Browse publications by year: 2003

  1. ABCA1 gene polymorphisms and their associations with coronary artery disease and plasma lipids in males from three ethnic populations in Singapore
    Tan JH, Low PS, Tan YS, Tong MC, Saha N, Yang H, et al.
    Hum Genet, 2003 Jul;113(2):106-17.
    PMID: 12709788
    Mutations in the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1 underlie Tangier disease and familial hypoalphaliproteinemia (FHA), disorders that are characterised by reduced high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and cholesterol efflux, and increased coronary artery disease (CAD). We explored if polymorphisms in the ABCA1 gene are associated with CAD and variations in plasma lipid levels, especially HDL-C, and whether the associations may depend on ethnicity. Male cases and controls from the Singapore Chinese, Malay and Indian populations were genotyped for five ABCA1 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Various single-locus frequency distribution differences between cases and controls were detected in different ethnic groups: the promoter -14C>T in Indians, exon 18 M883I in Malays, and 3'-untranslated (UTR) region 8994A>G in Chinese. For the Malay population, certain haplotypes carrying the I825- A (exon 17) and M883- G alleles were more frequent among cases than controls, whereas the converse was true for the alternative configuration of V825- G and I883- A, and this association was reinforced in multi-locus disequilibrium analysis that utilized genotypic data. In the healthy controls, associations were found for -14C>T genotypes with HDL-C in Chinese; 237indelG (5'UTR) with apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) in Malays and total cholesterol (TC) in Indians; M883I with lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in Malays and apolipoprotein B (apoB) in Chinese; and 8994A>G with Lp(a) in Malays, and TC, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as apoB in Indians. While genotype-phenotype associations were not reproduced across populations and loci, V825I and M883I were clearly associated with CAD status in Malays with no effects on HDL-C or apoA1.
    MeSH terms: Alanine/genetics; Coronary Disease/blood; Coronary Disease/ethnology*; Coronary Disease/genetics*; Cysteine/genetics; Genotype; Glycine/genetics; Haplotypes; Humans; India/ethnology; Isoleucine/genetics; Lipids/blood*; Cholesterol, HDL/blood; Cholesterol, LDL/blood; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Methionine/genetics; Polymorphism, Genetic*; Singapore; Threonine/genetics; Triglycerides/blood; Valine/genetics; Linkage Disequilibrium/genetics; Case-Control Studies; Apolipoprotein A-I/blood; Sequence Analysis, DNA; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics*; European Continental Ancestry Group/genetics*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics*; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1
  2. A study of mean glandular dose during diagnostic mammography in Malaysia and some of the factors affecting it
    Jamal N, Ng KH, McLean D
    Br J Radiol, 2003 Apr;76(904):238-45.
    PMID: 12711643
    The primary objective of this study was to determine the mean glandular dose (MGD) during diagnostic mammography in Malaysia. The secondary objective was to evaluate some of the factors affecting MGD. A survey of standard MGD was performed, based upon quality control records for the period October 1999 to August 2001. This covered 30 mammography units from 9 manufacturers. MGD was also measured for a series of patients attending mammography examinations at three other mammography units. MGD per film was estimated from recorded radiographic factors, the compressed breast thickness (CBT) and X-ray unit calibration data. MGD per woman was calculated by summing the MGDs for all films, and averaging it over both breasts. 300 women drawn equally from three major ethnic groups, namely Malay, Chinese and Indian, took part in the study. The difference of MGD per woman between ethnic groups was tested for significance using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and median tests. The factors affecting MGD per woman were tested for significance using a multivariate analysis of variance. The MGD for the phantom was 1.23 mGy (range 0.22-2.39 mGy) while the mean patient based MGD per film was 1.54 mGy and 1.82 mGy for the craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique views, respectively. The mean MGD per woman was 3.37 mGy. It was also found that there is no significant difference in MGD per woman among the ethnic groups (p>0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test). However, on the multivariate test two factors, namely half value layer of the X-ray beam and (CBT), had a significant effect on MGD per woman (p<0.05). No significant relationships were seen between MGD per woman with respect to ethnicity, body mass index or age.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Breast/pathology; Breast/radiation effects*; China/ethnology; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Radiation Dosage; Multivariate Analysis; Age Distribution
  3. Polymeric structure of (ethylenediamine)silver(I) 3-nitrobenzoate monohydrate
    Usman A, Fun HK, Chantrapromma S, Zhu HL, Wang XJ
    Acta Crystallogr C, 2003 Mar;59(Pt 3):m97-9.
    PMID: 12711770
    In the ternary title compound, catena-poly[[silver(I)-mu-ethylenediamine-kappa(2)N:N'] 3-nitrobenzoate monohydrate], [[Ag(C(2)H(8)N(2))](C(7)H(4)NO(4)) x H(2)O](n), the Ag atom is bicoordinated in a linear configuration by two different N atoms from two symmetry-related ethylenediamine ligands, thus giving linear polymeric chains with an [-Ag-N-C-C-N-](n) backbone running parallel to the a axis. In the crystal packing, these linear chains are interconnected by N-H...O and O-H...O hydrogen bonds to form layers parallel to the ab plane.
    MeSH terms: Bandages; Ethylenediamines; Hydrogen; Hydrogen Bonding; Ligands; Nitrobenzoates; Running; Silver
  4. Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in northeast Malaysian patients: a four-year study
    Muiz AJ, Abdullah J, Naing NN, Ghazaime G, Ariff AR
    Neuroepidemiology, 2003 May-Jun;22(3):184-95.
    PMID: 12711851
    The aim of this study was to compare nonsurgical versus stereotactic aspiration of intracerebral hematomas in relation to clinical aspects, computed tomographic imaging features of the brain, laboratory parameters and specific risk factors that may influence the outcome in southeast Asian Malay patients. Fifty-five of the patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) underwent stereotactic aspiration and 57 did not. Analysis was done on risk factors, locations and treatments of ICH, and the final outcomes measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. A total of 112 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 52 years with ages ranging from 12 to 80 years. Hypertension was seen in 60.7% of patients with ICH. The mortality rate was 25% by 3 months. 58.9% had a poor final outcome, while 41.1% had a good outcome. The selected variables were incorporated into models generated by multiple logistic regression method analysis to define the significant predictors of outcome. Significant predictors of outcome were the Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, the duration of surgery and the total volume of the hematoma. Significant predictors of mortality were high total white blood cell differential count, low plasma protein, and high plasma lactate dehydrogenase and brain edema. The study suggests that stereotactic aspiration of patients with ICH does not offer any definite advantage over conservative treatment.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cerebral Hemorrhage/blood; Cerebral Hemorrhage/mortality; Cerebral Hemorrhage/surgery*; Child; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Stereotaxic Techniques; Multivariate Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Glasgow Outcome Scale/statistics & numerical data
  5. The use of modified VBM laryngeal tube compared to Laryngeal Mask Airway during spontaneous ventilation
    Chiu CL, Murugasu J, Chan L
    Anaesth Intensive Care, 2003 Apr;31(2):187-92.
    PMID: 12712784
    We have compared the use of the laryngeal mask airway with the new modified laryngeal tube in a prospective randomized controlled study. Sixty ASA 1 or 2 patients, aged 18 to 65 years, scheduled for elective surgery and breathing spontaneously under general anaesthesia, were studied. After preoxygenation, anaesthesia was induced with fentanyl and propofol. The patients were randomized to receive either a laryngeal mask airway or a laryngeal tube. Anaesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen and isoflurane. We recorded the speed and the ease of insertion, the number of attempts needed to successfully secure the airway and intraoperative complications, such as partial airway obstruction needing airway manipulation. The airway devices were removed with the patients fully awake at the end of surgery. Systolic arterial blood pressure, heart rate and end-tidal CO2 were recorded at various time intervals. Postoperative complications were recorded. We found that the incidence of partial airway obstruction needing intraoperative airway manipulation was higher with the laryngeal tube than with the laryngeal mask airway. We conclude that during spontaneous ventilation the modified laryngeal tube is not as reliable in providing a satisfactory airway and we consider it is not a suitable alternative to the laryngeal mask airway.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Airway Obstruction; Anesthesia, General/methods*; Equipment Design; Female; Fentanyl*; Humans; Male; Postoperative Complications; Respiration; Propofol*; Laryngeal Masks*; Anesthetics, Intravenous*
  6. Sequence analysis of Malaysian infectious bursal disease virus isolate and the use of reverse transcriptase nested polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of VP2 hypervariable region
    Phong SF, Hair-Bejo M, Omar AR, Aini I
    Avian Dis, 2003 Jan-Mar;47(1):154-62.
    PMID: 12713171
    The VP2 hypervariable region of P97/302 local infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) isolate was amplified by the reverse transcriptase (RT) nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned. This region of P97/302 local isolate was sequenced and compared with eight other reported IBDV sequences. The result showed that P97/302 IBDV was most identical to the reported very virulent IBDV strains because it has amino acid substitutions at positions 222, 256, 294, and 299, which encode alanine, isoleucine, isoleucine, and serine, respectively. This region can be digested with restriction enzymes of Taq1, Sty1, Ssp1 but not with Sac1. The P97/302 isolate was then used for the optimization of RT nested PCR enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The RT nested PCR ELISA was able to detect 10(-4) dilution of the infected bursa homogenates and was 10 times more sensitive when compared with the agarose gel detection method. The RT nested PCR ELISA can detect up to 0.48 ng of the PCR product. The specificity of this nested PCR ELISA was also high (100%).
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Genes, Viral/genetics; Infectious bursal disease virus/genetics*; Malaysia; Molecular Sequence Data; Sensitivity and Specificity; Genetic Variation/genetics*; Viral Structural Proteins/genetics*; Viral Structural Proteins/chemistry; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA, Complementary/genetics; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*
  7. Chronic granulomatous mastitis: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations
    Azlina AF, Ariza Z, Arni T, Hisham AN
    World J Surg, 2003 May;27(5):515-8.
    PMID: 12715214 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-003-6806-1
    To review the clinical presentation, histopathological features, and optimal treatment of chronic granulomatous mastitis, the authors conducted a retrospective study of 25 women admitted to a teaching hospital in Malaysia between January 1998 and December 2000 who met the required histologic criteria. The primary outcome measures were morbidity and recurrence of the disease. Thirteen patients presented with a breast mass clinically mimicking breast cancer, and 12 patients had breast induration and abscess formation. In addition, 8 of these patients had recurrent breast disease. Clinical and imaging diagnosis has often been difficult and inconclusive, so histopathology remains the optimal diagnostic tool. Of interest, 50% of patients experience recurrences, and long-term follow-up is therefore necessary. The authors concluded that, because chronic granulomatous mastitis is a rare benign breast condition that may be misdiagnosed as breast carcinoma, complete resection should be accomplished whenever possible. Steroid therapy may be an adjuvant for optimal treatment. Awareness among surgeons and pathologists should also be emphasized to avoid unnecessary misdiagnosis and treatment.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Female; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use; Granuloma/diagnosis*; Granuloma/drug therapy; Granuloma/pathology; Granuloma/surgery*; Humans; Mastitis/diagnosis*; Mastitis/drug therapy; Mastitis/pathology; Mastitis/surgery*; Middle Aged; Prednisolone/therapeutic use
  8. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
    Long YT, Sani A
    Asian J Surg, 2003 Apr;26(2):112-6.
    PMID: 12732496
    A 6-year-review of patients who presented with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) to our hospital from January 1996 to December 2001 was carried out. Ten cases were identified, of which six were juvenile-onset RRP. Hoarseness was the most common symptom, noted in nine (90%) patients. Other clinical presentations included cough, stridor and aphonia. All patients had glottic papillomas; two had multiple sites of involvement. One patient underwent a tracheostomy that revealed papillomas over the trachea, bronchus and lung parenchyma. Half of the patients were Chinese. Of the six cases of juvenile-onset RRP, three patients were Malay, two Chinese and one Indian. Three Chinese and one German patient had adult-onset RRP. Among the juvenile-onset RRP cases, the mean age at presentation was 2 years, while for adult-onset RRP, it was 42 years. Juvenile-onset RRP was more common in females. There were more papillomas over more sites in patients with juvenile-onset RRP than with adult-onset disease. Subglottic involvement was noted in the juvenile-onset RRP cases. All patients were treated with CO2 laser therapy, but there was complete remission of the papillomas in only two cases.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Respiratory Tract Neoplasms/epidemiology; Respiratory Tract Neoplasms/surgery; Age of Onset; Laser Therapy
  9. Molecular genetic analysis of anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma
    Nasuha NA, Daud AH, Ghazali MM, Yusoff AA, Zainuddin N, Abdullah JM, et al.
    Asian J Surg, 2003 Apr;26(2):120-5.
    PMID: 12732498
    A case of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a 10-year-old Malay boy is reported. The patient presented with headache and epilepsy. On computed tomography, a ring-enhancing low-density lesion was observed in the left fronto-temporal area. During surgery, a cystic tumour containing serous fluid was found and almost totally removed. Histologically, the tumour exhibited marked pleomorphism of oval and spindle-shaped cells intermixed with uni- and multinucleated giant cells, and xanthomatous cells with foamy cytoplasm. The tumour displayed pericellular reticulin and periodic acid-Schiff positive granules. Focally, six mitotic characters per 10 high-power fields were seen, and necrosis was confined only to the inner lining of the cyst. Mutational analysis showed that a frameshift mutation (a 4-bp deletion) in the p53 gene had occurred in codons 273 and 274 of exon 8. No mutation was detected in the p16 gene. No allelic loss and/or loss of heterozygosity were observed on chromosome 10 using microsatellite marker D105532. The patient was treated with postoperative radiotherapy because of histological anaplasia and the presence of residual tumour. The patient showed marked neurological recovery after a follow-up period of 2 years.
    MeSH terms: Astrocytoma/genetics*; Brain Neoplasms/genetics*; Child; DNA Mutational Analysis; Frontal Lobe*; Humans; Male; Molecular Biology; Frameshift Mutation; Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational
  10. Ethnic distribution of Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in a Malaysian population and possible correlation with coronary heart disease
    Naidu BR, Ngeow YF, Pang T
    Eur J Epidemiol, 2003;18(2):135-7.
    PMID: 12733835
    Chlamydophila pneumoniae, an important respiratory pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infections, has also been implicated in coronary heart disease (CHD). This study reports a cross-sectional, demographic, serological analysis of the prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in a multiracial Malaysian population. Generally, Malaysian Indians had the highest degree of seropositivity (58%) followed by the Chinese (54%) and the Malays (32%), results which were statistically significant (CI: 95%; p < 0.01). Interestingly, this trend was also reflected in the study group consisting of patients with acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) and chronic CHD. Again, the Indians were more frequently seropositive (65%), with more than 50% having IgG titres > or = 128. Comparatively, the Chinese and Malays showed 51 and 17% seropositivity respectively. These results were also statistically significant (CI: 95%; p < 0.01). Malaysian Indians are more commonly afflicted with CHD. A variety of factors have been suggested to explain this prevalence including diet, social habits, genetics and the possible role of infectious agents. This study notes an interesting association between this pattern of racial prevalence and the possible role of C. pneumoniae infections as a contributory/predisposing factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Bacterial/immunology*; China/ethnology; Coronary Disease/ethnology*; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Chlamydophila pneumoniae/immunology*; European Continental Ancestry Group
  11. Fulltext Predictive equations for estimation of stature in Malaysian elderly people
    Shahar S, Pooy NS
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2003;12(1):80-4.
    PMID: 12737015
    Height is an important clinical indicator to derive body mass index (BMI), creatinine height index and also to estimate basal energy expenditure, basal metabolic rate and vital capacity through lung function. However, height measurement in the elderly may impose some difficulties and the reliability is doubtful. Equations estimating height from other anthropometric measures have been developed for Caucasians, but only one study has developed an equation (based on arm span only) for an Asian population. Therefore, a cross sectional study was conducted to develop equations using several anthropometric measurements for estimating stature in Malaysian elderly. A total of 100 adults (aged 30 to 49 y) and 100 elderly subjects (aged 60 to 86 y) from three major ethnic groups of Malays (52%), Chinese (38.5%) and Indians (9.5%) participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, height, arm span, half arm span, demi span and knee height were carried out by trained nutritionists. Inter and intra observer errors and also % Coefficient Variation (%CV) were calculated for each anthropometric measurement. Equations to estimate stature were developed from the anthropometric measurements of arm span, demi span and knee height of adults using linear regression analysis according to sex. Elderly subjects were shorter and lighter compared to their younger counterparts. The %CV of anthropometric measurements in adults and elderly subjects ranged between 5 to 6%, with standing height having the lowest %CV. When the equations derived from adults were applied to elderly subjects, it was found that percentage difference between actual height and the estimated value ranged from 1.0 to 3.3%. However, the percentage difference between estimated height from the equations developed in this study compared to those derived from the equations of other populations ranged between 0.2 to 8.7%. In conclusion, standing height is an ideal technique for estimating the stature of individuals. However, in cases where its measurement is not possible or reliable, such as in elderly subjects, height can be estimated from proxy indicators of stature. In this study arm span showed the highest correlation with standing height, which is in agreement with other studies. It should be borne in mind that equations derived from taller statured populations (e.g. Caucasians) may be less accurate when applied to shorter statured populations.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Anthropometry/methods*; Arm/anatomy & histology; China/ethnology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Knee/anatomy & histology; Leg/anatomy & histology; Malaysia; Male; Mathematics; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Observer Variation; Linear Models
  12. Effects of Lactobacillus cultures on growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, serum lipids and weight of organs of broiler chickens
    Kalavathy R, Abdullah N, Jalaludin S, Ho YW
    Br Poult Sci, 2003 Mar;44(1):139-44.
    PMID: 12737236
    1. The effects of a mixture of 12 Lactobacillus strains (LC) on the growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, serum lipids and weight of organs of broiler chickens were studied from 1 to 42 d of age. 2. One hundred and thirty-six 1-d-old male broiler chicks were assigned at random to two dietary treatments: a basal diet (control), and a basal diet with 0.1% LC. 3. The supplementation of LC in broiler diets improved the body weight gain and feed conversion rate from 1 to 42 d of age and was effective in reducing abdominal fat deposition but only after 28 d of age. 4. The LC diets reduced serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in broilers from 21 to 42 d of age. However, there was no significant difference in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol between control and LC-fed broilers. There was also no significant difference in the weights of organs of control and LC-fed broilers. 5. The results indicated that the mixture of 12 Lactobacillus strains have a hypolipidaemic effect on broilers.
    MeSH terms: Abdomen; Adipose Tissue/growth & development*; Animals; Animal Feed; Body Weight/physiology*; Chickens/growth & development*; Chickens/microbiology; Lactobacillus/growth & development*; Lipids/blood*; Male; Dietary Supplements*
  13. Odontogenic keratocyst with dentinoid formation
    Ng KH, Siar CH
    Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 2003 May;95(5):601-6.
    PMID: 12738952
    Although rare, hard tissue deposits, namely dystrophic calcifications and cartilage, have been reported to occur in the connective tissue wall of the odontogenic keratocyst. However, dentinoid formation has not been previously documented. A case involving the left mandibular premolar-molar region in a 37-year-old Malay male is described here along with a brief review on the reported prevalence of hard tissue deposits in the odontogenic keratocyst. Differential diagnosis of this case from other dentinoid-forming odontogenic cysts and tumors-notably calcifying odontogenic cyst, odontoma, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, central odontogenic fibroma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor that may present with dentin/dentinoid formation-is discussed.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Bicuspid; Connective Tissue/pathology; Dentin/pathology*; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Mandibular Diseases/pathology*; Molar; Odontogenic Cysts/pathology*; Odontogenic Tumors/diagnosis; Odontoma/diagnosis
  14. Molecular phylogeny of Crematogaster subgenus Decacrema ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the colonization of Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) trees
    Feldhaar H, Fiala B, Gadau J, Mohamed M, Maschwitz U
    Mol Phylogenet Evol, 2003 Jun;27(3):441-52.
    PMID: 12742749
    To elucidate the evolution of one of the most species-rich ant-plant symbiotic systems, the association between Crematogaster (Myrmicinae) and Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) in South-East Asia, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the ant partners. For the phylogenetic analysis partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II were sequenced and Maximum Parsimony analysis was performed. The analyzed Crematogaster of the subgenus Decacrema fell into three distinct clades which are also characterized by specific morphological and ecological traits (queen morphology, host-plants, and colony structure). Our results supported the validity of our currently used morphospecies concept for Peninsula Malaysia. However, on a wider geographic range (including North and North-East Borneo) some morphospecies turned out to be species complexes with genetically quite distinct taxa. Our phylogenetic analysis and host association studies do not indicate strict cocladogenesis between the subgenus Decacrema and their Macaranga host-plants because multiple ant taxa occur on quite distinct host-plants belonging to different clades within in the genus Macaranga. These results support the view that host-shifting or host-expansion is common in the ants colonizing Macaranga. Additionally, the considerable geographic substructuring found in the phylogenetic trees of the ants suggests that allopatric speciation has also played a role in the diversification and the current distribution of the Decacrema ants.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Ants/classification*; Ants/genetics; Base Sequence; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics; Geography; Indonesia; Malaysia; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny*; Symbiosis*; Genetic Variation; DNA Primers/genetics
  15. Molecular characterisation of six alternatively spliced variants and a novel promoter in human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha
    Chew CH, Samian MR, Najimudin N, Tengku-Muhammad TS
    Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2003 May 30;305(2):235-43.
    PMID: 12745064
    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor that governs many biological processes, including lipid metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. We demonstrate here the existence of six variants and multiple transcriptional start sites of the 5(') untranslated region (UTR) of hPPARalpha gene, originating from the use of alternative splicing mechanisms and four different promoters. Three new novel exons at the 5(')-untranslated region of human PPARalpha gene were also identified and designated as Exon A, Exon B, and Exon 2b. In addition, 1.2kb promoter fragment which drives the transcription of 2 variants with Exon B (hPPARalpha4 and 6) was successfully cloned and characterised. Sequencing results revealed promoter B did not contain a conservative TATA box within the first 100 nucleotides from transcriptional start site but has several GC-rich regions and putative Sp1 sites. Using luciferase reporter constructs transfected into HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines, promoter B was shown to be functionally active. Basal transcriptional activity was significantly high in the promoter fragment -341/+34, but lower in the region -341/-1147 as compared to the fragment -341/+34, indicating the presence of an element conferring transcriptional activation between positions -341 and +34 or alternatively, the presence of transcriptional repression between positions -341 and -1147 in the promoter B of hPPARalpha.
    MeSH terms: Base Sequence; Binding Sites; Cloning, Molecular; Humans; Molecular Sequence Data; Promoter Regions, Genetic*; Transcription Factors/biosynthesis; Transcription Factors/genetics*; Transcription Factors/metabolism; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Transcriptional Activation; Alternative Splicing*; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/biosynthesis; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics*; Protein Isoforms/biosynthesis; Protein Isoforms/genetics; 5' Untranslated Regions; Transcription Initiation Site
  16. CD44s expression correlated with the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (Shimada system) for neuroblastic tumours
    Munchar MJ, Sharifah NA, Jamal R, Looi LM
    Pathology, 2003 Apr;35(2):125-9.
    PMID: 12745459
    CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule that plays an important role in the cascade of metastasis and progression of human malignant tumours. A large family of variants or isoforms, generated by alternative splicing of a single gene, has been reported to be involved in the malignant process by conferring metastatic potential to non-metastatic cells. The objective of this study was to compare the expression of CD44 standard molecule with the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) for neuroblastic tumours, a histological grading system based on the Shimada system for predicting the clinical outcome in neuroblastic tumours.
    MeSH terms: Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism*; Child; Child, Preschool; Ganglioneuroma/metabolism; Ganglioneuroma/pathology; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Infant; Neuroblastoma/classification; Neuroblastoma/metabolism*; Neuroblastoma/pathology; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Antigens, CD44/metabolism*; Protein Isoforms/metabolism
  17. Truck driver fatigue risk assessment and management: a multinational survey
    Adams-Guppy J, Guppy A
    Ergonomics, 2003 Jun 20;46(8):763-79.
    PMID: 12745978 DOI: 10.1080/0014013021000056980
    As part of an organizational review of safety, interviews and questionnaire surveys were performed on over 700 commercial goods drivers and their managers within a series of related companies operating across 17 countries. The results examine the reported incidence of fatigue-related problems in drivers and their associations with near miss and accident experience as well as work and organizational factors. Experience of fatigue problems while driving was linked to time of day and rotation of shifts, though most associations were small. There were significant associations found between fatigue experiences and driver and management systems of break taking and route scheduling. The quantitative combined with qualitative information suggested that, where feasible, more flexible approaches to managing the scheduling and sequencing of deliveries assisted drivers in managing their own fatigue problems through appropriate break-taking. The results are interpreted within the overarching principles of risk assessment and risk control.
    MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data; Adult; Africa/epidemiology; Australia/epidemiology; Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*; Decision Making; Europe/epidemiology; Fatigue/epidemiology*; Fatigue/prevention & control; Health Surveys; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; New Zealand/epidemiology; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Incidence; Occupational Health/statistics & numerical data*; Workload; Risk Assessment/statistics & numerical data; Internationality
  18. Fulltext A model for online interactive remote education for medical physics using the Internet
    Woo MK, Ng KH
    J Med Internet Res, 2003 Jan-Mar;5(1):e3.
    PMID: 12746208
    Medical physics is a relatively small community but it spans great geographical distances, usually with a scarcity of experts whose expertise could greatly benefit students entering into the field. In addition there are many software systems for which an interactive education method would be most advantageous.
    MeSH terms: Computer Communication Networks/economics; Computer Communication Networks/trends; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Graduate/economics; Education, Medical, Graduate/standards; Education, Medical, Graduate/trends; Humans; Nuclear Physics/education*; Nuclear Physics/methods; Models, Educational*; Education, Distance/economics; Education, Distance/methods*; Education, Distance/trends; Internet/economics; Internet/standards*; Internet/trends*
  19. Characterization of Cryptocaryon irritans, a parasite isolated from marine fishes in Taiwan
    Yambot AV, Song YL, Sung HH
    Dis Aquat Organ, 2003 Mar 31;54(2):147-56.
    PMID: 12747640
    The ciliated protozoan parasite Cryptocaryon irritans infecting marine fishes in Taiwan is described. Developmental characteristics and sequences of the ribosomal DNA regions such as part of 18 S, the entire first internal transcribed spacer, and part of 5.8 S of various Taiwan isolates of C. irritans were investigated. A total of 5 isolates was obtained from different fish-host species and localities, the majority from cultured fish species. C. irritans from Taiwan is able to shift its developmental characteristics, i.e. from non-adherent to adherent tomonts, from individualistic to aggregate-forming tomonts, from infection of the gills only to infection of the gills and body. Thus, it is not possible to classify strains of C. irritans on the basis of these parameters. Premature tomonts that developed from dead fishes were able to produce theronts that could infect fish host. Isolates from Pingtung and the USA had identical nucleotide sequences while an isolate from Malaysia was identical to an Israel isolate. Percentage variation among pairs of Taiwan isolates showed a higher degree of variation than isolate sequences listed in GenBank. Sequence analysis revealed highly aberrant isolates in Taiwan, and a phylogenetic tree distinguished a marine and a low-salinity variant. C. irritans from marine fishes in Taiwan, therefore, display some characteristics not previously reported. Since manipulation of salinity in brackishwater ponds and marine cage sites is not feasible, there is a need to develop new strategies for the control and prevention of cryptocaryoniasis.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Wild; Base Sequence; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry; Fish Diseases/parasitology*; Fish Diseases/pathology; Fishes; Gills/parasitology; Gills/pathology; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Taiwan; Genetic Variation*; DNA, Protozoan/genetics; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry*; Sequence Alignment; Ciliophora Infections/parasitology; Ciliophora Infections/pathology; Ciliophora Infections/veterinary*; Ciliophora/classification; Ciliophora/genetics; Ciliophora/isolation & purification*; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Aquaculture
  20. Flat colonic adenomas in Malaysia: fact or fancy?
    Rajendra S, Kutty K, Karim N
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2003 Jun;18(6):701-4.
    PMID: 12753153
    BACKGROUND: Some two-thirds of colorectal carcinomas arise from adenomatous polyps, and as such, screening by colonoscopy and polyp removal should significantly reduce colorectal cancer. This has not been the case, as evidenced by recent studies, which revealed that endoscopy failed to prevent up to 50% of all subsequent carcinomas. Flat or depressed adenomas, frequently reported from Japan but rarely elsewhere, might explain the 'missed carcinomas.' Detection of flat adenomas has not been previously reported from Malaysia.

    METHODS: In the present prospective study, 426 consecutive patients underwent colonoscopic examination between March 1997 and January 2000, for a variety of bowel symptoms. The examinations were performed by an experienced endoscopist using a standard colonoscope and methylene blue dye spraying technique. Macroscopically, flat adenomas were defined using the criteria proposed by Sawada.

    RESULTS: Twenty-nine adenomas were identified in 12 patients, of which 15 were polypoid and 14 were flat, with no depressed lesions. Eight polypoidal lesions and all the flat adenomas contained mild or moderate areas of epithelial dysplasia. Seven severely dysplastic polyps were identified. One Duke's A polypoidal cancer and two advanced carcinomas were also found. All the severely dysplastic lesions and Duke's A carcinomas were found in polyps greater than 10 mm in mean size. The flat adenomas were all less than 5 mm in size.

    CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of colonic adenomas in Malaysian patients appear as small flat lesions, which could easily be missed during endoscopy. Increased recognition and treatment of flat adenomas among colonoscopists is warranted.

    MeSH terms: Adenoma/diagnosis; Adenoma/epidemiology*; Adenoma/pathology; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Colonic Neoplasms/diagnosis; Colonic Neoplasms/epidemiology*; Colonic Neoplasms/pathology; Colonic Polyps/diagnosis; Colonic Polyps/epidemiology; Colonic Polyps/pathology; Colonoscopy; Female; Humans; Hyperplasia/diagnosis; Hyperplasia/epidemiology; Hyperplasia/pathology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index
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