Browse publications by year: 2012

Prevalence and determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients at a primary care clinic

Ching S, Chia Y, Wan Azman W

Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(2-3):2-9.
PMID: 25606250 MyJurnal

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has prognostic significance on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, echocardiography screening for LVH is not routinely done for hypertensive patients in a primary care setting. Thus, this quantitative study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with LVH in hypertensive patients at a primary care setting. This was a cross-sectional study of 359 consecutive patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension attending a hospital-based clinic in Malaysia. All subjects underwent an echocardiography test. LVH occur when the left ventricular posterior wall thickness together with inter-ventricular septal thickness is ≥11 mm. It was found that 24% patients fulfilled the criteria for LVH. The mean age of the study population was 59.2±7.7 years; mean duration of hypertension was 9.7±7.5 years; and mean blood pressure was 136.5/81.5 (±13.7/7.7) mmHg. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, patients who were obese [odds ratio (OR) 8.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.14, 22.22] and male gender (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.08, 3.16) had significant positive association with LVH. LVH was found in approximately one fourth of the hypertensive patients at a hospital-based primary care setting. There was a significant positive association between LVH and obesity and being male. Guidelines for enhancing use of echocardiography in detecting LVH may be needed.
Fulltext Reliability and validity of the revised Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) for Malaysian children and adolescents

Jalaludin MY, Fuziah MZ, Hong JYH, Mohamad Adam B, Jamaiyah H

Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(2-3):10-20.
PMID: 25606251 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: Self-care plays an important role in diabetes management. One of the instruments used to evaluate self-care in patients with diabetes is the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire. A validated instrument in the Malay language is used to assess self-care practice among children and adolescents with diabetes in Malaysia.
OBJECTIVE: To translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the revised version of the SDSCA questionnaire in the Malay language.
METHODS:Forward and backward translations were performed. An expert panel reviewed all versions for conceptual and content equivalence. The final version was administered to paediatric patients with diabetes between August 2006 and September 2007. Reliability was analysed using Cronbach's alpha and validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 117 patients aged 10-18 years were enrolled from nine hospitals. The reliability of overall core items was 0.735 (with item 4) while the reliabilities of the four domains were in the range of 0.539-0.838. As core item number 4 was found to be problematic and it was subtituted by item 5a (from the expanded SDSCA) to suit local dietary education and practice; and the reliabilities of the overall core item (0.782) and the four domains (0.620 - 0.838) improved. Factor loadings of all the items were greater than 0.4, loaded into the original domains, and accounted for 73% of the total variance.
CONCLUSION: The Malay translation of the revised English SDSCA is reliable and valid as a guide for Malaysian children and adolescents suffering from diabetes.
KEYWORDS: Adolescents Diabetes self-care; Children; Malay-translated version of SDSCA
Study site: Pediatric Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hospitals, University; Humans; Language; Malaysia; Occupational Therapy; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Psychometrics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Care
Fulltext Perception of quality of life among people with diabetes

Cheah WL, Lee PY, Lim PY, Fatin Nabila AA, Luk KJ, Nur Iwana AT

Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(2-3):21-30.
PMID: 25606252 MyJurnal

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects a patient's quality of life. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the socio-demographic and disease profile factors associated with poor quality of life among patients with diabetes. The study was conducted at a primary health care clinic in Kuching between August to November 2010. Short Form - 36 (SF - 36) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of diabetic patients aged ≥ 18. A total of 142 respondents participated in the survey. After adjusting for age, those with no education scored lower at vitality (p=0.043) and emotional health (p=0.033) compared with those who have tertiary education. Those working in the private sector scored better for physical functioning (p=0.042) compared with pensioners and the unemployed. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes scored lower in the role-emotional domain (p=0.003). Participants who were on <3 (p=0.014) and ≥3 (p=0.024) oral medications had better score for role-physical than those on insulin. Those on insulin had worse score for bodily pain than those on oral medication only (vs <3 oral drugs, p=0.026; vs ≥3 oral drugs, p=0.001). Various socio-demographic factors, uncontrolled diabetes and insulin usage were found to have negative impact on a diabetic patient's quality of life. Programmes addressing the physical and emotional needs of diabetic patients at the primary health care setting are essential to help improve their quality of life.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; China/ethnology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Quality of Life*; Continental Population Groups
Fulltext An audit of sputum smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Kinta district, Perak, in 2011

Subashini A, Lau KM, Habibur Rahman ZA

Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(2-3):31-4.
PMID: 25606253 MyJurnal

58 cases of sputum smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were reported to Kinta Health Department between January and June 2011. It was found that 47 cases (81%) were sputum smear negative cases. Six cases (10.3%) were actually sputum smear positive but were wrongly reported as smear negative. Five cases (8.6%) were misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. Majority of these patients (82.7%) sought consultation and treatment after two weeks of having cough. Only 6.9% sought treatment for cough that was less than two weeks old. Accurate diagnosis of PTB is crucial and the Perak State Health Department needs to quickly adopt steps to improve the situation.

MeSH terms: Adult; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Medical Audit*; Retrospective Studies; Tuberculosis*
Fulltext Prevalence and clinical characteristics of oral tori among outpatients in Northern Malaysia

Sathya K, Kanneppady SK, Arishiya T

J Oral Biol Craniofac Res, 2012 Jan-Apr;2(1):15-9.
PMID: 25756026 DOI: 10.1016/S2212-4268(12)60005-0

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of torus palatinus (TP) and torus mandibularis (TM) in Malaysian dental patients.
METHODS: Thousand five hundred and thirty-two dental patients were examined for the presence of oral tori at the Faculty of Dentistry outpatient clinic, AIMST University. Factors such as race, age, sex, size, and shape of tori were studied.
RESULTS: The prevalence rates were 12% for TP and 2.8% for TM. A variation in the presence of tori among the three races in Malaysia-Chinese, Malays, and Indians-was noted, where the Chinese significantly had a higher prevalence of TP (17.9%) and TM (4.6%). Predominantly, tori were observed >40 years and older age group, and further both TP and TM were seen more commonly in women. Most TP were of smooth type (52.2%) and >2 cm (67.4%), while all TM were bilateral and nodular, plus most were <2 cm (67.4%).
CONCLUSION: Presence of tori (TP and TM) was detected in 12.5% of the participants. The variations noted in the prevalence and clinical characteristics of tori among people of different races living in the same country reflect its multifactorial etiology. Both genetic and environmental factors are responsible for its occurrence, and particular races are more prone genetically where its expression is enhanced by environmental factors.
KEYWORDS: Tori; torus mandibularis; torus palatinus
Study site: Dental clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, AIMST University

MeSH terms: Dental Clinics; Humans; Malaysia; Prevalence
Fulltext Effects of timed artificial insemination following estrus synchronization in postpartum beef cattle

Malik A, Wahid H, Rosnina Y, Kasim A, Sabri M

Open Vet J, 2012;2(1):1-5.
PMID: 26623282

The objectives of this study were to evaluate estrus response and pregnancy rates resulting from timed artificial insemination (AI) following estrus synchronization using CIDR in postpartum beef cattle. A total of 100 cows were randomly divided into three groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were artificially inseminated at 48-50 h (n=30), 53-55 h (n=30) and 58-60 h (n=40) after CIDR removal, respectively. Estrus synchronization was carried out using a CIDR containing 1.38 mg progesterone. All cows were given 2 mg estradiol benzoate, intramuscularly on the day of CIDR insertion (D 0). The CIDR was removed after 8 days and 125 μg of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) was injected intramuscularly. One day after CIDR removal all cows were given 1 mg of estradiol benzoate intramuscularly (D 9). Cows were observed visually for estrus after removal of CIDR. Between 30 and 32 days after timed AI, pregnancy was determined using transrectal ultrasonography. The first estrus observation which is approximately 32 h after CIDR removal showed no significant difference (P>0.05) among the three groups. The onset response of estrus after 32 h removal of CIDR was less than 10% in all three groups 6.6% (G1), 6.8% (G2) and 7.3% (G3). Furthermore, percentages of estrus response (D 10) following CIDR removal were 76.6%, 75.0% and 77.5%. The difference between on D 9 and D 10 estrus response were statistically significant (P<0.05). The pregnancy rates were 23.3% (G1), 26.6% (G2) and 37.5% (G3), which were not significant (P>0.05).

MeSH terms: Red Meat; Animals; Benzoates; Cattle; Estradiol; Estrus; Estrus Synchronization; Female; Humans; Insemination, Artificial; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Ultrasonography; Dinoprost; Pregnancy Rate; Postpartum Period
Fulltext Collection, analysis and cryopreservation of semen from Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus hubbacki): A preliminary study

Iswadi MI, Ann ZF, Hafiz MM, Hafiz MD, Fahrul FJ, Hajarian H, et al.

Open Vet J, 2012;2(1):109-14.
PMID: 26623302

The Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus hubbacki) or Seladang is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The Malayan gaur is mainly distributed in the tropical woodlands of Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand. The aim of this study was to collect, analyze and cryopreserve the semen of wild Malayan gaur. Transrectal massage (TM) and electroejaculation (EEJ) technique was applied in semen collection of the Malayan gaur. The semen was then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen using slow freezing technique. Makler counting chamber was used to evaluate sperm concentration and motility, while the sperm viability and morphology of fresh and post-thaw sperm was determined using eosin-nigrosin staining protocol. As a result, we have successfully collected the Malayan gaur semen using EEJ technique. Sperm motility, viability and morphological changes of the post-thaw semen of Malayan gaur were found undesirable due to the complication of the cryopreservation process. On the basis of current study it can be concluded that Malayan gaur bulls semen can be obtain by EEJ with no evidence of rectal trauma. Optimization of the process of cryopreservation for Malayan gaur sperm is needed to maintain the cryoviability of the good sperm quality. The data generated in this study would be useful in conservation of genetic diversity program for Malayan gaur.

MeSH terms: Natural Resources; Aniline Compounds; Animals; Cattle; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Freezing; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Massage; Nitrogen; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Staining and Labeling; Thailand; Genetic Variation; Cryopreservation; Semen Analysis; Forests
Fulltext Hibiscus sabdariffa L., roselle calyx, from ethnobotany to pharmacology

Carvajal-Zarrabal O, Barradas-Dermitz DM, Orta-Flores Z, Hayward-Jones PM, Nolasco-Hipólito C, Aguilar-Uscanga MG, et al.

J Exp Pharmacol, 2012;4:25-39.
PMID: 27186114 DOI: 10.2147/JEP.S27974

Using MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, a review of the literature from the pioneering study of 1991 until 2010 was performed on the effects on biological models of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. roselle calyx, its extracts mainly in polar solvents, or pure components found in extracts, as well as their possible relationship to these effects. Three relevant effects on lipid metabolism, antihypertensive activity, and apoptosis were observed. Our chronological review of the studies mentioned in the literature provides another opportunity to see how humans compile scientific knowledge of a chemical structure-physiological activity relationship starting from an ethnobotanical-ethnopharmagognosy contribution. The chemical components that are the main active principles in the physiological activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx are anthocyanins and polyphenols (protocatechuic acid and quercetin). Advances have also been made in the elucidation of action mechanisms. Additionally, it has become clear that the lack of standardization in terms of chemical components of the material arising from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. used in testing on biological models imposes limits on the possibility of carrying out comparative analyses between studies. Fortunately, more recent studies are overcoming this obstacle by reporting component concentrations of assumed active principles; however, complete analysis of the extract, if this is to be considered as a therapeutic agent, is not commonly reported in the aforesaid studies. If one of the eventual scenarios for Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx is as a therapeutic agent in communities with economic limitations, then studies of a pharmacological nature should guarantee the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of this material, which is widely accepted to be associated with chemical complexity, thus making this knowledge necessary.
Successful treatment of acute kidney injury secondary to haeme nephropathy in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria with alkaline diuresis

Sakthiswary R, Das S, Fadilah SA

EXCLI J, 2012;11:198-203.
PMID: 27298607

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) also known as 'Marchiafava Micheli syndrome' is a rare condition which can lead to both acute and chronic forms of renal failure through renal tubular haemosiderin deposition. A 45-year-old lady with underlying PNH, presented with complaints of fever, productive cough followed by dark coloured urine. Investigations revealed pancytopenia with a markedly raised creatinine from her baseline (from 65 mmol/L to 385 mmol/L) consistent with acute kidney injury (AKI). Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of haeme nephropathy. The renal impairment improved rapidly and normalised over a period of 5 days with alkaline diuresis (AD). The patient did not require haemodialysis unlike most other reported cases of AKI secondary to haeme nephropathy in PNH. This is the second reported case of AKI in PNH which was successfully treated with AD alone emphasizing the role of AD as a promising therapeutic strategy in this condition.

MeSH terms: Biopsy; Cough; Creatinine; Diuresis; Female; Renal Dialysis; Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal; Hemosiderin; Humans; Kidney Tubules; Pancytopenia; Acute Kidney Injury
Fulltext Screening and detection of heterogenous vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus aureus in Hospital Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, using the glycopeptide resistance detection Etest and population analysis profiling

Ramli SR, Neoh HM, Aziz MN, Hussin S

Infect Dis Rep, 2012 Jan 2;4(1):e20.
PMID: 24470927 DOI: 10.4081/idr.2012.e20

In a 3-month study done in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), 7 out of 320 methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were confirmed as heterogeneous vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (hVISA) using the glycopeptide resistance detection e-test and population analysis, giving a prevalence rate of 2.19%. This is the first report of hVISA in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Glycopeptides; Malaysia; Methicillin; Staphylococcus aureus; Vancomycin; Prevalence; Vancomycin Resistance; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
The prevalence and impact of major depressive disorder among Chinese, Malays and Indians in an Asian multi-racial population

Chong SA, Vaingankar J, Abdin E, Subramaniam M

J Affect Disord, 2012 Apr;138(1-2):128-36.
PMID: 22209269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2011.11.038

Reports of rates of depression among different Asian ethnic groups within the same country using standardized assessments are rare in the extant literature.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; China/ethnology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major/ethnology; Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology*; Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Middle Aged; Singapore/epidemiology; Prevalence; Young Adult
Fate and cometabolic degradation of benzo[a]pyrene by white-rot fungus Armillaria sp. F022

Hadibarata T, Kristanti RA

Bioresour Technol, 2012 Mar;107:314-8.
PMID: 22209445 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.12.046

Armillaria sp. F022, a white-rot fungus isolated from a tropical rain forest in Samarinda, Indonesia, was used to biodegrade benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Transformation of BaP, a 5-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), by Armillaria sp. F022, which uses BaP as a source of carbon and energy, was investigated. However, biodegradation of BaP has been limited because of its bioavailability and toxicity. Five cosubstrates were selected as cometabolic carbon and energy sources. The results showed that Armillaria sp. F022 used BaP with and without cosubstrates. A 2.5-fold increase in degradation efficiency was achieved after addition of glucose. Meanwhile, the use of glucose as a cosubstrate could significantly stimulate laccase production compared with other cosubstrates and not using any cosubstrate. The metabolic pathway was elucidated by identifying metabolites, conducting biotransformation studies, and monitoring enzyme activities in cell-free extracts. The degradation mechanism was determined through the identification of several metabolites: benzo[a]pyrene-1,6-quinone, 1-hydroxy-2-benzoic acid, and benzoic acid.

MeSH terms: Benzo(a)pyrene/metabolism*; Benzo(a)pyrene/pharmacokinetics; Biological Availability; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Environmental Pollutants/metabolism*; Environmental Pollutants/pharmacokinetics; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Biomass; Armillaria/growth & development; Armillaria/metabolism*
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of mudflat snails (Gastropoda: Euthyneura: Amphiboloidea) supports an Australasian centre of origin

Golding RE

Mol Phylogenet Evol, 2012 Apr;63(1):72-81.
PMID: 22210412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2011.12.016

Amphiboloidea is a small but widespread group of snails found exclusively, and often abundantly, in mudflat and associated salt marsh or mangrove habitat. This study uses molecular data from three loci (COI, 16S and 28S) to infer phylogenetic relationships in Amphiboloidea and examine its position in Euthyneura. All but two of the named extant species of Amphiboloidea and additional undescribed taxa from across Southeast Asia and the Arabian Gulf were sampled. In contrast to the current morphology-based classification dividing Amphiboloidea into three families, analysis of molecular data supports revision of the classification to comprise two families. Maningrididae is a monotypic family basal to Amphibolidae, which is revised to comprise three subfamilies: Amphibolinae, Phallomedusinae and Salinatorinae. Sequence divergence between Asian populations of Naranjia is relatively large and possibly indicative of species complexes divergent across the Strait of Malacca. Salinatorrosacea and Salinator burmana do not cluster with other Salinator species, and require generic reassignment. In addition, sequences were obtained from an undescribed species of Lactiforis from the Malay Peninsula. Reconstruction of ancestral distributions indicates a plesiomorphic distribution and centre of origin in Australasia, with two genera subsequently diversifying throughout Asia. Increasing the sampling density of amphiboloid taxa in a phylogenetic analysis of Euthyneura did not resolve the identity of the sister taxon to Amphibolidae, but confirmed its inclusion in Pulmonata/Panpulmonata.

MeSH terms: Animals; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics; Biological Evolution*; Phylogeny*; Snails/classification*; Snails/genetics; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Australasia
Irreversible delayed complete heart block secondary to jailed first septal perforator following PCI of the left anterior descending coronary artery

Sadiq MA, Azman W, Abidin IZ

J Invasive Cardiol, 2012 Jan;24(1):E13-5.
PMID: 22210591

Permanent complete heart block (CHB) secondary to the loss of first septal perforator after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the left descending artery (LAD) is an extremely rare complication. We describe a case report where a patient underwent PCI of proximal LAD, complicated by loss of first septal perforator, septal infarction, and bifasicular block, which progressed to symptomatic delayed CHB. One week later, the patient required implantation of a permanent pacemaker following failure to wean off the transvenous temporary pacing maker.

MeSH terms: Aged; Constriction, Pathologic/etiology; Coronary Artery Disease/therapy*; Female; Heart Block/etiology*; Heart Block/therapy; Humans; Pacemaker, Artificial; Postoperative Complications*; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary*; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Septum/physiopathology*
Glycemic responses of patients with type 2 diabetes to individual carbohydrate-rich foods and mixed meals

Robert SD, Ismail AA

Ann Nutr Metab, 2012;60(1):27-32.
PMID: 22212476 DOI: 10.1159/000335224

Our purpose was to determine whether the glycemic index (GI) of individual foods applies to mixed meals.

MeSH terms: Adult; Animals; Blood Glucose/analysis*; Bread; Chickens; Cocos; Combined Modality Therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diet therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy; Diet, Diabetic; Dietary Carbohydrates/administration & dosage; Dietary Carbohydrates/pharmacology*; Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage; Dietary Proteins/pharmacology; Eating; Female; Flour; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use; Fabaceae; Male; Meat; Middle Aged; Oryza; Seafood; Area Under Curve; Glycemic Index
Identification of a functional variant in SPLUNC1 associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma susceptibility among Malaysian Chinese

Yew PY, Mushiroda T, Kiyotani K, Govindasamy GK, Yap LF, Teo SH, et al.

Mol Carcinog, 2012 Oct;51 Suppl 1:E74-82.
PMID: 22213098 DOI: 10.1002/mc.21857

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a multifactorial and polygenic disease with high incidence in Asian countries. Epstein-Barr virus infection, environmental and genetic factors are believed to be involved in the tumorigenesis of NPC. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LPLUNC1 and SPLUNC1 genes with NPC was investigated by performing a two-stage case control association study in a Malaysian Chinese population. The initial screening consisted of 81 NPC patients and 147 healthy controls while the replication study consisted of 366 NPC patients and 340 healthy controls. The combined analysis showed that a SNP (rs2752903) of SPLUNC1 was significantly associated with the risk of NPC (combined P = 0.00032, odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-2.11). In the subsequent dense fine mapping of SPLUNC1 locus, 36 SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs2752903 (r(2) ≥ 0.85) were associated with NPC susceptibility. Screening of these variants by electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase reporter assays showed that rs1407019 located in intron 3 (r(2) = 0.994 with rs2752903) caused allelic difference in the binding of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor and affected luciferase activity. This SNP may consequently alter the expression of SPLUNC1 in the epithelial cells. In summary, our study suggested that rs1407019 in intronic enhancer of SPLUNC1 is associated with NPC susceptibility in which its A allele confers an increased risk of NPC in the Malaysian Chinese population.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Autoantigens; Carcinoma; China/ethnology; Female; Glycoproteins/genetics*; Humans; Introns; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics*; Phosphoproteins/genetics*; Proteins/genetics; Random Allocation; Linkage Disequilibrium; Odds Ratio; Case-Control Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*; Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Young Adult
Lightning safety of animals

Gomes C

Int J Biometeorol, 2012 Nov;56(6):1011-23.
PMID: 22215021 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-011-0515-5

This paper addresses a concurrent multidisciplinary problem: animal safety against lightning hazards. In regions where lightning is prevalent, either seasonally or throughout the year, a considerable number of wild, captive and tame animals are injured due to lightning generated effects. The paper discusses all possible injury mechanisms, focusing mainly on animals with commercial value. A large number of cases from several countries have been analyzed. Economically and practically viable engineering solutions are proposed to address the issues related to the lightning threats discussed.

MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Wild/injuries*; Animals, Zoo/injuries*; Lightning*; Safety; Lightning Injuries/economics; Lightning Injuries/prevention & control; Lightning Injuries/veterinary*; Livestock/injuries*
Abstracts of the Asian Pacific Monothematic Meeting on Helicobacter Pylori 2012. January 13-15, 2012. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2012 Jan;27 Suppl 1:1-36.
PMID: 22216459
MeSH terms: Animals; Gastrointestinal Diseases/microbiology*; Humans; Helicobacter pylori*; Helicobacter Infections*
Fulltext γ-Tocotrienol does not substantially protect DS neurons from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury

Then SM, Sanfeliu C, Top GM, Wan Ngah WZ, Mazlan M

Nutr Metab (Lond), 2012;9:1.
PMID: 22217149 DOI: 10.1186/1743-7075-9-1

Down syndrome (DS) neurons are more susceptible to oxidative stress and previous studies have shown that vitamin E was able to reduce oxidative stress and improve DS neurons' viability. Therefore, this study was done to investigate the protective role of γ-tocotrienol (γT3) in DS neurons from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) -induced oxidative stress. The pro-apoptosis tendency of γT3 was compared to α-tocopherol (αT) in non-stress condition as well.
Fulltext Association of methylentetraydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C > T gene polymorphism and homocysteine levels in psoriasis vulgaris patients from Malaysia: a case-control study

Liew SC, Das-Gupta E, Wong SF, Lee N, Safdar N, Jamil A

Nutr J, 2012 Jan 05;11:1.
PMID: 22217364 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-11-1

BACKGROUND: The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme catalyzes the reduction of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and methyl donors. The methyl donors are required for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Mutation of MTHFR 677 C > T disrupts its thermostability therefore leads to defective enzyme activities and dysregulation of homocysteine levels.
METHODS: This case-control study (n = 367) was conducted to investigate the correlation of the MTHFR gene polymorphism [NM_005957] and psoriasis vulgaris amongst the Malaysian population. Overnight fasting blood samples were collected from a subgroup of consented psoriasis vulgaris patients and matched controls (n = 84) for the quantification of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels.
RESULTS: There was no significant increase of the MTHFR 677 C > T mutation in patients with psoriasis vulgaris compared with controls (χ(2) = 0.733, p = 0.392). No significant association between homocysteine levels and MTHFR gene polymorphism in cases and controls were observed (F = 0.91, df = 3, 80, p = 0.44). However, homocysteine levels in cases were negatively correlated with vitamin B12 (r = -0.173) and folic acid (r = -0.345) levels. Vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in cases were also negatively correlated (r = -0.164).
CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that there was no significant association between the MTHFR gene polymorphism and psoriasis vulgaris in the Malaysian population. There was no significant increase of the plasma homocysteine level in the psoriasis patients compared to the controls.

MeSH terms: Adult; Ethnic Groups; Female; Folic Acid/blood; Genotype; Homocysteine/blood*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Mutation*; Psoriasis/blood*; Psoriasis/enzymology*; Psoriasis/genetics; Vitamin B 12/blood; Case-Control Studies; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics*

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