Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. Characterisation of mouse monoclonal antibodies targeting linear epitopes on Chikungunya virus E2 glycoprotein
    Chua CL, Chan YF, Sam IC
    J Virol Methods, 2014 Jan;195:126-33.
    PMID: 24134938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.10.015
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus which has recently re-emerged globally and poses a major threat to public health. Infection leads to severe arthralgia, and disease management remains supportive in the absence of vaccines and anti-viral interventions. The high specificities of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been exploited in immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy in recent decades. In this study, eight different clones of mAbs were generated and characterised. These mAbs targeted the linear epitopes on the CHIKV E2 envelope glycoprotein, which is the major target antigen during infection. All the mAbs showed binding activity against the purified CHIKV virion or recombinant E2 when analysed by immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot. The epitopes of each mAb were mapped by overlapping synthetic peptide-based ELISA. The epitopes are distributed at different functional domains of E2 glycoprotein, namely at domain A, junctions of β-ribbons with domains A and B, and domain C. Alignment of mAb epitope sequences revealed that some are well-conserved within different genotypes of CHIKV, while some are identical to and likely to cross-react with the closely-related alphavirus O'nyong-nyong virus. These mAbs with their mapped epitopes are useful for the development of diagnostic or research tools, including immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology*; Antibodies, Monoclonal/isolation & purification; Antibodies, Viral/immunology*; Antibodies, Viral/isolation & purification; Chikungunya virus/immunology*; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Glycoproteins/immunology*; Immunologic Tests/methods; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Viral Proteins/immunology*; Blotting, Western; Epitope Mapping; Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology*; Mice
  2. Fulltext Medical students' attitudes toward people with dementia: an international investigation
    Tullo ES, Young TJ
    Int Psychogeriatr, 2014 Jan;26(1):165-71.
    PMID: 24135153 DOI: 10.1017/S1041610213001737
    BACKGROUND: The changing demographics of societies mean that medical students worldwide must be sufficiently prepared to care competently for patients with dementia through development of appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes. No previous research had explored undergraduate medical students' attitudes toward people with dementia.

    METHODS: An adapted version of the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was completed by 501 medical undergraduates in years 1, 3, and 5 of their degree programs in the UK and Malaysia. Non-parametric statistical analysis focused on any differences between year groups and geographical locations.

    RESULTS: The mean ADQ response indicated a generally positive attitude across the sample, comparable with other healthcare professionals previously surveyed. Year 3 and year 5 students expressed significantly more positive attitudes than year 1 students. Year 1 students based in the UK expressed significantly more positive attitudes than year 1 student based in Malaysia, but there were no significant differences between year 3 students based in different locations.

    CONCLUSION: The more positive attitudes found amongst year 3 and year 5 students compared to year 1 may be a result of teaching emphasizing a person-centered approach. The differences between entry-level students from Malaysia and the UK may reflect variance in cultural norms and expectations, or the ADQ's "Western" origin. Medical schools aiming to equip students with dementia-specific skills and knowledge can draw on the generally positive attitudes found in this study.

    MeSH terms: Attitude of Health Personnel*; Dementia/psychology*; Female; Great Britain/epidemiology; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students, Medical/psychology*; Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data
  3. An efficient ionic liquid mediated synthesis, cholinesterase inhibitory activity and molecular modeling study of novel piperidone embedded α,β-unsaturated ketones
    Kia Y, Osman H, Kumar RS, Murugaiyah V, Basiri A, Khaw KY, et al.
    Med Chem, 2014;10(5):512-20.
    PMID: 24138113
    A series of hitherto unreported piperidone embedded α,β-unsaturated ketones were synthesized efficiently in ionic solvent and evaluated for cholinesterase inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Most of the synthesized compounds displayed good enzyme inhibition; therein compounds 7i and 7f displayed significant activity against AChE with IC50 values of 1.47 and 1.74 µM, respectively. Compound 6g showed the highest BChE inhibitory potency with IC50 value of 3.41 µM, being 5 times more potent than galanthamine. Molecular modeling simulation was performed using AChE and BChE receptors extracted from crystal structure of human AChE and human BChE to determine the amino acid residues involved in the binding interaction of synthesized compounds and their relevant receptors.
    MeSH terms: Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism; Acetylcholinesterase/chemistry; Animals; Butyrylcholinesterase/metabolism; Butyrylcholinesterase/chemistry; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry*; Humans; Ketones/chemistry*; Models, Molecular*; Piperidones/chemical synthesis; Piperidones/pharmacology*; Piperidones/chemistry*; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Catalytic Domain; Ionic Liquids/chemistry*; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  4. Giant retinal tears
    Shunmugam M, Ang GS, Lois N
    Surv Ophthalmol, 2014 Mar-Apr;59(2):192-216.
    PMID: 24138895 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2013.03.006
    A giant retinal tear (GRT) is a full-thickness neurosensory retinal break that extends circumferentially around the retina for three or more clock hours in the presence of a posteriorly detached vitreous. Its incidence in large population-based studies has been estimated as 1.5% of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, with a significant male preponderance, and bilaterality in 12.8%. Most GRTs are idiopathic, with trauma, hereditary vitreoretinopathies and high myopia each being causative in decreasing frequency. The vast majority of GRTs are currently managed with a pars plana vitrectomy; the use of adjunctive circumferential scleral buckling is debated, but no studies have shown a clear anatomical or visual advantage with its use. Similarly, silicone oil tamponade does not influence long-term outcomes when compared with gas. Primary and final retinal reattachment rates are achieved in 88% and 95% of patients, respectively. Even when the retina remains attached, however, visual recovery may be limited. Furthermore, fellow eyes of patients with a GRT are at higher risk of developing retinal tears and retinal detachment. Prophylactic treatment under these circumstances may be considered but there is no firm evidence of its efficacy at the present time.
    MeSH terms: Cataract Extraction/adverse effects; Diagnosis, Differential; Eye Injuries/complications; Humans; Risk Factors; Vitrectomy/methods; Phacoemulsification/methods
  5. Waist circumference and not body mass index as the outcome of a group weight intervention for patients with severe mental illness
    Nik Jaafar NR, Midin M, Mahadevan R, Sinniah A, Rahman AH, Ming W, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S60-4.
    PMID: 24139853 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.09.002
    OBJECTIVE: Most weight interventions among patients with severe mental illness (SMI) used body mass index (BMI) as outcome measure but excluded waist circumference (WC) although the latter is a stronger predictor of obesity complications. This study aimed to assess a weight-management program consisting of education, exercise and behavioural techniques for patients with SMI using weight parameters including WC as the outcome measures.
    METHODS: A group intervention was carried out as part of psychiatric outpatient community service. It used structured modules on diet, exercise and related topics comprising of education and exercises sessions with a total of 12-week duration. The participants were outpatients with SMI recruited through referrals to the program by the treating doctor. The participants' body weight, BMI and WC were measured at the baseline, fortnightly and at the end of the program.
    RESULTS: A total of 27 patients participated in the program which was carried out in 6 cycles. The pre- and post-intervention comparisons analysis of the weight parameters found a significant reduction in the WC (mean=3.878 cm+5.165, p=0.001) while no significant changes were recorded in body weight and BMI.
    CONCLUSION: Small but significant loss in WC and possibly weight maintenance were achieved using this non-pharmacological intervention. Modest loss in WC may have an impact on reducing the risk of obesity-related health risks.
    Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Mental Disorders/therapy*; Body Weight/physiology; Female; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Patient Education as Topic/methods; Psychotherapy, Group/methods; Severity of Illness Index; Body Mass Index; Treatment Outcome*; Waist Circumference/physiology*; Young Adult; Weight Reduction Programs/methods*
  6. Historical occurrences of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in Manila Bay, Philippines, and in the upper Gulf of Thailand
    Kwan CS, Takada H, Boonyatumanond R, Kato Y, Mizukawa K, Ito M, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2014 Feb 1;470-471:427-37.
    PMID: 24140702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.09.076
    Historical trends of the accumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a typical tropical Asian environment were investigated using radio-dated sediment cores from Manila Bay, the Philippines and from the upper Gulf of Thailand. Vertical profiles indicated earlier usage of PCBs than of PBDEs which coincided with their industrial production. The increasing concentrations of total PBDEs and PCBs toward the surface suggested an increased consumption of PBDEs; and possible leakage of PCBs from old machineries into the aquatic environment in recent years. Current input of PCBs to the catchment of Manila Bay was supported by the analyses of air samples and plastic resin pellets. The vertical profiles of total PBDEs in the cores (i.e., rapidly increasing concentrations corresponding to the mid-1980s until mid-1990s, followed by a decrease until the early 2000s, and increasing again toward the surface) likely corresponded to the rapid economic growth in Asia in the 1990s, the Asian financial crisis in 1997, and the economic recovery since early 2000s. BDE-209 was predominant especially on the surface layers. BDEs 47 and 99 generally decreased toward the surface, reflecting the phase-out of the technical penta-PBDE products and the regulation by the Stockholm Convention in recent years. Increasing ratios of BDE-202/209, 206/209, 207/209 and decreasing % of BDE-209 down the core layers may provide evidence for the anaerobic debromination of BDE-209 in the sediment cores. Inventories in ng/cm(2) of total PCBs were higher than total PBDEs (92 vs. 34 and 47 vs. 11 in the Philippines; 47 vs. 33 in Thailand). However, the doubling times indicated faster accumulation of total PBDEs (6-7 years) and BDE-209 (6-7.5 years) than of PCBs (8-11 years). Furthermore, the temporal increase in BDE-209 was comparable to or faster than those reported in other water bodies around the world.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*; Philippines; Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis*; Thailand; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Geologic Sediments/chemistry; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/analysis*; Bays/chemistry*
  7. Inhibitory effect of doxycycline against dengue virus replication in vitro
    Rothan HA, Mohamed Z, Paydar M, Rahman NA, Yusof R
    Arch Virol, 2014 Apr;159(4):711-8.
    PMID: 24142271 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1880-7
    Doxycycline is an antibiotic derived from tetracycline that possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Antiviral activity of doxycycline against dengue virus has been reported previously; however, its anti-dengue properties need further investigation. This study was conducted to determine the potential activity of doxycycline against dengue virus replication in vitro. Doxycycline inhibited the dengue virus serine protease (DENV2 NS2B-NS3pro) with an IC50 value of 52.3 ± 6.2 μM at 37 °C (normal human temperature) and 26.7 ± 5.3 μM at 40 °C (high fever temperature). The antiviral activity of doxycycline was first tested at different concentrations against DENV2 using a plaque-formation assay. The virus titter decreased significantly after applying doxycycline at levels lower than its 50 % cytotoxic concentration (CC50, 100 μM), showing concentration-dependent inhibition with a 50 % effective concentration (EC50) of approximately 50 μM. Doxycycline significantly inhibited viral entry and post-infection replication of the four dengue serotypes, with serotype-specific inhibition (high activity against DENV2 and DENV4 compared to DENV1 and DENV3). Collectively, these findings underline the need for further experimental and clinical studies on doxycycline, utilizing its anti-dengue and anti-inflammatory activities to attenuate the clinical symptoms of dengue virus infection.
    MeSH terms: Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*; Dengue Virus/drug effects*; Dengue Virus/physiology*; Doxycycline/pharmacology*; Humans; Viral Plaque Assay; Virus Replication/drug effects*; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Virus Internalization/drug effects*
  8. A review of strategies to monitor water and sediment quality for a sustainability assessment of marine environment
    Tavakoly Sany SB, Hashim R, Rezayi M, Salleh A, Safari O
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2014 Jan;21(2):813-33.
    PMID: 24142490 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2217-5
    The basic aim of this work is (1) to review and present practically operational requirements for a sustainability assessment of marine environment, such as describing the monitoring process, research approaches, objectives, guidelines, and indicators and (2) to illustrate how physico-chemical and biological indicators can be practically applied, to assess water and sediment quality in marine and coastal environment. These indicators should meet defined criteria for practical usefulness, e.g. they should be simple to understand and apply to managers and scientists with different educational backgrounds. This review aimed to encapsulate that variability, recognizing that meaningful guidance should be flexible enough to accommodate the widely differing characteristics of marine ecosystems.
    MeSH terms: Environment; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Environmental Monitoring/standards; Seawater/chemistry*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Ecosystem; Geologic Sediments/chemistry*
  9. Variable expansin expression in Arabidopsis leads to different growth responses
    Goh HH, Sloan J, Malinowski R, Fleming A
    J Plant Physiol, 2014 Feb 15;171(3-4):329-39.
    PMID: 24144490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2013.09.009
    Expansins have long been implicated in the control of cell wall extensibility. However, despite ample evidence supporting a role for these proteins in the endogenous mechanism of plant growth, there are also examples in the literature where the outcome of altered expansin gene expression is difficult to reconcile with a simplistic causal linkage to growth promotion. To investigate this problem, we report on the analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis plants in which a heterologous cucumber expansin can be inducibly overexpressed. Our results indicate that the effects of expansin expression on growth depend on the degree of induction of expansin expression and the developmental pattern of organ growth. They support the role of expansin in directional cell expansion. They are also consistent with the idea that excess expansin might itself impede normal activities of cell wall modifications, culminating in both growth promotion and repression depending on the degree of expression.
    MeSH terms: Plant Proteins/genetics; Plant Proteins/metabolism; Arabidopsis/metabolism*; Arabidopsis/physiology; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Hypocotyl/genetics; Hypocotyl/metabolism
  10. Fulltext Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, are predominantly susceptible to aminoglycosides and macrolides
    Podin Y, Sarovich DS, Price EP, Kaestli M, Mayo M, Hii K, et al.
    Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2014;58(1):162-6.
    PMID: 24145517 DOI: 10.1128/AAC.01842-13
    Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease caused by the saprophytic bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Resistance to gentamicin is generally a hallmark of B. pseudomallei, and gentamicin is a selective agent in media used for diagnosis of melioidosis. In this study, we determined the prevalence and mechanism of gentamicin susceptibility found in B. pseudomallei isolates from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. We performed multilocus sequence typing and antibiotic susceptibility testing on 44 B. pseudomallei clinical isolates from melioidosis patients in Sarawak district hospitals. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify the mechanism of gentamicin susceptibility. A novel allelic-specific PCR was designed to differentiate gentamicin-sensitive isolates from wild-type B. pseudomallei. A reversion assay was performed to confirm the involvement of this mechanism in gentamicin susceptibility. A substantial proportion (86%) of B. pseudomallei clinical isolates in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, were found to be susceptible to the aminoglycoside gentamicin, a rare occurrence in other regions where B. pseudomallei is endemic. Gentamicin sensitivity was restricted to genetically related strains belonging to sequence type 881 or its single-locus variant, sequence type 997. Whole-genome sequencing identified a novel nonsynonymous mutation within amrB, encoding an essential component of the AmrAB-OprA multidrug efflux pump. We confirmed the role of this mutation in conferring aminoglycoside and macrolide sensitivity by reversion of this mutation to the wild-type sequence. Our study demonstrates that alternative B. pseudomallei selective media without gentamicin are needed for accurate melioidosis laboratory diagnosis in Sarawak. This finding may also have implications for environmental sampling of other locations to test for B. pseudomallei endemicity.
    MeSH terms: Aminoglycosides/pharmacology*; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Gentamicins/pharmacology; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Burkholderia pseudomallei/drug effects*; Macrolides/pharmacology*
  11. Anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinus and its adjacent structures: a review of existing literature
    Anusha B, Baharudin A, Philip R, Harvinder S, Shaffie BM
    Surg Radiol Anat, 2014 Jul;36(5):419-27.
    PMID: 24146215 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-013-1214-1
    The sphenoid sinus, one of the posterior groups of sinuses, has long been regarded as a 'neglected sinus' due to the anatomical location, poor understanding and poor accessibility, till the advent of endoscopes and modern imaging techniques. Increasing knowledge and greater understanding of this sinus has permitted an evolution in surgical practices and boundaries. Various literatures of the past report a great variety of rates of pneumatization, rates of optic nerve protrusion and dehiscence, as well as internal carotid artery (ICA) protrusion and dehiscence. One similarity noted among these studies is that the rates vary according to the ethnicity of the patients. Recommendations have also been made along the way with regard to modified surgical techniques. This review aims to describe the pneumatization of sphenoid sinus and the topographical relation of the optic nerve and ICA in different populations.
    MeSH terms: Carotid Artery, Internal/anatomy & histology; Humans; Optic Nerve/anatomy & histology; Sphenoid Sinus/anatomy & histology*; Sphenoid Sinus/radiography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  12. Cryopreservation of Brassidium Shooting Star orchid using the PVS3 method supported with preliminary histological analysis
    Mubbarakh SA, Rahmah S, Rahman ZA, Sah NN, Subramaniam S
    Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2014 Jan;172(2):1131-45.
    PMID: 24146369 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-013-0597-0
    Cryopreservation is an alternative, safe, and cost-effective method for long-term plant genetic resource conservation. This study was conducted to optimize the conditions for cryopreserving the protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Brassidium Shooting Star orchid with the PVS3 vitrification method. Five parameters were assessed in this study: PLB size, sucrose concentration, preculture duration, PVS3 duration, and unloading duration. The viability of the cryopreserved PLBs was determined using the triphenytetrazolium chloride assay and growth recovery assessments. The optimum condition for the cryopreservation of the PLBs of Brassidium Shooting Star orchid is based on the size range between 3 and 4 mm precultured with half-strength semi-solid MS media supplemented with 0.25 M sucrose for 24 h, followed by treatment with loading solution mixture of 2 M glycerol and 0.4 M sucrose supplemented with half-strength liquid MS media at 25 °C for 20 min. The PLBs were then dehydrated with PVS3 at 0 °C for 20 min prior to immersion in liquid nitrogen; finally, the PLBs were immersed with half-strength liquid MS media supplemented with 1.2 M sucrose for 30 min. Histological analyses displayed denser cytoplasm and voluminous nucleus in the cryopreserved PLBs of Brassidium Shooting Star orchid.
    MeSH terms: Sucrose/pharmacology; Cryopreservation/methods*; Orchidaceae/anatomy & histology; Orchidaceae/cytology*; Orchidaceae/drug effects; Orchidaceae/growth & development
  13. Temperature-mediated absorption of phenylmercuric nitrate on polyethylene and polypropylene containers in chloramphenicol eye drops
    Charoo N, Chiew M, Tay A, Lian L
    Cutan Ocul Toxicol, 2014 Sep;33(3):242-6.
    PMID: 24147942 DOI: 10.3109/15569527.2013.837058
    The aim of this work was to find the effect of temperature and manufacturing source of phenylmercuric nitrate (PMN) on PMN absorption on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene containers in chloramphenicol eye drops. Two factorial experiments were designed to study the effect of temperature on PMN assay in chloramphenicol eye drops stored in LDPE and prepared from two different PMN sources. PMN source had no effect on PMN assay at 2-8 °C, however at stress conditions (30 °C/75%RH) for 3 weeks, the effect of PMN source on PMN assay was found significant (p 
    MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry*; Anti-Infective Agents, Local/chemistry*; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chloramphenicol; Drug Packaging; Drug Stability; Ophthalmic Solutions; Phenylmercury Compounds/chemistry*; Polypropylenes/chemistry*; Preservatives, Pharmaceutical/chemistry*; Temperature; Polyethylene/chemistry*; Absorption, Physicochemical
  14. Factors influencing macrosomia in pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia
    Yadav H, Lee N
    J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 2014 Feb;40(2):439-44.
    PMID: 24147966 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12209
    To identify the risk factors influencing the development of macrosomia among pregnant women and to develop a regression model to predict macrosomia.
    MeSH terms: Birth Weight*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fetal Macrosomia/ethnology; Fetal Macrosomia/epidemiology*; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia/epidemiology; Maternal Age; Parity; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Factors; Weight Gain; Body Mass Index; Tertiary Care Centers
  15. Timeframes of speciation, reticulation, and hybridization in the bulldog bat explained through phylogenetic analyses of all genetic transmission elements
    Khan FA, Phillips CD, Baker RJ
    Syst Biol, 2014 Jan 1;63(1):96-110.
    PMID: 24149076 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syt062
    Phylogenetic comparisons of the different mammalian genetic transmission elements (mtDNA, X-, Y-, and autosomal DNA) is a powerful approach for understanding the process of speciation in nature. Through such comparisons the unique inheritance pathways of each genetic element and gender-biased processes can link genomic structure to the evolutionary process, especially among lineages which have recently diversified, in which genetic isolation may be incomplete. Bulldog bats of the genus Noctilio are an exemplar lineage, being a young clade, widely distributed, and exhibiting unique feeding ecologies. In addition, currently recognized species are paraphyletic with respect to the mtDNA gene tree and contain morphologically identifiable clades that exhibit mtDNA divergences as great as among many species. To test taxonomic hypotheses and understand the contribution of hybridization to the extant distribution of genetic diversity in Noctilio, we used phylogenetic, coalescent stochastic modeling, and divergence time estimates using sequence data from cytochrome-b, cytochrome c oxidase-I, zinc finger Y, and zinc finger X, as well as evolutionary reconstructions based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) data. No evidence of ongoing hybridization between the two currently recognized species was identified. However, signatures of an ancient mtDNA capture were recovered in which an mtDNA lineage of one species was captured early in the noctilionid radiation. Among subspecific mtDNA clades, which were generally coincident with morphology and statistically definable as species, signatures of ongoing hybridization were observed in sex chromosome sequences and AFLP. Divergence dating of genetic elements corroborates the diversification of extant Noctilio beginning about 3 Ma, with ongoing hybridization between mitochondrial lineages separated by 2.5 myr. The timeframe of species' divergence within Noctilio supports the hypothesis that shifts in the dietary strategies of gleaning insects (N. albiventris) or fish (N. leporinus) are among the most rapid instances of dietary evolution observed in mammals. This study illustrates the complex evolutionary dynamics shaping gene pools in nature, how comparisons of genetic elements can serve for understanding species boundaries, and the complex considerations for accurate taxonomic assignment.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chiroptera/classification*; Chiroptera/genetics*; Female; Genetic Markers/genetics; Hybridization, Genetic*; Male; Phylogeny*; Sex Chromosomes/genetics; Time; Genetic Variation; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Genetic Speciation*; Genes, Mitochondrial/genetics
  16. Pediatric palliative care: using miniature chairs to facilitate communication
    Chin LE, Loong LC, Ngen CC, Beng TS, Shireen C, Kuan WS, et al.
    Am J Hosp Palliat Care, 2014 Dec;31(8):833-5.
    PMID: 24150973 DOI: 10.1177/1049909113509001
    Good communication is essential but sometimes challenging in pediatric palliative care. We describe 3 cases whereby miniature chairs made of various materials and colors were used successfully to encourage communication among pediatric patients, family, and health care professionals. This chair-inspired model may serve as a simple tool to facilitate complex discussions and to enable self-expression by children in the pediatric palliative care setting.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Communication*; Family/psychology; Female; Humans; Interior Design and Furnishings*; Palliative Care/methods*
  17. Evaluation of in situ catalysed hydrogen peroxide propagation (CHP) for phenanthrene and fluoranthene removals from soil and its associated impacts on soil functionality
    Venny, Gan S, Ng HK
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2014 Feb;21(4):2888-97.
    PMID: 24151025 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2207-7
    Extensive contamination of soils by highly recalcitrant contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is an environmental problem arising from rapid industrialisation. This work focusses on the remediation of soil contaminated with 3- and 4-aromatic ring PAHs (phenanthrene (PHE) and fluoranthene (FLUT)) through catalysed hydrogen peroxide propagation (CHP). In the present work, the operating parameters of the CHP treatment in packed soil column was optimised with central composite design (H2O2/soil 0.081, Fe(3+)/soil 0.024, sodium pyrophosphate (SP)/soil 0.024, pH of SP solution 7.73). The effect of contaminant aging on PAH removals was also investigated. Remarkable oxidative PAH removals were observed for the short aging and extended aging period (up to 86.73 and 70.61 % for PHE and FLUT, respectively). The impacts of CHP on soil biological, chemical and physical properties were studied for both spiked and aged soils. Overall, the soil functionality analyses after the proposed operating condition demonstrated that the values for soil respiration, electrical conductivity, pH and iron precipitation fell within acceptable limits, indicating the compatibility of the CHP process with land restoration.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Carbon Dioxide/analysis; Catalysis; Fluorenes/metabolism; Fluorenes/chemistry*; Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry*; Iron/chemistry; Phenanthrenes/metabolism; Phenanthrenes/chemistry*; Soil/chemistry; Soil Microbiology; Soil Pollutants/metabolism; Soil Pollutants/chemistry*
  18. The use of jigsaw learning technique in teaching medical students prescribing skills
    Sim SM, Foong CC, Tan CH, Lai PS, Chua SS, Mohazmi M
    Med Teach, 2014 Feb;36(2):182.
    PMID: 24156275 DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2013.848977
    MeSH terms: Clinical Competence; Cooperative Behavior*; Humans; Learning*; Drug Prescriptions/standards*; Students, Medical*; Teaching/methods*
  19. Differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions using quantitative diffusion-weighted sequence on 3 T MRI
    Tan SL, Rahmat K, Rozalli FI, Mohd-Shah MN, Aziz YF, Yip CH, et al.
    Clin Radiol, 2014 Jan;69(1):63-71.
    PMID: 24156797 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2013.08.007
    To investigate the capability and diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Mammography; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography, Mammary; Gadolinium DTPA; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*
  20. Risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts in Malaysia--results of an epidemiological survey
    Maniam T, Marhani M, Firdaus M, Kadir AB, Mazni MJ, Azizul A, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S121-5.
    PMID: 24156873 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.08.004
    This is an epidemiological study to determine the prevalence of suicidal behavior and its association with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in a nationally representative sample.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Mental Disorders/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Suicide/psychology*; Suicide/statistics & numerical data; Suicide, Attempted/psychology; Suicide, Attempted/statistics & numerical data; Prevalence; Epidemiologic Studies; Young Adult; Suicidal Ideation
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