et al. Jam. J. Sci. Technol. 14:58, 2003. (2) D. Purcifull et al. No 292 in: Descriptions of Plant Viruses. CMI/AAB, Surrey, England, 1984. (3) J. Slightom. Gene 100:251, 1991.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chin
- Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - M H Ahmad
- Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - P Tennant
- Biotechnology Centre and Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
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Bahado-Singh PS, Wheatley AO, Ahmad MH, Morrison EYSA, Asemota HN. Food processing methods influence the glycaemic indices of some commonly eaten West Indian carbohydrate-rich foods. Br J Nutr 2006; 96:476-81. [PMID: 16925852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Glycaemic index (GI) values for fourteen commonly eaten carbohydrate-rich foods processed by various methods were determined using ten healthy subjects. The foods studied were round leaf yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis), negro and lucea yams (Dioscorea rotundata), white and sweet yams (Dioscorea alata), sweet potato (Solanum tuberosum), Irish potato (Ipomoea batatas), coco yam (Xanthosoma spp.), dasheen (Colocasia esculenta), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), green banana (Musa sapientum), and green and ripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca). The foods were processed by boiling, frying, baking and roasting where applicable. Pure glucose was used as the standard with a GI value of 100. The results revealed marked differences in GI among the different foods studied ranging from 35 (se 3) to 94 (se 8). The area under the glucose response curve and GI value of some of the roasted and baked foods were significantly higher than foods boiled or fried (P<0.05). The results indicate that foods processed by roasting or baking may result in higher GI. Conversely, boiling of foods may contribute to a lower GI diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Bahado-Singh
- Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica
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10
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Abstract
This review summarizes research carried out on Jamaican medicinal plants at the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica, between 1948 and 2001. The plants identified as being medicinal are listed along with their folk use and a summary of the scientific research done at UWI leading to the identification of natural products (NPs) and determination of their bioactivity. Natural product research on Jamaican medicinal plants began with the inception of UWI in 1948, leading to many postgraduate degrees being awarded (22 MPhil and 31 PhD). At least 334 plant species growing in Jamaica have been identified as having medicinal qualities, 193 of these have been tested for their bioactivity. Crude extracts from 80 of these plants have reasonable bioactivity and natural products (NP) have been identified from 44 plants. At least 29 of these NPs were found to be bioactive. Only 31 of the plants tested at UWI are endemic to Jamaica. Of these 23% were bioactive, as compared to 11% of the non-endemics. Based on these results, patents have been obtained and drugs have been developed. This review represents the first attempt to gather this information together in one place.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Mitchell
- Biotechnology Centre, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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11
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Abstract
Transgenic papayas (Carica papaya) containing translatable coat protein (CPT) or nontranslatable coat protein (CPNT) gene constructs were evaluated over two generations for field resistance to Papaya ringspot virus in a commercial papaya growing area in Jamaica. Reactions of R0 CPT transgenic lines included no symptoms and mild or severe leaf and fruit symptoms. All three reactions were observed in one line and among different lines. Trees of most CPNT lines exhibited severe symptoms of infection, and some also showed mild symptoms. R1 offspring showed reactions previously observed with parental R0 trees; however, reactions not previously observed or a lower incidence of the reaction were also obtained. The transgenic lines appear to possess virus disease resistance that can be manipulated in subsequent generations for the development of a product with acceptable commercial performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tennant
- Biotechnology Center and Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - M H Ahmad
- Biotechnology Center, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - D Gonsalves
- Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Geneva, NY 14456
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12
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Andre Gordon CL, Ahmad MH. Bacteriological conditions of a Jamaican chicken hatchery. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 1993; 9:282-6. [PMID: 24419966 DOI: 10.1007/bf00327856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/1992] [Accepted: 09/08/1992] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The bacteriological profile of a chicken hatchery in Jamaica was examined. The bacterial numbers in each room of the hatchery and the effect of washing with disinfectant on the bacterial population were determined. A representative number of the bacterial isolates before and after washing the hatchery was identified. The results indicate that, while washing with quaternary ammonium compounds did not affect the Gram-negative bacteria, the number of Gram-positive bacteria was significantly decreased. Bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas, Plesiomonas and Enterobacter were predominant in the post-washing flora. The water used to wash the hatchery was contaminated and therefore a possible source of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Andre Gordon
- Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Ahmad
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital, Hartlepool, Cleveland, UK
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14
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Abstract
The heat resistance of nine strains of Streptococcus faecium isolated from frankfurters was determined at 63 and 68 degrees C in brain heart infusion broth. Exponential-phase cultures (approximately 10(7) colonies/mL) were used as inoculants. The heat resistance of S. faecium DP2181, a moderately resistant isolate, was further examined in broth (55, 63, and 68 degrees C) and frankfurter emulsion (63 and 68 degrees C). The decimal reduction times (D values) were determined by regression. In broth, both time-temperature combinations resulted in a 3-4 log decline in bacterial numbers for the nine S. faecium strains tested. For S. faecium DP2181, the survivor curves deviated from the logarithmic order of death at all three heating temperatures. An initial slow period of death was evident at 55 degrees C and a resistant tail of organisms was observed at 55, 63, and 68 degrees C. The D55D63, and, D68 values for the logarithmic portion of the corresponding survivor curves were 105.6, 9.36, and 3.34 min, respectively. The survival of DP2181 was enhanced by the frankfurter emulsion. The results indicate that populations of S. faecium existed that were very heat resistant and could survive normal frankfurter processing if initially present in high numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
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15
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Abstract
Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) technology with special reference to Rhizobium-legume symbiosis is growing very rapidly with the hope of combatting world hunger by producing cheaper protein for animal and human consumption in the Third World. One can see rapid progress made in the biochemistry and molecular biology of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in general; however, less progress has been made on the ecological aspects despite the fact that an enormous amount of literature is available on inoculation problems and on agronomic aspects of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. So far most information on Rhizobium concerns fast-growing rhizobia and their host legume. Although it is essential that food production using BNF technology should be maximized in the Third World, the least work has been done on slow-growing rhizobia, which are generally found in tropical and sub-tropical soils. The majority of the developing countries are in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Except for R. japonicum, a microsymbiont partner of soybean (Glycine max), the majority of the slow-growing rhizobia belong to the cowpea group, and we refer to cowpea rhizobia as tropical rhizobia species. In this review we have tried to consolidate the recent progress made on ecology and genetics of tropical rhizobia. By using recombinant DNA technology techniques it is expected that super strains of rhizobia with desirable characteristics can be produced. One must evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of these genetically manipulated laboratory strains under field conditions. In conclusion, if one aims at combatting hunger in the Third World using BNF technology, an intensive research programme on fundamental and applied aspects of tropical rhizobia species is suggested. This involves close cooperation between molecular biologists and microbial ecologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
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16
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Hummel H, Ahmad MH, Böck A. On the basis of aminoglycoside-dependent growth of mutants of Escherichia coli: in vitro studies and the model. Mol Gen Genet 1983; 191:176-81. [PMID: 6194414 DOI: 10.1007/bf00334810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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17
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Abstract
During a program of screening rhizobia from West Africa, it was found that some strains produced nodules of unusually dark appearance on cowpeas, but not on peanuts, soybeans, pigeon peas, or mung beans. The dark pigmentation was in the bacteroid zone, was not correlated with nodule effectiveness, and was additional to the leghemoglobin pigment. Only rhizobial strains with a nongummy (“dry”) colony morphology produced dark nodules. Visually distinguishable pink and dark nodules formed on the same root when a mixture of pink and dark strains was applied as inoculum. The dark-nodule phenotype was therefore appraised as a marker and found to be useful for studying nodulation competition with strains of the orthodox pink-nodule type. The competitiveness of 10 pink-nodule strains was examined relative to a black-nodule strain, IRc 256; a range of competitiveness was obtained of less competitive than, equally competitive to, or more competitive than IRc 256. Patterns of primary (early) nodulation were generally the same as patterns of secondary (later) nodulation. Mixed infections by dark and pink strains produced piebald nodules, the frequency of occurrence of which was much greater among primary than among secondary nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Eaglesham
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research at Cornell, Ithaca, New York 14853
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18
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Abstract
Mutants resistant to the 2-deoxystreptamine aminoglycosides hygromycin B and gentamicin were analyzed biochemically and genetically. In hygromycin B-resistant strains, ribosomal alterations were not detectable by electrophoretic or genetic experiments. Rather, as was demonstrated for one strain in detail, resistance to this drug seems to be the consequence of several mutations, each impairing drug accumulation, namely of a deletion of a gene close to the proC marker which potentiates the effect of a second mutation in the unc gene cluster. Three mutants resistant to gentamicin which were previously demonstrated to harbor an altered ribosomal protein, L6, were shown in addition to contain unc. Both the unc and the ribosomal mutation greatly impair the drug accumulation ability of the mutants. Further evidence for the direct effect of ribosomal mutations on the uptake of aminoglycosides was obtained with strains that possess ribosomes with increased affinity for dihydrostreptomycin. Dihydrostreptomycin transport by these cells is greatly stimulated; thus, the hypersensitivity of these mutants is caused by increased binding affinity for dihydrostreptomycin and its secondary effect on the uptake process. Experiments were also performed on the biochemical basis of the third phase of aminoglycoside transport (acceleration phase). The condition for its onset is that ribosomes are active in protein synthesis irrespective of whether the proteins synthesized are functional. This, and the failure to observe the synthesis of new proteins upon the addition of aminoglycosides, do not support the view of autoinduction of a cognate or related transport system.
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Ahmad MH, Venkataraman GS. Radiation studies on Azotobacter chroococcum. III. Photoreactivation and mutagenicity. Zentralbl Bakteriol Parasitenkd Infektionskr Hyg 1975; 130:293-5. [PMID: 1242559 DOI: 10.1016/s0044-4057(75)80085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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20
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Ahmad MH, Venkataraman GS. Radiation studies on Azotobacter chroococcum. II. Delayed photo-reactivation. Zentralbl Bakteriol Parasitenkd Infektionskr Hyg 1975; 130:195-8. [PMID: 1242265 DOI: 10.1016/s0044-4057(75)80023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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