Browse publications by year: 2016

How Easy is it to Read the Minds of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Sheppard E, Pillai D, Wong GT, Ropar D, Mitchell P

J Autism Dev Disord, 2016 Apr;46(4):1247-54.
PMID: 26603886 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2662-8

How well can neurotypical adults' interpret mental states in people with ASD? 'Targets' (ASD and neurotypical) reactions to four events were video-recorded then shown to neurotypical participants whose task was to identify which event the target had experienced. In study 1 participants were more successful for neurotypical than ASD targets. In study 2, participants rated ASD targets equally expressive as neurotypical targets for three of the events, while in study 3 participants gave different verbal descriptions of the reactions of ASD and neurotypical targets. It thus seems people with ASD react differently but not less expressively to events. Because neurotypicals are ineffective in interpreting the behaviour of those with ASD, this could contribute to the social difficulties in ASD.

MeSH terms: Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology; Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology*; Adolescent; Emotions; Facial Expression*; Humans; Male; Nonverbal Communication*; Young Adult
Quantitative, single-step dual measurement of hemoglobin A1c and total hemoglobin in human whole blood using a gold sandwich immunochromatographic assay for personalized medicine

Ang SH, Rambeli M, Thevarajah TM, Alias YB, Khor SM

Biosens Bioelectron, 2016 Apr 15;78:187-93.
PMID: 26606311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.045

We describe a gold nanoparticle-based sandwich immunoassay for the dual detection and measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and total hemoglobin in the whole blood (without pretreatment) in a single step for personalized medicine. The optimized antibody-functionalized gold nanoparticles immunoreact simultaneously with HbA1c and total hemoglobin to form a sandwich at distinctive test lines to transduce visible signals. The applicability of this method as a personal management tool was demonstrated by establishing a calibration curve to relate % HbA1c, a useful value for type 2 diabetes management, to the signal ratio of captured HbA1c to all other forms of hemoglobin. The platform showed excellent selectivity (100%) toward HbA1c at distinctive test lines when challenged with HbA0, glycated HbA0 and HbA2. The reproducibility of the measurement was good (6.02%) owing to the dual measurement of HbA1c and total hemoglobin. A blood sample stability test revealed that the quantitative measurement of % HbA1c was consistent and no false-positive results were detected. Also, this method distinguished the blood sample with elevated HbF from the normal samples and the variants. The findings of this study highlight the potential of a lateral flow immunosensor as a simple, inexpensive, consistent, and convenient strategy for the dual measurement of HbA1c and total Hb to provide useful % HbA1c values for better on-site diabetes care.
Brief Report: First Identification of Intrafamilial Recurrence of Blau Syndrome due to Gonosomal NOD2 Mosaicism

Mensa-Vilaro A, Tarng Cham W, Ping Tang S, Chin Lim S, González-Roca E, Ruiz-Ortiz E, et al.

Arthritis Rheumatol, 2016 Apr;68(4):1039-44.
PMID: 26606664 DOI: 10.1002/art.39519

Blau syndrome is characterized by noncaseating granulomatous arthritis, dermatitis, and uveitis, and results from gain-of-function NOD2 mutations. This study was undertaken to identify the genetic cause of the disease in a family with 3 members with Blau syndrome.

MeSH terms: Arthritis; Dermatitis; Sarcoidosis; Synovitis; Uveitis
Fulltext Relationship between retinal blood flow and arterial oxygen

Cheng RW, Yusof F, Tsui E, Jong M, Duffin J, Flanagan JG, et al.

J Physiol, 2016 Feb 01;594(3):625-40.
PMID: 26607393 DOI: 10.1113/JP271182

KEY POINTS: Vascular reactivity, the response of the vessels to a vasoactive stimulus such as hypoxia and hyperoxia, can be used to assess the vascular range of adjustment in which the vessels are able to compensate for changes in PO2. Previous studies in the retina have not accurately quantified retinal vascular responses and precisely targeted multiple PaO2 stimuli at the same time as controlling the level of carbon dioxide, thus precluding them from modelling the relationship between retinal blood flow and oxygen. The present study modelled the relationship between retinal blood flow and PaO2, showing them to be a combined linear and hyperbolic function. This model demonstrates that the resting tonus of the vessels is at the mid-point and that they have great vascular range of adjustment, compensating for decreases in oxygen above a PETCO2 of 32-37 mmHg but being limited below this threshold. Retinal blood flow (RBF) increases in response to a reduction in oxygen (hypoxia) but decreases in response to increased oxygen (hyperoxia). However, the relationship between blood flow and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen has not been quantified and modelled in the retina, particularly in the vascular reserve and resting tonus of the vessels. The present study aimed to determine the limitations of the retinal vasculature by modelling the relationship between RBF and oxygen. Retinal vascular responses were measured in 13 subjects for eight different blood gas conditions, with the end-tidal partial pressure of oxygen (PETCO2) ranging from 40-500 mmHg. Retinal vascular response measurements were repeated twice; using the Canon laser blood flowmeter (Canon Inc., Tokyo, Japan) during the first visit and using Doppler spectral domain optical coherence tomography during the second visit. We determined that the relationship between RBF and PaO2 can be modelled as a combination of hyperbolic and linear functions. We concluded that RBF compensated for decreases in arterial oxygen content for all stages of hypoxia used in the present study but can no longer compensate below a PETCO2 of 32-37 mmHg. These vessels have a great vascular range of adjustment, increasing diameter (8.5% arteriolar and 21% total venous area) with hypoxia (40 mmHg P ETC O2; P < 0.001) and decreasing diameter (6.9% arteriolar and 23% total venous area) with hyperoxia (500 mmHg PETCO2; P < 0.001) to the same extent. This indicates that the resting tonus is near the mid-point of the adjustment ranges at resting PaO2 where sensitivity is maximum.

MeSH terms: Adult; Anoxia/physiopathology; Humans; Oxygen/physiology*; Regional Blood Flow/physiology*; Retina/physiology*; Retinal Vessels/physiology*; Young Adult
Fulltext Vegetable and fruit consumption and the risk of hormone receptor-defined breast cancer in the EPIC cohort

Emaus MJ, Peeters PH, Bakker MF, Overvad K, Tjønneland A, Olsen A, et al.

Am J Clin Nutr, 2016 Jan;103(1):168-77.
PMID: 26607934 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.101436

BACKGROUND: The recent literature indicates that a high vegetable intake and not a high fruit intake could be associated with decreased steroid hormone receptor-negative breast cancer risk.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between vegetable and fruit intake and steroid hormone receptor-defined breast cancer risk.
DESIGN: A total of 335,054 female participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort were included in this study (mean ± SD age: 50.8 ± 9.8 y). Vegetable and fruit intake was measured by country-specific questionnaires filled out at recruitment between 1992 and 2000 with the use of standardized procedures. Cox proportional hazards models were stratified by age at recruitment and study center and were adjusted for breast cancer risk factors.
RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 11.5 y (IQR: 10.1-12.3 y), 10,197 incident invasive breast cancers were diagnosed [3479 estrogen and progesterone receptor positive (ER+PR+); 1021 ER and PR negative (ER-PR-)]. Compared with the lowest quintile, the highest quintile of vegetable intake was associated with a lower risk of overall breast cancer (HRquintile 5-quintile 1: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.94). Although the inverse association was most apparent for ER-PR- breast cancer (ER-PR-: HRquintile 5-quintile 1: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.96; P-trend = 0.03; ER+PR+: HRquintile 5-quintile 1: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.05; P-trend = 0.14), the test for heterogeneity by hormone receptor status was not significant (P-heterogeneity = 0.09). Fruit intake was not significantly associated with total and hormone receptor-defined breast cancer risk.
CONCLUSION: This study supports evidence that a high vegetable intake is associated with lower (mainly hormone receptor-negative) breast cancer risk.

MeSH terms: Adult; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism; Breast Neoplasms/prevention & control*; Diet*; Feeding Behavior*; Female; Fruit; Humans; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism*; Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism*; Risk Factors; Vegetables*; Proportional Hazards Models
Fulltext Nutrient-wide association study of 57 foods/nutrients and epithelial ovarian cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study and the Netherlands Cohort Study

Merritt MA, Tzoulaki I, van den Brandt PA, Schouten LJ, Tsilidis KK, Weiderpass E, et al.

Am J Clin Nutr, 2016 Jan;103(1):161-7.
PMID: 26607939 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.118588

BACKGROUND: Studies of the role of dietary factors in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) development have been limited, and no specific dietary factors have been consistently associated with EOC risk.
OBJECTIVE: We used a nutrient-wide association study approach to systematically test the association between dietary factors and invasive EOC risk while accounting for multiple hypothesis testing by using the false discovery rate and evaluated the findings in an independent cohort.
DESIGN: We assessed dietary intake amounts of 28 foods/food groups and 29 nutrients estimated by using dietary questionnaires in the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) study (n = 1095 cases). We selected 4 foods/nutrients that were statistically significantly associated with EOC risk when comparing the extreme quartiles of intake in the EPIC study (false discovery rate = 0.43) and evaluated these factors in the NLCS (Netherlands Cohort Study; n = 383 cases). Cox regression models were used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs.
RESULTS: None of the 4 dietary factors that were associated with EOC risk in the EPIC study (cholesterol, polyunsaturated and saturated fat, and bananas) were statistically significantly associated with EOC risk in the NLCS; however, in meta-analysis of the EPIC study and the NLCS, we observed a higher risk of EOC with a high than with a low intake of saturated fat (quartile 4 compared with quartile 1; overall HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.41).
CONCLUSION: In the meta-analysis of both studies, there was a higher risk of EOC with a high than with a low intake of saturated fat.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Diet/adverse effects*; Dietary Fats/adverse effects*; Fatty Acids/adverse effects*; Feeding Behavior*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/etiology*; Netherlands; Ovarian Neoplasms/etiology*; Risk Factors; Cohort Studies
Alginate-based bipolymeric-nanobioceramic composite matrices for sustained drug release

Hasnain MS, Nayak AK, Singh M, Tabish M, Ansari MT, Ara TJ

Int J Biol Macromol, 2016 Feb;83:71-7.
PMID: 26608007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.11.044

Alginate-based bipolymeric-nanobioceramic composite matrices for sustained drug release were developed through incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite [nHAp] powders within ionotropically-gelled calcium ion-induced alginate-poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) blends polymeric systems. nHAp powders were synthesized by precipitation technique using calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and orthophosphoric acid [H3PO4] as raw materials. The average particle size of these was synthesized. nHAp powders was found as 19.04 nm and used to prepare nHAp-alginate-PVP beads containing DS. These beads exhibited drug entrapment efficiency (%) of 65.82±1.88 to 94.45±3.72% and average bead sizes of 0.98±0.07 to 1.23±0.15 mm. These beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform-infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses. Various nHAp-alginate-PVP beads containing DS exhibited prolonged sustained drug release and followed the Koresmeyer-Peppas model of drug release (R2=0.9908-0.9978) with non-Fickian release (anomalous transport) mechanism (n=0.73-0.84) for drug release over 8 h.

MeSH terms: Alginates/chemistry*; Calcium/chemistry; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods; Delayed-Action Preparations/chemistry*; Gels/chemistry; Hexuronic Acids/chemistry; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/methods; Particle Size; Polymers/chemistry*; Drug Delivery Systems/methods; Glucuronic Acid/chemistry; Nanocomposites/chemistry*; Drug Liberation/drug effects
The effects of preconception interventions on improving reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes in primary care: A systematic review

Hussein N, Kai J, Qureshi N

Eur J Gen Pract, 2016 Mar;22(1):42-52.
PMID: 26610260 DOI: 10.3109/13814788.2015.1099039

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes may be improved if the reproductive risk assessment is moved from the antenatal to the preconception period. Primary care has been highlighted as an ideal setting to offer preconception assessment, yet the effectiveness in this setting is still unclear.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of preconception interventions on improving reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes in primary care.
METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched from July 1999 to the end of July 2015. Only interventional studies with a comparator were included, analysed and appraised systematically, taking into consideration the similarities and differences of the participants, the nature of interventions and settings.
RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were eligible. Preconception interventions involved multifactorial or single reproductive health risk assessment, education and counselling and the intensity ranged from brief, involving a single session within a day to intensive, involving more than one session over several weeks. Five studies recruited women planning a pregnancy. Four studies involved multifactorial risks interventions; two were brief and the others were intensive. Four studies involved single risk intervention, addressing folate or alcohol. There was some evidence that both multifactorial and single risk interventions improved maternal knowledge; self-efficacy and health locus of control; and risk behaviour, irrespective of whether brief or intensive. There was no evidence to support reduced adverse pregnancy outcomes. One study reported no undue anxiety. The quality of the studies was moderate to poor.
CONCLUSION: The evidence from eligible studies is limited to inform future practice in primary care. Nevertheless, this review has highlighted that women who received preconception education and counselling were more likely to have improved knowledge, self-efficacy and health locus of control and risk behaviour. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
KEYWORDS: Preconception care; general practice; pregnancy outcomes; primary healthcare

MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Women; Review; Preconception Care*
Monoclonal antibodies specific to heat-treated porcine blood

Raja Nhari RM, Hamid M, Rasli NM, Omar AR, El Sheikha AF, Mustafa S

J Sci Food Agric, 2016 May;96(7):2524-31.
PMID: 26611757 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7547

Porcine blood is potentially being utilized in food as a binder, gelling agent, emulsifier or colorant. However, for certain communities, the usage of animal blood in food is strictly prohibited owing to religious concerns and health reasons. This study reports the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against heat-treated soluble proteins (HSPs) of autoclaved porcine blood; characterization of MAbs against blood, non-blood and plasma from different animal species using qualitative indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and immunoblotting of antigenic components in HSPs of porcine blood.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Excipients; Hot Temperature; Plasma; Swine; Immunoblotting; Emulsifying Agents
Fern-synthesized nanoparticles in the fight against malaria: LC/MS analysis of Pteridium aquilinum leaf extract and biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with high mosquitocidal and antiplasmodial activity

Panneerselvam C, Murugan K, Roni M, Aziz AT, Suresh U, Rajaganesh R, et al.

Parasitol Res, 2016 Mar;115(3):997-1013.
PMID: 26612497 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4828-x

Malaria remains a major public health problem due to the emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum strains resistant to chloroquine. There is an urgent need to investigate new and effective sources of antimalarial drugs. This research proposed a novel method of fern-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using a cheap plant extract of Pteridium aquilinum, acting as a reducing and capping agent. AgNP were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Phytochemical analysis of P. aquilinum leaf extract revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, steroids, and triterpenoids. LC/MS analysis identified at least 19 compounds, namely pterosin, hydroquinone, hydroxy-acetophenone, hydroxy-cinnamic acid, 5, 7-dihydroxy-4-methyl coumarin, trans-cinnamic acid, apiole, quercetin 3-glucoside, hydroxy-L-proline, hypaphorine, khellol glucoside, umbelliferose, violaxanthin, ergotamine tartrate, palmatine chloride, deacylgymnemic acid, methyl laurate, and palmitoyl acetate. In DPPH scavenging assays, the IC50 value of the P. aquilinum leaf extract was 10.04 μg/ml, while IC50 of BHT and rutin were 7.93 and 6.35 μg/ml. In mosquitocidal assays, LC50 of P. aquilinum leaf extract against Anopheles stephensi larvae and pupae were 220.44 ppm (larva I), 254.12 ppm (II), 302.32 ppm (III), 395.12 ppm (IV), and 502.20 ppm (pupa). LC50 of P. aquilinum-synthesized AgNP were 7.48 ppm (I), 10.68 ppm (II), 13.77 ppm (III), 18.45 ppm (IV), and 31.51 ppm (pupa). In the field, the application of P. aquilinum extract and AgNP (10 × LC50) led to 100 % larval reduction after 72 h. Both the P. aquilinum extract and AgNP reduced longevity and fecundity of An. stephensi adults. Smoke toxicity experiments conducted against An. stephensi adults showed that P. aquilinum leaf-, stem-, and root-based coils evoked mortality rates comparable to the permethrin-based positive control (57, 50, 41, and 49 %, respectively). Furthermore, the antiplasmodial activity of P. aquilinum leaf extract and green-synthesized AgNP was evaluated against CQ-resistant (CQ-r) and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of P. falciparum. IC50 of P. aquilinum were 62.04 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 71.16 μg/ml (CQ-r); P. aquilinum-synthesized AgNP achieved IC50 of 78.12 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 88.34 μg/ml (CQ-r). Overall, our results highlighted that fern-synthesized AgNP could be candidated as a new tool against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum and different developmental instars of its primary vector An. stephensi. Further research on nanosynthesis routed by the LC/MS-identified constituents is ongoing.

MeSH terms: Animals; Anopheles/drug effects; Anopheles/physiology; Antimalarials/toxicity; Antimalarials/chemistry*; Humans; Insecticides/toxicity; Insecticides/chemistry*; Larva/drug effects; Malaria/parasitology; Malaria/prevention & control; Plant Extracts/metabolism; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Plasmodium falciparum/drug effects; Plasmodium falciparum/physiology; Silver/toxicity*; Silver/chemistry; X-Ray Diffraction; Plant Leaves/metabolism; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Pteridium/metabolism; Pteridium/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry
Successful scaling-up of self-sustained pyrolysis of oil palm biomass under pool-type reactor

Idris J, Shirai Y, Andou Y, Mohd Ali AA, Othman MR, Ibrahim I, et al.

Waste Manag Res, 2016 Feb;34(2):176-80.
PMID: 26612557 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X15616472

An appropriate technology for waste utilisation, especially for a large amount of abundant pressed-shredded oil palm empty fruit bunch (OFEFB), is important for the oil palm industry. Self-sustained pyrolysis, whereby oil palm biomass was combusted by itself to provide the heat for pyrolysis without an electrical heater, is more preferable owing to its simplicity, ease of operation and low energy requirement. In this study, biochar production under self-sustained pyrolysis of oil palm biomass in the form of oil palm empty fruit bunch was tested in a 3-t large-scale pool-type reactor. During the pyrolysis process, the biomass was loaded layer by layer when the smoke appeared on the top, to minimise the entrance of oxygen. This method had significantly increased the yield of biochar. In our previous report, we have tested on a 30-kg pilot-scale capacity under self-sustained pyrolysis and found that the higher heating value (HHV) obtained was 22.6-24.7 MJ kg(-1) with a 23.5%-25.0% yield. In this scaled-up study, a 3-t large-scale procedure produced HHV of 22.0-24.3 MJ kg(-1) with a 30%-34% yield based on a wet-weight basis. The maximum self-sustained pyrolysis temperature for the large-scale procedure can reach between 600 °C and 700 °C. We concluded that large-scale biochar production under self-sustained pyrolysis was successfully conducted owing to the comparable biochar produced, compared with medium-scale and other studies with an electrical heating element, making it an appropriate technology for waste utilisation, particularly for the oil palm industry.

MeSH terms: Charcoal/analysis*; Hot Temperature; Incineration/methods*; Biomass*; Arecaceae/chemistry*
Temperature and Time of Steeping Affect the Antioxidant Properties of White, Green, and Black Tea Infusions

Hajiaghaalipour F, Sanusi J, Kanthimathi MS

J Food Sci, 2016 Jan;81(1):H246-54.
PMID: 26613545 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.13149

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the most highly consumed beverage in the world next to water. The common way of preparation is steeping in hot water which is varying for different type of tea. We investigated the antioxidant properties of 6 type of tea leaves under different time and temperatures of extraction method used. In general, all samples tested in this study demonstrated high levels of antioxidant capacity and antioxidant activity. The results indicate that the antioxidants activity is significantly affected by time and temperature of steeping and the highest was depending on the variety. White state values, green and black teas showed different levels of antioxidants under different extraction conditions. Overall, the highest activity for white tea was in prolonged hot and in some assays prolonged hot and cold extracts, whereas for green tea the highest activity observed in prolonged cold steeping while, for black tea was in short hot water infusion. The results of this study showed the antioxidant capacity of white and green tea was greater than black tea.

MeSH terms: Antioxidants; Beverages; Cold Temperature; Plant Extracts; Tea; Temperature; Water; Plant Leaves; Camellia sinensis
Using Fish Sauce as a Substitute for Sodium Chloride in Culinary Sauces and Effects on Sensory Properties

Huynh HL, Danhi R, Yan SW

J Food Sci, 2016 Jan;81(1):S150-5.
PMID: 26613570 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.13171

Historically, fish sauce has been a standard condiment and ingredient in various Southeast Asian cuisines. Moreover, fish sauce imparts umami taste, which may enhance perceived saltiness in food. This quality suggests that fish sauce may be used as a partial substitute for sodium chloride (NaCl) in food preparation, which may present a valuable option for health-conscious and salt-restricted consumers. However, the degree to which NaCl can be decreased in food products without compromising taste and consumer acceptance has not been determined. We hypothesized that NaCl content in food may be reduced by partial replacement with fish sauce without diminishing palatability and consumer acceptance. Preparations of 3 types of food were assessed to test this hypothesis: chicken broth (n = 72); tomato sauce (n = 73); and coconut curry (n = 70). In the first session, the percentage of NaCl that could be replaced with fish sauce without a significant change in overall taste intensity was determined for each type of food using the 2-Alternative Forced Choice method. In the second session, subjects rated 5 samples for each food with varying NaCl and/or fish sauce content on 3 sensory attributes: deliciousness; taste intensity; and saltiness. Our results demonstrate that NaCl reduction was possible in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and coconut curry at 25%, 16%, and 10%, respectively, without a significant loss (P < 0.05) in deliciousness and overall taste intensity. These results suggest that it is possible to replace NaCl in foods with fish sauce without reducing overall taste intensity and consumer acceptance.

MeSH terms: Animals; Chickens; Cocos; Condiments; Food; Sodium Chloride; Taste; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Lycopersicon esculentum
A Novel Approach Based on Data Redundancy for Feature Extraction of EEG Signals

Amin HU, Malik AS, Kamel N, Hussain M

Brain Topogr, 2016 Mar;29(2):207-17.
PMID: 26613724 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-015-0462-2

Feature extraction and classification for electroencephalogram (EEG) in medical applications is a challenging task. The EEG signals produce a huge amount of redundant data or repeating information. This redundancy causes potential hurdles in EEG analysis. Hence, we propose to use this redundant information of EEG as a feature to discriminate and classify different EEG datasets. In this study, we have proposed a JPEG2000 based approach for computing data redundancy from multi-channels EEG signals and have used the redundancy as a feature for classification of EEG signals by applying support vector machine, multi-layer perceptron and k-nearest neighbors classifiers. The approach is validated on three EEG datasets and achieved high accuracy rate (95-99 %) in the classification. Dataset-1 includes the EEG signals recorded during fluid intelligence test, dataset-2 consists of EEG signals recorded during memory recall test, and dataset-3 has epileptic seizure and non-seizure EEG. The findings demonstrate that the approach has the ability to extract robust feature and classify the EEG signals in various applications including clinical as well as normal EEG patterns.
Evaluation and assessment of baseline metal contamination in surface sediments from the Bernam River, Malaysia

Kadhum SA, Ishak MY, Zulkifli SZ

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Apr;23(7):6312-21.
PMID: 26614452 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5853-0

The Bernam River is one of the most important rivers in Malaysia in that it provides water for industries and agriculture located along its banks. The present study was conducted to assess the level of contamination of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Cr, Sn, and Fe) in surface sediments in the Bernam River. Nine surface sediment samples were collected from the lower, middle, and upper courses of the river. The results indicated that the concentrations of the metals decreased in the order of Sn > Cr > Ni > Fe > Cd (56.35, 14.90, 5.3, 4.6, and 0.62 μg/g(1) dry weight). Bernam River sediments have moderate to severe enrichment for Sn, moderate for Cd, and no enrichment for Cr, Ni, and Fe. The contamination factor (CF) results demonstrated that Cd and Sn are responsible for the high contamination. The pollution load index (PLI), for all the sampling sites, suggests that the sampling stations were generally unpolluted with the exception of the Bagan Tepi Sungai, Sabak Bernam, and Tanjom Malim stations. Multivariate techniques including Pearson's correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to apportion the various sources of the metals. The results suggested that the sediment samples collected from the upper course of the river had lower metal concentrations, while sediments in the middle and lower courses of the river had higher metal concentrations. Therefore, our results can be useful as a baseline data for government bodies to adopt corrective measure on the issues related to heavy metal pollution in the Bernam River in the future.

MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods; Malaysia; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Cluster Analysis; Geologic Sediments/analysis*; Metals, Heavy/analysis*; Rivers/chemistry*
Psychometric properties of Malay neuropsychiatry unit cognitive assessment tool among Alzheimer's disease patients in comparison to Malay Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Thong KS, Chee KY, Ng CG, Walterfang M, Velakoulis D

Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2016 Sep;8(3):238-40.
PMID: 26615809 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12227

This study aims to establish psychometric properties of the Malay Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (Malay NuCOG) in Alzheimer's disease. NuCOG was translated to Malay language and compared with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool on 80 individuals. The Malay NuCOG showed good internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.895). It demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity at the cutoff score of 78.50/100. The Malay NuCOG is a valid and reliable cognitive instrument that is sensitive and specific for the detection of dementia and has clinical advantages in its ability to examine individual cognitive domains.

MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis*; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis*; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires/standards*; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index*; Reproducibility of Results; Case-Control Studies; Neuropsychiatry/methods
Structural Modifications of Benzimidazoles via Multi-Step Synthesis and Their Impact on Sirtuin-Inhibitory Activity

Yoon YK, Choon TS

Arch Pharm (Weinheim), 2016 Jan;349(1):1-8.
PMID: 26616218 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500337

Benzimidazole derivatives have been shown to possess sirtuin-inhibitory activity. In the continuous search for potent sirtuin inhibitors, systematic changes on the terminal benzene ring were performed on previously identified benzimidazole-based sirtuin inhibitors, to further investigate their structure-activity relationships. It was demonstrated that the sirtuin activities of these novel compounds followed the trend where meta-substituted compounds possessed markedly weaker potency than ortho- and para-substituted compounds, with the exception of halogenated substituents. Molecular docking studies were carried out to rationalize these observations. Apart from this, the methods used to synthesize the interesting compounds are also discussed.

MeSH terms: Benzene; Benzimidazoles; Longitudinal Studies; Structure-Activity Relationship; Sirtuins; Halogenation; Molecular Docking Simulation
Anthropogenic waste indicators (AWIs), particularly PAHs and LABs, in Malaysian sediments: Application of aquatic environment for identifying anthropogenic pollution

Masood N, Zakaria MP, Halimoon N, Aris AZ, Magam SM, Kannan N, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Jan 15;102(1):160-75.
PMID: 26616745 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.032

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) were used as anthropogenic markers of organic chemical pollution of sediments in the Selangor River, Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted on sediment samples from the beginning of the estuary to the upstream river during dry and rainy seasons. The concentrations of ƩPAHs and ƩLABs ranged from 203 to 964 and from 23 to 113 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw), respectively. In particular, the Selangor River was found to have higher sedimentary levels of PAHs and LABs during the wet season than in the dry season, which was primarily associated with the intensity of domestic wastewater discharge and high amounts of urban runoff washing the pollutants from the surrounding area. The concentrations of the toxic contaminants were determined according to the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). The PAH levels in the Selangor River did not exceed the SQGs, for example, the effects range low (ERL) value, indicating that they cannot exert adverse biological effects.

MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring/methods; Malaysia; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/analysis*; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/chemistry; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry; Geologic Sediments/chemistry*; Rivers/chemistry*; Water Quality; Waste Water/chemistry; Estuaries
Diacerein-mediated inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R signaling induces apoptotic effects on breast cancer

Bharti R, Dey G, Ojha PK, Rajput S, Jaganathan SK, Sen R, et al.

Oncogene, 2016 Jul 28;35(30):3965-75.
PMID: 26616855 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.466

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling network has been implicated in oncogenic transformations making it attractive target for the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics. In this study, potent antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of diacerein were observed against breast cancer. In vitro apoptosis was induced by this drug in breast cancer cells as verified by increased sub-G1 population, LIVE/DEAD assay, cell cytotoxicity and presence of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, as well as downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and upregulation of apoptotic protein Bax. In addition, apoptosis induction was found to be caspase dependent. Further molecular investigations indicated that diacerein instigated apoptosis was associated with inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R autocrine signaling axis. Suppression of STAT3, MAPK and Akt pathways were also observed as a consequence of diacerein-mediated upstream inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R. Fluorescence study and western blot analysis revealed cytosolic accumulation of STAT3 in diacerein-treated cells. The docking study showed diacerein/IL-6R interaction that was further validated by competitive binding assay and isothermal titration calorimetry. Most interestingly, it was found that diacerein considerably suppressed tumor growth in MDA-MB-231 xenograft model. The in vivo antitumor effect was correlated with decreased proliferation (Ki-67), increased apoptosis (TUNEL) and inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R-mediated STAT3, MAPK and Akt pathway in tumor remnants. Taken together, diacerein offered a novel blueprint for cancer therapy by hampering IL-6/IL-6R/STAT3/MAPK/Akt network.

MeSH terms: Anthraquinones/pharmacology*; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*; Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Breast Neoplasms/immunology; Breast Neoplasms/pathology; Female; Humans; Phosphorylation; Signal Transduction/drug effects*; Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors*; Interleukin-6/physiology; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Receptors, Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors*; Receptors, Interleukin-6/physiology; Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Cell Line, Tumor; STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
Development and validation of a simple high performance thin layer chromatography method combined with direct 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay to quantify free radical scavenging activity in wine

Agatonovic-Kustrin S, Morton DW, Yusof AP

Food Chem, 2016 Apr 15;197(Pt A):285-90.
PMID: 26616951 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.10.128

The aim of this study was to: (a) develop a simple, high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method combined with direct 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to rapidly assess and compare free radical scavenging activity or anti-oxidant activity for major classes of polyphenolics present in wines; and (b) to investigate relationship between free radical scavenging activity to the total polyphenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the wine samples. The most potent free radical scavengers that we tested for in the wine samples were found to be resveratrol (polyphenolic non-flavonoid) and rutin (flavonoid), while polyphenolic acids (caffeic acid and gallic acid) although present in all wine samples were found to be less potent free radical scavengers. Therefore, the total antioxidant capacity was mostly affected by the presence of resveratrol and rutin, while total polyphenolic content was mostly influenced by the presence of the less potent free radical scavengers gallic and caffeic acids.

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