Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Molecular importance of prawn large heat shock proteins 60, 70 and 90
    Chaurasia MK, Nizam F, Ravichandran G, Arasu MV, Al-Dhabi NA, Arshad A, et al.
    Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2016 Jan;48:228-38.
    PMID: 26631804 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.11.034
    Considering the importance of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the innate immune system of prawn, a comparative molecular approach was proposed to study the crustacean large HSPs 60, 70 and 90. Three different large HSPs were identified from freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Mr) cDNA library during screening. The structural and functional characteristic features of HSPs were studied using various bioinformatics tools. Also, their gene expression and mRNA regulation upon various pathogenic infections was studied by relative quantification using 2(-ΔΔCT) method. MrHSP60 contains a long chaperonin 60 domain at 46-547 which carries a chaperonin 60 signature motif between 427 and 438, whereas MrHSP70 contains a long HSP70 domain at 21-624 and MrHSP90 carries a HSP90 domain at 188-719. The two dimensional analysis showed that MrHSP60 contains more amino acids (52%) in helices, whereas MrHSP70 (40.6%) and MrHSP90 (51.8%) carried more residues in coils. Gene expression results showed significant (P 
    MeSH terms: Aeromonas; Animals; DNA Virus Infections/immunology; DNA Virus Infections/veterinary; Gills/metabolism; Hemocytes/metabolism; RNA Virus Infections/immunology; RNA Virus Infections/veterinary; RNA, Messenger/genetics; Vibrio; Vibrio Infections/immunology; Vibrio Infections/veterinary; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/immunology; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/veterinary; DNA, Complementary/genetics; Nodaviridae; Hepatopancreas/metabolism; White spot syndrome virus 1
  2. Fulltext The current landscape of the mesenchymal stromal cell secretome: A new paradigm for cell-free regeneration
    Konala VB, Mamidi MK, Bhonde R, Das AK, Pochampally R, Pal R
    Cytotherapy, 2016 Jan;18(1):13-24.
    PMID: 26631828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.10.008
    The unique properties of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) to self-renew and their multipotentiality have rendered them attractive to researchers and clinicians. In addition to the differentiation potential, the broad repertoire of secreted trophic factors (cytokines) exhibiting diverse functions such as immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory activity, angiogenesis and anti-apoptotic, commonly referred to as the MSC secretome, has gained immense attention in the past few years. There is enough evidence to show that the one important pathway by which MSCs participate in tissue repair and regeneration is through its secretome. Concurrently, a large body of MSC research has focused on characterization of the MSC secretome; this includes both soluble factors and factors released in extracellular vesicles, for example, exosomes and microvesicles. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the MSC secretome with respect to their potential clinical applications.
    MeSH terms: Cell Movement; Humans; Regeneration*; Stem Cell Niche; Exosomes/metabolism; Translational Medical Research; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/cytology; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/secretion*
  3. Evaluation of Anti-diarrheal Potential of Hydro-alcoholic Extracts of Leaves of Murraya koenigii in Experimental Animals
    Ramasamy A, Das S, Mani V, Sengottuvelu S, Vinoth Prabhu V
    J Diet Suppl, 2016;13(4):393-401.
    PMID: 26631977 DOI: 10.3109/19390211.2015.1101636
    The indigenous medical system of India mentions the use of Murraya koenigii leaves for the treatment of different types of diarrheas over ages.
  4. Transdermal delivery of oxybutynin chloride proniosomal gels for the treatment of overactive bladder
    Rajabalaya R, David SR, Chellian J, Xin Yun G, Chakravarthi S
    Drug Deliv, 2016 Jun;23(5):1578-87.
    PMID: 26634274 DOI: 10.3109/10717544.2015.1116027
    CONTEXT: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common problem and anticholinergic drugs are first-line therapy, but they have side effects.

    OBJECTIVE: Development of oxybutynin chloride (OC) proniosomal gels and analyses of its efficacy for OAB treatment.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phase separation coacervation was used to prepare proniosomal gels using various non-ionic surfactants, lipids, soy lecithin and isopropyl alcohol. Gels were characterized with regard to entrapment efficiency (EE), vesicle size, surface morphology (using environmental scanning electron microscopy [E-SEM]), stability, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, in vitro skin permeation, in vivo animal studies and histopathology.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: EE was 87-92%, vesicle size was 0.38-5.0 μm, and morphology showed some loosened pores in proniosomes after hydration. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy showed no significant shifts in peaks corresponding to OC and excipients. Most formulations exhibited >50% permeation but the cholesterol-containing formulations P3 (Span 20:Span 60 [1:1]) and P4 [Tween 20:Tween 80 (1:1)] had the highest percent cumulative permeation. P3 and P4 also showed faster recovery of cholinergic effects on salivary glands than oral formulations. P3 and P4 had pronounced therapeutic effects in reduction of urinary frequency and demonstrated improvements in bladder morphology (highly regenerative surface of the transitional epithelium).

    CONCLUSION: These results suggest that OC could be incorporated into proniosomal gels for transdermal delivery in the treatment of OAB.

    MeSH terms: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Drug Stability; Gels/administration & dosage*; Gels/chemistry; Hexoses/chemistry*; Lipids/chemistry*; Mandelic Acids/administration & dosage*; Mandelic Acids/metabolism; Mandelic Acids/chemistry; Skin/metabolism*; Skin/chemistry; Urinary Bladder, Overactive/drug therapy*; Urinary Bladder, Overactive/metabolism
  5. Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase gene rs7946 polymorphism plays a role in risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: evidence from meta-analysis
    Tan HL, Mohamed R, Mohamed Z, Zain SM
    Pharmacogenet Genomics, 2016 Feb;26(2):88-95.
    PMID: 26636496 DOI: 10.1097/FPC.0000000000000193
    Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) governs the secretion of hepatic triglycerides in the form of very low-density lipoprotein and has been implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies on the role of the PEMT rs7946 polymorphism as a genetic modifier of NAFLD have reported inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate and summarize the association of PEMT rs7946 with susceptibility to NAFLD.
    MeSH terms: Lipoproteins, LDL; Lipoproteins, VLDL; Polymorphism, Genetic; Bodily Secretions; Triglycerides; Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase; Genes, Modifier; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  6. Patterns of substance use and correlates of lifetime and active injection drug use among women in Malaysia
    Wickersham JA, Loeliger KB, Marcus R, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL
    Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse, 2016 Jan;42(1):98-110.
    PMID: 26636885 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2015.1101467
    While drug use is associated with HIV risk in Southeast Asia, little is known about substance use behaviors among women, including drug injection.
  7. The immunomodulation potential of the synthetic derivatives of benzothiazoles: Implications in immune system disorders through in vitro and in silico studies
    Khan KM, Mesaik MA, Abdalla OM, Rahim F, Soomro S, Halim SA, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2016 Feb;64:21-8.
    PMID: 26637945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2015.11.004
    Benzothiazole and its natural or synthetic derivatives have been used as precursors for several pharmacological agents for neuroprotective, anti-bacterial, and anti-allergic activities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate effects of benzothiazole analogs (compounds 1-26) for their immunomodulatory activities. Eight compounds (2, 4, 5, 8-10, 12, and 18) showed potent inhibitory activity on PHA-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with IC50 ranging from 3.7 to 11.9 μM compared to that of the standard drug, prednisolone <1.5 μM. Some compounds (2, 4, 8, and 18) were also found to have potent inhibitory activities on the production of IL-2 on PHA/PMA-stimulated PBMCs with IC50 values ranging between <4.0 and 12.8 μM. The binding interaction of these compounds was performed through silico molecular docking. Compounds 2, 8, 9, and 10 significantly suppressed oxidative burst ROS production in phagocytes with IC50 values between <4.0 and 15.2 μM. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrites in murine macrophages cell line J774 were found to be inhibited by compounds 4, 8, 9, and 18 at a concentration of 25 μg/mL by 56%, 91%, 58%, and 78%, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 5, 8, 12, and 18 showed significant (P<0.05) suppressive activity on Th-2 cytokine, interleukin 4 (IL-4) with an IC50 range of <4.0 to 40.3 μM. Interestingly compound 4 has shown a selective inhibitory activity on IL-2 and T cell proliferation (naïve T cell proliferation stage) rather than on IL-4 cytokine, while compound 12 displayed an interference with T-cell proliferation and IL-4 generation. Moreover compound 8 and 18 exert non-selective inhibition on both IL-2 and IL-4 cytokines, indicating a better interference with stage leading to humoral immune response and hence possible application in autoimmune diseases.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Immunologic Factors/chemical synthesis; Immunologic Factors/pharmacology*; Immunologic Factors/toxicity; Interleukin-2/antagonists & inhibitors; Nitric Oxide/antagonists & inhibitors; T-Lymphocytes/drug effects; T-Lymphocytes/metabolism; Interleukin-4/antagonists & inhibitors; Reactive Oxygen Species/antagonists & inhibitors; NIH 3T3 Cells; Mice; Benzothiazoles/chemical synthesis; Benzothiazoles/pharmacology*; Benzothiazoles/toxicity; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Immunomodulation; Molecular Docking Simulation
  8. Benzimidazole derivatives as new α-glucosidase inhibitors and in silico studies
    Zawawi NK, Taha M, Ahmat N, Wadood A, Ismail NH, Rahim F, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2016 Feb;64:29-36.
    PMID: 26637946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2015.11.006
    Newly synthesized benzimidazole hydrazone derivatives 1-26 were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1-26 exhibited varying degrees of yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 8.40 ± 0.76 and 179.71 ± 1.11 μM when compared with standard acarbose. In this assay, seven compounds that showed highest inhibitory effects than the rest of benzimidazole series were identified. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic methods adequately. We further evaluated the interaction of the active compounds with enzyme with the help of docking studies.
    MeSH terms: alpha-Glucosidases/chemistry*; Benzimidazoles/chemical synthesis; Benzimidazoles/chemistry*; Hydrazones/chemical synthesis; Hydrazones/chemistry*; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/enzymology*; Stereoisomerism; Structure-Activity Relationship; Acarbose/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemistry*
  9. Influence of genetic polymorphisms of cytokine genes in the outcome of HLA-matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation in a South East Asian population
    Gan GG, Leong YC, Bee PC, Chin EF, Abdul Halim H, Nadarajan VS, et al.
    Cytokine, 2016 Feb;78:55-61.
    PMID: 26638029 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.11.022
    Non-HLA gene polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). This study aims to investigate the role of IL6, TNFα, IL10, IL2 and IL12 gene polymorphisms in the outcome of AHSCT in a South East Asian population. A total of 67 patients and 59 donors who underwent HLA-identical matched sibling AHSCT were available for analysis. There was no significant association between the different cytokine genotypes of patients with the incidence and severity of acute GVHD. Patients with IL2 166∗T allele and patients who received donor stem cells who had IL2 166∗G allele appeared to have reduced incidence of cGVHD. Patients who received donor stem cells with IL12 1188∗C allele are found to be associated with better disease free survival. These results suggest a possible role of IL2 and IL12 gene polymorphisms in the outcome of AHSCT in a South East Asian population.
  10. Particulate matter air pollution components and risk for lung cancer
    Raaschou-Nielsen O, Beelen R, Wang M, Hoek G, Andersen ZJ, Hoffmann B, et al.
    Environ Int, 2016 Feb;87:66-73.
    PMID: 26641521 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.11.007
    Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is a human lung carcinogen; however, the components responsible have not been identified. We assessed the associations between PM components and lung cancer incidence.
    MeSH terms: Air Pollution; Carcinogens; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Incidence; Particulate Matter
  11. Acoustically-controlled Leidenfrost droplets
    Ng BT, Hung YM, Tan MK
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2016 Mar 1;465:26-32.
    PMID: 26641561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2015.11.047
    Suppressing the Leidenfrost effect can significantly improve heat transfer from a heated substrate to a droplet above it. In this work, we demonstrate that by generating high frequency acoustic wave in the droplet, at sufficient vibration displacement amplitudes, the Leidenfrost effect can be suppressed due to the acoustic radiation pressure exerted on the liquid-vapor interface; strong capillary waves are observed at the liquid-vapor interface and subsequently leads to contact between the liquid and the heated substrate. Using this technique, with 10(5)Hz vibration frequency and 10(-6)m displacement amplitude of the acoustic transducer, a maximum of 45% reduction of the initial temperature (T0∼200-300°C) of the heated substrate can be achieved with a single droplet of volume 10(-5)l.
  12. Conformational analysis of champedak galactose-binding lectin under different urea concentrations
    Kameel NI, Wong YH, Shuib AS, Tayyab S
    Plant Physiol Biochem, 2016 Jan;98:57-63.
    PMID: 26642433 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2015.11.007
    Conformational analysis of champedak galactose-binding (CGB) lectin under different urea concentrations was studied in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2) using far-ultraviolet circular dichroism (far-UV CD), tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence and ANS fluorescence. In all cases, CGB lectin displayed a two-step, three-state transition. The first transition (from the native state to the intermediate state) started at ∼2.0 M urea and ended at ∼4.5 M urea, while the second transition (from the intermediate state to the completely denatured state) was characterized by the start- and end-points at ∼5.75 M and ∼7.5 M urea, respectively, when analyzed by the emission maximum of Trp fluorescence. A marked increase in the Trp fluorescence, ANS fluorescence and -CD values at 218 nm (-CD218 nm) represented the first transition, whereas a decrease in these parameters defined the second transition. On the other hand, emission maximum of the Trp fluorescence showed a continuous increase throughout the urea concentration range. Transformation of tetramer into monomer represented the first transition, whereas the second transition reflected the unfolding of monomer. Far-UV CD, Trp fluorescence and ANS fluorescence spectra were used to characterize the native, the intermediate and the completely denatured states of CGB lectin, obtained at 0.0 M, 5.0 M and 9.0 M urea, respectively. The intermediate state was characterized by the presence of higher secondary structures, increased ANS binding as well as increased Trp fluorescence intensity. A gradual decrease in the hemagglutination activity of CGB lectin was observed with increasing urea concentrations, showing complete loss at 4.0 M urea.
    MeSH terms: Circular Dichroism; Fluorescence; Hemagglutination; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Protein Conformation/drug effects; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Urea/pharmacology*; Protein Structure, Secondary/drug effects; Protein Folding/drug effects; Artocarpus/chemistry*; Galectins/drug effects; Galectins/chemistry*
  13. Effects of some dietary crude plant extracts on the growth and gonadal maturity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and their resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae infection
    Kareem ZH, Abdelhadi YM, Christianus A, Karim M, Romano N
    Fish Physiol Biochem, 2016 Apr;42(2):757-69.
    PMID: 26643907 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-015-0173-3
    A 90-day feeding trial was conducted on the growth performance, feeding efficacy, body indices, various hematological and plasma biochemical parameters, and histopathological examination of the gonads from male and female Nile tilapia fingerlings when fed different crude plant extracts from Cinnamomum camphora, Euphorbia hirta, Azadirachta indica, or Carica papaya at 2 g kg(-1) compared to a control diet. This was followed by a 14-day challenge to Streptococcus agalactiae. All treatments were triplicated, and each treatment consisted of 30 fish. Results showed that C. papaya extracts were the most effective at delaying gonadal maturation to both male and female tilapia, as well as significantly increasing (P < 0.05) growth performance compared to the control treatment. Similarly, dietary C. camphora and E. hirta extracts also significantly improved growth, while no significant growth effect was detected between the A. indica and control treatments (P > 0.05). Further, crude body lipid was lower in the C. camphora, E. hirta and C. papaya treatments, but was only significantly lower for the E. hirta treatment compared to the control. Meanwhile, none of the hematological or biochemical parameters were significantly affected, although plasma ALT was significantly lower for tilapia fed A. indica compared to the control. After the 14-day bacterial challenge, tilapia fed C. camphora supplementation had significantly higher survival, compared to the control, but was not significantly higher than the other supplemented diets. Results indicate that dietary C. papaya extract can significantly promote growth and delay gonadal maturation to both male and female tilapia, while C. camphora was the most effective prophylactic to S. agalactiae and may be a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Feed; Diet/methods*; Fish Diseases; Gonads/growth & development*; Plant Extracts*; Aquaculture/methods*; Dietary Supplements*; Cichlids/physiology*
  14. Work Factors, Work-Family Conflict, the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Healthy Intentions: A Cross-Cultural Study
    Shukri M, Jones F, Conner M
    Stress Health, 2016 Dec;32(5):559-568.
    PMID: 26643961 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2662
    The present study examined the roles of work factors (i.e. job demands and job resources), work-family conflicts and culture on predictors of healthy intentions (fruit and vegetable consumption, low-fat diet and physical activity) within the framework of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Employees from the United Kingdom (N = 278) and Malaysia (N = 325) participated in the study. Results indicated that higher job demands were significantly related to lower intentions to eat a low-fat diet. Women reported higher intentions to eat a low-fat diet than men did, while participants from the United Kingdom had lower intentions to engage in physical activity compared with those from Malaysia. The efficacy of TPB variables in explaining intentions was verified, with perceived behavioural control (i.e. self-efficacy), attitudes and descriptive norms combined with past behaviour predictive across the samples. The results also suggest the roles of culture and work interference with family variables in moderating TPB-intention relationships and confirm that TPB variables mediate the effects of job demands and job resources on intentions. Practically, to promote health, identifying strategies to reduce stress factors; specifying important cognitive factors affecting work factors and thus, healthy intentions; and acknowledging cultural-specific determinants of healthy intentions are recommended. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Conflict (Psychology)*; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Diet; Employment/psychology*; Family/psychology*; Female; Great Britain/ethnology; Humans; Life Style*; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Middle Aged; Psychological Theory; Health Behavior/ethnology*; Exercise; Self Efficacy*
  15. Co-localization of LTBP-2 with FGF-2 in fibrotic human keloid and hypertrophic scar
    Sideek MA, Teia A, Kopecki Z, Cowin AJ, Gibson MA
    J Mol Histol, 2016 Feb;47(1):35-45.
    PMID: 26644005 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-015-9645-0
    We have recently shown that Latent transforming growth factor-beta-1 binding protein-2 (LTBP-2) has a single high-affinity binding site for fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and that LTBP-2 blocks FGF-2 induced cell proliferation. Both proteins showed strong co-localisation within keloid skin from a single patient. In the current study, using confocal microscopy, we have investigated the distribution of the two proteins in normal and fibrotic skin samples including normal scar tissue, hypertrophic scars and keloids from multiple patients. Consistently, little staining for either protein was detected in normal adult skin and normal scar samples but extensive co-localisation of the two proteins was observed in multiple examples of hypertrophic scars and keloids. LTBP-2 and FGF-2 were co-localised to fine fibrous elements within the extracellular matrix identified as elastic fibres by immunostaining with anti-fibrillin-1 and anti-elastin antibodies. Furthermore, qPCR analysis of RNA samples from multiple patients confirmed dramatically increased expression of LTBP-2 and FGF-2, similar TGF-beta 1, in hypertrophic scar compared to normal skin and scar tissue. Overall the results suggest that elevated LTBP-2 may bind and sequester FGF-2 on elastic fibres in fibrotic tissues and modulate FGF-2's influence on the repair and healing processes.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Binding Sites; Elastic Tissue/injuries; Elastic Tissue/metabolism; Elastic Tissue/pathology; Elastin/genetics; Elastin/metabolism; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism; Extracellular Matrix/pathology; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Keloid/genetics*; Keloid/metabolism; Keloid/pathology; Male; Microfilament Proteins/genetics; Microfilament Proteins/metabolism; Protein Binding; Skin/injuries; Skin/metabolism*; Skin/pathology; Signal Transduction; Case-Control Studies; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/genetics*; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/genetics*; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/metabolism; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/pathology; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism; Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins/genetics*; Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins/metabolism; Re-Epithelialization/physiology; Fibrillins; Fibrillin-1
  16. Self-esteem mediates the relationship between connectedness to nature and body appreciation in women, but not men
    Swami V, von Nordheim L, Barron D
    Body Image, 2016 Mar;16:41-4.
    PMID: 26644328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.11.001
    Connectedness to nature (i.e., an affective and experiential connection to nature) is known to have a positive effect on psychological well-being, but its specific associations with body image have not been fully examined. To attend to this oversight, we conducted a preliminary investigation of associations between connectedness to nature and body appreciation. A total of 380 British adults completed measures of connectedness to nature, body appreciation, and self-esteem. Bivariate correlations revealed significant positive associations between all variables in women. In men, body appreciation was significantly correlated with self-esteem, but not connectedness to nature. Mediation analysis showed that, in women, self-esteem fully mediated the relationship between connectedness to nature and body appreciation. In men, body appreciation was significantly associated with self-esteem, but not connectedness to nature. These results point to a potential route for improving body image among women through connectedness to nature and self-esteem, but further research is necessary.
  17. Breastfeeding and postnatal depression: a prospective cohort study in Sabah, Malaysia
    Yusuff AS, Tang L, Binns CW, Lee AH
    J Hum Lact, 2016 May;32(2):277-81.
    PMID: 26644418 DOI: 10.1177/0890334415620788
    BACKGROUND: Postnatal depression is a disorder that can lead to serious consequences for both the mother and infant. Despite the extensively documented health benefits of breastfeeding, its association with postnatal depression remains uncertain.
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between full breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum and postnatal depressive symptoms among mothers in Sabah, Malaysia.
    METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 2072 women was conducted in Sabah during 2009-2010. Participants were recruited at 36 to 38 weeks of gestation and followed up at 1 and 3 months postpartum. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the validated Malay version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Repeated-measures analyses of variance was performed to compare the depression scores over time and between subgroups of breastfeeding mothers.
    RESULTS: Approximately 46% of women were fully breastfeeding their infants at 3 months postpartum. These mothers had significantly (P < .001) lower mean EPDS scores at both 1 and 3 months postpartum (mean ± SD, 4.14 ± 4.12 and 4.27 ± 4.12, respectively) than others who did not initiate or maintain full breastfeeding for 3 months (4.94 ± 4.34 and 5.25 ± 4.05, respectively). After controlling for the effects of covariates, the differences in EPDS scores remained statistically significant (P = .001) between the 2 breastfeeding groups.
    CONCLUSION: Full breastfeeding appeared to be negatively associated with postnatal depressive symptoms for mothers residing in Sabah.
    Study site: 5 maternal and child health clinics in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang Districts of Sabah, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Breast Feeding/psychology*; Breast Feeding/statistics & numerical data; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Maternal-Child Health Centers; Prospective Studies; Depression, Postpartum; Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis; Depression, Postpartum/epidemiology; Depression, Postpartum/prevention & control*; Protective Factors
  18. Unantimycin A, a new neoantimycin analog isolated from a microbial metabolite fraction library
    Lim CL, Nogawa T, Okano A, Futamura Y, Kawatani M, Takahashi S, et al.
    J Antibiot (Tokyo), 2016 06;69(6):456-8.
    PMID: 26648115 DOI: 10.1038/ja.2015.124
    MeSH terms: Chromatography; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mass Spectrometry; Streptomyces/chemistry*; Molecular Structure; Macrocyclic Compounds/isolation & purification*; Macrocyclic Compounds/chemistry
  19. Connecting science, policy, and implementation for landscape-scale habitat connectivity
    Brodie JF, Paxton M, Nagulendran K, Balamurugan G, Clements GR, Reynolds G, et al.
    Conserv Biol, 2016 10;30(5):950-61.
    PMID: 26648510 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12667
    We examined the links between the science and policy of habitat corridors to better understand how corridors can be implemented effectively. As a case study, we focused on a suite of landscape-scale connectivity plans in tropical and subtropical Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, and Bhutan). The process of corridor designation may be more efficient if the scientific determination of optimal corridor locations and arrangement is synchronized in time with political buy-in and establishment of policies to create corridors. Land tenure and the intactness of existing habitat in the region are also important to consider because optimal connectivity strategies may be very different if there are few, versus many, political jurisdictions (including commercial and traditional land tenures) and intact versus degraded habitat between patches. Novel financing mechanisms for corridors include bed taxes, payments for ecosystem services, and strategic forest certifications. Gaps in knowledge of effective corridor design include an understanding of how corridors, particularly those managed by local communities, can be protected from degradation and unsustainable hunting. There is a critical need for quantitative, data-driven models that can be used to prioritize potential corridors or multicorridor networks based on their relative contributions to long-term metacommunity persistence.
    MeSH terms: Asia; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Malaysia; Singapore; Ecosystem*; Environmental Policy; Forests
  20. Sensitive detection of Campylobacter jejuni using nanoparticles enhanced QCM sensor
    Masdor NA, Altintas Z, Tothill IE
    Biosens Bioelectron, 2016 Apr 15;78:328-36.
    PMID: 26649490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.033
    A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor platform was used to develop an immunosensor for the detection of food pathogen Campylobacter jejuni. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies and commercially available mouse monoclonal antibodies against C. jejuni were investigated to construct direct, sandwich and gold-nanoparticles (AuNPs) amplified sandwich assays. The performance of the QCM immunosensor developed using sandwich assay by utilising the rabbit polyclonal antibody as the capture antibody and conjugated to AuNPs as the detection antibody gave the highest sensitivity. This sensor achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 150 colony forming unit (CFU)mL(-1) of C. jejuni in solution. The QCM sensor showed excellent sensitivity and specificity for Campylobacter detection with low cross reactivity for other foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium, (7%) Listeria monocytogenes (3%) and Escherichia coli (0%). The development of this biosensor would help in the sensitive detection of Campylobacter which can result in reducing pre-enrichment steps; hence, reducing assay time. This work demonstrates the potential of this technology for the development of a rapid and sensitive detection method for C. jejuni.
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