Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Trends in Self-Harm in Kuala Lumpur, 2005-2011
    Armitage CJ, Abdul Rahim W, Rowe R, O'Connor RC
    Arch Suicide Res, 2016;20(1):22-8.
    PMID: 26649775 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2015.1004493
    Acts of self-harm are not routinely tracked in Malaysia. The present study investigates the prevalence of self-harm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over a 7-year period. The aims were to: (a) assess the prevalence of self-harm; (b) examine any changes over a period of 7 years, and (c) identify correlates of methods of self-harm. Data were extracted from the hospital records of Kuala Lumpur Hospital to review trends in self-harm between 2005 and 2011. There were 918 episodes of self-harm across the 7-year period, with a significant peak in 2007-2009. The average rate of self-harm (7.7 per 100,000 population per year) was similar or lower than the rate of suicide (6-8 or 8-13 per 100,000) suggesting that genuine cases of self-harm are often attributed to other causes. Nevertheless, over-representation of young people, women and Indians suggest areas in which resources to prevent self-harm might usefully be targeted. Estimating rates of self-harm are fraught with problems and further research is needed to understand the economic and cultural barriers around seeking treatment for self-harm, reporting self-harm and classifying self-harm.
  2. Human colon cancer targeted pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic and cytostatic effects of binuclear Silver(I)-N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes
    Asif M, Iqbal MA, Hussein MA, Oon CE, Haque RA, Khadeer Ahamed MB, et al.
    Eur J Med Chem, 2016 Jan 27;108:177-187.
    PMID: 26649905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.11.034
    The current mechanistic study was conducted to explore the effects of increased lipophilicity of binuclear silver(I)-NHC complexes on cytotoxicity. Two new silver(I)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) complexes (3 and 4), having lypophilic terminal alkyl chains (Octyl and Decyl), were derived from meta-xylyl linked bis-benzimidazolium salts (1 and 2). Each of the synthesized compounds was characterized by microanalysis and spectroscopic techniques. The complexes were tested for their cytotoxicity against a panel of human cancer c as well normal cell lines using MTT assay. Based on MTT assay results, complex 4 was found to be selectively toxic towards human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT 116). Complex 4 was further studied in detail to explore the mechanism of cell death and findings of the study revealed that complex 4 has promising pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic activities against HCT 116 cells. Furthermore, it showed pronounced cytostatic effects in HCT 116 multicellular spheroid model. Hence, binuclear silver(I)-NHC complexes with longer terminal aliphatic chains have worth to be further studied against human colon cancer for the purpose of drug development.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Cell Survival/drug effects; Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Colonic Neoplasms/pathology; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Heterocyclic Compounds/chemical synthesis; Heterocyclic Compounds/pharmacology*; Heterocyclic Compounds/chemistry; Humans; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; Coordination Complexes/chemical synthesis; Coordination Complexes/pharmacology*; Coordination Complexes/chemistry
  3. Brexpiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia
    Yee A
    Expert Rev Neurother, 2016;16(2):109-22.
    PMID: 26650624 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2016.1129901
    Brexpiprazole (OPC-34712) is a novel serotonin-dopamine activity modulator, which has recently been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of schizophrenia. The aim of this paper is to systematically synthesize all data of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Brexpiprazole in treating schizophrenia. The terms 'Brexpiprazole', 'OPC-34712' and 'schizophrenia' were searched. A total of 12 clinical trials with 7 available data records were found. The pooled effect size of Brexpiprazole 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg were all superior to placebo in terms of the change from baseline in positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) total score at week 6 (weighted mean difference = -3.74, p = 0.044; weighted mean difference = -5.76, p 
    MeSH terms: Humans; Schizophrenia/drug therapy*; Thiophenes/therapeutic use*; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use; Quinolones/therapeutic use*; Treatment Outcome; Serotonin Agents/therapeutic use*; Dopamine Agonists/therapeutic use*
  4. Thin strut bare metal stents in patients with atrial fibrillation: Is there still a need for BMS?
    Leschke M, Waliszewski M, Pons M, Champin S, Nait Saidi L, Mok Heang T, et al.
    Catheter Cardiovasc Interv, 2016 Sep;88(3):358-66.
    PMID: 26650913 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.26261
    OBJECTIVES: This observational study assessed the 9-month clinical outcomes in an « all comers » population with a focus on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after thin strut bare metal stenting.

    BACKGROUND: Drug eluting stent (DES) implantation is the treatment of choice for coronary artery disease (CAD) leaving only marginal indications for the use of bare metal stents (BMS). However, selected treatment populations with DES contraindications such as patients who cannot sustain 6-12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) remain candidates for BMS implantations.

    METHODS: Thin strut bare metal stenting in a priori defined subgroups were investigated in a non-randomized, international, multicenter «all comers» observational study. Primary endpoint was the 9-month TLR rate whereas secondary endpoints included the 9-month MACE and procedural success rates.

    RESULTS: A total of 783 patients of whom 98 patients had AF underwent BMS implantation. Patient age was 70.4 ± 12.8 years. Cardiovascular risk factors in the overall population were male gender (78.2%, 612/783), diabetes (25.2%, 197/783), hypertension (64.1%, 502/783), cardiogenic shock (4.9%, 38/783) and end stage renal disease (4.9%, 38/783). In-hospital MACE was 4.1% (30/783) in the overall population. The 9-month TLR rate was 4.5% (29/645) in the non-AF group and 3.3% (3/90) in the AF group (P = 0.613). At 9 months, the MACE rate in the AF-group and non-AF group was not significantly different either (10.7%, 69/645 vs. 6.7%, 6/90; P = 0.237). Accumulated stroke rates were 0.3% (2/645) in the non-AF subgroup at baseline and 1.1% (1/90) in the AF subgroup (P = 0.264).

    CONCLUSION: Bare metal stenting in AF patients delivered acceptably low TLR and MACE rates while having the benefit of a significantly shorter DAPT duration in a DES dominated clinical practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anticoagulants/administration & dosage; Asia; Atrial Fibrillation/diagnosis; Atrial Fibrillation/etiology*; Atrial Fibrillation/mortality; Atrial Fibrillation/therapy; Coronary Artery Disease/mortality; Coronary Artery Disease/therapy*; Drug Therapy, Combination; Europe; Female; Hemorrhage/chemically induced; Humans; Male; Metals*; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction/etiology; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/administration & dosage; Prosthesis Design; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Stents*; Treatment Outcome; Stroke/etiology; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/adverse effects*; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/instrumentation*; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/mortality
  5. Informational constraints on interceptive actions of elite football goalkeepers in 1v1 dyads during competitive performance
    Shafizadeh M, Davids K, Correia V, Wheat J, Hizan H
    J Sports Sci, 2016 Sep;34(17):1596-601.
    PMID: 26652039 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1125011
    The aim of this study was to examine whether perceptual variables can provide informational constraints for the goalkeepers to intercept the ball successfully in 1v1 dyads. Video images of 42 actions (1v1 in direct shots) were selected randomly from different matches and divided into conceded goals (n = 20) and saved actions (n = 22) to investigate interceptive actions of 20 goalkeepers in the English Premier League in season 2013-2014. Time to Contact (TTC) of the closing distance gap between shooter and goalkeeper was obtained by digitising actions in the 18-yard penalty box. Statistical analyses revealed that, in sequences of play resulting in an intercepted shot at goal, goalkeepers closed down outfield players in the X axis, whereas when a goal was conceded, there was a significantly delayed movement by goalkeepers toward the shooters in this plane. The results of canonical correlations showed that a decreasing distance between a shooter and goalkeeper, and accompanied reduction in relative interpersonal velocity followed a temporal pattern. Findings of this study showed how perception of key informational constraints on dyadic system relations, such as TTC, interpersonal distance and relative velocity, constrain elite goalkeepers' interceptive actions, playing an important role in successful performance.
    MeSH terms: Competitive Behavior/physiology*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Reaction Time; Soccer/physiology*; Space Perception/physiology*; Time Perception/physiology*; Athletic Performance/physiology*
  6. Fulltext The Relationship Between Tear Ferning Patterns and Non-invasive Tear Break-up Time in Normal Asian Population
    Sharanjeet-Kaur, Ho CY, Mutalib HA, Ghazali AR
    J Optom, 2016 Jul-Sep;9(3):175-81.
    PMID: 26652245 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2015.10.004
    PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between tear ferning patterns (TFP) and non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) in normal Asian subjects.

    METHODS: One hundred and forty-five adults with no ocular surface disorders were recruited. TFP and NIBUT were determined. Tears were collected using a capillary tube and allowed to air dry at room temperature for 10min. TFP was later observed using a light microscope and classified according to Rolando's classification. Measurement for NIBUT was obtained using a Tearscope with the slit lamp magnification.

    RESULTS: It was found that there is no significant difference between gender in TFP (Z=-1.77, P>.05) and NIBUT (Z=-1.475, P>.05). There is also no significant difference between Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other races in TFP, (H(3)=4.85, P>.05) and NIBUT (H(3)=2.18, P>.05). However, there is a significant difference between age groups of 20-29, 30-39, 40-49,and 50-60 years old in both TFP (H(3)=28.25, P
    MeSH terms: Adult; Age Factors; Aging/physiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Factors; Tears/physiology*; Dry Eye Syndromes/diagnosis; Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
  7. Characterization and antibacterial activity of silver exchanged regenerated NaY zeolite from surfactant-modified NaY zeolite
    Salim MM, Malek NANN
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2016 Feb;59:70-77.
    PMID: 26652350 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.09.099
    The antibacterial activity of regenerated NaY zeolite (thermal treatment from cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified NaY zeolite and pretreatment with Na ions) loaded with silver ions were examined using the broth dilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against Escherichia coli (E. coli ATCC 11229) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ATCC 6538). X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and chemical elemental analyses were used to characterize the regenerated NaY and AgY zeolites. The XRD patterns indicated that the calcination and addition of silver ions on regenerated NaY zeolite did not affect the structure of the regenerated NaY zeolite as the characteristic peaks of the NaY zeolite were retained, and no new peaks were observed. The regenerated AgY zeolite showed good antibacterial activity against both bacteria strains in distilled water, and the antibacterial activity of the samples increased with increasing Ag loaded on the regenerated AgY zeolite; the regenerated AgY zeolite was more effective against E. coli than S. aureus. However, the antibacterial activity of the regenerated AgY was not effective in saline solution for both bacteria. The study showed that CTAB-modified NaY zeolite materials could be regenerated to NaY zeolite using thermal treatment (550°C, 5h) and this material has excellent performance as an antibacterial agent after silver ions loading.
    MeSH terms: Escherichia coli/growth & development*; Staphylococcus aureus/growth & development*; Surface-Active Agents/chemistry*
  8. Synthesis of flexirubin-mediated silver nanoparticles using Chryseobacterium artocarpi CECT 8497 and investigation of its anticancer activity
    Venil CK, Sathishkumar P, Malathi M, Usha R, Jayakumar R, Yusoff ARM, et al.
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2016 Feb;59:228-234.
    PMID: 26652368 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.10.019
    In this work, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from a pigment produced by a recently-discovered bacterium, Chryseobacterium artocarpi CECT 8497, was achieved, followed by an investigation of its anticancer properties. The bacterial pigment was identified as flexirubin following NMR ((1)H NMR and (13)C NMR), UV-Vis, and LC-MS analysis. An aqueous silver nitrate solution was treated with isolated flexirubin to produce silver nanoparticles. The synthesised silver nanoparticles were subsequently characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy methodologies. Furthermore, the anticancer effects of synthesised silver nanoparticles in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) were evaluated. The tests showed significant cytotoxicity activity of the silver nanoparticles in the cultured cells, with an IC50 value of 36μgmL(-1). This study demonstrates that silver nanoparticles, synthesised from flexirubin from C. artocarpi CECT 8497, may have potential as a novel chemotherapeutic agent.
    MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism; Female; Humans; Polyenes/chemistry*; Chryseobacterium/chemistry*; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry*; MCF-7 Cells
  9. Synthesis and characterization of Co3O4 ultra-nanosheets and Co3O4 ultra-nanosheet-Ni(OH)2 as non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors for glucose detection
    Mahmoudian MR, Basirun WJ, Woi PM, Sookhakian M, Yousefi R, Ghadimi H, et al.
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2016 Feb;59:500-508.
    PMID: 26652401 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.10.055
    The present study examines the synthesis of Co3O4 ultra-nanosheets (Co3O4 UNSs) and Co3O4 ultra-nanosheet-Ni(OH)2 (Co3O4 UNS-Ni(OH)2) via solvothermal process and their application as non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors for glucose detection. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the Co3O4 UNS deposition on Ni(OH)2 surface. The presence of Co3O4 UNSs on Ni (OH) 2 surface improved the sensitivity of glucose detection, from the increase of glucose oxidation peak current at the Co3O4 UNS-Ni(OH)2/glassy carbon electrode (current density: 2000μA·cm(-2)), compared to the Co3O4 UNSs. These results confirmed that Ni(OH)2 on glassy carbon electrode is a sensitive material for glucose detection, moreover the Co3O4 UNSs can increase the interaction and detection of glucose due to their high surface area. The estimated limit of detection (S/N=3) and limit of quantification (S/N=10) of the linear segment (5-40μM) are 1.08μM and 3.60μM respectively. The reproducibility experiments confirmed the feasibility of Co3O4 UNS-Ni(OH)2 for the quantitative detection of certain concentration ranges of glucose.
    MeSH terms: Cobalt/chemistry*; Glucose/analysis*; Hydroxides/chemistry*; Membranes, Artificial*; Nickel/chemistry*; Oxides/chemistry*; Nanostructures/chemistry*
  10. Partial oxidation of TiN coating by hydrothermal treatment and ozone treatment to improve its osteoconductivity
    Shi X, Xu L, Le TB, Zhou G, Zheng C, Tsuru K, et al.
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2016 Feb;59:542-548.
    PMID: 26652406 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.10.024
    Dental implants made of pure titanium suffer from abrasion and scratch during routine oral hygiene procedures. This results in an irreversible surface damage, facilitates bacteria adhesion and increases risk of peri-implantitis. To overcome these problems, titanium nitride (TiN) coating was introduced to increase surface hardness of pure titanium. However, the osteoconductivity of TiN is considered to be similar or superior to that of titanium and its alloys and therefore surface modification is necessary. In this study, TiN coating prepared through gas nitriding was partially oxidized by hydrothermal (HT) treatment and ozone (O3) treatment in pure water to improve its osteoconductivity. The effects of HT treatment and O3 treatment on surface properties of TiN were investigated and the osteoconductivity after undergoing treatment was assessed in vitro using osteoblast evaluation. The results showed that the critical temperature for HT treatment was 100°C since higher temperatures would impair the hardness of TiN coating. By contrast, O3 treatment was more effective in oxidizing TiN surfaces, improving its wettability while preserving its morphology and hardness. Osteoblast attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and mineralization were improved on oxidized specimens, especially on O3 treated specimens, compared with untreated ones. These effects seemed to be consequences of partial oxidation, as well as improved hydrophilicity and surface decontamination. Finally, it was concluded that, partially oxidized TiN is a promising coating to be used for dental implant.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bone Regeneration/drug effects*; Cell Differentiation/drug effects; Cell Physiological Phenomena; Cells, Cultured; Hot Temperature; Male; Osteoblasts/cytology; Osteoblasts/drug effects*; Oxidation-Reduction; Ozone/chemistry*; Titanium/pharmacology; Titanium/chemistry*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Coated Materials, Biocompatible/pharmacology; Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemistry*; Rats; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  11. Computational local stiffness analysis of biological cell: High aspect ratio single wall carbon nanotube tip
    TermehYousefi A, Bagheri S, Shahnazar S, Rahman MH, Kadri NA
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2016 Feb;59:636-642.
    PMID: 26652417 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.10.041
    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are potentially ideal tips for atomic force microscopy (AFM) due to the robust mechanical properties, nanoscale diameter and also their ability to be functionalized by chemical and biological components at the tip ends. This contribution develops the idea of using CNTs as an AFM tip in computational analysis of the biological cells. The proposed software was ABAQUS 6.13 CAE/CEL provided by Dassault Systems, which is a powerful finite element (FE) tool to perform the numerical analysis and visualize the interactions between proposed tip and membrane of the cell. Finite element analysis employed for each section and displacement of the nodes located in the contact area was monitored by using an output database (ODB). Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic model of the cell allows the simulation to obtain a new method for estimating the stiffness and spring constant of the cell. Stress and strain curve indicates the yield stress point which defines as a vertical stress and plan stress. Spring constant of the cell and the local stiffness was measured as well as the applied force of CNT-AFM tip on the contact area of the cell. This reliable integration of CNT-AFM tip process provides a new class of high performance nanoprobes for single biological cell analysis.
    MeSH terms: Models, Biological*; Microscopy, Atomic Force/instrumentation*; Microscopy, Atomic Force/methods; Finite Element Analysis; Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry*; Single-Cell Analysis/instrumentation*; Single-Cell Analysis/methods
  12. PVDF-ErGO-GRC electrode: A single setup electrochemical system for separation, pre-concentration and detection of lead ions in complex aqueous samples
    Hamsawahini K, Sathishkumar P, Ahamad R, Yusoff AR
    Talanta, 2016 Feb 1;148:101-7.
    PMID: 26653429 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.10.044
    An effective electrode was developed based on electromembrane extraction (EME) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) for simultaneous separation, pre-concentration and determination of lead (II) (Pb(II)) ions in complex aqueous samples. Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-graphite reinforced carbon (ErGO-GRC) was utilized in conjunction with the SWV. Pb(II) ions were extracted from an aqueous sample solution into an acidic acceptor phase (1M HCl) in the lumen of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane bag by the application of voltage of maximum 6 V across the supported liquid membrane (SLM), consisting of organic solvent and di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA). The parameters affecting the EME were optimized for Pb(II) ions. The optimum EME conditions were found to be 20% D2EHPA in 1-octanol impregnated in the wall of PVDF membrane (PVDF17) as the SLM, extraction time of 20 min, pH of sample solution of 8 and a voltage of 5 V. The PVDF-ErGO-GRC electrode system attained enrichment factors of 40 times and 80% of extraction with relative standard deviations (n=5) of 8.3%. Good linearity ranging from 0.25 to 2 nM with coefficients correlation of 0.999 was obtained. The Pb(II) ions detection limit of PVDF-ErGO-GRC electrode was found to be 0.09 nM. The newly developed single setup electrochemical system was applied to complex aqueous samples such as tap, river and sea water to evaluate the feasibility of the method for applications.
    MeSH terms: Carbon; Electrodes; Graphite; Lead; Oxides; Phosphoric Acids; Polyvinyls; Seawater; Solvents; 1-Octanol; Rivers; Limit of Detection
  13. New chrysin-functionalized silica-core shell magnetic nanoparticles for the magnetic solid phase extraction of copper ions from water samples
    Abd Ali LI, Ibrahim WA, Sulaiman A, Kamboh MA, Sanagi MM
    Talanta, 2016 Feb 1;148:191-9.
    PMID: 26653440 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.10.062
    This study describes the synthesis, characterization and application of a new chrysin-based silica core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-N-chrysin) as an adsorbent for the preconcentration of Cu(II) from aqueous environment. The morphology, thermal stability and magnetic property of Fe3O4@SiO2-N-chrysin were analyzed using FTIR, FESEM, TEM, XRD, thermal analysis and VSM. The extraction efficiency of Fe3O4@SiO2-N-chrysin was analyzed using the batch wise method with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Parameters such as the pH, the sample volume, the adsorption-desorption time, the concentration of the desorption solvent, the desorption volume, the interference effects and the regeneration of the adsorbent were optimized. It was determined that Cu(II) adsorption is highly pH-dependent, and a high recovery (98%) was achieved at a pH 6. The limit of detection (S/N=3), the limit of quantification (S/N=10), the preconcentration factor and the relative standard deviation for Cu(II) extraction were 0.3 ng mL(-1), 1 ng mL(-1), 100 and 1.9% (concentration=30 ng mL(-1), n=7), respectively. Excellent relative recoveries of 97-104% (%RSD<3.12) were achieved from samples from a spiked river, a lake and tap water. The MSPE method was also validated using certified reference materials SLRS-5 with good recovery (92.53%).
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Flavonoids; Magnetics; Regeneration; Silicon Dioxide; Solvents; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Rivers; Limit of Detection; Magnetite Nanoparticles; Lakes
  14. HIV-1 Tat biosensor: Current development and trends for early detection strategies
    Fatin MF, Ruslinda AR, Arshad MK, Tee KK, Ayub RM, Hashim U, et al.
    Biosens Bioelectron, 2016 Apr 15;78:358-66.
    PMID: 26655174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.067
    Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected almost 35 million people worldwide. Various tests have been developed to detect the presence of HIV during the early stages of the disease in order to reduce the risk of transmission to other humans. The HIV-1 Tat protein is one of the proteins present in HIV that are released abundantly approximately 2-4 weeks after infection. In this review, we have outlined various strategies for detecting the Tat protein, which helps transcribe the virus and enhances replication. Detection strategies presented include immunoassays, biosensors and gene expression, which utilize antibodies or aptamers as common probes to sense the presence of Tat. Alternatively, measuring the levels of gene transcription is a direct method of analysing the HIV gene to confirm the presence of Tat. By detection of the Tat protein, virus transmission can be detected in high-risk individuals in the early stages of the disease to reduce the risk of an HIV pandemic.
  15. Perioperative Outcome in Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective Study Comparing Single Versus Two Attending Surgeons Strategy
    Chan CYW, Kwan MK
    Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2016 Jun;41(11):E694-E699.
    PMID: 26656053 DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001349
    STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study.

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative outcome of posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients comparing a single attending surgeon strategy (G1) versus a dual attending surgeon strategy (G2).

    SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The complication rate for surgical correction in AIS is significant. There are no prospective studies that investigate dual attending surgeon strategy for posterior spinal fusion in AIS.

    METHODS: A total of 60 patients (30 patients in each arm) were recruited. The patients were comparable for age, gender, Lenke classification, major Cobb angle magnitude, and number of fusion levels. The anesthetic, surgical, and postoperative protocol was standardized. The outcome measures included the operative duration, blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin, need for transfusion, morphine usage, duration of hospital stay, intraoperative lactate levels, and pH. The timing of the operation at six critical stages of the operation was recorded.

    RESULTS: The mean operative time for G2 was 173.6 ± 27.0 minutes versus 248.0 ± 49.9 minutes in G1 (P 

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Complications/epidemiology; Intraoperative Complications/prevention & control*; Male; Prospective Studies; Scoliosis/diagnosis; Scoliosis/epidemiology; Scoliosis/surgery*; Spinal Fusion/methods*; Spinal Fusion/trends; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Operative Time*
  16. Performance of a novel casing made of chitosan under traditional sausage manufacturing conditions
    Adzaly NZ, Jackson A, Kang I, Almenar E
    Meat Sci, 2016 Mar;113:116-23.
    PMID: 26656870 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.11.023
    The goal of this study was to validate the commercial feasibility of a novel casing formed from chitosan containing cinnamaldehyde (2.2%, w/v), glycerol (50%, w/w) and Tween 80 (0.2% w/w) under traditional sausage manufacturing conditions. Meat batter was stuffed into both chitosan and collagen (control) casings and cooked in a water bath. Before and after cooking, both casings were compared for mechanical, barrier, and other properties. Compared to collagen, the chitosan casing was a better (P≤0.05) barrier to water, oxygen, liquid smoke, and UV light. In mechanical and other properties, the chitosan casing had higher (P≤0.05) tensile strength, lower (P≤0.05) elongation at break and tensile energy to break, and better (P≤0.05) transparency whereas a similar (P>0.05) water solubility to the collagen casing. Overall, the chitosan casing was less affected by sausage manufacturing conditions than the collagen casing, indicating that chitosan casing has potential as an alternative to the current collagen casing in the manufacture of sausages.
    MeSH terms: Collagen; Cooking; Feasibility Studies; Glycerol; Goals; Meat Products; Oxygen; Polysorbates; Smoke; Solubility; Tensile Strength; Ultraviolet Rays; Water; Chitosan
  17. Illustrating the body: Cross-sectional and prospective investigations of the impact of life drawing sessions on body image
    Swami V
    Psychiatry Res, 2016 Jan 30;235:128-32.
    PMID: 26657309 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.11.034
    Life drawing sessions, where individuals produce drawings of the human figure from observations of a live model, may contain embodying elements that promote healthier body image. Two pilot studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. In Study 1, 138 individuals recruited from life drawing sessions in London, UK, estimated how many sessions they had attended in their lifetime and completed measures of negative and positive body image. In women, greater attendance was significantly associated with higher body appreciation and lower drive for thinness and social physique anxiety. In men, greater attendance was significantly associated with higher body appreciation, but not drive for muscularity or social physique anxiety. In Study 2, 37 women took part in a life drawing session for the first time. Compared to pre-session scores, participants had significantly more positive state body image and appearance satisfaction after the session. The findings of these studies suggest that life drawing may promote healthier body image, particularly among women, but further research is needed.
  18. Heart Failure in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America: The INTER-CHF study
    Dokainish H, Teo K, Zhu J, Roy A, AlHabib KF, ElSayed A, et al.
    Int J Cardiol, 2016 Feb 1;204:133-41.
    PMID: 26657608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.11.183
    There are few data on heart failure (HF) patients from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.
    MeSH terms: Africa; Asia; Heart Failure; Humans; Middle East; South America
  19. The spectrum of nasal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with the disease activity
    Kusyairi KA, Gendeh BS, Sakthiswary R, Shaharir SS, Haizlene AH, Yusof KH
    Lupus, 2016 Apr;25(5):520-4.
    PMID: 26657735 DOI: 10.1177/0961203315622279
    The purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum of nasal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its association with the disease activity of SLE based on the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). This was a cross-sectional and observational study involving 73 stable SLE patients. All subjects were evaluated for the SLEDAI scores and had nasal endoscopic examination. The most commonly reported symptom was nasal congestion (31.5%) followed by nasal itchiness (26.0%), runny nose (20.5%) and nasal dryness (19.2%). Almost half (42.9%) of the subjects had nasal mucosal abnormalities, which included mucositis, crusting, ulceration, bifid middle turbinate, septal spur, Jacobson's organ, deviated nasal septum, bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy, everted uncinate process, nasopharynx cleft and torus palatinus. The median SLEDAI score for subjects with nasal symptoms was significantly higher than subjects without nasal symptoms (p 
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals, University; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*; Malaysia; Nose*; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  20. Association between plasma soluble RAGE and renal function is unaffected by medication usage and enzymatic antioxidants in chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes
    Wong FN, Tan JA, Keng TC, Ng KP, Chua KH, Kuppusamy UR
    Clin Chim Acta, 2016 Jan 30;453:56-61.
    PMID: 26657980 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2015.12.002
    BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between soluble RAGE and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after controlling for the potential confounding factors such as medication usage and enzymatic antioxidants.
    METHODS: A total of 222 CKD patients whose eGFR is less than 60ml/min/1.73m(2) and 111 non-CKD individuals were recruited. The study subjects were classified based on their diabetes status. The plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as plasma soluble RAGE level were measured.
    RESULTS: The plasma GPx and SOD activities were significantly lower and the plasma soluble RAGE level was significantly higher in the CKD patients than in the non-CKD individuals, regardless of the diabetes status. Soluble RAGE was significantly correlated with eGFR in both diabetic CKD (D-CKD) and non-diabetic CKD (ND-CKD) patients. The association between soluble RAGE and eGFR remained largely unaffected by the confounding factors in D-CKD patients. However, the confounding effect of enzymatic antioxidants in the relationship between eGFR and soluble RAGE was observed in ND-CKD patients.
    CONCLUSION: The increased plasma level of soluble RAGE is a better indicator of renal function decline in diabetic CKD patients instead of non-diabetic CKD patients.
    KEYWORDS: Chronic kidney disease; Diabetes; Enzymatic antioxidants; Glomerular filtration rate; Medications; Soluble RAGE
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Malaysia; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
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