Farah Ali - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Farah Ali
This 7-mo double-blind study compared the efficacy of two iron supplementation schemes in improvi... more This 7-mo double-blind study compared the efficacy of two iron supplementation schemes in improving iron nutrition among 116 healthy fertile-age women. They were randomly distributed in three groups, receiving: Group 1, iron ϩ folate (60 mg and 250 g, respectively) daily for 3 mo (currently recommended scheme), and folate (250 g) weekly the subsequent 4 mo. Group 2, folate daily, and 60 mg iron only once weekly for 3 mo, and then weekly iron ϩ folate for 4 mo. Group 3, folate daily for 3 mo and then weekly for 4 mo. At baseline, 16% had depleted stores (plasma ferritin Ͻ15 g/L) and 16% had hemoglobin levels Ͻ125 g/L. Eight percent had hemoglobin levels Ͻ120 g/L. In Group 1 hemoglobin and ferritin increased at 3 mo but returned to near basal conditions after 4 mo of weekly folate. In Group 2, hemoglobin and ferritin increased progressively throughout the 7 mo but mostly after 3 mo. Group 3 did not change. Side effects were highest with daily iron. Weekly iron supplementation over 7 mo (30 doses) improved and sustained iron nutrition at least as effectively and was better tolerated than 90 daily iron supplements consumed during 3 mo.
Journal of Applied Physiology, 2007
The phenomenon of length adaptation in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is well documented; however, th... more The phenomenon of length adaptation in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is well documented; however, the underlying mechanism is less clear. Evidence to date suggests that the adaptation involves reassembly of contractile filaments leading to reconfiguration of the actin filament lattice and polymerization or de-polymerization of the myosin filaments within the lattice. The time courses for these events are unknown. To gain insights into the adaptation process, we examined ASM mechanical properties and ultrastructural changes during adaptation.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2005
It is believed that the contractile filaments in smooth muscle are organized into arrays of contr... more It is believed that the contractile filaments in smooth muscle are organized into arrays of contractile units (similar to the sarcomeric structure in striated muscle), and that such an organization is crucial for transforming the mechanical activities of actomyosin interaction into cell shortening and force generation. Details of the filament organization, however, are still poorly understood. Several models of contractile filament architecture are discussed here. To account for the linear relationship observed between the force generated by a smooth muscle and the muscle length at the plateau of an isotonic contraction, a model of contractile unit is proposed. The model consists of 2 dense bodies with actin (thin) filaments attached, and a myosin (thick) filament lying between the parallel thin filaments. In addition, the thick filament is assumed to span the whole contractile unit length, from dense body to dense body, so that when the contractile unit shortens, the amount of overlap between the thick and thin filaments (i.e., the distance between the dense bodies) decreases in exact proportion to the amount of shortening. Assembly of the contractile units into functional contractile apparatus is assumed to involve a group of cells that form a mechanical syncytium. The contractile apparatus is assumed malleable in that the number of contractile units in series and in parallel can be altered to accommodate strains on the muscle and to maintain the muscle's optimal mechanical function.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2004
A series of thiopheneamidine-based inhibitors of C1s of type (XIV) is prepared and optimized. Com... more A series of thiopheneamidine-based inhibitors of C1s of type (XIV) is prepared and optimized. Compounds with R = propyl and Ar = phenyl or 2-pyridyl such as (XIVa) and (XIVb) show the best potency. -(SUBASINGHE*, N. L.; et al.; Bioorg. Med.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2006
Inhibiting the classical pathway of complement activation by attenuating the proteolytic activity... more Inhibiting the classical pathway of complement activation by attenuating the proteolytic activity of the serine protease C1s is a potential strategy for the therapeutic intervention in disease states such as hereditary angioedema, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and acute transplant rejection. A series of arylsulfonylthiophene-2-carboxamidine inhibitors of C1s were synthesized and evaluated for C1s inhibitory activity. The most potent compound had a Ki of 10nM and >1000-fold selectivity over uPA, tPA, FX(a), thrombin, and plasmin.
![Research paper thumbnail of The synthesis and SAR of 2-amino-pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidines: A new class of Aurora-A kinase inhibitors](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/48820149/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2006
The Synthesis and SAR of 2-Amino-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines: A New Class of Aurora-A Kinase Inhibi... more The Synthesis and SAR of 2-Amino-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines: A New Class of Aurora-A Kinase Inhibitors. -Among a series of title compounds, the optimized derivative (I) possesses potent in vitro activity, good kinase selectivity and appropriate metabolic and pharmacokinetic properties. (I) is able to induce polyploidy and apoptosis, two hallmarks of Aurora kinase inhibitors. -(MORIARTY*, K. J.; et al.;
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2007
ObjectivesPilot research using the manual (card based) emotional Stroop paradigm shows depressed ... more ObjectivesPilot research using the manual (card based) emotional Stroop paradigm shows depressed elders selectively attend negative words, whereas dementia patients do not. The present study aimed to confirm this effect, using a more controlled, computerised, emotional Stroop paradigm, and accounting for co-morbid anxiety.Pilot research using the manual (card based) emotional Stroop paradigm shows depressed elders selectively attend negative words, whereas dementia patients do not. The present study aimed to confirm this effect, using a more controlled, computerised, emotional Stroop paradigm, and accounting for co-morbid anxiety.MethodNineteen depressed (DEP) and twenty non depressed control participants (CON) completed a computerised Emotional Stroop task. This task involves colour naming individually presented negative, positive and neutral words. Mean participant age was 72.25 years. All participants were free of significant cognitive impairment.Nineteen depressed (DEP) and twenty non depressed control participants (CON) completed a computerised Emotional Stroop task. This task involves colour naming individually presented negative, positive and neutral words. Mean participant age was 72.25 years. All participants were free of significant cognitive impairment.ResultsConsistent with hypotheses, analysis of variance revealed a general cognitive slowing amongst DEP, and a specific interference effect for negative words, in this group, suggesting attention bias.Consistent with hypotheses, analysis of variance revealed a general cognitive slowing amongst DEP, and a specific interference effect for negative words, in this group, suggesting attention bias.ConclusionsPrevious pilot data are confirmed. The emotional Stroop paradigm may have clinical potential for distinguishing geriatric depression and dementia, although as yet this is far from clear. Detailed development work including comparison with depressed and non depressed Alzheimer's patients, will be necessary to demonstrate diagnostic validity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Previous pilot data are confirmed. The emotional Stroop paradigm may have clinical potential for distinguishing geriatric depression and dementia, although as yet this is far from clear. Detailed development work including comparison with depressed and non depressed Alzheimer's patients, will be necessary to demonstrate diagnostic validity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
This 7-mo double-blind study compared the efficacy of two iron supplementation schemes in improvi... more This 7-mo double-blind study compared the efficacy of two iron supplementation schemes in improving iron nutrition among 116 healthy fertile-age women. They were randomly distributed in three groups, receiving: Group 1, iron ϩ folate (60 mg and 250 g, respectively) daily for 3 mo (currently recommended scheme), and folate (250 g) weekly the subsequent 4 mo. Group 2, folate daily, and 60 mg iron only once weekly for 3 mo, and then weekly iron ϩ folate for 4 mo. Group 3, folate daily for 3 mo and then weekly for 4 mo. At baseline, 16% had depleted stores (plasma ferritin Ͻ15 g/L) and 16% had hemoglobin levels Ͻ125 g/L. Eight percent had hemoglobin levels Ͻ120 g/L. In Group 1 hemoglobin and ferritin increased at 3 mo but returned to near basal conditions after 4 mo of weekly folate. In Group 2, hemoglobin and ferritin increased progressively throughout the 7 mo but mostly after 3 mo. Group 3 did not change. Side effects were highest with daily iron. Weekly iron supplementation over 7 mo (30 doses) improved and sustained iron nutrition at least as effectively and was better tolerated than 90 daily iron supplements consumed during 3 mo.
Journal of Applied Physiology, 2007
The phenomenon of length adaptation in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is well documented; however, th... more The phenomenon of length adaptation in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is well documented; however, the underlying mechanism is less clear. Evidence to date suggests that the adaptation involves reassembly of contractile filaments leading to reconfiguration of the actin filament lattice and polymerization or de-polymerization of the myosin filaments within the lattice. The time courses for these events are unknown. To gain insights into the adaptation process, we examined ASM mechanical properties and ultrastructural changes during adaptation.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2005
It is believed that the contractile filaments in smooth muscle are organized into arrays of contr... more It is believed that the contractile filaments in smooth muscle are organized into arrays of contractile units (similar to the sarcomeric structure in striated muscle), and that such an organization is crucial for transforming the mechanical activities of actomyosin interaction into cell shortening and force generation. Details of the filament organization, however, are still poorly understood. Several models of contractile filament architecture are discussed here. To account for the linear relationship observed between the force generated by a smooth muscle and the muscle length at the plateau of an isotonic contraction, a model of contractile unit is proposed. The model consists of 2 dense bodies with actin (thin) filaments attached, and a myosin (thick) filament lying between the parallel thin filaments. In addition, the thick filament is assumed to span the whole contractile unit length, from dense body to dense body, so that when the contractile unit shortens, the amount of overlap between the thick and thin filaments (i.e., the distance between the dense bodies) decreases in exact proportion to the amount of shortening. Assembly of the contractile units into functional contractile apparatus is assumed to involve a group of cells that form a mechanical syncytium. The contractile apparatus is assumed malleable in that the number of contractile units in series and in parallel can be altered to accommodate strains on the muscle and to maintain the muscle's optimal mechanical function.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2004
A series of thiopheneamidine-based inhibitors of C1s of type (XIV) is prepared and optimized. Com... more A series of thiopheneamidine-based inhibitors of C1s of type (XIV) is prepared and optimized. Compounds with R = propyl and Ar = phenyl or 2-pyridyl such as (XIVa) and (XIVb) show the best potency. -(SUBASINGHE*, N. L.; et al.; Bioorg. Med.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2006
Inhibiting the classical pathway of complement activation by attenuating the proteolytic activity... more Inhibiting the classical pathway of complement activation by attenuating the proteolytic activity of the serine protease C1s is a potential strategy for the therapeutic intervention in disease states such as hereditary angioedema, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and acute transplant rejection. A series of arylsulfonylthiophene-2-carboxamidine inhibitors of C1s were synthesized and evaluated for C1s inhibitory activity. The most potent compound had a Ki of 10nM and >1000-fold selectivity over uPA, tPA, FX(a), thrombin, and plasmin.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2006
The Synthesis and SAR of 2-Amino-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines: A New Class of Aurora-A Kinase Inhibi... more The Synthesis and SAR of 2-Amino-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines: A New Class of Aurora-A Kinase Inhibitors. -Among a series of title compounds, the optimized derivative (I) possesses potent in vitro activity, good kinase selectivity and appropriate metabolic and pharmacokinetic properties. (I) is able to induce polyploidy and apoptosis, two hallmarks of Aurora kinase inhibitors. -(MORIARTY*, K. J.; et al.;
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2007
ObjectivesPilot research using the manual (card based) emotional Stroop paradigm shows depressed ... more ObjectivesPilot research using the manual (card based) emotional Stroop paradigm shows depressed elders selectively attend negative words, whereas dementia patients do not. The present study aimed to confirm this effect, using a more controlled, computerised, emotional Stroop paradigm, and accounting for co-morbid anxiety.Pilot research using the manual (card based) emotional Stroop paradigm shows depressed elders selectively attend negative words, whereas dementia patients do not. The present study aimed to confirm this effect, using a more controlled, computerised, emotional Stroop paradigm, and accounting for co-morbid anxiety.MethodNineteen depressed (DEP) and twenty non depressed control participants (CON) completed a computerised Emotional Stroop task. This task involves colour naming individually presented negative, positive and neutral words. Mean participant age was 72.25 years. All participants were free of significant cognitive impairment.Nineteen depressed (DEP) and twenty non depressed control participants (CON) completed a computerised Emotional Stroop task. This task involves colour naming individually presented negative, positive and neutral words. Mean participant age was 72.25 years. All participants were free of significant cognitive impairment.ResultsConsistent with hypotheses, analysis of variance revealed a general cognitive slowing amongst DEP, and a specific interference effect for negative words, in this group, suggesting attention bias.Consistent with hypotheses, analysis of variance revealed a general cognitive slowing amongst DEP, and a specific interference effect for negative words, in this group, suggesting attention bias.ConclusionsPrevious pilot data are confirmed. The emotional Stroop paradigm may have clinical potential for distinguishing geriatric depression and dementia, although as yet this is far from clear. Detailed development work including comparison with depressed and non depressed Alzheimer's patients, will be necessary to demonstrate diagnostic validity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Previous pilot data are confirmed. The emotional Stroop paradigm may have clinical potential for distinguishing geriatric depression and dementia, although as yet this is far from clear. Detailed development work including comparison with depressed and non depressed Alzheimer's patients, will be necessary to demonstrate diagnostic validity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.