Browse publications by year: 2016

Fulltext Genome-wide association analyses identify new susceptibility loci for oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer

Lesseur C, Diergaarde B, Olshan AF, Wünsch-Filho V, Ness AR, Liu G, et al.

Nat Genet, 2016 Dec;48(12):1544-1550.
PMID: 27749845 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3685

We conducted a genome-wide association study of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer in 6,034 cases and 6,585 controls from Europe, North America and South America. We detected eight significantly associated loci (P < 5 × 10-8), seven of which are new for these cancer sites. Oral and pharyngeal cancers combined were associated with loci at 6p21.32 (rs3828805, HLA-DQB1), 10q26.13 (rs201982221, LHPP) and 11p15.4 (rs1453414, OR52N2-TRIM5). Oral cancer was associated with two new regions, 2p23.3 (rs6547741, GPN1) and 9q34.12 (rs928674, LAMC3), and with known cancer-related loci-9p21.3 (rs8181047, CDKN2B-AS1) and 5p15.33 (rs10462706, CLPTM1L). Oropharyngeal cancer associations were limited to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, and classical HLA allele imputation showed a protective association with the class II haplotype HLA-DRB1*1301-HLA-DQA1*0103-HLA-DQB1*0603 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.59, P = 2.7 × 10-9). Stratified analyses on a subgroup of oropharyngeal cases with information available on human papillomavirus (HPV) status indicated that this association was considerably stronger in HPV-positive (OR = 0.23, P = 1.6 × 10-6) than in HPV-negative (OR = 0.75, P = 0.16) cancers.

MeSH terms: Aged; Female; Genetic Markers/genetics*; Haplotypes/genetics; HLA Antigens; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth/metabolism; Mouth/pathology; Mouth/virology; Mouth Neoplasms/genetics*; Mouth Neoplasms/virology; Pharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics*; Pharyngeal Neoplasms/virology; Genetic Variation/genetics*; Case-Control Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease*; Papillomaviridae/isolation & purification; Papillomavirus Infections/genetics*; Papillomavirus Infections/virology; Genome-Wide Association Study*
Clearing the clouds-Malaysia's vape epidemic

Ganasegeran K, Rashid A

Lancet Respir Med, 2016 11;4(11):854-856.
PMID: 27743870 DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(16)30314-9
MeSH terms: Developing Countries; Environmental Pollution/adverse effects*; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Needs Assessment; Electronic Cigarettes/statistics & numerical data*; Vaping/adverse effects
Fulltext Coming of age, becoming obese: a cross-sectional analysis of obesity among adolescents and young adults in Malaysia

Pell C, Allotey P, Evans N, Hardon A, Imelda JD, Soyiri I, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2016 10 13;16(1):1082.
PMID: 27737680

BACKGROUND: Malaysians have become increasingly obese over recent years. The transition from adolescence to early adulthood is recognized as critical for the development of eating and activity habits. However, little obesity-related research focuses on this life stage. Drawing on data from a health and demographic surveillance site in Malaysia, this article describes obesity and overweight amongst adolescents and young adults in a multi-ethnic population.

METHODS: Data were collected at the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) in Segamat District, Johor. In this dynamic cohort of approximately 40,000 people, 5,475 were aged 16-35 in 2013-2014. The population consists of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous (Orang Asli) families in proportions that reflect the national ethnic diversity. Data were collected through health profiles (Body Mass Index [BMI] measurements in homes) and self-report questionnaires.

RESULTS: Age and ethnicity were associated with overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9Kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30Kg/m2). The prevalence of overweight was 12.8 % at ages 16-20 and 28.4 % at ages 31-35; obesity was 7.9 % and 20.9 % at the same age groups. The main ethnic groups also showed varied patterns of obesity and overweight at the different age groups with Chinese at lowest and Orang Asli at highest risk. Level of education, employment status, physical activity and frequency of eating out were poorly predictive of overweight and obesity.

CONCLUSION: The pattern of overweight and obesity in the 16-35 age group further highlights this as a significant period for changes in health-related behaviours. Further longitudinal research is however needed to confirm the observed pattern and investigate causal factors.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Obesity/etiology; Obesity/epidemiology*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Cohort Studies; Exercise; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*; Overweight/etiology; Overweight/epidemiology*; Young Adult
Fulltext Sexual pain among Malaysian women receiving antidepressant: a comparison between escitalopram and fluoxetine

Sidi H, Asmidar D, Seng LH, Jaafar NR, Midi M, Guan NC

Psychopharmacol Bull, 2016 Mar 1;46(1):24-35.
PMID: 27738371

OBJECTIVES: The current study compares the risk of sexual pain in depressed female patients in remission between those who were treated with Escitalopram and Fluoxetine. The associated factors were also examined.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involved 112 depressed female patients (56 treated with Escitalopram and 56 treated with Fluoxetine) who were in remission (as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) in the past 2 months and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score of ≤ 10) from the psychiatric clinic, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). They were interviewed using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). Hypoactive sexual desire was assessed using the Pain subscale of Malay Version of the Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI).
RESULTS: The results show that risk of sexual pain was relatively low (16.07% for all patients), with no statistical significant between the two groups (17.86% for fluoxetine group, 14.29% for escitalopram group). Older age (adjusted odds ratio = 1.524, 95% CI = 1.199, 1.938) was the only factor significantly associated with sexual pain disorder.
CONCLUSIONS: There should not be any barrier when continuing the use of escitalopram or fluoxetine as antidepressants amongst the female patients.
KEYWORDS: depression; escitalopram; female; fluoxetine; sexual pain

Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)

MeSH terms: Adult; Antidepressive Agents*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder; Dyspareunia*; Female; Fluoxetine; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Prevalence
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Presenting with Oculomotor Ophthalmoplegia and Distal Myopathy

Tevaraj JM, Li Min ET, Mohd Noor RA, Yaakub A, Wan Hitam WH

Case Rep Ophthalmol Med, 2016;2016:1701509.
PMID: 27738538

Neurofibromatosis type 2 usually presents with bilateral acoustic schwannomas. We highlight the rare presentation of neurofibromatosis initially involving third nerve. A 23-year-old Malay female presented with left eye drooping of the upper lid and limitation of upward movement for 8 years. It was associated with right-sided body weakness, change in voice, and hearing disturbance in the right ear for the past 2 years. On examination, there was mild ptosis and limitation of movement superiorly in the left eye. Both eyes had posterior subcapsular cataract. Fundoscopy showed generalised optic disc swelling in both eyes. She also had palsy of the right vocal cord, as well as the third and eighth nerve. There was wasting of the distal muscles of her right hand, with right-sided decreased muscle power. Pedunculated cutaneous lesions were noted over her body and scalp. MRI revealed bilateral acoustic and trigeminal schwannomas with multiple extra-axial lesions and intradural extramedullary nodules. Patient was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 and planned for craniotomy and tumour debulking, but she declined treatment. Neurofibromatosis type 2 may uncommonly present with isolated ophthalmoplegia, so a thorough physical examination and a high index of suspicion are required to avoid missing this condition.

MeSH terms: Cataract; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms; Craniotomy; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Malaysia; Neurilemmoma; Neurofibromatosis 1; Ophthalmoplegia; Physical Examination; Scalp; Vocal Cords; Neurofibromatosis 2; Neurofibromatoses; Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures
Fulltext Effect of Carica papaya Leaf Extract Capsule on Platelet Count in Patients of Dengue Fever with Thrombocytopenia

Gadhwal AK, Ankit BS, Chahar C, Tantia P, Sirohi P, Agrawal RP

J Assoc Physicians India, 2016 06;64(6):22-26.
PMID: 27739263

OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytopenia in dengue fever is a common and serious complication. However, no specific treatment is available for dengue fever induced thrombocytopenia. In few countries (Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries) the leaf extract of Carica papaya has been effectively used for thrombocytopenia. So, the study is planned to access effect of Carica papaya leaf extract on platelet count in dengue fever patients.

METHODS: All participants were randomised into two groups, study group and control group; the study group was given papaya leaf extract capsule of 500 mg once daily and routine supportive treatment for consecutive five days. The controls were given only routine supportive treatment. Daily complete blood counts, platelet counts and haematocrit level, liver function test, renal function test of both groups were observed.

RESULTS: On the first day platelet count of study group and control group was (59.82±18.63, 61.06±20.03 thousands, p value 0.36). On the 2nd day platelet count of both study and control groups was not significantly different (61.67±19.46 and 59.93±19.52 thousands, p value 0.20) but on 3rd day platelet count of study group was significantly higher than control group (82.96±16.72, 66.45±17.36 thousands, p value < 0.01). On 4th and 5th day platelet count of study group (122.43±19.36 and 112.47±17.49 thousands respectively) was also significantly higher than the control group (88.75±21.65 and 102.59±19.35 thousands) (p value < 0.01). On 7th day platelet count of study group and control group were not significantly different (124.47±12.35 and 122.46±19.76 thousands respectively, p value 0.08). Average hospitalization period of study group v/s control group was 3.65±0.97 v/s 5.42±0.98 days (p value < 0.01). Average platelet transfusion requirement in study group was significantly less than control group (0.685 units per patient v/s 1.19 units per patient) (p value <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that Carica papaya leaf extract increases the platelet count in dengue fever without any side effect and prevents the complication of thrombocytopenia. So, it can be used in dengue fever with thrombocytopenia patients.

MeSH terms: Adult; Antiviral Agents/isolation & purification; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*; Blood Cell Count; Blood Platelets/drug effects*; Capsules; Dengue/drug therapy; Female; Hematologic Tests; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data*; Humans; Male; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Thrombocytopenia/drug therapy*; Treatment Outcome; Platelet Transfusion/statistics & numerical data*; Plant Leaves/chemistry*; Carica/chemistry*
Global Goals and Global Sustainability

Bhore SJ

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2016 10 07;13(10).
PMID: 27739416

On 25 September 2015, the United Nations (UN) member countries adopted an ambitious 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aiming to 'transform the world' in the next 15 years. [...].

MeSH terms: Conservation of Natural Resources*; Goals*; Humans; United Nations*; Global Health*
Langevin equation for systems with a preferred spatial direction

Belousov R, Cohen EG, Rondoni L

Phys Rev E, 2016 Sep;94(3-1):032127.
PMID: 27739763

In this paper, we generalize the theory of Brownian motion and the Onsager-Machlup theory of fluctuations for spatially symmetric systems to equilibrium and nonequilibrium steady-state systems with a preferred spatial direction, due to an external force. To do this, we extend the Langevin equation to include a bias, which is introduced by an external force and alters the Gaussian structure of the system's fluctuations. In addition, by solving this extended equation, we provide a physical interpretation for the statistical properties of the fluctuations in these systems. Connections of the extended Langevin equation with the theory of active Brownian motion are discussed as well.

MeSH terms: Motion; Normal Distribution; Physical Phenomena
Bioaugmentation process of secondary effluents for reduction of pathogens, heavy metals and antibiotics

Al-Gheethi AA, Mohamed RM, Efaq AN, Norli I, Abd Halid A, Amir HK, et al.

J Water Health, 2016 Oct;14(5):780-795.
PMID: 27740544

The study probed into reducing faecal indicators and pathogenic bacteria, heavy metals and β-lactam antibiotics, from four types of secondary effluents by bioaugmentation process, which was conducted with Bacillus subtilis strain at 45 °C. As a result, faecal indicators and pathogenic bacteria were reduced due to the effect of thermal treatment process (45 °C), while the removal of heavy metals and β-lactam antibiotics was performed through the functions of bioaccumulation and biodegradation processes of B. subtilis. Faecal coliform met the guidelines outlined by WHO and US EPA standards after 4 and 16 days, respectively. Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were reduced to below the detection limits without renewed growth in the final effluents determined by using a culture-based method. Furthermore, 13.5% and 56.1% of cephalexin had been removed, respectively, from secondary effluents containing 1 g of cephalexin L(-1) (secondary effluent 3), as well as 1 g of cephalexin L(-1) and 10 mg of Ni(2+) L(-1) (secondary effluent 4) after 16 days. The treatment process, eventually, successfully removed 96.6% and 66.3% of Ni(2+) ions from the secondary effluents containing 10 mg of Ni(2+) L(-1) (secondary effluent 2) and E4, respectively. The bioaugmentation process improved the quality of secondary effluents.
Cross-Linked Dependency of Boronic Acid-Conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles by Diols for Sustained Insulin Release

Siddiqui NA, Billa N, Roberts CJ, Asantewaa Osei Y

Pharmaceutics, 2016 Oct 08;8(4).
PMID: 27740594

Boronic acids have been widely investigated for their potential use as glucose sensors in glucose responsive polymeric insulin delivery systems. Interactions between cyclic diols and boronic acids, anchored to polymeric delivery systems, may result in swelling of the delivery system, releasing the drug. In this study, 4-formylphenylboronic acid conjugated chitosan was formulated into insulin containing nanoparticles via polyelectrolyte complexation. The nanoparticles had an average diameter of 140 ± 12.8 nm, polydispersity index of 0.17 ± 0.1, zeta potential of +19.1 ± 0.69 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 81% ± 1.2%, and an insulin loading capacity of 46% ± 1.8% w/w. Changes in size of the nanoparticles and release of insulin were type of sugar- and concentration-dependent. High concentration of diols resulted in a sustained release of insulin due to crosslink formation with boronic acid moieties within the nanoparticles. The formulation has potential to be developed into a self-regulated insulin delivery system for the treatment of diabetes.

MeSH terms: Benzaldehydes; Boronic Acids; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucose; Insulin; Chitosan; Nanoparticles; Insulin, Regular, Human; Polyelectrolytes
Fulltext Investigating the Contribution of Peri-domestic Transmission to Risk of Zoonotic Malaria Infection in Humans

Manin BO, Ferguson HM, Vythilingam I, Fornace K, William T, Torr SJ, et al.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2016 Oct;10(10):e0005064.
PMID: 27741235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005064

In recent years, the primate malaria Plasmodium knowlesi has emerged in human populations throughout South East Asia, with the largest hotspot being in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Control efforts are hindered by limited knowledge of where and when people get exposed to mosquito vectors. It is assumed that exposure occurs primarily when people are working in forest areas, but the role of other potential exposure routes (including domestic or peri-domestic transmission) has not been thoroughly investigated.
Fulltext Evaluating Nuclear Membrane Irregularity for the Classification of Cervical Squamous Epithelial Cells

Tang JR, Mat Isa NA, Ch'ng ES

PLoS One, 2016;11(10):e0164389.
PMID: 27741266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164389

Pap test involves searching of morphological changes in cervical squamous epithelial cells by pathologists or cytotechnologists to identify potential cancerous cells in the cervix. Nuclear membrane irregularity is one of the morphological changes of malignancy. This paper proposes two novel techniques for the evaluation of nuclear membrane irregularity. The first technique, namely, penalty-driven smoothing analysis, introduces different penalty values for nuclear membrane contour with different degrees of irregularity. The second technique, which can be subdivided into mean- or median-type residual-based analysis, computes the number of points of nuclear membrane contour that deviates from the mean or median of the nuclear membrane contour. Performance of the proposed techniques was compared to three state-of-the-art techniques, namely, radial asymmetric, shape factor, and rim difference. Friedman and post hoc tests using Holm, Shaffer, and Bergmann procedures returned significant differences for all the three classes, i.e., negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) versus low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), NILM versus high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and LSIL versus HSIL when the span value equaled 3 was employed with linear penalty function. When span values equaled 5, 7, and 9, NILM versus LSIL and HSIL showed significant differences regardless of the penalty functions. In addition, the results of penalty-driven smoothing analysis were comparable with those of other state-of-the-art techniques. Residual-based analysis returned significant differences for the comparison among the three diagnostic classes. Findings of this study proved the significance of nuclear membrane irregularity as one of the features to differentiate the different diagnostic classes of cervical squamous epithelial cells.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Cervix Uteri/pathology; Epithelial Cells/classification; Epithelial Cells/pathology*; Female; Humans; Microscopy; Nuclear Envelope/pathology*; Papanicolaou Test*
Fulltext A High-Yield Two-Hour Protocol for Extraction of Human Hair Shaft Proteins

Wong SY, Lee CC, Ashrafzadeh A, Junit SM, Abrahim N, Hashim OH

PLoS One, 2016;11(10):e0164993.
PMID: 27741315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164993

Proteome analysis of the human hair remains challenging due to the poor solubility of hair proteins and the difficulty in their extraction. In the present study, we have developed a rapid extraction protocol for hair shaft protein using alkaline-based buffer. The new protocol accelerated the procedure by reducing the extraction time from at least a day to less than two hours and showed a protein recovery of 47.3 ± 3.72%. Further analyses of the extracted protein sample through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis unveiled a total of 60 proteins, including 25 that were not previously reported. Identification of these proteins is anticipated to be crucial in helping to understand the molecular basis of hair for potential applications in the future.

MeSH terms: Adult; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Hair/metabolism*; Humans; Keratins/analysis; Keratins/isolation & purification; Keratins/metabolism; Proteins/analysis*; Proteins/isolation & purification; Proteins/metabolism; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate/chemistry; Mass Spectrometry; Temperature; Time Factors; Solid Phase Extraction/methods; Young Adult
Treatment of chronic total occlusions in native coronary arteries by drug-coated balloons without stenting - A feasibility and safety study

Köln PJ, Scheller B, Liew HB, Rissanen TT, Ahmad WA, Weser R, et al.

Int J Cardiol, 2016 Dec 15;225:262-267.
PMID: 27741486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.09.105

Chronic total occlusions remain one of the biggest challenges for interventional cardiologists and the high risk of restenosis and stent thrombosis is still a major problem. Drug-coated balloons showed favorable results for the treatment of in-stent restenosis and other lesion types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of a drug-coated balloon only approach for chronic total occlusion.

MeSH terms: Constriction, Pathologic; Thrombosis; Stents; Coronary Restenosis; Cardiologists
International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium report, data summary of 50 countries for 2010-2015: Device-associated module

Rosenthal VD, Al-Abdely HM, El-Kholy AA, AlKhawaja SAA, Leblebicioglu H, Mehta Y, et al.

Am J Infect Control, 2016 12 01;44(12):1495-1504.
PMID: 27742143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.08.007

BACKGROUND: We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2010-December 2015 in 703 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.
METHODS: During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 861,284 patients hospitalized in INICC hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 3,506,562 days.
RESULTS: Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the INICC medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection, 4.1 per 1,000 central line-days, was nearly 5-fold higher than the 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days reported from comparable US ICUs, the overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was also higher, 13.1 versus 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days, as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, 5.07 versus 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas isolates to amikacin (29.87% vs 10%) and to imipenem (44.3% vs 26.1%), and of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (73.2% vs 28.8%) and to imipenem (43.27% vs 12.8%) were also higher in the INICC ICUs compared with CDC-NHSN ICUs.
CONCLUSIONS: Although DA-HAIs in INICC ICU patients continue to be higher than the rates reported in CDC-NSHN ICUs representing the developed world, we have observed a significant trend toward the reduction of DA-HAI rates in INICC ICUs as shown in each international report. It is INICC's main goal to continue facilitating education, training, and basic and cost-effective tools and resources, such as standardized forms and an online platform, to tackle this problem effectively and systematically.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross Infection/etiology*; Cross Infection/epidemiology*; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care Units*; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Global Health; Incidence; Young Adult
The state of ESKAPE in Malaysia

McNeil HC, Lean SS, Lim V, Clarke SC

Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2016 Nov;48(5):578-579.
PMID: 27742200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.08.011
MeSH terms: Cross Infection/microbiology; Cross Infection/epidemiology*; Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects*; Gram-Negative Bacteria/isolation & purification; Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects*; Gram-Positive Bacteria/isolation & purification; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Prevalence; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/microbiology; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/epidemiology*; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/epidemiology*; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial*
From basic mechanisms to clinical applications in heart protection, new players in cardiovascular diseases and cardiac theranostics: meeting report from the third international symposium on "New frontiers in cardiovascular research"

Cabrera-Fuentes HA, Aragones J, Bernhagen J, Boening A, Boisvert WA, Bøtker HE, et al.

Basic Res Cardiol, 2016 11;111(6):69.
PMID: 27743118

In this meeting report, particularly addressing the topic of protection of the cardiovascular system from ischemia/reperfusion injury, highlights are presented that relate to conditioning strategies of the heart with respect to molecular mechanisms and outcome in patients' cohorts, the influence of co-morbidities and medications, as well as the contribution of innate immune reactions in cardioprotection. Moreover, developmental or systems biology approaches bear great potential in systematically uncovering unexpected components involved in ischemia-reperfusion injury or heart regeneration. Based on the characterization of particular platelet integrins, mitochondrial redox-linked proteins, or lipid-diol compounds in cardiovascular diseases, their targeting by newly developed theranostics and technologies opens new avenues for diagnosis and therapy of myocardial infarction to improve the patients' outcome.

MeSH terms: Theranostic Nanomedicine/trends*; Animals; Cardiology/methods; Cardiology/trends*; Cardiovascular Diseases*; Humans
Psychometric Properties of Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale in Farsi: an International Collaborative Project on Motivation for Physical Activity and Leisure

Zarei S, Memari AH, Moshayedi P, Mosayebi F, Mansournia MA, Khoo S, et al.

Arch Iran Med, 2016 Oct;19(10):704-711.
PMID: 27743435

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of regular physical activity, it is crucial to evaluate the factors favoring participation in physical activity. We aimed to report the psychometric analysis of the Farsi version of the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS).
METHODS: The Farsi version of PALMS was completed by 406 healthy adult individuals to test its factor structure and concurrent validity and reliability.
RESULTS: Conducting the exploratory factor analysis revealed nine factors that accounted for 64.6% of the variances. The PALMS reliability was supported with a high internal consistency of 0.91 and a high test-retest reliability of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.97-0.98). The association between the PALMS and its previous version Recreational Exercise Motivation Measure scores was strongly significant (r= 0.86, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: We have shown that the Farsi version of the PALMS appears to be a valuable instrument to measure motivation for physical activity and leisure.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Iran; Language*; Leisure Activities*; Male; Middle Aged; Motivation*; Psychometrics/standards*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Translating; Reproducibility of Results; Exercise*; Young Adult; Healthy Volunteers
The application of One Health concept to an outdoor problem-based learning activity for veterinary students

Putra TA, Hezmee MN, Farhana NB, Hassim HA, Intan-Shameha AR, Lokman IH, et al.

Vet World, 2016 Sep;9(9):955-959.
PMID: 27733795

The One Health (OH) approach, which seeks to bring together human and animal health, is particularly suited to the effective management of zoonotic diseases across both sectors. To overcome professional silos, OH needs to be taught at the undergraduate level. Here, we describe a problem-based learning activity using the OH approach that was conducted outdoors for 3(rd)-year veterinary students in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Animals; Education, Veterinary; Humans; Malaysia; Students; Zoonoses; Problem-Based Learning
Insulin Receptor Isoform Variations in Prostate Cancer Cells

Perks CM, Zielinska HA, Wang J, Jarrett C, Frankow A, Ladomery MR, et al.

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2016;7:132.
PMID: 27733843

Men who develop prostate cancer (PCa) increasingly have one of the co-morbidities associated with a Western lifestyle that are characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and increased expression of insulin-like growth factors-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II. Each have been associated with poor prognosis and more aggressive cancers that exhibit increased metabolism and increased glucose uptake. The insulin receptor (IR) has two splice isoforms IR-A and IR-B: IR-A has a higher affinity for IGF-II comparable to that for insulin, whereas the IR-B isoform predominantly just binds to insulin. In this study, we assessed alterations in the IR-A and IR-B isoform ratio and associated changes in cell proliferation and migration of PCa cell lines following exposure to altered concentrations of glucose and treatment with IGF-II and insulin. We observed that where IR-B predominated insulin had a greater effect on migration than IGF-II and IGF-II was more effective when IR-A was the main isoform. With regard to proliferation IGF-II was more effective than insulin regardless of which isoform was dominant. We assessed the abundance of the IR isoforms both in vivo and in vitro and observed that the majority of the tissue samples and cell lines expressed more IR-A than IR-B. Alterations in the isoforms in response to changes in their hormonal milieu could have a profound impact on how malignant cells behave and play a role in promoting carcinogenesis. A greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying changes in alternative splicing of the IR may provide additional targets for future cancer therapies.

MeSH terms: Glucose; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hyperinsulinism; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Male; Receptor, Insulin; Antigens, CD; Alternative Splicing; Protein Isoforms; Cell Proliferation; Insulin, Regular, Human

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