Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Sharifudin MA, Zakaria Z, Awang MS, Mohamed Amin MA, Abd Aziz A
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Jan;23(1):82-6.
    PMID: 27540330 MyJurnal
    Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the vertebra is a rare entity. A case of a 53-year-old lady who presented with an 8 months history of pain in the thoracic spine region with paraparesis is discussed. She had a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma and had undergone total thyroidectomy one year prior to her current problem. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed isolated osteolytic lesion over the posterior element of the T12 vertebra with narrowing of the spinal canal causing compression of the cord. The diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia was made histologically. Fibrous dysplasia rarely occurs in axial bones compared with peripheral bones. This case illustrates that osteolytic lesion of the vertebrae should be evaluated with detailed radiological and histopathological examination before an empirical diagnosis of spinal metastasis is made in an adult with a background history of primary malignancy well-known to spread to the bone.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Fibrous Dysplasia, Monostotic; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pain; Radiography; Spinal Canal; Thoracic Vertebrae; Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroidectomy; Paraparesis
  2. Moghbel M, Mashohor S, Mahmud R, Saripan MI
    EXCLI J, 2016;15:406-23.
    PMID: 27540353 DOI: 10.17179/excli2016-402
    Segmentation of liver tumors from Computed Tomography (CT) and tumor burden analysis play an important role in the choice of therapeutic strategies for liver diseases and treatment monitoring. In this paper, a new segmentation method for liver tumors from contrast-enhanced CT imaging is proposed. As manual segmentation of tumors for liver treatment planning is both labor intensive and time-consuming, a highly accurate automatic tumor segmentation is desired. The proposed framework is fully automatic requiring no user interaction. The proposed segmentation evaluated on real-world clinical data from patients is based on a hybrid method integrating cuckoo optimization and fuzzy c-means algorithm with random walkers algorithm. The accuracy of the proposed method was validated using a clinical liver dataset containing one of the highest numbers of tumors utilized for liver tumor segmentation containing 127 tumors in total with further validation of the results by a consultant radiologist. The proposed method was able to achieve one of the highest accuracies reported in the literature for liver tumor segmentation compared to other segmentation methods with a mean overlap error of 22.78 % and dice similarity coefficient of 0.75 in 3Dircadb dataset and a mean overlap error of 15.61 % and dice similarity coefficient of 0.81 in MIDAS dataset. The proposed method was able to outperform most other tumor segmentation methods reported in the literature while representing an overlap error improvement of 6 % compared to one of the best performing automatic methods in the literature. The proposed framework was able to provide consistently accurate results considering the number of tumors and the variations in tumor contrast enhancements and tumor appearances while the tumor burden was estimated with a mean error of 0.84 % in 3Dircadb dataset.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Consultants; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Walkers; Tumor Burden; Radiologists
  3. Amri Saroukolaei S, Ghabaee M, Shokri H, Khosravi A, Badiei A
    Jundishapur J Microbiol, 2016 May;9(5):e33292.
    PMID: 27540458 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.33292
    Intracellular aspartic proteinase A enzyme is expressed by the APR1 gene and is one of the important factors in the development of systemic candidiasis caused by Candida albicans.
  4. Yap WH, Ahmed N, Lim YM
    Lipids, 2016 10;51(10):1153-1159.
    PMID: 27540737 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-016-4186-1
    Maslinic acid is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid which has anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study showed that secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) may be a potential binding target of maslinic acid. The human group IIA (hGIIA)-sPLA2 is found in human sera and their levels are correlated with severity of inflammation. This study aims to determine whether maslinic acid interacts with hGIIA-sPLA2 and inhibits inflammatory response induced by this enzyme. It is shown that maslinic acid enhanced intrinsic fluorescence of hGIIA-sPLA2 and inhibited its enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Molecular docking revealed that maslinic acid binds to calcium binding and interfacial phospholipid binding site, suggesting that it inhibit access of catalytic calcium ion for enzymatic reaction and block binding of the enzyme to membrane phospholipid. The hGIIA-sPLA2 enzyme is also responsible in mediating monocyte recruitment and differentiation. Results showed that maslinic acid inhibit hGIIA-sPLA2-induced THP-1 cell differentiation and migration, and the effect observed is specific to hGIIA-sPLA2 as cells treated with maslinic acid alone did not significantly affect the number of adherent and migrated cells. Considering that hGIIA-sPLA2 enzyme is known to hydrolyze glyceroacylphospholipids present in lipoproteins and cell membranes, maslinic acid may bind and inhibit hGIIA-sPLA2 enzymatic activity, thereby reduces the release of fatty acids and lysophospholipids which stimulates monocyte migration and differentiation. This study is the first to report on the molecular interaction between maslinic acid and inflammatory target hGIIA-sPLA2 as well as its effect towards hGIIA-sPLA2-induced THP-1 monocyte adhesive and migratory capabilities, an important immune-inflammation process in atherosclerosis.
    MeSH terms: Calcium/metabolism; Cell Differentiation/drug effects; Cell Line; Cell Movement/drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Monocytes/cytology*; Monocytes/drug effects; Monocytes/enzymology; Triterpenes/pharmacology*; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Catalytic Domain/drug effects; Group II Phospholipases A2/antagonists & inhibitors*; Group II Phospholipases A2/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation
  5. Bukhari SM, Kiu KY, Thambiraja R, Sulong S, Rasool AH, Liza-Sharmini AT
    Eye (Lond), 2016 Dec;30(12):1579-1587.
    PMID: 27540832 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2016.185
    PurposeThe role of microvascular endothelial dysfunction on severity of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) was investigated in this study.Patients and methodsA prospective cohort study was conducted. One hundred and fourteen ethnically Malay patients (114 eyes) with POAG treated at the eye clinic of Hospital University Sains Malaysia between April 2012 and December 2014 were recruited. Patients aged between 40 and 80 years with two consecutive reliable and reproducible Humphrey visual field 24-2 analyses were selected. Patients who were diagnosed with any other type of glaucoma, previous glaucoma-filtering surgery, or other surgeries except uncomplicated cataract and pterygium surgery were excluded. Humphrey visual field analysis 24-2 was used to stratify the severity of glaucoma using Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) score at the time of recruitment. Microvascular endothelial function was assessed using Laser Doppler fluximetry and iontophoresis. Iontophoresis process with acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used to measure microvascular endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatation, respectively.ResultsBased on the AGIS score, 55 patients showed mild glaucoma, with 29 moderate and 30 severe. There was statistically significant difference in microvascular endothelial function (ACh% and AChmax) between mild and moderate POAG cases (P=0.023) and between mild and severe POAG cases (P<0.001). There was negative correlation between microvascular endothelial function and severity of POAG (r=-0.457, P<0.001).ConclusionMicrovascular endothelial dysfunction may have a role in influencing the severity of POAG in Malay patients.

    Study site: Eye clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology*; Female; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Hospitals, University; Humans; Iontophoresis; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis; Severity of Illness Index; Visual Fields/physiology; Microvessels/physiopathology*; Visual Field Tests
  6. Janaydeh M, Ismail A, Zulkifli SZ, Bejo MH, Aziz NA, Taneenah A
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Nov;23(21):22059-22071.
    PMID: 27541152
    The Klang area of Peninsular Malaysia has experienced rapid industrial growth with intense activities, which can increase the concentration of pollutants in the environment that significantly impact on habitats and the human health. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, and Pb) in the heart, lung, brain, liver, kidney, muscle tissues, and feathers of house crow, Corvus splendens, in Klang, Peninsular Malaysia. House crow samples were collected from the Klang area through the Department of Public Health at Majlis Perbandaran Klang. Quantitative determination of heavy metals was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result shows the presence of heavy metals in all biological samples of house crows. For heavy metals in all the house crow tissues analyzed, Fe concentrations were the highest, followed by those of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni. The feathers and kidney accumulated high concentrations of Pb, whereas the liver accumulated high concentrations of essential heavy metals (Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni). Significant variations were also detected in the concentrations of Pb among adult and juvenile and male and female bird samples. The results also revealed significant positive correlations between Pb metal concentration in the breast feathers and all internal organs. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals in feathers reflected storing and elimination processes, while the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in the kidney can be consequential to chronic exposure. The present study clearly shows the usefulness of house crow breast feather as a suitable indicator for heavy metal accumulation in the internal organs of house crows in the Klang area.
    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Animals; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Environmental Pollutants/analysis*; Feathers/chemistry*; Female; Malaysia; Male; Sex Factors; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Metals, Heavy/analysis*; Crows/metabolism*
  7. Ab Kadir S, Wan-Mohtar WA, Mohammad R, Abdul Halim Lim S, Sabo Mohammed A, Saari N
    J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol, 2016 Oct;43(10):1387-95.
    PMID: 27541157 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-016-1828-5
    In this study, four selected commercial strains of Aspergillus oryzae were collected from soy sauce koji. These A. oryzae strains designated as NSK, NSZ, NSJ and NST shared similar morphological characteristics with the reference strain (A. oryzae FRR 1675) which confirmed them as A. oryzae species. They were further evaluated for their ability to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by cultivating the spore suspension in a broth medium containing 0.4 % (w/v) of glutamic acid as a substrate for GABA production. The results showed that these strains were capable of producing GABA; however, the concentrations differed significantly (P 
    MeSH terms: Aspergillus oryzae/classification; Aspergillus oryzae/metabolism*; Fermentation; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/biosynthesis*; Phylogeny; Glutamic Acid/metabolism; Soy Foods*
  8. Sathishkumar P, Preethi J, Vijayan R, Mohd Yusoff AR, Ameen F, Suresh S, et al.
    PMID: 27541567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.08.005
    In this present investigation, AgNPs were green synthesised using Coriandrum sativum leaf extract. The physicochemical properties of AgNPs were characterised using UV-visible spectrophotometer, field emission scanning microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM/EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Further, in vitro anti-acne, anti-dandruff and anti-breast cancer efficacy of green synthesised AgNPs were assessed against Propionibacterium acnes MTCC 1951, Malassezia furfur MTCC 1374 and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line, respectively. The flavonoids present in the plant extract were responsible for the AgNPs synthesis. The green synthesised nanoparticles size was found to be ≈37nm. The BET analysis result shows that the surface area of the synthesised AgNPs was found to be 33.72m(2)g(-1). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs for acne causative agent P. acnes and dandruff causative agent M. furfur was found to be at 3.1 and 25μgmL(-1), respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of the AgNPs for MCF-7 cells was calculated as 30.5μgmL(-1) and complete inhibition was observed at a concentration of 100μgmL(-1). Finally, our results proved that green synthesised AgNPs using C. sativum have great potential in biomedical applications such as anti-acne, anti-dandruff and anti-breast cancer treatment.
    MeSH terms: Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy*; Acne Vulgaris/microbiology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry; Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Breast Neoplasms/pathology*; Humans; Malassezia/drug effects; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Propionibacterium acnes/drug effects; Silver/chemistry*; Plant Leaves/chemistry*; Coriandrum/chemistry*; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry*; Green Chemistry Technology; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; MCF-7 Cells; Dandruff/drug therapy*; Dandruff/microbiology; Phytochemicals/chemistry
  9. Reyes EB, Ha JW, Firdaus I, Ghazi AM, Phrommintikul A, Sim D, et al.
    Int J Cardiol, 2016 Nov 15;223:163-167.
    PMID: 27541646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.07.256
    A gap in the knowledge on the status of heart failure (HF) in Asia versus other regions led to the creation of a working group of Asian experts from 9 countries or regions (Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam). Each expert sought the best available data from local publications, registries, or clinical practice. The prevalence of HF in Asia was generally similar to global values (1% to 3%), but with some outliers. There were substantial variations in healthcare spending, and the average cost of HF hospitalization varied from 813 US$ in Indonesia to nearly 9000 US$ in South Korea. Comorbidities were frequent, particularly hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Modifiable risk factors such as smoking were alarmingly common in some countries. Asian HF patients spent between 5 and 12.5days in hospital, and 3% to 15% were readmitted for HF by 30days. The pharmacological treatment of Asian patients generally followed international guidelines, including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (61% to 90%), diuretics (76% to 99%), beta-blockers (32% to 78%), and digoxin (19% to 53%), with some room for improvement in terms of life-saving therapies. Our review supports implementation of a more comprehensive and organized approach to HF care in Asia.
    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Humans; Prevalence; Health Care Costs/statistics & numerical data; Cost of Illness*
  10. Yew KL
    Int J Cardiol, 2016 Nov 15;223:239-241.
    PMID: 27541663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.07.299
    MeSH terms: Coronary Artery Disease/complications; Coronary Artery Disease/therapy*; Coronary Vessel Anomalies/complications*; Cardiac Catheterization/instrumentation*; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Stents*; Absorbable Implants*; Tissue Scaffolds*; Catheters*
  11. Tan, B. L., Norhaizan, M. E., Hazilawati, H., Roselina, K.
    MyJurnal
    Colon carcinogenesis is a malignant tumor, and is well-known as the third leading cancer,
    which contributes to high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Brewers’ rice, known locally as
    temukut, consists of a mixture of broken kernels with rice bran and rice germ which is a byproduct
    produced in the rice industry. Although extensive studies on the anti-cancer properties
    of rice bran, published data on the cytotoxicity of brewers’ rice are very limited. The present
    study was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis induction capability of the water extract of
    brewers’ rice (WBR) on human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cell line. The HT-29 cells were
    treated with various concentrations (16, 32, and 64 μg/mL) of WBR for 24 and 48 hours. The
    morphological analysis of apoptotic cells was evaluated using inverted light microscope and
    fluorescence microscope. The apoptotic HT-29 cells was evaluated using Annexin V-FITC and
    propidium iodide (PI) staining apoptosis test and cell cycle analyses. The data obtained were
    evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and P < 0.05 was considered statistical
    significant. Overall analyses indicated that WBR induced typical characteristics of apoptosis in
    HT-29 cells, including nuclear fragmentation (NF), nuclear compaction (NC), apoptotic bodies
    (AB), cellular shrinkage (CS), and chromatin condensation (CC), as visualized under inverted
    light microscope and fluorescence microscope. Cell cycle analyses and Annexin V-FITC and
    propidium iodide (PI) staining apoptosis test using flow cytometry revealed that WBR induced
    apoptotic population in HT-29 cells. In this study, our findings provide clear evidence that
    WBR inhibits the growth of HT-29 cells via induction of apoptosis. Taken together, we suggest
    that WBR may be a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
  12. Onwude, D. I., Hashim, N., Janius, R. B., Nawi, N., Abdan, K.
    MyJurnal
    The thin layer drying kinetics of pumpkin slices (Cucurbita moschata) were experimentally
    investigated in a convective hot air dryer. In order to select the appropriate model for predicting
    the drying kinetics of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), twelve thin layer semi theoretical,
    theoretical and empirical models, widely used in describing the drying behaviour of agricultural
    products were fitted to the experimental data. The Page and Two term exponential models
    showed the best fit under certain drying conditions. The Hii et al. (2009) model, which was
    adopted from a combination of the Page and Two term models was compared to the other 11
    selected thin layer models based on the coefficient of determination (R2
    ) and sum of squares
    error (SSE). Comparison was made between the experimental and model predicted moisture
    ratio by non-linear regression analysis. Furthermore, the effect of drying temperature and slice
    thickness on the best model constants was evaluated. Consequently, the Hii et al. (2009) model
    showed an excellent fit with the experimental data (R2 > 0.99 and SSE < 0.012) for the drying
    temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C and at different sample thicknesses of 3 mm, 5 mm and
    7 mm respectively. Thus, the Hii et al. (2009) model can adequately predict the drying kinetics
    of pumpkin.
  13. Nyam, K. L., Tang, J. L. K., Long, K.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this research is to determine the antiulcer properties and percentage protection of
    Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa seed samples towards ulcer-induced Sprague
    dawley rats. Rats were divided into six groups each for each ulceration method and fed with
    distilled water, Omeprazole, H. cannabinus seed oil (HCSO), H. cannabinus seed extract
    (HCSE), H. sabdariffa seed oil (HSSO) and H. sabdariffa seed extract (HSSE), respectively
    via oral administration. Among the two plants tested, H. cannabinus showed the best protection
    percentage towards ethanol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cold restrain
    stress induced ulcers. H. cannabinus seed extract (HSSE) exhibited an exceptionally high ulcer
    protection of 74.98 ± 0.78% against NSAIDs induced ulcer. The gastric lesions were controlled
    primarily by both mucosal protection and acid inhibition. In conclusion, addition of these seeds
    to the daily diet may reduce free radical activity in the body and reduce the risk of developing
    peptic ulcer disease.
  14. Agbaje, R., Hassan, C. Z., Norlelawati, A., Huda-Faujan, N., Abdul Rahman, A.
    MyJurnal
    The need for nutritional and functional foods has increased. Consumers, these days, do not
    eat snacks only to provide satisfaction for their hunger, but also to supply essential nutrients
    to body. The objective of this study was to develop six formulations of granolas/cereal bars
    using different combination of Sunnah fruits such as dates (Phoenix dactylifera), raisins (Vitis
    vinifera L.) and figs (Ficus carica). The cereal bars were formulated using dry raw materials
    (glutinous rice, black Cummins, etc.) and binding agents (honey and glucose syrup). The cereal
    bars were assessed for water activity and proximate composition. It was observed that the
    sample B, made with 70 g of glucose syrup, 100 g honey and 450 g of total fruits had the
    highest value of moisture (18.73%) as compared to other formulations (P˂ 0.05). There were no
    differences in protein contents of the cereal bars formulated. Ash contents of the formulations
    were significantly different (P˂ 0.05) in samples B and F; the values ranged between 0.97%
    and 1.88%. The fat contents were significantly different with formulation B having the highest
    fat content (10.72%) and carbohydrate contents were affected by fibre contents; samples with
    lower crude fibres had higher carbohydrate contents which also reflect in the energy contents
    of the granola/cereal bar samples. Lowest aw (water activity) was observed in the samples with
    lower fruit contents which could be as a result of their lower moisture contents. According to
    the results, incorporation of glutinous rice flakes with different composition Sunnah foods and
    binding agents; honey and glucose syrup can be used to formulate cereal bars with appreciable
    proximate and energy contents.
    MeSH terms: Edible Grain; Dietary Fiber; Flavoring Agents; Fruit; Glucose; Honey; Hunger; Personal Satisfaction; Oryza; Water; Plant Structures; Vitis; Ficus; Functional Food; Snacks; Phoeniceae
  15. Zawawi, N., Azizah, A. H., Maznah, I.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of the present study was to assess the anti-obesity and lipolysis effects of Strobilanthes
    crispus leaves extract (SCE) in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats by administering 1% (w/w) of
    SCE in drinking water. Methods: Normal Sprague-Dawley rats were induced obese using a
    high-fat (HF) diet formulation for 14 weeks. DIO rats were subsequently treated with 1% (w/w)
    SCE while the HF diet was switched to normal rat chow diet. Food intake, water intake and
    bodyweight were measured weekly. Other parameters e.g. blood lipid profile were determined
    in normal and DIO rats before and after treatment with SCE. Histopathological changes in the
    liver were also observed after treatment. Results: Prior to treatment, DIO rats have significantly
    higher (p
  16. Ahmad NI, Wan Mahiyuddin WR, Tengku Mohamad TR, Ling CY, Daud SF, Hussein NC, et al.
    Food Nutr Res, 2016;60:32697.
    PMID: 27534846 DOI: 10.3402/fnr.v60.32697
    Understanding different patterns of fish consumption is an important component for risk assessment of contaminants in fish. A few studies on food consumption had been conducted in Malaysia, but none of them focused specifically on fish consumption. The objectives of this study were to document the meal pattern among three major ethnics in Malaysia with respect to fish/seafood consumption, identify most frequently consumed fish and cooking method, and examine the influence of demographic factors on pattern of fish consumption among study subjects.
  17. Yasin R, Muntham D, Chirakalwasan N
    Sleep Breath, 2016 Dec;20(4):1137-1144.
    PMID: 27535070 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-016-1380-6
    PURPOSE: Sleepiness and tiredness are common complaints among young doctors. Sleep deprivation is believed to be the main culprit. However, we believe that there may be other sleep disorders which may contribute to these symptoms such as occult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

    METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed among young doctors less than 40 years old, working at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, and Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using questionnaires and home sleep apnea testing (Apnealink™Plus). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5). The secondary objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) defined by AHI ≥5 + excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), sleep deprivation (the difference of weekend (non-workdays) and weekday (workdays) wake-up time of at least 2 h), EDS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥10), tiredness, and perception of inadequate sleep as well as to identify their predictors.

    RESULTS: Total of 52 subjects completed the study. Mean age and mean body mass index (BMI) were 31.3 ± 4 and 23.3 ± 3.6, respectively. The prevalence of OSA and OSAS were 40.4 and 5.8 %, respectively. One third of OSA subjects were at least moderate OSA. Prevalence of sleep deprivation, EDS, tiredness, and perception of inadequate sleep were 44.2, 15.4, 65.4, and 61.5 %, respectively. History of snoring, being male, and perception of inadequate sleep were significant predictors for OSA with the odds ratio of 34.5 (p = 0.016, 95 % CI = 1.92-619.15), 18.8 (p = 0.001, 95 % CI = 3.10-113.41), and 7.4 (p = 0.037, 95 % CI = 1.13-48.30), respectively. Only observed apnea was a significant predictor for OSAS with odds ratio of 30.7 (p = 0.012, 95 % CI = 2.12-442.6). Number of naps per week was a significant predictor for EDS with the odds ratio of 1.78 (p = 0.007, 95 % CI = 1.17-2.71). OSA and total number of call days per month were significant predictors for tiredness with the odds ratio of 4.8 (p = 0.036, 95 % CI = 1.11-20.72) and 1.3 (p = 0.050, 95 % CI = 1.0004-1.61), respectively. OSA was the only significant predictor for perception of inadequate sleep with the odd ratios of 4.5 (p = 0.022, 95 % CI = 1.24-16.59).

    CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated relatively high prevalence of OSA and OSAS among young doctors. Snoring, being male, and perception of inadequate sleep were significant predictors for OSA. Observed apnea was a significant predictor for OSAS. OSA was a significant predictor for tiredness and perception of inadequate sleep.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence/diagnosis*; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence/epidemiology*; Malaysia; Male; Occupational Diseases/diagnosis*; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology*; Prospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sex Factors; Sleep Deprivation/diagnosis; Sleep Deprivation/epidemiology; Thailand; Polysomnography; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis*; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/epidemiology*
  18. Karupaiah T, Chuah KA, Chinna K, Matsuoka R, Masuda Y, Sundram K, et al.
    Lipids Health Dis, 2016 Aug 17;15(1):131.
    PMID: 27535127 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0301-9
    BACKGROUND: Mayonnaise is used widely in contemporary human diet with widespread use as a salad dressing or spread on breads. Vegetable oils used in its formulation may be a rich source of ω-6 PUFAs and the higher-PUFA content of mayonnaise may be beneficial in mediating a hypocholesterolemic effect. This study, therefore, evaluated the functionality of mayonnaise on cardiometabolic risk within a regular human consumption scenario.

    METHODS: Subjects underwent a randomized double-blind crossover trial, consuming diets supplemented with 20 g/day of either soybean oil-based mayonnaise (SB-mayo) or palm olein-based mayonnaise (PO-mayo) for 4 weeks each with a 2-week wash-out period. The magnitude of changes for metabolic outcomes between dietary treatments was compared with PO-mayo serving as the control. The data was analyzed by ANCOVA using the GLM model. Analysis was adjusted for weight changes.

    RESULTS: Treatments resulted in significant reductions in TC (diff = -0.25 mmol/L; P = 0.001), LDL-C (diff = -0.17 mmol/L; P = 0.016) and HDL-C (diff = -0.12 mmol/L; P  0.05). Lipoprotein particle change was significant with large LDL particles increasing after PO-mayo (diff = +63.2 nmol/L; P = 0.007) compared to SB-mayo but small LDL particles remained unaffected. Plasma glucose, apolipoproteins and oxidative stress markers remained unchanged.

    CONCLUSIONS: Daily use with 20 g of linoleic acid-rich SB-mayo elicited reductions in TC and LDL-C concentrations without significantly changing LDL-C:HDL-C ratio or small LDL particle distributions compared to the PO-mayo diet.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was retrospectively registered with the National Medical Research Register, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, (NMRR-15-40-24035; registered on 29/01/2015; https://www.nmrr.gov.my/fwbPage.jsp?fwbPageId=ResearchISRForm&fwbAction=Update&fwbStep=10&pk.researchID=24035&fwbVMenu=3&fwbResearchAction=Update ). Ethical approval was obtained from the National University of Malaysia's Medical Ethics Committee (UKM 1.5.3.5/244/SPP/NN-054-2011, approved on 25/05/2011).

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cholesterol/blood; Diet; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated/administration & dosage*; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Lipids/blood*; Lipoproteins/blood*; Cholesterol, HDL/blood; Cholesterol, LDL/blood; Male; Plant Oils/administration & dosage*; Soybean Oil/administration & dosage*; Triglycerides/blood; Cross-Over Studies; Oleic Acid/administration & dosage; Linoleic Acid/administration & dosage; Young Adult
  19. Yatim RM, Kannan TP, Ab Hamid SS
    Cell Tissue Bank, 2016 Dec;17(4):643-651.
    PMID: 27535136
    Human amniotic membrane (HAM) due to its high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, anti-microbial, anti-viral properties as well as the presence of growth factors has been used in various clinical applications. The growth factors play an important role in wound healing. The current study aimed to explore the effect of 15 kGy gamma radiation dose on selected growth factors and receptors mRNA present in HAM. Eight growth factors, namely, EGF, HGF, KGF, TGF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 and bFGF and two growth factor receptors, HGFR and KGFR were evaluated in this study. The total RNA was extracted and converted to complimentary DNA using commercial kits. Subsequently, the mRNA expressions of these growth factors were evaluated using real-time PCR and the results were statistically analyzed using REST-MCS software. This study confirmed the presence of these mRNA growth factors and receptors in fresh, glycerol cryopreserved and irradiated glycerol cryopreserved HAM. In glycerol cryopreserved HAM, the results showed up-regulation of HGF and bFGF and down-regulation of EGF, HGFR, KGF, KGFR, TGF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 relative to the fresh HAM which acted as the control, whereas in irradiated glycerol cryopreserved HAM, the results showed up-regulation of EGF, HGF, KGF, KGFR, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 and down-regulation of HGFR, TGF-α and bFGF relative to the glycerol cryopreserved HAM which acted as the control. However, these mRNA expressions did not show any statistical significant difference compared to the control groups. This study concluded that a dose of 15 kGy of gamma radiation did not affect the mRNA expression for the growth factors' and receptors' in the glycerol cryopreserved HAM.
    MeSH terms: Amnion/drug effects; Amnion/metabolism*; Amnion/radiation effects*; Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology; Female; Gamma Rays; Glycerol/pharmacology; Humans; RNA, Messenger/genetics*; Gene Expression/drug effects; Gene Expression/radiation effects*; Receptors, Growth Factor/genetics; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics*
  20. Abbaspour Babaei M, Kamalidehghan B, Saleem M, Huri HZ, Ahmadipour F
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2016;10:2443-59.
    PMID: 27536065 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S89114
    c-Kit, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is involved in intracellular signaling, and the mutated form of c-Kit plays a crucial role in occurrence of some cancers. The function of c-Kit has led to the concept that inhibiting c-Kit kinase activity can be a target for cancer therapy. The promising results of inhibition of c-Kit for treatment of cancers have been observed in some cancers such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor, acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, and other tumors, and these results have encouraged attempts toward improvement of using c-Kit as a capable target for cancer therapy. This paper presents the findings of previous studies regarding c-Kit as a receptor tyrosine kinase and an oncogene, as well as its gene targets and signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells. The c-Kit gene location, protein structure, and the role of c-Kit in normal cell have been discussed. Comprehending the molecular mechanism underlying c-Kit-mediated tumorogenesis is consequently essential and may lead to the identification of future novel drug targets. The potential mechanisms by which c-Kit induces cellular transformation have been described. This study aims to elucidate the function of c-Kit for future cancer therapy. In addition, it has c-Kit inhibitor drug properties and their functions have been listed in tables and demonstrated in schematic pictures. This review also has collected previous studies that targeted c-Kit as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. This paper further emphasizes the advantages of this approach, as well as the limitations that must be addressed in the future. Finally, although c-Kit is an attractive target for cancer therapy, based on the outcomes of treatment of patients with c-Kit inhibitors, it is unlikely that Kit inhibitors alone can lead to cure. It seems that c-Kit mutations alone are not sufficient for tumorogenesis, but do play a crucial role in cancer occurrence.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry*; Humans; Mutation; Signal Transduction/drug effects*; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy*; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors*; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism*; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/chemistry; Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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