Browse publications by year: 2011

  1. Cloning and characterization of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (RbcS) cDNA from green microalga Ankistrodesmus convolutus
    Thanh T, Chi VT, Abdullah MP, Omar H, Noroozi M, Napis S
    Mol Biol Rep, 2011 Nov;38(8):5297-305.
    PMID: 21287365 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-0679-4
    An initial study on gene cloning and characterization of unicellular green microalga Ankistrodesmus convolutus was carried out to isolate and characterize the full-length cDNA of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (RbcS) as a first step towards elucidating the structure of A. convolutus RbcS gene. The full-length of A. convolutus RbcS cDNA (AcRbcS) contained 28 bp of 5' untranslated region (UTR), 225 bp of 3' non-coding region, and an open reading frame of 165 amino acids consisting of a chloroplast transit peptide with 24 amino acids and a mature protein of 141 amino acids. The amino acid sequence has high identity to those of other green algae RbcS genes. The AcRbcS contained a few conserved domains including protein kinase C phosphorylation site, tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site and N-myristoylation sites. The AcRbcS was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and a ~21 kDa of anticipated protein band was observed on SDS-PAGE. From the phylogenetic analysis of RbcS protein sequences, it was found that the RbcS of A. convolutus has closer genetic relationship with green microalgae species compared to those of green seaweed and green macroalgae species. Southern hybridization analysis revealed that the AcRbcS is a member of a small multigene family comprising of two to six members in A. convolutus genome. Under different illumination conditions, RT-PCR analysis showed that AcRbcS transcription was reduced in the dark, and drastically recovered in the light condition. Results presented in this paper established a good foundation for further study on the photosynthetic process of A. convolutus and other green algae species where little information is known on Rubisco small subunit.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Base Sequence; Cloning, Molecular; Light; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Prokaryotic Cells/metabolism; Prokaryotic Cells/radiation effects; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/genetics*; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/metabolism; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/chemistry; Blotting, Southern; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA, Complementary/genetics*; DNA, Complementary/isolation & purification; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/radiation effects; Computational Biology; Protein Subunits/genetics*; Protein Subunits/metabolism; Protein Subunits/chemistry; Microalgae/enzymology*; Microalgae/genetics*; Microalgae/radiation effects
  2. Tocotrienol-treated MCF-7 human breast cancer cells show down-regulation of API5 and up-regulation of MIG6 genes
    Ramdas P, Rajihuzzaman M, Veerasenan SD, Selvaduray KR, Nesaretnam K, Radhakrishnan AK
    Cancer Genomics Proteomics, 2011 Jan-Feb;8(1):19-31.
    PMID: 21289334
    Tocotrienols belong to the vitamin E family and have multiple anticancer effects, such as antiproliferative, antioxidant, pro-apoptosis and antimetastatic. This study aimed to identify the genes that are regulated in human breast cancer cells following exposure to various isomers of vitamin E as these may be potential targets for the treatment of breast cancer.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*; Breast Neoplasms/genetics*; Female; Humans; Nuclear Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors; Nuclear Proteins/genetics*; Down-Regulation; Up-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*; alpha-Tocopherol/pharmacology; Tocotrienols/pharmacology*; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics*; Cell Line, Tumor; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics*; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics*
  3. Fulltext Preparation of silver nanoparticles in virgin coconut oil using laser ablation
    Zamiri R, Azmi BZ, Sadrolhosseini AR, Ahangar HA, Zaidan AW, Mahdi MA
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2011;6:71-5.
    PMID: 21289983 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S14005
    Laser ablation of a silver plate immersed in virgin coconut oil was carried out for fabrication of silver nanoparticles. A Nd:YAG laser at wavelengths of 1064 nm was used for ablation of the plate at different times. The virgin coconut oil allowed formation of nanoparticles with well-dispersed, uniform particle diameters that were stable for a reasonable length of time. The particle sizes and volume fraction of nanoparticles inside the solutions obtained at 15, 30, 45 min ablation times were 4.84, 5.18, 6.33 nm and 1.0 × 10(-8), 1.6 × 10(-8), 2.4 × 10(-8), respectively. The presented method for preparation of silver nanoparticles in virgin coconut oil is environmentally friendly and may be considered a green method.
    MeSH terms: Particle Size; Plant Oils/chemistry*; Silver/chemistry*; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Metal Nanoparticles/radiation effects; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry*; Lasers, Solid-State
  4. Laparoscopic localization and microlaparotomy for focal isolated perforation in necrotizing enterocolitis: an alternative approach to a challenging problem
    Nah SA, Tan HL, Tamba RP, Aziz DA, Azzam N
    J Pediatr Surg, 2011 Feb;46(2):424-7.
    PMID: 21292104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.11.045
    Necrotizing enterocolitis has a wide clinical spectrum of manifestation. We report a novel method of managing focal isolated perforation in necrotizing enterocolitis by using diagnostic laparoscopy to localize the site of perforation and by making a microincision over the perforation to perform exteriorization or limited resection and primary anastomosis.
    MeSH terms: Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Intestinal Perforation/diagnosis*; Intestinal Perforation/pathology; Intestinal Perforation/surgery*; Laparotomy/methods*; Microsurgery/methods; Laparoscopy/methods*; Treatment Outcome; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/diagnosis; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/pathology; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/surgery*; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight
  5. Anxiety of the mothers with referred baby during Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
    Mohd Khairi MD, Rafidah KN, Affizal A, Normastura AR, Suzana M, Normani ZM
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2011 Apr;75(4):513-7.
    PMID: 21292333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2011.01.009
    To investigate the anxiety among mothers whom their babies have failed test results in the first stage of Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Program.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anxiety Disorders/etiology*; Anxiety Disorders/epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hearing Disorders/diagnosis*; Hearing Disorders/epidemiology; Hearing Disorders/psychology; Hearing Tests; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Interviews as Topic; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Male; Mother-Child Relations; Mothers/psychology*; Patient Compliance; Sensitivity and Specificity; Incidence; Neonatal Screening/methods*; Risk Assessment
  6. Fulltext A pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of four species of soil-transmitted helminths
    Basuni M, Muhi J, Othman N, Verweij JJ, Ahmad M, Miswan N, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2011 Feb;84(2):338-43.
    PMID: 21292911 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0499
    Soil-transmitted helminth infections remain a major public health burden in low- and middle-income countries. The traditional diagnosis by microscopic examination of fecal samples is insensitive and time-consuming. In this study, a pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated for the simultaneous detection of Ancylostoma, Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional parasitological diagnostic methods. Real-time PCR was positive in 48 of 77 samples (62.3%) and microscopic examination was positive in six samples (7.8%) only (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the real-time PCR assay described in this study provides a specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of these four helminth species in epidemiological studies and monitoring of treatment programs.
    MeSH terms: Ancylostomiasis/diagnosis*; Animals; Ascariasis/diagnosis*; Feces/parasitology; Necatoriasis/diagnosis*; Parasite Egg Count; Strongyloidiasis/diagnosis*; DNA, Protozoan/genetics; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*
  7. Movement disorder in a patient with stroke
    Tai ML, Tan CT, Ramli N, Begum RJ, Lim SY
    J Clin Neurosci, 2011 Feb;18(2):263, 305.
    PMID: 21294301
    MeSH terms: Aged; Humans; Male; Putamen/blood supply; Putamen/pathology*; Putamen/physiopathology; Basal Ganglia Cerebrovascular Disease/complications*; Basal Ganglia Cerebrovascular Disease/pathology*; Stroke/complications*; Stroke/pathology*; Dyskinesias/diagnosis; Dyskinesias/etiology*; Dyskinesias/pathology
  8. Fulltext Factors affecting commencement and cessation of betel quid chewing behaviour in Malaysian adults
    Ghani WM, Razak IA, Yang YH, Talib NA, Ikeda N, Axell T, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2011;11:82.
    PMID: 21294919 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-82
    Betel quid chewing is a common habit widely practiced in Southern Asian populations. However, variations are seen in the content of a betel quid across the different countries. Factors associated with commencement and cessation of this habit has been numerously studied. Unfortunately, data on Malaysian population is non-existent. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the inception and also cessation of betel quid chewing behaviour among Malaysian adults.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Areca*; Child; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mastication*; Middle Aged; Plants, Medicinal*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Substance-Related Disorders/ethnology; Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology*; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Young Adult
  9. Soil-transmitted helminths of humans in Southeast Asia--towards integrated control
    Jex AR, Lim YA, Bethony JM, Hotez PJ, Young ND, Gasser RB
    Adv Parasitol, 2011;74:231-65.
    PMID: 21295679 DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-385897-9.00004-5
    Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) pose significant public health challenges in many countries of Southeast Asia (SEA). Overall, approximately one-third of the world's cases of ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm disease occur in the 11 major SEA countries. Various countries are at different stages in their response to controlling these diseases. For instance, in Malaysia and Thailand, the major burden of disease is confined to rural/remote, indigenous and/or refugee populations. In countries, such as Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Vietnam, the burden remains high, although extensive deworming programmes are underway and are yielding encouraging results. The present chapter reviews the current status of STH infections in SEA, identifies knowledge gaps and offers a perspective on the development of improved, integrated surveillance and control in this geographical region. It indicates that advances in our understanding of the epidemiology of these parasites, through the strategic use of molecular and predictive (e.g. geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS)) technologies, could readily underpin future research and control programmes. It is hoped that the gradual move towards integrated treatment/control programmes will assist substantially in decreasing the chronic disease burden linked to STHs, thus increasing human health and welfare, and supporting socio-economic growth and development in SEA countries.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Asia, Southeastern; Communicable Disease Control*; Helminthiasis/diagnosis; Helminthiasis/parasitology; Helminthiasis/transmission*; Helminths/genetics; Helminths/physiology*; Humans; Population Surveillance; Soil/parasitology*
  10. Determination of fast neutron flux distribution in irradiation sites of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency research reactor
    Yavar AR, Sarmani SB, Wood AK, Fadzil SM, Radir MH, Khoo KS
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2011 May;69(5):762-7.
    PMID: 21295987 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2011.01.005
    Determination of thermal to fast neutron flux ratio (f(fast)) and fast neutron flux (ϕ(fast)) is required for fast neutron reactions, fast neutron activation analysis, and for correcting interference reactions. The f(fast) and subsequently ϕ(fast) were determined using the absolute method. The f(fast) ranged from 48 to 155, and the ϕ(fast) was found in the range 1.03×10(10)-4.89×10(10) n cm(-2) s(-1). These values indicate an acceptable conformity and applicable for installation of the fast neutron facility at the MNA research reactor.
    MeSH terms: Fast Neutrons; Neutron Activation Analysis; Neutrons; Research; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; Physical Phenomena
  11. The kinetic properties of the glutamate dehydrogenase of Teladorsagia circumcincta and their significance for the lifestyle of the parasite
    Muhamad N, Simcock DC, Pedley KC, Simpson HV, Brown S
    Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol, 2011 Jun;159(2):71-7.
    PMID: 21296180 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2011.01.008
    Like other nematodes, both L(3) and adult Teladosagia circumcincta secrete or excrete NH(3)/NH(4)(+), but the reactions involved in the production are unclear. Glutamate dehydrogenase is a significant source NH(3)/NH(4)(+) in some species, but previous reports indicate that the enzyme is absent from L(3)Haemonchus contortus. We show that glutamate dehydrogenase was active in both L(3) and adult T. circumcincta. The apparent K(m)s of the L(3) enzyme differed from those of the adult enzyme, the most significant of these being the increase in the K(m) for NH(4)(+) from 18mM in L(3) to 49mM in adults. The apparent V(max) of the oxidative deamination reaction was greater than that of the reductive reaction in L(3), but this was reversed in adults. The activity of the oxidative reaction of the L(3) enzyme was not affected by adenine nucleotides, but that of the reductive reaction was stimulated significantly by either ADP or ATP. The L(3) enzyme was more active with NAD(+) than it was with NADP(+), although the activities supported by NADH and NADPH were similar at saturating concentrations. While the activity of the oxidative reaction was sufficient to account for the NH(3)/NH(4)(+) efflux we have previously reported, the reductive amination reaction was likely to be more active.
    MeSH terms: Adenosine Diphosphate/metabolism; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism; Amino Acid Sequence; Ammonia/metabolism*; Animals; Deamination; Glutamate Dehydrogenase/metabolism*; Haemonchus/enzymology; Kinetics; Larva/enzymology*; Molecular Sequence Data; Molecular Weight; NAD/metabolism; NADP/metabolism; Ostertagia/enzymology*; Ostertagiasis/enzymology; Ostertagiasis/parasitology; Substrate Specificity; Sequence Alignment
  12. Fulltext Contribution of 6p24 to non-syndromic cleft lip and palate in a Malay population: association of variants in OFC1
    Salahshourifar I, Halim AS, Sulaiman WA, Zilfalil BA
    J Dent Res, 2011 Mar;90(3):387-91.
    PMID: 21297019 DOI: 10.1177/0022034510391798
    Non-syndromic cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, is a heterogeneous, complex disease with a high incidence in the Asian population. Several association studies have been done on cleft candidate genes, but no reports have been published thus far on the Orofacial Cleft 1 (OFC1) genomic region in an Asian population. This study investigated the association between the OFC1 genomic region and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in 90 Malay father-mother-offspring trios. Results showed a preferential over-transmission of a 101-bp allele of marker D6S470 in the allele- and haplotype-based transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), as well as an excess of maternal transmission. However, no significant p-value was found for a maternal genotype effect in a log-linear model, although single and double doses of the 101-bp allele showed a slightly increased cleft risk (RR = 1.37, 95% CI, 0.527-3.4, p-value = 0.516). Carrying two copies of the 101-bp allele was significantly associated with an increased cleft risk (RR = 2.53, 95% CI, 1.06-6.12, p-value = 0.035). In conclusion, we report evidence of the contribution of the OFC1 genomic region to the etiology of clefts in a Malay population.
    MeSH terms: Child; Cleft Lip/genetics*; Cleft Palate/genetics*; Female; Gene Frequency; Genetic Complementation Test; Haplotypes; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Proteins/genetics*; Linkage Disequilibrium; Logistic Models; Proportional Hazards Models; Genomic Imprinting; Microsatellite Repeats; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics*
  13. Neolamarckines A and B, new indole alkaloids from Neolamarckia cadamba
    Qureshi AK, Mukhtar MR, Hirasawa Y, Hosoya T, Nugroho AE, Morita H, et al.
    Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 2011;59(2):291-3.
    PMID: 21297315
    Two new indole alkaloids, neolamarckines A and B (1, 2) were isolated from the leaves of Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae). Structural elucidation of 1 and 2 was performed by combination of 2D-NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectra, and chemical correlations. Neolamarckine A (1) showed inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) dose dependently.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Line; Cell Survival/drug effects; Cell Survival/physiology; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Plant Leaves*; Rubiaceae/chemistry*; Indole Alkaloids/isolation & purification*; Indole Alkaloids/pharmacology; Indole Alkaloids/chemistry; Mice
  14. Contemporary approaches to hyperemesis during pregnancy
    Tan PC, Omar SZ
    Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol, 2011 Apr;23(2):87-93.
    PMID: 21297474 DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0b013e328342d208
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) affects 90% of pregnant women and its impact is often underappreciated. Hyperemesis gravidarum, the most severe end of the spectrum, affects 0.5-2% of pregnancies. The pathogenesis of this condition remains obscure and its management has largely been empirical. This review aims to provide an update on advances in pregnancy hyperemesis focusing on papers published within the past 2 years.

    RECENT FINDINGS: The cause of hyperemesis is continuing to be elaborated. Recent data attest to the effectiveness of the oral doxylamine-pyridoxine in NVP. Follow-up data of children exposed in early pregnancy to doxylamine-pyridoxine for NVP are reassuring. Evidence is increasing for ginger as an effective herbal remedy for NVP. Metoclopramide is effective in NVP and hyperemesis gravidarum, with a good balance of efficacy and tolerability. A recent large-scale study on first trimester exposure to metoclopramide is reassuring of its safety. Evidence is emerging for the treatment of acid reflux to ameliorate NVP. The role of corticosteroids for hyperemesis gravidarum remains controversial. Transpyloric feeding may be warranted for persistent weight loss, despite optimal antiemetic therapy.

    SUMMARY: Women with significant NVP should be identified so that they can be safely and effectively treated.

    MeSH terms: Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use; Antiemetics; Diet; Doxylamine/pharmacology; Female; Humans; Hyperemesis Gravidarum/diagnosis; Hyperemesis Gravidarum/therapy*; Obstetrics/methods; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications/diagnosis; Pregnancy Complications/therapy*; Pregnancy Outcome; Pyridoxine/pharmacology; Ondansetron/therapeutic use; Ginger/metabolism
  15. Fulltext Coping styles and lifestyle factors among hypertensive and non-hypertensive subjects
    Ariff F, Suthahar A, Ramli M
    Singapore Med J, 2011 Jan;52(1):29-34.
    PMID: 21298238
    INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between hypertensive patients and their coping style and associated lifestyle factors.
    METHODS: A total of 502 participants attending nine outpatient clinics completed the validated Bahasa Malaysia version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and sociodemographic questionnaires. The height, weight, pulse rate and blood pressure of all the participants were measured using standardised methods.
    RESULTS: A total of 264 (52.6 percent) participants were hypertensive, while 238 (47.4 percent) were not. Participants with a high task-oriented score showed a significantly lower risk of hypertension compared to those with a low score (odds ratio [OR] 0.546; 95 percent confidence interval [CI] 0.371-0.804). Those with a high emotion-oriented coping score were associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR 1.691; 95 percent CI 1.107-2.582). Hypertension was also significantly associated with a higher mean body mass index, positive family history of hypertension, history of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia. In multiple logistic regression analysis with hypertension status as the dependent variable, a high emotion-oriented coping score, a low task-oriented coping score, age, body mass index, positive family history of hypertension and history of diabetes mellitus remain significant factors in the final model.
    CONCLUSION: These results indicated a significant relationship between hypertension and coping styles and lifestyle factors. They underscored the importance of further study as well as the development and implementation of intervention measures to improve coping skills among hypertensive patients, which may be incorporated into the management of hypertension.
    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological*; Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertension/psychology*; Hypertension/therapy; Life Style*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatients; Surveys and Questionnaires; Social Class; Stress, Psychological; Body Mass Index
  16. Fulltext Pneumatic ureterolithotripsy in paediatric and adolescent patients: a ten-year experience at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
    Hussein NS, Gohar MR
    Singapore Med J, 2011 Jan;52(1):42-6.
    PMID: 21298240
    Two to three percent of stone disease cases occur in the paediatric age group. It is common in some parts of the world, such as in Turkey, India and Thailand. More than 50 percent of stones in children are still managed through open surgery. Ureteroscopic intervention for children remains a challenging treatment option. However, in contemporary urology practice, this mode of intervention is becoming more common. In this retrospective study, we reviewed our experiences with ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithotripsy in the paediatric and adolescent age group.
    MeSH terms: Academic Medical Centers; Adolescent; Urinary Bladder/radiography; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Kidney/radiography; Lithotripsy/methods*; Malaysia; Male; Pediatrics/methods*; Retrospective Studies; Ureter/radiography; Ureteral Calculi/surgery*; Ureteral Calculi/therapy; Urology/methods; Hysteroscopy/methods
  17. Fulltext New clinical sign of cervical myelopathy: Wazir hand myelopathy sign
    Wazir NN, Kareem BA
    Singapore Med J, 2011 Jan;52(1):47-9.
    PMID: 21298241
    Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) represents a spectrum of pathologies with progressive compression of the spinal cord. The clinical signs and symptoms play a key role in diagnosis. The characteristic hand myelopathy signs are of significant clinical importance. The aim of this descriptive study was to report a relatively easy to elicit new hand myelopathy sign. The basis for this is finger and wrist flexor disinhibition, which is used for the spinal specificity of cord compression at or above the C5/6 level.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Female; Fingers/pathology; Fingers/physiopathology; Hand/physiopathology*; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Neurons/pathology; Orthopedics/methods; Spinal Cord/pathology; Spinal Cord Compression/diagnosis*; Spinal Cord Diseases/diagnosis*; Spinal Cord Diseases/physiopathology*; Tendons/pathology; Wrist/physiopathology
  18. A multicentre surveillance study on the characteristics, bacterial aetiologies and in vitro antibiotic susceptibilities in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
    Hui DS, Ip M, Ling T, Chang SC, Liao CH, Yoo CG, et al.
    Respirology, 2011 Apr;16(3):532-9.
    PMID: 21299688 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2011.01943.x
    Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem and the prevalence is high in many Asian countries.
    MeSH terms: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*; Asia; Female; Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects; Gram-Negative Bacteria/isolation & purification; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Smoking/adverse effects; Smoking/epidemiology; Sputum/microbiology; Comorbidity; Disease Progression*; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Bronchitis, Chronic/drug therapy*; Bronchitis, Chronic/microbiology*; Bronchitis, Chronic/epidemiology
  19. Fulltext Molecular identification and transmission studies of X-cell parasites from Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (Gadiformes: Gadidae) and the northern black flounder Pseudopleuronectes obscurus (Pleuronectiformes: Pleuronectidae)
    Freeman MA, Eydal M, Yoshimizu M, Watanabe K, Shinn AP, Miura K, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2011;4:15.
    PMID: 21299903 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-15
    Epidermal pseudotumours from Hippoglossoides dubius and Acanthogobius flavimanus in Japan and gill lesions in Limanda limanda from the UK have been shown to be caused by phylogenetically related protozoan parasites, known collectively as X-cells. However, the phylogenetic position of the X-cell group is not well supported within any of the existing protozoan phyla and they are currently thought to be members of the Alveolata.Ultrastructural features of X-cells in fish pseudotumours are somewhat limited and no typical environmental stages, such as spores or flagellated cells, have been observed. The life cycles for these parasites have not been demonstrated and it remains unknown how transmission to a new host occurs. In the present study, pseudobranchial pseudotumours from Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, in Iceland and epidermal pseudotumours from the northern black flounder, Pseudopleuronectes obscurus, in Japan were used in experimental transmission studies to establish whether direct transmission of the parasite is achievable. In addition, X-cells from Atlantic cod were sequenced to confirm whether they are phylogenetically related to other X-cells and epidermal pseudotumours from the northern black flounder were analysed to establish whether the same parasite is responsible for infecting different flatfish species in Japan.
    MeSH terms: Animals; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry; Fish Diseases/parasitology*; Flounder/parasitology*; Iceland; Japan; Molecular Sequence Data; Parasitic Diseases, Animal/parasitology*; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics; Cluster Analysis; RNA, Protozoan/genetics; DNA, Protozoan/genetics; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Genes, rRNA; Gadus morhua/parasitology*; Alveolata/classification*; Alveolata/isolation & purification*
  20. Beta-2 microglobulin as an immunological marker to assess the progression of human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy
    Chitra P, Bakthavatsalam B, Palvannan T
    Clin Chim Acta, 2011 May 12;412(11-12):1151-4.
    PMID: 21300045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2011.01.037
    Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) defines the end stage of Human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This study was carried out to assess the serum β-2 microglobulin (B2M) as a marker for progression of HIV infected patients undergoing HAART.
    MeSH terms: beta 2-Microglobulin/blood*; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism; Leukocyte Count; RNA, Viral/metabolism; Biomarkers/blood; HIV Infections/blood; HIV Infections/drug therapy*; HIV Infections/immunology*; HIV Infections/metabolism; CD4-CD8 Ratio; Antigens, CD8/metabolism; Disease Progression; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
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