Browse publications by year: 2008

Ethnic difference in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in inter-East Asian populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on fasting serum insulin

Takeuchi M, Okamoto K, Takagi T, Ishii H

Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2008 Sep;81(3):370-6.
PMID: 18649967 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2008.05.013

To investigate ethnic difference by focusing on fasting serum insulin (FSI) in inter-East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology*; Diet*; Ethnic Groups*; Far East/epidemiology; Fasting; Humans; India/epidemiology; Insulin/blood*; Lipids/blood; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Prevalence; European Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Recurrence of peripheral ulcerative keratitis on the corneoscleral button in a young man treated successfully with oral corticosteroids

Wahid WA, Selvaraja V, Bakiah S, Ibrahim M

Cornea, 2008 Aug;27(7):837-9.
PMID: 18650673 DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318169d6cc

To describe recurrent peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) on the corneoscleral graft in a young man treated successfully with oral corticosteroids.

MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Adult; Amnion/transplantation; Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage; Ciprofloxacin/administration & dosage; Corneal Ulcer/prevention & control*; Corneal Ulcer/surgery; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*; Humans; Male; Prednisolone/therapeutic use*; Recurrence; Rupture, Spontaneous; Sclera/transplantation*; Corneal Transplantation*
Selection of river crossing location and sleeping site by proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) in Sabah, Malaysia

Matsuda I, Tuuga A, Akiyama Y, Higashi S

Am J Primatol, 2008 Nov;70(11):1097-101.
PMID: 18651612 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20604

From May 2005-2006, selections of river crossing locations and sleeping sites used by a one-male group (BE-Group) of proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) were investigated along the Menanggul River, tributary of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia. The frequency of river crossings for focal monkeys in the BE-Group was significantly higher at locations with narrow branch-to-bank distances. Branch-to-bank distances were defined as the distances between the longest tree branches extending over the river and the bank of river on each side. This was measured in areas crossed by the monkeys. The focal monkeys used locations with a higher probability of successful river crossings that did not require jumping into the water and swimming across than those that did. The frequency of sleeping site usage by the BE-Group was positively correlated with the frequency of using river crossing locations by the focal monkeys. Previous reports on predation of proboscis monkeys indicate that clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi) and crocodilians (Tomistoma schlegeli and Crocodylus porosus) may be the major terrestrial and aquatic predators of these monkeys. The selection of river crossing locations by proboscis monkeys may be influenced both by the threat of these predators and the location of suitable and protected sleeping sites. Finally, sleeping sites locations that offer arboreal escape routes may protect proboscis monkeys from leopard attack.

MeSH terms: Animals; Behavior, Animal*; Female; Malaysia; Male; Predatory Behavior; Sleep; Colobinae/psychology*; Rivers
Anomalous pseudoganglion and its branches: a case report

Das S, Paul S

Clin Anat, 2008 Nov;21(8):805-6.
PMID: 18651658 DOI: 10.1002/ca.20619
MeSH terms: Carpal Bones/anatomy & histology; Carpal Bones/innervation*; Forearm/anatomy & histology; Forearm/innervation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peripheral Nerves/abnormalities*; Radius/anatomy & histology; Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy & histology; Muscle, Skeletal/innervation
Further evaluation of a multiplex PCR for differentiation of Salmonella paratyphi A from other salmonellae

Teh CS, Chua KH, Puthucheary SD, Thong KL

Jpn J Infect Dis, 2008 Jul;61(4):313-4.
PMID: 18653978

Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A is a causative agent of paratyphoid fever. The clinical syndrome caused by paratyphoid fever overlaps with other febrile illnesses and cannot be distinguished from typhoid fever. Conventional methods used for diagnosis are time consuming, costly, and labor-intensive. We evaluated the specificity, sensitivity, and application of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) previously developed by the method (Ou, H.Y., Teh, C.S.J., Thong, K.L., et al., J. Mol. Diagn., 9, 624-630, 2007) using 6 S. Paratyphi A, 22 S. Typhi, and 85 other Salmonella serovars as well as 36 non-Salmonella strains. The detection limit of the multiplex PCR was 4 x 10(4) cfu ml(-1). In a blind test of the other 50 strains, this multiplex PCR correctly identified the only S. Paratyphi A in the panel of strains. The sensitivity of this PCR using spiked blood and stool samples was 1 x 10(5) cfu ml(-1) and 2 x 10(5) cfu ml(-1), respectively, but increased to 1 x 10(4) cfu ml(-1) and 2 x 10(3) cfu ml(-1) after 5-h enrichment. We believe that this multiplex PCR is a promising technique for the specific and sensitive detection of S. Paratyphi A in clinical, environmental, and food samples.

MeSH terms: Blood/microbiology; Culture Media; Feces/microbiology; Humans; Paratyphoid Fever/diagnosis*; Paratyphoid Fever/microbiology*; Salmonella/classification; Salmonella/genetics; Salmonella/isolation & purification; Salmonella Infections/diagnosis; Salmonella Infections/microbiology; Salmonella paratyphi A/classification*; Salmonella paratyphi A/genetics; Salmonella paratyphi A/isolation & purification*; Species Specificity; Reproducibility of Results; Bacterial Typing Techniques*; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*
Influenza viruses circulating in Thailand in 2004 and 2005

Waicharoen S, Thawatsupha P, Chittaganpitch M, Maneewong P, Thanadachakul T, Sawanpanyalert P

Jpn J Infect Dis, 2008 Jul;61(4):321-3.
PMID: 18653981

Determining the local circulating strain of influenza is essential to prevent and control epidemics. In the years 2004 and 2005, the National Influenza Center of Thailand received 3,854 and 3,834 specimens, respectively, from patients throughout the country, including submissions from 4 established influenza surveillance sentinel sites. In 2004, of 539 influenza-positive specimens, 461 were positive for influenza A and 78 were positive for influenza B by isolation. Influenza A subtyping revealed that 249, 197, and 15 isolates were H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1, respectively. In 2005, of 748 influenza-positive specimens, 492 were influenza A and the remaining 256 were influenza B. The results of influenza A subtyping indicated that 55, 437, and 5 isolates were H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1. All isolated strains of subtype H1N1 were A/New Caledonia/20/99-like. The isolated strains of H3N2 were A/Fujian/411/2002-like in the first half of the year 2004, while those in the latter half of 2004 gradually drifted to a mixture of A/Wellington/1/2004-like, A/California/7/2004-like, and A/Wisconsin/67/2005-like, and this mixture continued through the end of 2005. The influenza B strains were B/Sichuan/379/99-like, B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like, B/Shanghai/361/2002-like and B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like. The strains circulating in the years 2004 and 2005 were antigenically similar to the vaccine formulas recommended in the same period by WHO. Our results underscore that local influenza surveillance plays an important role in responding to epidemics and potential pandemics.

MeSH terms: Humans; Influenza, Human/epidemiology*; Influenza, Human/virology*; Population Surveillance/methods; Seasons; Thailand/epidemiology; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/isolation & purification
Fulltext Affordable ART for developing countries: a cost benefit comparison of low dose stimulation versus high dose GnRH antagonist protocol

Noorashikin M, Ong FB, Omar MH, Zainul-Rashid MR, Murad AZ, Shamsir A, et al.

J Assist Reprod Genet, 2008 Jul;25(7):297-303.
PMID: 18654847 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-008-9239-9

Low dose stimulation (LS) is emerging as an alternative regime in assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of LS to the high dose GnRH antagonist (Atg) regime.

MeSH terms: Adult; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Humans; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors*; Male; Oocytes/metabolism; Ovulation Induction/methods*; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Pregnancy Rate; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic/methods*; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted*
Development of a simultaneous liquid-liquid extraction and chiral derivatization method for stereospecific GC-MS analysis of amphetamine-type stimulants in human urine using fractional factorial design

Aasim WR, Gan SH, Tan SC

Biomed Chromatogr, 2008 Sep;22(9):1035-42.
PMID: 18655218 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.1073

A stereospecific gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis method for amphetamine-type stimulants in human urine was recently developed. For maximum efficiency, liquid-liquid extraction and chiral derivatization of the analytes using (R)-(-)-alpha-methoxy-alpha-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetyl chloride were performed simultaneously. The effects of (1) use of saturated sodium chloride in 2.0 M sodium hydroxide, (2) extraction solvent volume, (3) percentage of triethylamine, (4) derivatization reagent volume, (5) sample mixing time, (6) incubation temperature and (7) incubation time on method sensitivity and variability were assessed using a two-level, eight-run Plackett-Burman design followed by a fold-over design. The use of saturated sodium chloride solution and the derivatization reagent volume were significant factors (ANOVA, p<0.01). The saturated sodium chloride solution decreased sensitivity whereas an increased volume of derivatization reagent increased sensitivity. Calibration curves for all analytes were linear between 5 and 500 microg/L, with correlation coefficients of >0.99. Detection limits were

MeSH terms: Amphetamines/urine*; Humans; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods*; Methamphetamine/analogs & derivatives; Methamphetamine/urine; 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine/urine; Reproducibility of Results; Substance Abuse Detection/methods*; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine/urine
Docking of noncompetitive inhibitors into dengue virus type 2 protease: understanding the interactions with allosteric binding sites

Othman R, Kiat TS, Khalid N, Yusof R, Newhouse EI, Newhouse JS, et al.

J Chem Inf Model, 2008 Aug;48(8):1582-91.
PMID: 18656912 DOI: 10.1021/ci700388k

A group of flavanones and their chalcones, isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda L., were previously reported to show varying degrees of noncompetitive inhibitory activities toward Dengue virus type 2 (Den2) protease. Results obtained from automated docking studies are in agreement with experimental data in which the ligands were shown to bind to sites other than the active site of the protease. The calculated K(i) values are very small, indicating that the ligands bind quite well to the allosteric binding site. Greater inhibition by pinostrobin, compared to the other compounds, can be explained by H-bonding interaction with the backbone carbonyl of Lys74, which is bonded to Asp75 (one of the catalytic triad residues). In addition, structure-activity relationship analysis yields structural information that may be useful for designing more effective therapeutic drugs against dengue virus infections.

MeSH terms: Allosteric Site*; Dengue Virus/drug effects*; Dengue Virus/enzymology*; Ligands; Models, Molecular; Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism*; Peptide Hydrolases/chemistry*; Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Protease Inhibitors/chemistry*; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure
Fulltext Evaluation of recombinant antigens for diagnosis of melioidosis

Allwood EM, Logue CA, Hafner GJ, Ketheesan N, Norton RE, Peak IR, et al.

FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol., 2008 Oct;54(1):144-53.
PMID: 18657105 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2008.00464.x

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is endemic to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Clinical manifestations of the disease are diverse, ranging from chronic localized infection to acute septicaemia, with death occurring within 24-48 h after the onset of symptoms. Definitive diagnosis of melioidosis involves bacterial culture and identification, with results obtained within 3-4 days. This delayed diagnosis is a major contributing factor to high mortality rates. Rapid diagnosis is vital for successful management of the disease. This study describes the purification and evaluation of three recombinant antigenic proteins, BPSL0972, BipD and OmpA from B. pseudomallei 08, for their potential in the serodiagnosis of melioidosis using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The recombinant proteins were evaluated using 74 serum samples from culture-confirmed melioidosis patients from Malaysia, Thailand and Australia. In addition, 62 nonmelioidosis controls consisting of serum samples from clinically suspected melioidosis patients (n=20) and from healthy blood donors from an endemic region (n=18) and a nonendemic region (n=24) were included. The indirect ELISAs using BipD and BPSL0972 as antigens demonstrated poor to moderate sensitivities (42% and 51%, respectively) but good specificity (both 100%). In contrast, the indirect ELISA using OmpA as an antigen achieved 95% sensitivity and 98% specificity. These results highlight the potential for OmpA to be used in the serodiagnosis of melioidosis in an endemic area.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial/blood; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Bacterial Proteins/immunology; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Melioidosis/diagnosis*; Melioidosis/immunology; Melioidosis/microbiology; Rabbits; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serologic Tests; Time Factors; Burkholderia pseudomallei/immunology*
Prospective study to determine the effect of intermittent pneumatic foot and calf compression on popliteal artery peak systolic blood flow

Mokhtar S, Azizi ZA, Govindarajanthran N

Asian J Surg, 2008 Jul;31(3):124-9.
PMID: 18658010

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of posture and also intermittent foot and calf compression on peak systolic flow of the popliteal artery in a normal population.
METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out in normal subjects at the Vascular Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, from March 2006 to September 2006. The study compared the popliteal artery blood flow during change of posture from the horizontal (supine) to the sitting position and the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) of the foot and calf on popliteal artery blood flow immediately and 10 minutes after cessation of compression.
RESULTS: A total of 15 subjects involving 30 limbs were examined in this study. On comparing flows between the horizontal and sitting position, there was a mean reduction in blood flow of 23% (p < 0.005). Immediately after compression of the foot and calf, there was an increase in blood flow of between 4% and 35% with a mean of 15% (p < 0.05). Peak systolic flows at 10 minutes postcompression were 536 +/- 95 mL/min, which was still significantly higher than precompression measurements.
CONCLUSION: There is a significant reduction in popliteal artery blood flow on changing from the supine to the sitting position. Popliteal artery blood flow is higher than baseline after 15 minutes of intermittent pneumatic foot and calf compression. The increase in popliteal artery blood flow is still present 10 minutes after cessation of IPC.

MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Foot/physiology*; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Popliteal Artery/physiology*; Posture/physiology*; Prospective Studies; Regional Blood Flow; Systole; Time Factors; Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices*
Heated palm oil causes rise in blood pressure and cardiac changes in heart muscle in experimental rats

Leong XF, Aishah A, Nor Aini U, Das S, Jaarin K

Arch Med Res, 2008 Aug;39(6):567-72.
PMID: 18662587 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2008.04.009

Palm oil used worldwide contains considerable amounts of antioxidants, namely, vitamin E and carotenes. The purpose of the study was to observe the effect of heated palm oil on blood pressure and observe the cardiac histological changes in rats.

MeSH terms: Animals; Blood Pressure/drug effects*; Body Weight/drug effects; Heart/drug effects*; Hot Temperature; Male; Myocardium/pathology; Organ Size/drug effects; Plant Oils/toxicity*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats
The role of wrist anthropometric measurement in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

Lim PG, Tan S, Ahmad TS

J Hand Surg Eur Vol, 2008 Oct;33(5):645-7.
PMID: 18662961 DOI: 10.1177/1753193408093326

Anthropometric wrist measurement ratios were examined for an association with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Wrist measurements were recorded in 67 patients with CTS and in a matched control group of 67 healthy volunteers. The Wrist Ratio (WR) (wrist anterior to posterior dimension/wrist medial-lateral dimension) and the Wrist Palm Ratio (wrist anterior to posterior dimension/palm length) were calculated for each case. We found that a WR of > or =0.70 and a Wrist Palm Ratio of >0.342 were significantly associated with idiopathic CTS.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Anthropometry*; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/diagnosis; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/etiology; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/pathology*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Wrist/pathology*; Reproducibility of Results; Young Adult
Isolation of trinucleotide microsatellite markers for Mystus nemurus

Hoh BP, Siraj SS, Tan SG, Yusoff K

Genetika, 2008 Mar;44(3):427-9.
PMID: 18664151

Twelve single locus trinucleotide microsatellite markers were developed to characterize the Asian river catfish, Mystus nemurus, an important food fish in South East Asia. They were obtained by using a rapid method namely the 5' anchored PCR enrichment protocol. The specific primers were designed to flank the repeat sequences and these were subsequently used to characterize 90 unrelated fish from Malaysia. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 (MnVj2-281) to 12 (MnBp8-4-43b) while the levels of heterozygosity ranged from 0.0444 (MnVj2-1-19) to 0.7458 (MnVj2-291).

MeSH terms: Alleles; Animals; Catfishes/genetics*; Trinucleotide Repeats*
Fulltext Giant gluteal lipoma-like liposarcoma: a case report

Sultan M, Burezq H, Bang RL, El-Kabany M, Eskaf W

World J Surg Oncol, 2008;6:81.
PMID: 18664291 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-6-81

Liposarcoma is the second most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults with a peak incidence between the 4th and 6th decade of life and slight preponderance to the male gender. It originates from multipotential primitive mesenchymal cells, rather than mature adipose tissue.

MeSH terms: Adult; Buttocks; Humans; Lipoma/pathology*; Lipoma/surgery; Liposarcoma/pathology*; Liposarcoma/surgery; Male; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology*; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/surgery
Association of raised liver transaminases with physical inactivity, increased waist-hip ratio, and other metabolic morbidities in severely obese children

Lee YS, Kek BL, Poh LK, Saw SM, Loke KY

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 2008 Aug;47(2):172-8.
PMID: 18664869 DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e318162a0e5

To identify factors associated with raised alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutaryl transferase in severely obese children

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Alanine Transaminase/metabolism; Transaminases/metabolism*; Aspartate Aminotransferases/metabolism; Child; Child, Preschool; China/ethnology; Ethnic Groups; Fatty Liver/enzymology; Fatty Liver/etiology; Fatty Liver/epidemiology*; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase/metabolism; Humans; India/ethnology; Liver/enzymology*; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Obesity, Morbid/complications*; Obesity, Morbid/enzymology; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Singapore/epidemiology; Exercise/physiology*; Confidence Intervals; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Metabolic Syndrome X/enzymology; Metabolic Syndrome X/etiology; Metabolic Syndrome X/epidemiology*; Waist-Hip Ratio
New species of Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1907 (Apicomplexa) from amphibian host: morphology, biology and phylogeny

Jirků M, Valigurová A, Koudela B, Krízek J, Modrý D, Slapeta J

Folia Parasitol., 2008 Jun;55(2):81-94.
PMID: 18666410

Cryptosporidium fragile sp. n. (Apicomplexa) is described from black-spined toads, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider) (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) from the Malay Peninsula. The parasitized animals were directly imported from Malaysia and harboured C. fragile at the time of arrival. Oocysts were subspherical to elliptical with irregular contour in optical section, measuring 6.2 (5.5-7.0) x 5.5 (5.0-6.5) microm. Oocyst wall was smooth and colourless in light microscopy. The endogenous development of C. fragile in the stomach of black-spined toad was analysed in detail using light and electron microscopy. Cryptosporidian developmental stages were confined to the surface of gastric epithelial cells. In transmission experiments, C. fragile has not been infective for one fish species, four amphibian species, one species of reptile and SCID mice. Full length small subunit rRNA gene sequence was obtained. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed distinct status of C. fragile within the clade of species with gastric localisation including Cryptosporidium muris Tyzzer, 1907, Cryptosporidium serpentis Levine, 1980 and Cryptosporidium andersoni Lindsay, Upton, Owens, Morgan, Mead et Blagburn, 2000. Described characteristics differentiate C. fragile from the currently recognized Cryptosporidium species. Our experience with the description of C. fragile has led us to revise the recommended criteria for an introduction of a new Cryptosporidium species name. C. fragile is the first species described and named from an amphibian host. Its prevalence of 83% (15/18) in black-spined toads within the 3 months after importation calls for strict quarantine measures and import regulation for lower vertebrates.

MeSH terms: Animals; Bufonidae/parasitology*; Cryptosporidium/classification*; Cryptosporidium/genetics; Cryptosporidium/growth & development*; Cryptosporidium/isolation & purification; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry; Epithelial Cells/parasitology; Gastric Mucosa/parasitology; Malaysia; Microscopy; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny*; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; Stomach/parasitology; DNA, Protozoan/genetics; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Oocysts/cytology; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Eleven novel polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers from the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis

Ong CC, Teh CH, Tan SG, Yusoff K, Yap CK

Genetika, 2008 Apr;44(4):574-6.
PMID: 18666563

We report on the characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in P. viridis, the first set of such markers developed and characterized for this species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0447 to 0.4837. These markers should prove useful as powerful genetic markers for this species.

MeSH terms: Alleles; Animals; Genetic Markers*; Polymorphism, Genetic*; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics*; Perna/genetics*
Seroprevalence and risk factors for influenza A viruses in pigs in Peninsular Malaysia

Suriya R, Hassan L, Omar AR, Aini I, Tan CG, Lim YS, et al.

Zoonoses Public Health, 2008 Sep;55(7):342-51.
PMID: 18667027 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2008.01138.x

Following a series of H5N1 cases in chickens and birds in a few states in Malaysia, there was much interest in the influenza A viruses subtypes that circulate among the local pig populations. Pigs may act as a mixing vessel for avian and mammal influenza viruses, resulting in new reassorted viruses. This study investigated the presence of antibodies against influenza H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in pigs from Peninsular Malaysia using Herdcheck Swine Influenza H1N1 and H3N2 Antibody Test Kits. At the same time, the presence of influenza virus was examined from the nasal swabs of seropositive pigs by virus isolation and real time RT-PCR. The list of pig farms was obtained from the headquarters of the Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia, and pig herds were selected randomly from six of 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 727 serum and nasal swab samples were collected from 4- to 6-month-old pigs between May and August 2005. By ELISA, the seroprevalences of swine influenza H1N1 and H3N2 among pigs were 12.2% and 12.1% respectively. Seropositivity for either of the virus subtypes was detected in less than half of the 41 sampled farms (41.4%). Combination of both subtypes was detected in 4% of all pigs and in 22% of sampled farms. However, no virus or viral nucleic acid was detected from nasal samples. This study identified that the seropositivity of pigs to H1N1 and H3N2 based on ELISA was significantly associated with factors such as size of farm, importation or purchase of pigs, proximity of farm to other pig farms and the presence of mammalian pets within the farm.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Viral/blood*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/transmission; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary*; Influenza A virus/classification; Influenza A virus/immunology*; Risk Factors; Swine; Swine Diseases/epidemiology*; Swine Diseases/transmission; Zoonoses*; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype
Asian population frequencies and haplotype distribution of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes among Chinese, Malay, and Indian in Singapore

Lee YC, Chan SH, Ren EC

Immunogenetics, 2008 Nov;60(11):645-54.
PMID: 18668235 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-008-0321-3

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) gene frequencies have been shown to be distinctly different between populations and contribute to functional variation in the immune response. We have investigated KIR gene frequencies in 370 individuals representing three Asian populations in Singapore and report here the distribution of 14 KIR genes (2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DL5, 2DS1, 2DS2, 2DS3, 2DS4, 2DS5, 3DL1, 3DL2, 3DL3, 3DS1) with two pseudogenes (2DP1, 3DP1) among Singapore Chinese (n = 210); Singapore Malay (n = 80), and Singapore Indian (n = 80). Four framework genes (KIR3DL3, 3DP1, 2DL4, 3DL2) and a nonframework pseudogene 2DP1 were detected in all samples while KIR2DS2, 2DL2, 2DL5, and 2DS5 had the greatest significant variation across the three populations. Fifteen significant linkage patterns, consistent with associations between genes of A and B haplotypes, were observed. Eighty-four distinct KIR profiles were determined in our populations, 38 of which had not been described in other populations. KIR haplotype studies were performed using nine Singapore Chinese families comprising 34 individuals. All genotypes could be resolved into corresponding pairs of existing haplotypes with eight distinct KIR genotypes and eight different haplotypes. The haplotype A2 with frequency of 63.9% was dominant in Singapore Chinese, comparable to that reported in Korean and Chinese Han. The A haplotypes predominate in Singapore Chinese, with ratio of A to B haplotypes of approximately 3:1. Comparison with KIR frequencies in other populations showed that Singapore Chinese shared similar distributions with Chinese Han, Japanese, and Korean; Singapore Indian was found to be comparable with North Indian Hindus while Singapore Malay resembled the Thai.

MeSH terms: China/ethnology; Ethnic Groups/genetics*; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Haplotypes/genetics; Humans; India/ethnology; Indonesia/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Pseudogenes/genetics; Singapore/epidemiology; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics*; Receptors, KIR/genetics*

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