Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Sivaraman MA, Noor SN
    Sci Eng Ethics, 2016 Apr;22(2):467-85.
    PMID: 26049934 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-015-9666-9
    Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR) raises ethical issues. In the process of research, embryos may be destroyed and, to some, such an act entails the 'killing of human life'. Past studies have sought the views of scientists and the general public on the ethics of ESCR. This study, however, explores multi-faith ethical viewpoints, in particular, those of Buddhists, Hindus and Catholics in Malaysia, on ESCR. Responses were gathered via semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Three main ethical quandaries emerged from the data: (1) sanctity of life, (2) do no harm, and (3) 'intention' of the research. Concerns regarding the sanctity of life are directed at particular research protocols which interfere with religious notions of human ensoulment and early consciousness. The principle of 'do no harm' which is closely related to ahimsa prohibits all acts of violence. Responses obtained indicate that respondents either discourage research that inflicts harm on living entities or allow ESCR with reservations. 'Intention' of the research seems to be an interesting and viable rationale that would permit ESCR for the Buddhists and Hindus. Research that is intended for the purpose of alleviating human suffering is seen as being ethical. This study also notes that Catholics oppose ESCR on the basis of the inviolability of human life.
    MeSH terms: Buddhism*; Catholicism*; Culture*; Humans; Malaysia; Morals; Violence; Hinduism*; Personhood; Ethics, Research; Intention; Embryonic Stem Cells*; Stem Cell Research/ethics*
  2. Inoue Y, Takikawa M, Morita Y, Takao K, Kanamoto I, Sugibayashi K
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2016 Mar-Apr;12(2):347-54.
    PMID: 26072001 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2015.05.005
    In recent years, several developed countries reported on new multidisciplinary roles of pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, especially considering the former's expanding functions. This paper examines differences in pharmacists' and pharmacy assistants' professional roles and the dispensing system in Japan with those in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and the Philippines. A review of relevant literature was supplemented by interviews of dispensary staff at hospitals and community pharmacies in Malaysia and the Philippines. The UK, Philippines, and Malaysia had dispensing assistants who performed dispensing roles, while Japan did not. Although pharmacy assistants occasionally performed screening and dispensing inspections due to the lack of pharmacists, it is necessary for pharmacists participating in risk management to ensure formula optimization and monitoring. Pharmacists' contribution to medical care involves ensuring safety in drug therapy and overall medical services. Screening is the most fundamental and important function performed exclusively by pharmacists, thereby establishing their status within the medical system.
    MeSH terms: Community Pharmacy Services/manpower; Community Pharmacy Services/organization & administration; Great Britain; Humans; Japan; Malaysia; Pharmacists*; Pharmacy Service, Hospital/manpower; Pharmacy Service, Hospital/organization & administration; Philippines; Professional Role*
  3. Khan K, Khan AH, Sulaiman SA, Soo CT, Akhtar A
    Jpn J Infect Dis, 2016;69(1):56-9.
    PMID: 26073728 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2014.246
    In the current study we explored the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antiretroviral therapy among human immune-deficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients. We concluded an observational retrospective study in all patients who were diagnosed with HIV infection and were receiving highly active antiviral therapy from Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2012 at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Patient socio-demographic details along with clinical features and susceptible ADRs were observed during the study period. Out of 743 patients, 571 (76.9%) were men, and 172 (23.1%) were women. Overall 314 (42.2%) patients experienced ADRs. A total of 425 ADRs were reported, with 311 (73.1%) occurring in men and 114 (26.8%) in women, with a significant statistical relationship (P value (P) = 0.02, OR = 1.21). Overall 239 (56.2%) ADRs were recorded among Chinese, 94 (22.1%) in Malay, and 71 (16.7%) in Indian patients, which had a statistically significant association with ADRs (P = 0.05, OR = 1.50). Out of a total 425 among ADRs, lipodystrophy was recorded in 151 (35.5%) followed by skin rashes in 80 (18.8%), anemia in 74 (17.4%), and peripheral neuropathy in 27 (6.3%) patients. These findings suggest a need of intensive monitoring of ADRs in HIV treatment centres across Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Anemia; Demography; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Lipodystrophy; Malaysia; Male; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Retrospective Studies; HIV Infections; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  4. Ishige T, Gakuhari T, Hanzawa K, Kono T, Sunjoto I, Sukor JR, et al.
    PMID: 26075477 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1033694
    Here we report the complete mitochondrial genome of the Bornean banteng Bos javanicus lowi (Cetartiodactyla, Bovidae), which was determined using next-generation sequencing. The mitochondrial genome is 16,344 bp in length containing 13 protein-coding genes, 21 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs. It shows the typical pattern of bovine mitochondrial arrangement. Phylogenetic tree analysis of complete mtDNA sequences showed that Bornean banteng is more closely related to gaur than to other banteng subspecies. Divergence dating indicated that Bornean banteng and gaur diverged from their common ancestor approximately 5.03 million years ago. These results suggest that Bornean banteng might be a distinct species in need of conservation.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Base Composition; Cattle; Phylogeny; Open Reading Frames; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Genes, Mitochondrial; Genome, Mitochondrial*; Genome Size
  5. Krzeminska U, Wilson R, Rahman S, Song BK, Seneviratne S, Gan HM, et al.
    Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal, 2016 Jul;27(4):2668-70.
    PMID: 26075478 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1043540
    The complete mitochondrial genomes of two jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) were sequenced. DNA was extracted from tissue samples obtained from shed feathers collected in the field in Sri Lanka and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq Personal Sequencer. Jungle crow mitogenomes have a structural organization typical of the genus Corvus and are 16,927 bp and 17,066 bp in length, both comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal subunit genes, and a non-coding control region. In addition, we complement already available house crow (Corvus spelendens) mitogenome resources by sequencing an individual from Singapore. A phylogenetic tree constructed from Corvidae family mitogenome sequences available on GenBank is presented. We confirm the monophyly of the genus Corvus and propose to use complete mitogenome resources for further intra- and interspecies genetic studies.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Feathers/metabolism; Feathers/physiology; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics; RNA, Transfer/genetics; Passeriformes/classification; Passeriformes/genetics*; Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics*
  6. Patil S, Warnakulasuriya S, Raj T, Sanketh DS, Rao RS
    J Investig Clin Dent, 2016 Nov;7(4):417-423.
    PMID: 26075572 DOI: 10.1111/jicd.12166
    OBJECTIVE: Exophytic oral verrucous hyperplasia (OVH) is a new entity described by an expert working group from South Asia. First reported in Taiwan, there are no reports so far from an Indian population. The aim was to use the microscopic features described by the expert group to differentiate OVH from other oral verruco-papillary lesions in an Indian archive.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective multicentre study, using pathology archives, 188 verruco-papillary lesions were retrieved from pathology archives. A proforma listing histopathological criteria for OVH based on published guidelines (Annals of Dentistry, University of Malaya, 2013) was used. Patients' demographic and clinical data were transcribed from patient charts. The Pearson chi-square test was used to determine associations between clinical and histopathological features.

    RESULTS: Of 188 oral verruco-papillary lesions that were evaluated, based on microscopic features the cases were reclassified as OVH (57), verrucous carcinoma (VC) (84), oral squamous cell carcinoma (16), and other verruco-papillary lesions (31). Both OVH (70%) and VC (60%) showed male predominance and commonly affected buccal mucosa (OVH 74% and VC 57%). Absence of downward growth of the hyperplastic epithelium into lamina propria when compared with the level of the basement membrane of the adjacent normal epithelium was a distinct feature in OVH. Keratin plugging, epithelial dysplasia and subepithelial lymphocytic infiltration were found to be significantly different (P 

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/etiology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology; Epithelium/pathology; Female; Humans; Hyperplasia/diagnosis; Hyperplasia/etiology*; Hyperplasia/pathology*; India; Leukoplakia, Oral/diagnosis; Leukoplakia, Oral/etiology; Leukoplakia, Oral/pathology; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Diseases/complications*; Mouth Diseases/diagnosis; Mouth Diseases/pathology*; Mouth Mucosa/pathology; Mouth Neoplasms/etiology; Mouth Neoplasms/pathology; Retrospective Studies; Smoking/adverse effects; Chi-Square Distribution; Carcinoma, Verrucous/etiology; Carcinoma, Verrucous/pathology; Young Adult; Tobacco Use
  7. Ansar S, Iqbal M
    Hum Exp Toxicol, 2016 Apr;35(4):448-53.
    PMID: 26078281 DOI: 10.1177/0960327115591378
    The present study was aimed to study protective effect of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a phenolic antioxidant used in foods on ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced nephrotoxicity. Male albino rats of Wistar strain (4-6 weeks old) weighing 125-150 g were used in this study. Animals were given a single dose of Fe-NTA (9 mg kg(-1) body weight) after treatment with BHA (1 and 2 mg animal(-1) day(-1)). Fe-NTA treatment enhanced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity to 5.3-fold, and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in DNA to 2.5-fold in kidney compared with the corresponding saline-treated control, whereas glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased to a range of 2- to 2.5-fold in kidney. These changes were reversed significantly in animals receiving a pretreatment of BHA. The enhanced ODC activity and DNA synthesis showed a reduction to 2.12-fold and 1.15-fold, respectively, at a higher dose of 2 mg BHA day(-1) animal(-1), compared with the Fe-NTA-treated groups. Pretreatment with BHA prior to Fe-NTA treatment increased GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes to a range of 1.5- to 2-fold in kidney. The results indicate that BHA suppresses Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats.
  8. Zamora-Ros R, Knaze V, Rothwell JA, Hémon B, Moskal A, Overvad K, et al.
    Eur J Nutr, 2016 Jun;55(4):1359-75.
    PMID: 26081647 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-015-0950-x
    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites with a large variability in their chemical structure and dietary occurrence that have been associated with some protective effects against several chronic diseases. To date, limited data exist on intake of polyphenols in populations. The current cross-sectional analysis aimed at estimating dietary intakes of all currently known individual polyphenols and total intake per class and subclass, and to identify their main food sources in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort.

    METHODS: Dietary data at baseline were collected using a standardized 24-h dietary recall software administered to 36,037 adult subjects. Dietary data were linked with Phenol-Explorer, a database with data on 502 individual polyphenols in 452 foods and data on polyphenol losses due to cooking and food processing.

    RESULTS: Mean total polyphenol intake was the highest in Aarhus-Denmark (1786 mg/day in men and 1626 mg/day in women) and the lowest in Greece (744 mg/day in men and 584 mg/day in women). When dividing the subjects into three regions, the highest intake of total polyphenols was observed in the UK health-conscious group, followed by non-Mediterranean (non-MED) and MED countries. The main polyphenol contributors were phenolic acids (52.5-56.9 %), except in men from MED countries and in the UK health-conscious group where they were flavonoids (49.1-61.7 %). Coffee, tea, and fruits were the most important food sources of total polyphenols. A total of 437 different individual polyphenols were consumed, including 94 consumed at a level >1 mg/day. The most abundant ones were the caffeoylquinic acids and the proanthocyanidin oligomers and polymers.

    CONCLUSION: This study describes the large number of dietary individual polyphenols consumed and the high variability of their intakes between European populations, particularly between MED and non-MED countries.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Coffee/chemistry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet*; Europe; Female; Flavonoids/administration & dosage; Food Analysis; Food Handling; Fruit/chemistry; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Mental Recall; Socioeconomic Factors; Tea/chemistry; Exercise; Nutrition Assessment*; Body Mass Index; Proanthocyanidins/administration & dosage; Polyphenols/administration & dosage*; Hydroxybenzoates/administration & dosage
  9. Saybani MR, Shamshirband S, Golzari S, Wah TY, Saeed A, Mat Kiah ML, et al.
    Med Biol Eng Comput, 2016 Mar;54(2-3):385-99.
    PMID: 26081904 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-015-1323-6
    Tuberculosis is a major global health problem that has been ranked as the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide, after the human immunodeficiency virus. Diagnosis based on cultured specimens is the reference standard; however, results take weeks to obtain. Slow and insensitive diagnostic methods hampered the global control of tuberculosis, and scientists are looking for early detection strategies, which remain the foundation of tuberculosis control. Consequently, there is a need to develop an expert system that helps medical professionals to accurately diagnose the disease. The objective of this study is to diagnose tuberculosis using a machine learning method. Artificial immune recognition system (AIRS) has been used successfully for diagnosing various diseases. However, little effort has been undertaken to improve its classification accuracy. In order to increase the classification accuracy, this study introduces a new hybrid system that incorporates real tournament selection mechanism into the AIRS. This mechanism is used to control the population size of the model and to overcome the existing selection pressure. Patient epacris reports obtained from the Pasteur laboratory in northern Iran were used as the benchmark data set. The sample consisted of 175 records, from which 114 (65 %) were positive for TB, and the remaining 61 (35 %) were negative. The classification performance was measured through tenfold cross-validation, root-mean-square error, sensitivity, and specificity. With an accuracy of 100 %, RMSE of 0, sensitivity of 100 %, and specificity of 100 %, the proposed method was able to successfully classify tuberculosis cases. In addition, the proposed method is comparable with top classifiers used in this research.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms*; Artificial Intelligence*; Expert Systems*; Humans; Pattern Recognition, Automated*; Tuberculosis/diagnosis*
  10. Mikail MA, Ahmed IA, Ibrahim M, Hazali N, Abdul Rasad MS, Abdul Ghani R, et al.
    Eur J Nutr, 2016 Jun;55(4):1435-44.
    PMID: 26091909 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-015-0961-7
    PURPOSE: The consequence of the increased demand due to the population expansion has put tremendous pressure on the natural supply of fruits. Hence, there is an unprecedented growing interest in the exploration of the potentials of underutilized fruits as alternatives to the commercially available fruits. Baccaurea angulata is an underutilized fruit widely distributed in Borneo Island of Malaysia. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of B. angulata whole fruit (WF), skin (SK) and pulp (PL) juices on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits fed high-cholesterol diet.

    METHODS: Thirty-six male rabbits of New Zealand strain were randomly assigned to six groups. Rabbits were fed either a standard pellet (group NC) or a high-cholesterol diet (groups HC, PC, WF, SK and PL). Groups WF, SK and PL were also given 1 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF, SK and PL juices, respectively.

    RESULTS: Baccaurea angulata had high antioxidant activities. The administration of the various juices significantly reduced (p 

    MeSH terms: Fruit and Vegetable Juices/analysis*; Animals; Antioxidants/metabolism*; Catalase/blood; Cholesterol/blood; Cholesterol, Dietary/administration & dosage; Fruit/chemistry*; Glutathione Peroxidase/blood; Male; Malondialdehyde/blood; Rabbits; Superoxide Dismutase/blood; Lipid Peroxidation*; Diet, High-Fat; Tracheobionta/chemistry*
  11. Zeldin S, Krauss SE, Kim T, Collura J, Abdullah H
    J Youth Adolesc, 2016 08;45(8):1638-51.
    PMID: 26092232 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-015-0320-2
    After-school programs are prevalent across the world, but there is a paucity of research that examines quality within the "black box" of programs at the point of service. Grounded in current theory, this research examined hypothesized pathways between the experience of youth-adult partnership (youth voice in decision-making; supportive adult relationships), the mediators of program safety and engagement, and the developmental outcomes of youth empowerment (leadership competence, policy control) and community connectedness (community connections, school attachment). Surveys were administered to 207 ethnically diverse (47.3 % female; 63.3 % Malay) youth, age 15-16, attending after-school co-curricular programs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Results showed that youth voice in program decision-making predicted both indicators of youth empowerment. Neither youth voice nor supportive adult relationships was directly associated with community connectedness, however. Program engagement mediated the associations between youth-adult partnership and empowerment. In contrast, program safety mediated the associations between youth-adult partnership and community connectedness. The findings indicate that the two core components of youth-adult partnership-youth voice and supportive adult relationships-may operate through different, yet complementary, pathways of program quality to predict developmental outcomes. Implications for future research are highlighted. For reasons of youth development and youth rights, the immediate challenge is to create opportunities for youth to speak on issues of program concern and to elevate those adults who are able and willing to help youth exercise their voice.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Psychology, Adolescent*; Adult; Curriculum; Decision Making; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations*; Leadership; Leisure Activities/psychology*; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia; Male; Power (Psychology)*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Schools; Social Support; Social Participation/psychology*
  12. Faruck MO, Yusof F, Chowdhury S
    Peptides, 2016 06;80:80-88.
    PMID: 26093218 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.06.001
    Fungi are not classified as plants or animals. They resemble plants in many ways but do not produce chlorophyll or make their own food photosynthetically like plants. Fungi are useful for the production of beer, bread, medicine, etc. More complex than viruses or bacteria; fungi can be destructive human pathogens responsible for various diseases in humans. Most people have a strong natural immunity against fungal infection. However, fungi can cause diseases when this immunity breaks down. In the last few years, fungal infection has increased strikingly and has been accompanied by a rise in the number of deaths of cancer patients, transplant recipients, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients owing to fungal infections. The growth rate of fungi is very slow and quite difficult to identify. A series of molecules with antifungal activity against different strains of fungi have been found in insects, which can be of great importance to tackle human diseases. Insects secrete such compounds, which can be peptides, as a part of their immune defense reactions. Active antifungal peptides developed by insects to rapidly eliminate infectious pathogens are considered a component of the defense munitions. This review focuses on naturally occurring antifungal peptides from insects and their challenges to be used as armaments against human diseases.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antifungal Agents/pharmacology*; Antifungal Agents/chemistry; Fungi/cytology; Humans; Insects/metabolism; Insects/microbiology; Mycoses/drug therapy*; Mycoses/microbiology; Mycoses/epidemiology; Peptides/pharmacology; Peptides/chemistry; Insect Proteins/pharmacology*; Insect Proteins/chemistry; Drug Resistance, Fungal/drug effects
  13. Soo KW, Leong MC, Khalid F
    Cardiol Young, 2016 Feb;26(2):371-4.
    PMID: 26095661 DOI: 10.1017/S1047951115001055
    We describe the case of an infant who was a late presenter of transposition of the great arteries where we proceeded with ductal stenting to improve oxygenation and left ventricle training. Stenting improved the infant's saturation while keeping the left ventricle well trained for 4 months after the procedure. This report demonstrates that intermediate-term left ventricle training can be achieved via ductal stenting.
    MeSH terms: Heart Ventricles; Humans; Infant; Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; Transposition of Great Vessels; Stents; Term Birth
  14. Rani H, Ueno M, Zaitsu T, Kawaguchi Y
    Int J Dent Hyg, 2016 May;14(2):135-41.
    PMID: 26098532 DOI: 10.1111/idh.12160
    OBJECTIVE: To assess oral malodour level and its association with health behaviour, oral health behaviour and oral health status among adolescents.
    METHOD: A questionnaire survey and clinical examination that included tongue coating and oral malodour status were conducted on 665 senior high school students in Saitama, Japan. Analyses of Pearson chi-square, independent samples t-test and logistic regression were conducted using SPSS 19.0 with the significance level set at P 
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Feeding Behavior; Female; Halitosis/diagnosis*; Halitosis/etiology; Health Status*; Humans; Japan; Male; Oral Health*; Tongue; Health Behavior*
  15. Balasingam S, Azman RR, Nazri M
    QJM, 2016 Feb;109(2):121-2.
    PMID: 26101228 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcv121
    MeSH terms: Angina Pectoris/diagnosis*; Contrast Media/administration & dosage; Contrast Media/adverse effects*; Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods; Male; Middle Aged; Neurologic Examination/methods; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods; Treatment Outcome
  16. Thivya C, Chidambaram S, Keesari T, Prasanna MV, Thilagavathi R, Adithya VS, et al.
    Environ Geochem Health, 2016 Apr;38(2):497-509.
    PMID: 26104429 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9735-7
    Uranium is a radioactive element normally present in hexavalent form as U(VI) in solution and elevated levels in drinking water cause health hazards. Representative groundwater samples were collected from different litho-units in this region and were analyzed for total U and major and minor ions. Results indicate that the highest U concentration (113 µg l(-1)) was found in granitic terrains of this region and about 10 % of the samples exceed the permissible limit for drinking water. Among different species of U in aqueous media, carbonate complexes [UO2(CO3)(2)(2-)] are found to be dominant. Groundwater with higher U has higher pCO2 values, indicating weathering by bicarbonate ions resulting in preferential mobilization of U in groundwater. The major minerals uraninite and coffinite were found to be supersaturated and are likely to control the distribution of U in the study area. Nature of U in groundwater, the effects of lithology on hydrochemistry and factors controlling its distribution in hard rock aquifers of Madurai district are highlighted in this paper.
    MeSH terms: Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; India; Temperature; Uranium/analysis*; Water Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis*; Groundwater/chemistry*
  17. Singh D, Kapahi H, Rashid M, Prakash A, Majeed AB, Mishra N
    Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2016 May;44(3):780-91.
    PMID: 26107112 DOI: 10.3109/21691401.2015.1029622
    Clinically, the therapeutic outcomes in neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) by drug treatment are very limited, and the most insurmountable obstacle in the treatment of NDs is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which provides the highest level of protection from xenobiotics. A great deal of attention still needs to be paid to overcome these barriers, and surface-engineered polymeric nanoparticles are emerging as innovative tools that are able to interact with the biological system at a molecular level for the desired response. The present review covers the potential importance of surface-structure-engineered nanoparticles to overcome the BBB for good bioavailability, and the evaluation of drug therapy in NDs.
  18. Wei LK, Sutherland H, Au A, Camilleri E, Haupt LM, Gan SH, et al.
    J Clin Lab Anal, 2016 Jul;30(4):335-44.
    PMID: 26109141 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.21860
    BACKGROUND: Determination of the differential DNA methylation patterns of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) that are associated with differential MTHFR activity is important to understand the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. However, to date, no data are available on the differential DNA methylation profiles of Kelantanese Malays. Therefore, we developed a rapid and efficient serial pyrosequencing assay to determine differential DNA methylation profiles of MTHFR, which help to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. The developed assay also served as the validation platform for our previous computational epigenetic research on MTHFR.

    METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction primers were designed and validated to specifically amplify the cytosine that is followed by guanine residues (CpGs) A and B regions. Prior epigenotyping on 110 Kelantanese Malays, the serial pyrosequencing assays for the CpGs A and B regions were validated using five validation controls. The mean values of the DNA methylation profiles of CpGs A and B were calculated.

    RESULTS: The mean DNA methylation levels for CpGs A and B were 0.984 ± 0.582 and 2.456 ± 1.406, respectively. The CpGs 8 and 20 showed the highest (5.581 ± 4.497) and the lowest (0.414 ± 2.814) levels of DNA methylation at a single-base resolution.

    CONCLUSION: We have successfully developed and validated a pyrosequencing assay that is fast and can yield high-quality pyrograms for DNA methylation analysis and is therefore applicable to high throughput study. Using this newly developed pyrosequencing assay, the MTHFR DNA methylation profiles of 110 Kelantanese Malays were successfully determined. It also validated our computational epigenetic research on MTHFR.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Base Sequence; DNA/genetics; Humans; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Polymerase Chain Reaction; CpG Islands/genetics*; DNA Methylation/genetics; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics*; Epigenesis, Genetic*; Young Adult
  19. Rahman RA, Molla AH, Barghash HF, Fakhru'l-Razi A
    Environ Technol, 2016;37(1):1-15.
    PMID: 26111620 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2015.1058860
    Liquid-state bioconversion (LSB) technique has great potential for application in bioremediation of sewage sludge. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimum level of LSB process of sewage sludge treatment by mixed fungal (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium corylophilum) inoculation in a pilot-scale bioreactor. The optimization of process factors was investigated using response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design considering hydraulic retention time (HRT) and substrate influent concentration (S0) on nine responses for optimizing and fitted to the regression model. The optimum region was successfully depicted by optimized conditions, which was identified as the best fit for convenient multiple responses. The results from process verification were in close agreement with those obtained through predictions. Considering five runs of different conditions of HRT (low, medium and high 3.62, 6.13 and 8.27 days, respectively) with the range of S0 value (the highest 12.56 and the lowest 7.85 g L(-1)), it was monitored as the lower HRT was considered as the best option because it required minimum days of treatment than the others with influent concentration around 10 g L(-1). Therefore, optimum process factors of 3.62 days for HRT and 10.12 g L(-1) for S0 were identified as the best fit for LSB process and its performance was deviated by less than 5% in most of the cases compared to the predicted values. The recorded optimized results address a dynamic development in commercial-scale biological treatment of wastewater for safe and environment-friendly disposal in near future.
  20. Samsuddin N, Rampal KG, Ismail NH, Abdullah NZ, Nasreen HE
    Am J Hypertens, 2016 Feb;29(2):226-33.
    PMID: 26112865 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpv093
    Research findings have linked exposure to pesticides to an increased risk of cardiovascular (CVS) diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of chronic mix-pesticides exposure on CVS hemodynamic parameters.
    MeSH terms: Cardiovascular Diseases; Hemodynamics; Pesticides; Research; Risk
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