Browse publications by year: 2014

1. Differences in late cardiovascular mortality following acute myocardial infarction in three major Asian ethnic groups

   de Carvalho LP, Gao F, Chen Q, Hartman M, Sim LL, Koh TH, et al.

   Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care, 2014 Dec;3(4):354-62.

   PMID: 24598820 DOI: 10.1177/2048872614527007

   Abstract

   the purpose of this study was to investigate differences in long-term mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients from three major ethnicities of Asia.

   MeSH terms: Cardiovascular Diseases/ethnology*; Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality; Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy; China/ethnology; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction/ethnology; Myocardial Infarction/mortality; Myocardial Infarction/therapy; Prospective Studies; Singapore/epidemiology; Hospital Mortality
2. Fulltext A fuzzy controller for lower limb exoskeletons during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movement using wearable sensors

   Reza SM, Ahmad N, Choudhury IA, Ghazilla RA

   Sensors (Basel), 2014 Mar 04;14(3):4342-63.

   PMID: 24599193 DOI: 10.3390/s140304342

   Abstract

   Human motion is a daily and rhythmic activity. The exoskeleton concept is a very positive scientific approach for human rehabilitation in case of lower limb impairment. Although the exoskeleton shows potential, it is not yet applied extensively in clinical rehabilitation. In this research, a fuzzy based control algorithm is proposed for lower limb exoskeletons during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements. Surface electromyograms (EMGs) are acquired from the vastus lateralis muscle using a wearable EMG sensor. The resultant acceleration angle along the z-axis is determined from a kinematics sensor. Twenty volunteers were chosen to perform the experiments. The whole experiment was accomplished in two phases. In the first phase, acceleration angles and EMG data were acquired from the volunteers during both sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions. During sit-to-stand movements, the average acceleration angle at activation was 11°-48° and the EMG varied from -0.19 mV to +0.19 mV. On the other hand, during stand-to-sit movements, the average acceleration angle was found to be 57.5°-108° at the activation point and the EMG varied from -0.32 mV to +0.32 mV. In the second phase, a fuzzy controller was designed from the experimental data. The controller was tested and validated with both offline and real time data using LabVIEW.

   MeSH terms: Acceleration; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Computer Systems; Electrodes; Electromyography; Humans; Male; Movement/physiology*; Posture/physiology*; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Telemetry/instrumentation*; Fuzzy Logic*; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology; Lower Extremity/physiology*; Young Adult
3. Multiple regression analysis in modeling of columnar ozone in Peninsular Malaysia

   Tan KC, Lim HS, Mat Jafri MZ

   Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2014 Jun;21(12):7567-77.

   PMID: 24599658 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2697-y

   Abstract

   This study aimed to predict monthly columnar ozone (O3) in Peninsular Malaysia by using data on the concentration of environmental pollutants. Data (2003-2008) on five atmospheric pollutant gases (CO2, O3, CH4, NO2, and H2O vapor) retrieved from the satellite Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) were employed to develop a model that predicts columnar ozone through multiple linear regression. In the entire period, the pollutants were highly correlated (R = 0.811 for the southwest monsoon, R = 0.803 for the northeast monsoon) with predicted columnar ozone. The results of the validation of columnar ozone with column ozone from SCIAMACHY showed a high correlation coefficient (R = 0.752-0.802), indicating the model's accuracy and efficiency. Statistical analysis was utilized to determine the effects of each atmospheric pollutant on columnar ozone. A model that can retrieve columnar ozone in Peninsular Malaysia was developed to provide air quality information. These results are encouraging and accurate and can be used in early warning of the population to comply with air quality standards.

   MeSH terms: Air Pollutants/analysis*; Atmosphere/chemistry*; Carbon Dioxide/analysis; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Malaysia; Methane/analysis; Models, Theoretical; Nitric Oxide/analysis; Ozone/analysis*; Regression Analysis
4. Fulltext Anti-adipogenic effects of extracts of Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidea and var. angustifolia on 3T3-L1 adipocytes

   Woon SM, Seng YW, Ling AP, Chye SM, Koh RY

   J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2014 Mar;15(3):295-302.

   PMID: 24599694 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1300123

   Abstract

   This study examined the anti-adipogenic effects of extracts of Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidia and var. angustifolia, a natural slimming aid, on 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Azo Compounds/chemistry; Flavonoids/analysis; Phytotherapy/methods*; Phenols/analysis; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Adipocytes/drug effects*; Adipocytes/metabolism; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Ficus/chemistry*; 3T3-L1 Cells; Adipogenesis/drug effects*; Mice
5. Fulltext Adherence to preventive medications in asthmatic children at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Malaysia

   Md Redzuan A, Lee MS, Mohamed Shah N

   Patient Prefer Adherence, 2014;8:263-70.

   PMID: 24600208 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S56467

   Abstract

   PURPOSE: Asthma affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide. Poor adherence to prescribed preventive medications, especially among children with asthma, leads to increased mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to assess the adherence and persistence levels of asthmatic children at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC), a tertiary care teaching hospital, and to determine the factors that influence adherence to prescribed preventive medications.

   PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants were asthmatic patients aged 18 years and younger with at least one prescription for a preventive medication refilled between January and December 2011. Refill records from the pharmacy dispensing database were used to determine the medication possession ratio (MPR) and continuous measure of gaps (CMG), measures of adherence and persistence levels, respectively.

   RESULTS: The sample consisted of 218 children with asthma from the General and Respiratory pediatric clinics at UKMMC. The overall adherence level was 38% (n=83; MPR ≥80%), and the persistence level was 27.5% (n=60; CMG ≤20%). We found a significant association between the adherence and persistence levels (r=0.483, P<0.01). The presence of comorbidities significantly predicted the adherence (odds ratio [OR] =16.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.76-33.84, P<0.01) and persistence level (OR =2.63, 95% CI: 0.13-52.79, P<0.01). Other factors, including age, sex, ethnicity, duration of asthma diagnosis, and number of prescribed preventive medications did not significantly affect adherence or persistence (P>0.05).

   CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the adherence level among children with asthma at UKMMC was low. The presence of comorbidities was found to influence adherence towards preventive medications in asthmatic children.
6. Fulltext Preparation and characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate/polycaprolactone nanocomposites

   Liau CP, Bin Ahmad M, Shameli K, Yunus WM, Ibrahim NA, Zainuddin N, et al.

   ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:572726.

   PMID: 24600329 DOI: 10.1155/2014/572726

   Abstract

   Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)/polycaprolactone (PCL)/stearate Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were prepared via solution casting intercalation method. Coprecipitation method was used to prepare the anionic clay Mg-Al LDH from nitrate salt solution. Modification of nitrate anions by stearate anions between the LDH layers via ion exchange reaction. FTIR spectra showed the presence of carboxylic acid (COOH) group which indicates that stearate anions were successfully intercalated into the Mg-Al LDH. The formation of nanocomposites only involves physical interaction as there are no new functional groups or new bonding formed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the mixtures of nanocomposites are intercalated and exfoliated types. XRD results showed increasing of basal spacing from 8.66 to 32.97 Å in modified stearate Mg-Al LDH, and TEM results revealed that the stearate Mg-Al LDH layers are homogeneously distributed in the PHB/PCL polymer blends matrix. Enhancement in 300% elongation at break and 66% tensile strength in the presence of 1.0 wt % of the stearate Mg-Al LDH as compare with PHB/PCL blends. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proved that clay improves compatibility between polymer matrix and the best ratio 80PHB/20PCL/1stearate Mg-Al LDH surface is well dispersed and stretched before it breaks.

   MeSH terms: Aluminum/chemistry; Hydroxybutyrates/chemistry*; Magnesium/chemistry; Polyesters/chemistry*; Stearic Acids/chemistry; Tensile Strength; Nanocomposites/chemistry*
7. Fulltext Differential effects of reward and punishment in decision making under uncertainty: a computational study

   Duffin E, Bland AR, Schaefer A, de Kamps M

   Front Neurosci, 2014;8:30.

   PMID: 24600342 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00030

   Abstract

   Computational models of learning have proved largely successful in characterizing potential mechanisms which allow humans to make decisions in uncertain and volatile contexts. We report here findings that extend existing knowledge and show that a modified reinforcement learning model, which has separate parameters according to whether the previous trial gave a reward or a punishment, can provide the best fit to human behavior in decision making under uncertainty. More specifically, we examined the fit of our modified reinforcement learning model to human behavioral data in a probabilistic two-alternative decision making task with rule reversals. Our results demonstrate that this model predicted human behavior better than a series of other models based on reinforcement learning or Bayesian reasoning. Unlike the Bayesian models, our modified reinforcement learning model does not include any representation of rule switches. When our task is considered purely as a machine learning task, to gain as many rewards as possible without trying to describe human behavior, the performance of modified reinforcement learning and Bayesian methods is similar. Others have used various computational models to describe human behavior in similar tasks, however, we are not aware of any who have compared Bayesian reasoning with reinforcement learning modified to differentiate rewards and punishments.
8. Fulltext Assessing students approaches to learning using a matrix framework in a Malaysian public university

   Teoh HC, Abdullah MC, Roslan S, Mohd Daud S

   Springerplus, 2014;3:54.

   PMID: 24600539 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-54

   Abstract

   This study aims to evaluate the learning characteristics of students using a matrix framework of learning approaches (MFLA) in a Malaysian public university. A survey form based on Biggs's study process questionnaire (SPQ) was distributed to a total of 350 students. This study employed a descriptive correlation research design to address the research objectives. The findings revealed that Malaysian students are prone to applying the achieving approach in their studies. The achieving approach is the most preferable learning characteristic. The results also indicated that four of the nine hypothetical learning approaches exist, two of which are positive in nature. As a result, a proposed teaching method based on the MFLA was introduced to suit the needs of these major learning characteristics among students.
9. Fulltext A meta-analysis of efficacy and tolerability of buprenorphine for the relief of cancer pain

   Naing C, Yeoh PN, Aung K

   Springerplus, 2014;3:87.

   PMID: 24600544 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-87

   Abstract

   This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine in treating cancer pain and related adverse effects. We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials, assessing the efficacy of buprenorphine, regardless of delivery system. The primary endpoints were patient-reported 'pain intensity' and 'pain relief'. Statistical heterogeneity among included studies was assessed with the I (2) test. The summary relative risk (RR) and 95% CI were derived, if two or more studies reported the similar outcome. Sixteen RCTs (n = 1329) with buprenorphine were included: 8 transdermal (TD), 5 sublingual (SL), 2 intramuscular injection (IM) and 1 subcutaneous infusion (SC) studies; with both SL and IM routes being assessed in one study. Only a few studies reported the same outcome in a similar way, creating difficulty for pooling of the outcome data. Many studies had a high risk of bias. In 2 studies (n = 241), the 'global impression change' was significantly different between TD buprenorphine and the combined placebo and morphine (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.59; I (2): 42%); the 'number-needed-to-treat' (NNT) was 4.9 (95% CI: 3.1-10.9). In 2 studies (n = 331), 'requirement for rescue SL buprenorphine' was comparable between TD buprenorphine and placebo (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.71-2.18; I (2) : 40%). In 2 studies (n = 141), 'incidence of nausea' was less in TD buprenorphine (RR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.2-0.71, I (2): 0%, NNT: 9.3, 5.6-28.5). Due to the small number of participants in a small number of studies, the results of the present review provide insufficient evidence to position adequately the use of buprenorphine in treatment of cancer pain. Large multicenter RCTs that compare TD buprenorphine with standard analgesic treatment is needed to position TD buprenorphine in the therapeutic armamentarium of cancer pain treatment.
10. Recycled paper mill effluent treatment in a modified anaerobic baffled reactor: start-up and steady-state performance

    Hassana SR, Zwaina HM, Zamana NQ, Dahlanb I

    Environ Technol, 2014 Jan-Feb;35(1-4):294-9.

    PMID: 24600868

    Abstract

    Start-up period is considered to be the most unstable and difficult stage in anaerobic process and usually takes a long time due to slow-degree adaptation of anaerobic microorganisms. In order to achieve a shorter start-up period, a novel modified anaerobic baffled reactor (MABR) has been developed in this study, where each modified baffle has its own characteristics (form/shape) to facilitate a treatment ofrecycled paper mill effluent (RPME). The results ofphysico-chemical characteristics showed that effluent from recycled paper mill consisted of 4328mgL-1 chemical oxygen demand (COD), 669mg L-1 biochemical oxygen demand and 501mg L-1 volatile fatty acid. It also consisted of variety of heavy metals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and nickel at concentrations of 1.39, 12.19, 2.39 and 0.72 mgL-1, respectively. Performance of MABR during the start-up period showed that methane production reached 34.7% with COD removal of 85% at steady state. The result indicates that MABR was successfully operated during the start-up period in treating RPME within a period of less than 30 days.

    MeSH terms: Bacteria, Anaerobic/metabolism*; Equipment Design; Industrial Waste/prevention & control*; Paper*; Refuse Disposal/instrumentation*; Refuse Disposal/methods; Sewage/microbiology*; Bioreactors/microbiology*; Equipment Failure Analysis; Recycling/methods*
11. Absence of beta-amyloid deposition in the central nervous system of a transgenic mouse model of distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles

    Anada RP, Wong KT, Malicdan MC, Goh KJ, Hayashi Y, Nishino I, et al.

    Amyloid, 2014 Jun;21(2):138-9.

    PMID: 24601867 DOI: 10.3109/13506129.2014.889675

    MeSH terms: Animals; Central Nervous System/metabolism*; Mice, Transgenic; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*; Mice, Knockout; Distal Myopathies/metabolism*; Distal Myopathies/pathology*; Mice
12. Fulltext Cell and tissue tropism of enterovirus 71 and other enteroviruses infections

    Lin JY, Shih SR

    J Biomed Sci, 2014;21:18.

    PMID: 24602216 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-21-18

    Abstract

    Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a member of Picornaviridae that causes mild and self-limiting hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). However, EV71 infections can progress to polio-like paralysis, neurogenic pulmonary edema, and fatal encephalitis in infants and young children. Large EV71 outbreaks have been reported in Taiwan, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. This virus is considered a critical emerging public health threat. EV71 is an important crucial neurotropic enterovirus for which there is currently no effective antiviral drug or vaccine. The mechanism by which EV71 causes severe central nervous system complications remains unclear. The interaction between the virus and the host is vital for viral replication, virulence, and pathogenicity. SCARB2 or PSGL-1 receptor binding is the first step in the development of viral infections, and viral factors (e.g., 5' UTR, VP1, 3C, 3D, 3' UTR), host factors and environments (e.g., ITAFs, type I IFN) are also involved in viral infections. The tissue tropism and pathogenesis of viruses are determined by a combination of several factors. This review article provides a summary of host and virus factors affecting cell and tissue tropism and the pathogenesis of enteroviruses.

    MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks; Enterovirus Infections/genetics; Enterovirus Infections/epidemiology*; Enterovirus Infections/virology; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/genetics; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/epidemiology*; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/virology; Humans; Virus Replication/genetics; Tropism/genetics; Enterovirus A, Human/genetics; Enterovirus A, Human/pathogenicity*
13. Injecting realism in surgical training-initial simulation experience with custom 3D models

    Waran V, Narayanan V, Karuppiah R, Pancharatnam D, Chandran H, Raman R, et al.

    J Surg Educ, 2014 Mar-Apr;71(2):193-7.

    PMID: 24602709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2013.08.010

    Abstract

    The traditionally accepted form of training is direct supervision by an expert; however, modern trends in medicine have made this progressively more difficult to achieve. A 3-dimensional printer makes it possible to convert patients imaging data into accurate models, thus allowing the possibility to reproduce models with pathology. This enables a large number of trainees to be trained simultaneously using realistic models simulating actual neurosurgical procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of these models in training surgeons to perform standard procedures that require complex techniques and equipment.

    MeSH terms: Competency-Based Education; Humans; Neurosurgery/education*; General Surgery/education*; Models, Educational*; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Learning Curve
14. Copper complexes with phosphonium containing hydrazone ligand: topoisomerase inhibition and cytotoxicity study

    Chew ST, Lo KM, Lee SK, Heng MP, Teoh WY, Sim KS, et al.

    Eur J Med Chem, 2014 Apr 9;76:397-407.

    PMID: 24602785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.02.049

    Abstract

    Four new copper(II) complexes containing phosphonium substituted hydrazone (L) with the formulations [CuL]Cl(3), [Cu(phen)L]Cl(4), [Cu(bpy)L]Cl(5), [Cu(dbpy)L]Cl(6), (where L = doubly deprotonated hydrazone; phen = 1,10'-phenanthroline; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; dbpy = 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesized. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods and in the case of crystalline products by X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxicity and topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibition activities of these compounds were studied. It is noteworthy that the addition of N,N-ligands to the copper(II) complex lead to the enhancement in the cytotoxicity of the compounds, especially against human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line (PC-3). Complex 4 exhibits the highest activity against PC-3 with the IC₅₀ value of 3.2 μΜ. The complexes can also inhibit topo I through the binding to DNA and the enzyme.

    MeSH terms: Copper/chemistry*; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Hydrazones/pharmacology*; Hydrazones/chemistry*; Ligands; Models, Molecular; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Phosphorus/chemistry*; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Crystallography, X-Ray; Cell Line, Tumor; Topoisomerase I Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Topoisomerase I Inhibitors/chemistry*
15. Evaluation of bisindole as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors: synthesis and in silico based studies

    Khan KM, Rahim F, Wadood A, Taha M, Khan M, Naureen S, et al.

    Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2014 Apr 1;24(7):1825-9.

    PMID: 24602903 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.02.015

    Abstract

    Bisindole analogs 1-17 were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. Out of seventeen compounds, the analog 1 (IC50=1.62±0.04 μM), 6 (IC50=1.86±0.05 μM), 10 (IC50=2.80±0.29 μM), 9 (IC50=3.10±0.28 μM), 14 (IC50=4.30±0.08 μM), 2 (IC50=18.40±0.09 μM), 19 (IC50=19.90±1.05 μM), 4 (IC50=20.90±0.62 μM), 7 (IC50=21.50±0.77 μM), and 3 (IC50=22.30±0.02 μM) showed superior β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity than the standard (d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone, IC50=48.40±1.25 μM). In addition, molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the binding interactions of bisindole derivatives with the enzyme. This study has identified a new class of potent β-glucouronidase inhibitors.

    MeSH terms: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glucuronidase/antagonists & inhibitors*; Glucuronidase/metabolism; Glycoproteins/chemical synthesis; Glycoproteins/pharmacology*; Glycoproteins/chemistry; Humans; Indoles/chemical synthesis; Indoles/pharmacology*; Indoles/chemistry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure
16. Evaluation of traditional and consolidated rice farms in Guilan Province, Iran, using life cycle assessment and fuzzy modeling

    Khoshnevisan B, Rajaeifar MA, Clark S, Shamahirband S, Anuar NB, Mohd Shuib NL, et al.

    Sci Total Environ, 2014 May 15;481:242-51.

    PMID: 24602908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.052

    Abstract

    In this study the environmental impact of consolidated rice farms (CF) - farms which have been integrated to increase the mechanization index - and traditional farms (TF) - small farms with lower mechanization index - in Guilan Province, Iran, were evaluated and compared using Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Foreground data were collected from farmers using face-to-face questionnaires and background information about production process and inventory data was taken from the EcoInvent®2.0 database. The system boundary was confined to within the farm gate (cradle to farm gate) and two functional units (land and mass based) were chosen. The study also included a comparison of the input-output energy flows of the farms. The results revealed that the average amount of energy consumed by the CFs was 57 GJ compared to 74.2 GJ for the TFs. The energy ratios for CFs and TFs were 1.6 and 0.9, respectively. The LCA results indicated that CFs produced fewer environmental burdens per ton of produced rice. When compared according to the land-based FU the same results were obtained. This indicates that the differences between the two types of farms were not caused by a difference in their production level, but rather by improved management on the CFs. The analysis also showed that electricity accounted for the greatest share of the impact for both types of farms, followed by P-based and N-based chemical fertilizers. These findings suggest that the CFs had superior overall environmental performance compared to the TFs in the study area. The performance metrics of the model based on ANFIS show that it can be used to predict the environmental burdens of rice production with high accuracy and minimal error.

    MeSH terms: Agriculture/methods*; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods*; Environment; Environmental Monitoring*; Iran; Oryza*; Models, Statistical*; Fuzzy Logic
17. Fulltext Analysis of anoxybacillus genomes from the aspects of lifestyle adaptations, prophage diversity, and carbohydrate metabolism

    Goh KM, Gan HM, Chan KG, Chan GF, Shahar S, Chong CS, et al.

    PLoS One, 2014;9(6):e90549.

    PMID: 24603481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090549

    Abstract

    Species of Anoxybacillus are widespread in geothermal springs, manure, and milk-processing plants. The genus is composed of 22 species and two subspecies, but the relationship between its lifestyle and genome is little understood. In this study, two high-quality draft genomes were generated from Anoxybacillus spp. SK3-4 and DT3-1, isolated from Malaysian hot springs. De novo assembly and annotation were performed, followed by comparative genome analysis with the complete genome of Anoxybacillus flavithermus WK1 and two additional draft genomes, of A. flavithermus TNO-09.006 and A. kamchatkensis G10. The genomes of Anoxybacillus spp. are among the smaller of the family Bacillaceae. Despite having smaller genomes, their essential genes related to lifestyle adaptations at elevated temperature, extreme pH, and protection against ultraviolet are complete. Due to the presence of various competence proteins, Anoxybacillus spp. SK3-4 and DT3-1 are able to take up foreign DNA fragments, and some of these transferred genes are important for the survival of the cells. The analysis of intact putative prophage genomes shows that they are highly diversified. Based on the genome analysis using SEED, many of the annotated sequences are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The presence of glycosyl hydrolases among the Anoxybacillus spp. was compared, and the potential applications of these unexplored enzymes are suggested here. This is the first study that compares Anoxybacillus genomes from the aspect of lifestyle adaptations, the capacity for horizontal gene transfer, and carbohydrate metabolism.

    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Physiological*; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; DNA Repair; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Multigene Family; Glycoside Hydrolases/genetics; Phylogeny; Genetic Variation; Viral Proteins/genetics; Water Microbiology; Genome, Bacterial; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Prophages/genetics*; Genomic Instability; Hot Springs/microbiology; Carbohydrate Metabolism/genetics*; Anoxybacillus/enzymology; Anoxybacillus/genetics*; Molecular Sequence Annotation
18. Fulltext ABCC5, a gene that influences the anterior chamber depth, is associated with primary angle closure glaucoma

    Nongpiur ME, Khor CC, Jia H, Cornes BK, Chen LJ, Qiao C, et al.

    PLoS Genet, 2014 Mar;10(3):e1004089.

    PMID: 24603532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004089

    Abstract

    Anterior chamber depth (ACD) is a key anatomical risk factor for primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on ACD to discover novel genes for PACG on a total of 5,308 population-based individuals of Asian descent. Genome-wide significant association was observed at a sequence variant within ABCC5 (rs1401999; per-allele effect size =  -0.045 mm, P = 8.17 × 10(-9)). This locus was associated with an increase in risk of PACG in a separate case-control study of 4,276 PACG cases and 18,801 controls (per-allele OR = 1.13 [95% CI: 1.06-1.22], P = 0.00046). The association was strengthened when a sub-group of controls with open angles were included in the analysis (per-allele OR = 1.30, P = 7.45 × 10(-9); 3,458 cases vs. 3,831 controls). Our findings suggest that the increase in PACG risk could in part be mediated by genetic sequence variants influencing anterior chamber dimensions.

    MeSH terms: Anterior Chamber/metabolism; Anterior Chamber/pathology*; Humans; Risk Factors; Glaucoma, Angle-Closure/genetics*; Glaucoma, Angle-Closure/pathology; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins/genetics*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Genome-Wide Association Study*
19. Fulltext Ethnic and gender differentials in non-communicable diseases and self-rated health in Malaysia

    Teh JK, Tey NP, Ng ST

    PLoS One, 2014;9(3):e91328.

    PMID: 24603609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091328

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVES: This paper examines the ethnic and gender differentials in high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), arthritis and asthma among older people in Malaysia, and how these diseases along with other factors affect self-rated health. Differentials in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among older people are examined in the context of socio-cultural perspectives in multi-ethnic Malaysia.
    
    METHODS: Data for this paper are obtained from the 2004 Malaysian Population and Family Survey. The survey covered a nationally representative sample of 3,406 persons aged 50 and over, comprising three main ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians) and all other indigenous groups. Bivariate analyses and hierarchical logistic regression were used in the analyses.
    
    RESULTS: Arthritis was the most common non-communicable disease (NCD), followed by HBP, diabetes, asthma and CHD. Older females were more likely than males to have arthritis and HBP, but males were more likely to have asthma. Diabetes and CHD were most prevalent among Indians, while arthritis and HBP were most prevalent among the Indigenous groups. Older people were more likely to report poor health if they suffered from NCD, especially CHD. Controlling for socio-economic, health and lifestyle factors, Chinese were least likely to report poor health, whereas Indians and Indigenous people were more likely to do so. Chinese that had HBP were more likely to report poor health compared to other ethnic groups with the same disease. Among those with arthritis, Indians were more likely to report poor health.
    
    CONCLUSION: Perceived health status and prevalence of arthritis, HBP, diabetes, asthma and CHD varied widely across ethnic groups. Promotion of healthy lifestyle, early detection and timely intervention of NCDs affecting different ethnic groups and gender with socio-cultural orientations would go a long way in alleviating the debilitating effects of the common NCDs among older people.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Arthritis/ethnology; Arthritis/epidemiology; Arthritis/psychology; Asthma/ethnology; Asthma/epidemiology; Asthma/psychology; Coronary Artery Disease/ethnology; Coronary Artery Disease/epidemiology; Coronary Artery Disease/psychology; Diabetes Mellitus/ethnology; Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology; Diabetes Mellitus/psychology; Ethnic Groups/psychology*; Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Health Status*; Humans; Hypertension/ethnology; Hypertension/epidemiology; Hypertension/psychology; Malaysia/ethnology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Distribution; Self Report
20. Oxygen vacancy formation and annihilation in lanthanum cerium oxide as a metal reactive oxide on 4H-silicon carbide

    Lim WF, Cheong KY

    Phys Chem Chem Phys, 2014 Apr 21;16(15):7015-22.

    PMID: 24603767 DOI: 10.1039/c3cp55214d

    Abstract

    A mechanism regarding the redox reaction in lanthanum cerium oxide (LaxCeyOz) post-deposition annealed in reducing and oxidizing atmosphere was schematized and discussed in association with the presence of lanthanum as a substitutional cation. Analyses have been performed using X-ray diffraction, energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy line scan, and capacitance-voltage measurements. The results showed the presence of an oxygen vacancy when La(3+) was in its substitution site, while annihilation of oxygen vacancy was accompanied by a displacement of La(3+) from the substitutional site to the interstitial site via a kick-out mechanism prior to its disappearance from the CeO2.