Browse publications by year: 2016

Whole-genome sequence analysis and exploration of the zoonotic potential of a rat-borne Bartonella elizabethae

Tay ST, Kho KL, Wee WY, Choo SW

Acta Trop, 2016 Mar;155:25-33.
PMID: 26658020 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.11.019

Bartonella elizabethae has been known to cause endocarditis and neuroretinitis in humans. The genomic features and virulence profiles of a B. elizabethae strain (designated as BeUM) isolated from the spleen of a wild rat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are described in this study. The BeUM strain has a genome size of 1,932,479bp and GC content of 38.3%. There is a high degree of conservation between the genomes of strain BeUM with B. elizabethae type strains (ATCC 49927 and F9251) and a rat-borne strain, Re6043vi. Of 2137 gene clusters identified from B. elizabethae strains, 2064 (96.6%) are indicated as the core gene clusters. Comparative genome analysis of B. elizabethae strains reveals virulence genes which are known in other pathogenic Bartonella species, including VirB2-11, vbhB2-B11, VirD4, trw, vapA2-5, hbpA-E, bepA-F, bepH, badA/vomp/brp, ialB, omp43/89 and korA-B. A putative intact prophage has been identified in the strain BeUM, in addition to a 8kb pathogenicity island. The whole genome analysis supports the zoonotic potential of the rodent-borne B. elizabethae, and provides basis for future functional and pathogenicity studies of B. elizabethae.

MeSH terms: Animals; Bartonella/genetics*; Bartonella Infections/microbiology; Bartonella Infections/epidemiology*; Disease Reservoirs; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Genomics; Rats
Fulltext Content Analysis of Food and Beverages Advertisements Targeting Children and Adults on Television in Sri Lanka

Prathapan S, Wijewardena K, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2016 Jan;28(1 Suppl):86S-92S.
PMID: 26658325 DOI: 10.1177/1010539515620481

Food marketing is one of the main factors in the increase in childhood obesity. The objective is to compare the strategies used for promotion of food and beverages advertisements on Sri Lankan television for children and adults.

MeSH terms: Adult; Advertising as Topic/methods; Advertising as Topic/statistics & numerical data*; Beverages*; Child; Food*; Humans; Sri Lanka; Television*
Anti-breast cancer effects of live, heat-killed and cytoplasmic fractions of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus hominis isolated from human breast milk

Hassan Z, Mustafa S, Rahim RA, Isa NM

In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim, 2016 Mar;52(3):337-348.
PMID: 26659392 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9978-8

Development of tumour that is resistant to chemotherapeutics and synthetic drugs, coupled with their life-threatening side effects and the adverse effects of surgery and hormone therapies, led to increased research on probiotics' anticancer potentials. The current study investigated the potential of live, heat-killed cells (HKC) and the cytoplasmic fractions (CF) of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus hominis as anti-breast cancer agents. MCF-7 cell line was treated with 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL each of live, HKC and CF of the bacteria; and cytotoxicity was evaluated for 24, 48 and 72 h using MTT assay. The morphological features of the treated cells were examined by fluorescence microscopy. The stage of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were quantified by flow cytometry. The bacterial effect on non-malignant breast epithelial cell line, MCF-10A, was assessed using MTT assay for 24, 48 and 72 h. All the three forms of the bacteria caused a significant decrease in MCF-7 (up to 33.29%) cell proliferation in concentration- and time-dependent manner. Morphological features of apoptosis like cell death, cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing were observed. Flow cytometry analyses suggested that about 34.60% of treated MCF-7 was undergoing apoptosis. A strong anti-proliferative activity was efficiently induced through sub-G1 accumulation (up to 83.17%) in treated MCF-7 and decreased number in the G0/G1 phase (74.39%). MCF-10A cells treated with both bacteria showed no significant difference with the untreated (>90% viability). These bacteria can be used as good alternative nutraceutical with promising therapeutic indexes for breast cancer because of their non-cytotoxic effects to normal cells.

MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*; Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology; Cell Cycle/drug effects; Cytoplasm/metabolism*; Female; Humans; Milk, Human/microbiology*; Enterococcus faecalis/isolation & purification; Enterococcus faecalis/metabolism*; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Probiotics; Staphylococcus hominis/isolation & purification; Staphylococcus hominis/metabolism*; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects; MCF-7 Cells
Fulltext Circular RNA enrichment in platelets is a signature of transcriptome degradation

Alhasan AA, Izuogu OG, Al-Balool HH, Steyn JS, Evans A, Colzani M, et al.

Blood, 2016 Mar 03;127(9):e1-e11.
PMID: 26660425 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-06-649434

In platelets, splicing and translation occur in the absence of a nucleus. However, the integrity and stability of mRNAs derived from megakaryocyte progenitor cells remain poorly quantified on a transcriptome-wide level. As circular RNAs (circRNAs) are resistant to degradation by exonucleases, their abundance relative to linear RNAs can be used as a surrogate marker for mRNA stability in the absence of transcription. Here we show that circRNAs are enriched in human platelets 17- to 188-fold relative to nucleated tissues and 14- to 26-fold relative to samples digested with RNAse R to selectively remove linear RNA. We compare RNAseq read depths inside and outside circRNAs to provide in silico evidence of transcript circularity, show that exons within circRNAs are enriched on average 12.7 times in platelets relative to nucleated tissues and identify 3162 genes significantly enriched for circRNAs, including some where all RNAseq reads appear to be derived from circular molecules. We also confirm that this is a feature of other anucleate cells through transcriptome sequencing of mature erythrocytes, demonstrate that circRNAs are not enriched in cultured megakaryocytes, and demonstrate that linear RNAs decay more rapidly than circRNAs in platelet preparations. Collectively, these results suggest that circulating platelets have lost >90% of their progenitor mRNAs and that translation in platelets occurs against the backdrop of a highly degraded transcriptome. Finally, we find that transcripts previously classified as products of reverse transcriptase template switching are both enriched in platelets and resistant to decay, countering the recent suggestion that up to 50% of rearranged RNAs are artifacts.

MeSH terms: Blood Platelets/metabolism*; Exons/genetics; Exoribonucleases/metabolism; Humans; Megakaryocytes/metabolism; RNA/genetics*; Reproducibility of Results; RNA Stability/genetics*; Transcriptome/genetics*; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Genetic differentiation in proboscis monkeys--A reanalysis

Nijman V

Zoo Biol, 2016 Jan-Feb;35(1):1-3.
PMID: 26661798 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21256

Ogata and Seino [Zoo Biol, 2015, 34:76-79] sequenced the mitochondrial D-loop of five proboscis monkeys Nasalis larvatus from Yokahama Zoo, Japan, that were imported from Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia. They compared their sequences with those of 16 proboscis monkeys from Sabah, Malaysia, and on the basis of a haplotype network analysis of 256 base pairs concluded that the northern Malaysian and southern Indonesian populations of proboscis monkeys are genetically differentiated. I provide information on the origin of the Indonesian proboscis monkeys, showing that they were the first-generation offspring of wild-caught individuals from the Pulau Kaget Strict Nature Reserve in the province of South Kalimantan. Using a phylogenetic approach and adding additional sequences from Indonesia and Malaysia, I reanalyzed their data, and found no support for a north-south divide. Instead the resulting tree based on 433 base pairs sequences show two strongly supported clades, both containing individuals from Indonesia and Malaysia. Work on captive individuals, as reported by Ogata and Seino, can aid in developing appropriate markers and techniques, but to obtain a more complete understanding of the genetic diversity and differentiation of wild proboscis monkeys, more detailed geographic sampling from all over Borneo is needed.

MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Zoo/genetics*; Breeding/methods*; Genetic Variation*; Colobinae/genetics*
Mutation analysis of genes within the dynactin complex in a cohort of hereditary peripheral neuropathies

Tey S, Ahmad-Annuar A, Drew AP, Shahrizaila N, Nicholson GA, Kennerson ML

Clin Genet, 2016 Aug;90(2):127-33.
PMID: 26662454 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12712

The cytoplasmic dynein-dynactin genes are attractive candidates for neurodegenerative disorders given their functional role in retrograde transport along neurons. The cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain (DYNC1H1) gene has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, and dynactin 1 (DCTN1) genes have been implicated in a wide spectrum of disorders including motor neuron disease, Parkinson's disease, spinobulbar muscular atrophy and hereditary spastic paraplegia. However, the involvement of other dynactin genes with inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPN) namely, hereditary sensory neuropathy, hereditary motor neuropathy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is under reported. We screened eight genes; DCTN1-6 and ACTR1A and ACTR1B in 136 IPN patients using whole-exome sequencing and high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis. Eight non-synonymous variants (including one novel variant) and three synonymous variants were identified. Four variants have been reported previously in other studies, however segregation analysis within family members excluded them from causing IPN in these families. No variants of disease significance were identified in this study suggesting the dynactin genes are unlikely to be a common cause of IPNs. However, with the ease of querying gene variants from exome data, these genes remain worthwhile candidates to assess unsolved IPN families for variants that may affect the function of the proteins.

MeSH terms: DNA Mutational Analysis; Humans; Mutation*; Nucleic Acid Denaturation; Pedigree; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/genetics*; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/pathology; Cohort Studies; Gene Expression; Protein Isoforms/genetics; Protein Subunits/genetics*; Activin Receptors, Type I/genetics*; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Exome; Dynactin Complex/genetics*
Investigation of physical properties and stability of indomethacin-cimetidine and naproxen-cimetidine co-amorphous systems prepared by quench cooling, coprecipitation and ball milling

Lim AW, Löbmann K, Grohganz H, Rades T, Chieng N

J Pharm Pharmacol, 2016 Jan;68(1):36-45.
PMID: 26663364 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12494

The objective was to characterize the structural behaviour of indomethacin-cimetidine and naproxen-cimetidine co-amorphous systems (1 : 1 molar ratio) prepared by quench cooling, co-evaporation and ball milling.

MeSH terms: Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Cimetidine; Indomethacin; Naproxen; Phase Transition
Interdisciplinary, child-centred collaboration could increase the success of potentially successful Internet-based physical activity interventions

Müller AM, Khoo S

Acta Paediatr, 2016 Mar;105(3):234-43.
PMID: 26663504 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13307

Physical activity promotes health in children and adolescents, but activity levels are low. The Internet offers opportunities for physical activity interventions because children and adolescents are widely exposed to the web and enjoy being online. This review investigated the success of Internet-based interventions designed to increase physical activity in children and adolescents. Of the 13 studies we included, five reported that Internet-based interventions had significant effects on most physical activities.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Exercise; Internet; Pleasure
Longitudinal stent foreshortening of Stentys Xposition S self-apposing stents and its impact on overlapping stenting strategy

Yew KL

Int J Cardiol, 2016 Feb 1;204:187-8.
PMID: 26666346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.11.176
Impacts of forestry planting on primary production in upland lakes from north-west Ireland

Stevenson MA, McGowan S, Anderson NJ, Foy RH, Leavitt PR, McElarney YR, et al.

Glob Chang Biol, 2016 Apr;22(4):1490-504.
PMID: 26666434 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13194

Planted forests are increasing in many upland regions worldwide, but knowledge about their potential effects on algal communities of catchment lakes is relatively unknown. Here, the effects of afforestation were investigated using palaeolimnology at six upland lake sites in the north-west of Ireland subject to different extents of forest plantation cover (4-64% of catchment area). (210) Pb-dated sediment cores were analysed for carotenoid pigments from algae, stable isotopes of bulk carbon (δ(13) C) and nitrogen (δ(15) N), and C/N ratios. In lakes with >50% of their catchment area covered by plantations, there were two- to sixfold increases in pigments from cryptophytes (alloxanthin) and significant but lower increases (39-116%) in those from colonial cyanobacteria (canthaxanthin), but no response from biomarkers of total algal abundance (β-carotene). In contrast, lakes in catchments with <20% afforestation exhibited no consistent response to forestry practices, although all lakes exhibited fluctuations in pigments and geochemical variables due to peat cutting and upland grazing prior to forest plantation. Taken together, patterns suggest that increases in cyanobacteria and cryptophyte abundance reflect a combination of mineral and nutrient enrichment associated with forest fertilization and organic matter influx which may have facilitated growth of mixotrophic taxa. This study demonstrates that planted forests can alter the abundance and community structure of algae in upland humic lakes of Ireland and Northern Ireland, despite long histories of prior catchment disturbance.

MeSH terms: Cyanobacteria; Carbon; Carotenoids; Lead; Minerals; Nitrogen; Northern Ireland; Soil; Forestry; Canthaxanthin; beta Carotene; Xanthophylls; Lakes; Forests
Spatial and seasonal variations in the composition of dissolved organic matter in a tropical catchment: the Lower Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia

Harun S, Baker A, Bradley C, Pinay G

Environ Sci Process Impacts, 2016 Jan;18(1):137-50.
PMID: 26666759 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00462d

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was characterised in water samples sampled in the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment, Sabah, Malaysia between October 2009 and May 2010. This study aims at: (i) distinguishing between the quality of DOM in waters draining palm oil plantations (OP), secondary forests (SF) and coastal swamps (CS) and, (ii) identifying the seasonal variability of DOM quantity and quality. Surface waters were sampled during fieldwork campaigns that spanned the wet and dry seasons. DOM was characterised optically by using the fluorescence Excitation Emission Matrix (EEM), the absorption coefficient at 340 nm and the spectral slope coefficient (S). Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) was undertaken to assess the DOM composition from EEM spectra and five terrestrial derived components were identified: (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5). Components C1 and C4 contributed the most to DOM fluorescence in all study areas during both the wet and dry seasons. The results suggest that component C4 could be a significant (and common) PARAFAC signal found in similar catchments. Peak M (C2 and C3) was dominant in all samples collected during wet and dry seasons, which could be anthropogenic in origin given the active land use change in the study area. In conclusion, there were significant seasonal and spatial variations in DOM which demonstrated the effects of land use cover and precipitation amounts in the Kinabatangan catchment.

MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring; Humic Substances/analysis*; Malaysia; Seasons; Water Pollutants/analysis*; Water Pollution/statistics & numerical data; Rivers/chemistry*; Estuaries
Zebrafish as a Model for Systems Medicine R&D: Rethinking the Metabolic Effects of Carrier Solvents and Culture Buffers Determined by (1)H NMR Metabolomics

Akhtar MT, Mushtaq MY, Verpoorte R, Richardson MK, Choi YH

OMICS, 2016 Jan;20(1):42-52.
PMID: 26669610 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2015.0119

Zebrafish is a frequently employed model organism in systems medicine and biomarker discovery. A crosscutting fundamental question, and one that has been overlooked in the field, is the "system-wide" (omics) effects induced in zebrafish by metabolic solvents and culture buffers. Indeed, any bioactivity or toxicity test requires that the target compounds are dissolved in an appropriate nonpolar solvent or aqueous media. It is important to know whether the solvent or the buffer itself has an effect on the zebrafish model organism. We evaluated the effects of two organic carrier solvents used in research with zebrafish, as well as in drug screening: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol, and two commonly used aqueous buffers (egg water and Hank's balanced salt solution). The effects of three concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1%) of DMSO and ethanol were tested in the 5-day-old zebrafish embryo using proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) based metabolomics. DMSO (1% and 0.1%, but not 0.01%) exposure significantly decreased the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), betaine, alanine, histidine, lactate, acetate, and creatine (p < 0.05). By contrast, ethanol exposure did not alter the embryos' metabolome at any concentration tested. The two different aqueous media noted above impacted the zebrafish embryo metabolome as evidenced by changes in valine, alanine, lactate, acetate, betaine, glycine, glutamate, adenosine triphosphate, and histidine. These results show that DMSO has greater effects on the embryo metabolome than ethanol, and thus is used with caution as a carrier solvent in zebrafish biomarker research and oral medicine. Moreover, the DMSO concentration should not be higher than 0.01%. Careful attention is also warranted for the use of the buffers egg water and Hank's balanced salt solution in zebrafish. In conclusion, as zebrafish is widely used as a model organism in life sciences, metabolome changes induced by solvents and culture buffers warrant further attention for robust systems science, and precision biomarkers that will stand the test of time.
The prevalence of abnormal posterior compartment anatomy and its association with obstructed defecation symptoms in urogynecological patients

Guzman Rojas R, Kamisan Atan I, Shek KL, Dietz HP

Int Urogynecol J, 2016 Jun;27(6):939-44.
PMID: 26670577 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-015-2914-3

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Symptoms of obstructive defecation (OD) are common in women. Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) has been used for the evaluation of defecatory disorders. The aim of our study was to determine the overall prevalence of anatomical abnormalities of the posterior compartment and their correlations with OD in women seen in a tertiary urogynecology clinic.
METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 750 women seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit who had undergone a standardized interview, clinical examination, and 4D TPUS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to study the association between examination findings and symptoms of OD. This study was approved by the local human research ethics committee (Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee, IRB approval no. 13-16).
RESULTS: The datasets of 719 women were analyzed. Mean age was 56.1 (18.4-87.6) years. Ninety-seven patients (13 %) reported fecal incontinence, 190 (26 %) constipation, and 461 (64 %) symptoms of OD. On examination, 405 women (56 %) were diagnosed with significant posterior compartment prolapse (POP-Q ≥ stage 2), which was associated with symptoms of OD (p

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Defecation*; Female; Genitalia, Female/abnormalities*; Humans; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Ultrasonography; Rectocele/etiology*; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Young Adult
Fulltext Approaches in methodology for population-based longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity (TUA) among Malaysian Older Adults

Shahar S, Omar A, Vanoh D, Hamid TA, Mukari SZ, Din NC, et al.

Aging Clin Exp Res, 2016 Dec;28(6):1089-1104.
PMID: 26670602 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-015-0511-4

A number of longitudinal studies on aging have been designed to determine the predictors of healthy longevity, including the neuroprotective factors, however, relatively few studies included a wide range of factors and highlighted the challenges faced during data collection. Thus, the longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity (LRGS TUA) has been designed to prospectively investigate the magnitude of cognitive decline and its risk factors through a comprehensive multidimensional assessment comprising of biophysical health, auditory and visual function, nutrition and dietary pattern and psychosocial aspects. At baseline, subjects were interviewed for their status on sociodemographic, health, neuropsychological test, psychosocial and dietary intake. Subjects were also measured for anthropometric and physical function and fitness. Biospecimens including blood, buccal swap, hair and toenail were collected, processed and stored. A subsample was assessed for sensory function, i.e., vision and auditory. During follow-up, at 18 and 36 months, most of the measurements, along with morbidity and mortality outcomes will be collected. The description of mild cognitive impairment, successful aging and usual aging process is presented here. A total 2322 respondents were recruited in the data analysis at baseline. Most of the respondents were categorized as experiencing usual aging (73 %), followed by successful aging (11 %) and mild cognitive impairment (16 %). The LRGS TUA study is the most comprehensive longitudinal study on aging in Malaysia, and will contribute to the understanding of the aging process and factors associated with healthy aging and mental well-being of a multiethnic population in Malaysia.
Authorship: few myths and misconceptions

Menezes RG, Kharoshah MA, Madadin M, Marakala V, Lasrado S, Al Tamimi DM

Sci Eng Ethics, 2016 12;22(6):1843-1847.
PMID: 26670920 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-015-9742-1

This article seeks to address and dispel some of the popular myths and misconceptions surrounding authorship of a scientific publication as this is often misconstrued by beginners in academia especially those in the developing world. While ethical issues in publishing related to authorship have been increasingly discussed, not much has been written about the myths and misconceptions of who might be an author. Dispelling these myths and misconceptions would go a long way in shaping the thoughts and plans of students, junior faculty and researchers in academia especially in the developing world.

MeSH terms: Authorship/standards*; Faculty/standards; Publishing/ethics*; Research Personnel/standards
RpoS differentially affects the general stress response and biofilm formation in the endophytic Serratia plymuthica G3

Liu X, Wu Y, Chen Y, Xu F, Halliday N, Gao K, et al.

Res. Microbiol., 2016 Apr;167(3):168-77.
PMID: 26671319 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2015.11.003

The σ(S) subunit RpoS of RNA polymerase functions as a master regulator of the general stress response in Escherichia coli and related bacteria. RpoS has been reported to modulate biocontrol properties in the rhizobacterium Serratia plymuthica IC1270. However, the role of RpoS in the stress response and biofilm formation in S. plymuthica remains largely unknown. Here we studied the role of RpoS from an endophytic S. plymuthica G3 in regulating these phenotypes. Mutational analysis demonstrated that RpoS positively regulates the global stress response to acid or alkaline stresses, oxidative stress, hyperosmolarity, heat shock and carbon starvation, in addition to proteolytic and chitinolytic activities. Interestingly, rpoS mutations resulted in significantly enhanced swimming motility, biofilm formation and production of the plant auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which may contribute to competitive colonization and environmental fitness for survival. These findings provide further insight into the strain-specific role of RpoS in the endophytic strain G3 of S. plymuthica, where it confers resistance to general stresses encountered within the plant environment. The heterogeneous functionality of RpoS in rhizosphere and endophytic S. plymuthica populations may provide a selective advantage for better adaptation to various physiological and environmental stresses.

MeSH terms: Carbon; Escherichia coli; Indoleacetic Acids; Mutation; Phenotype; DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; Serratia; Swimming; Oxidative Stress; Biofilms; Heat-Shock Response; Rhizosphere
Retinal Changes in Uncomplicated and Severe Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria

Govindasamy G, Barber BE, Ghani SA, William T, Grigg MJ, Borooah S, et al.

J Infect Dis, 2016 May 1;213(9):1476-82.
PMID: 26671886 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv746

Plasmodium knowlesicauses severe malaria, but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Retinal changes provide insights into falciparum malaria pathogenesis but have not been studied in knowlesi malaria.

MeSH terms: Malaria; Plasmodium; Malaria, Falciparum
Physical Activity and Aging Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

Müller AM, Ansari P, Ebrahim NA, Khoo S

J Aging Phys Act, 2016 07;24(3):476-83.
PMID: 26671908 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2015-0188

Physical activity and aging research has burgeoned in the past few decades. However, despite the increase in scholarly publications, no attempts have been made to summarize the publication landscape and identify work that has had great impact on physical activity and aging research. We conducted a bibliometric analysis and collected publication data from 1980 to February 6, 2015, in the Web of Science Core Collection. Of 9,935 publications, most were published after 2007 and almost 60% were in the category of geriatrics and gerontology or sport sciences. Highly cited publications (n = 45) were mostly authored by researchers from US institutions and were quantitative in nature. Publications that reported on the associations between physical activity and health, or effects of physical activity on health, in older adults made up 60% of the highly cited publications. We expect more scholars from various backgrounds and geographical regions to join the conversation on physical activity and aging.

MeSH terms: Aged; Aging*; Humans; Motor Activity*; Exercise*; Bibliometrics
Fulltext Establishing International Blood Pressure References Among Nonoverweight Children and Adolescents Aged 6 to 17 Years

Xi B, Zong X, Kelishadi R, Hong YM, Khadilkar A, Steffen LM, et al.

Circulation, 2016 Jan 26;133(4):398-408.
PMID: 26671979 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.017936

Several distributions of country-specific blood pressure (BP) percentiles by sex, age, and height for children and adolescents have been established worldwide. However, there are no globally unified BP references for defining elevated BP in children and adolescents, which limits international comparisons of the prevalence of pediatric elevated BP. We aimed to establish international BP references for children and adolescents by using 7 nationally representative data sets (China, India, Iran, Korea, Poland, Tunisia, and the United States).

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Blood Pressure/physiology*; Blood Pressure Determination/methods; Blood Pressure Determination/standards*; Body Height/physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Reference Values; Internationality*
Targeting cyst wall is an effective strategy in improving the efficacy of marketed contact lens disinfecting solutions against Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts

Abjani F, Khan NA, Yousuf FA, Siddiqui R

Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 2016 Jun;39(3):239-43.
PMID: 26675112 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2015.11.004

Acanthamoeba cysts are highly resistant to contact lens disinfecting solutions. Acanthamoeba cyst wall is partially made of 1,4 β-glucan (i.e., cellulose) and other complex polysaccharides making it a hardy shell that protects the resident amoeba. Here, we hypothesize that targeting the cyst wall structure in addition to antiamoebic compound would improve the efficacy of marketed contact lens disinfecting solutions. Using chlorhexidine as an antiamoebic compound and cellulase enzyme to disrupt cyst wall structure, the findings revealed that combination of both agents abolished viability of Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites. When tested alone, none of the agents nor contact lens disinfecting solutions completely destroyed A. castellanii cysts and trophozoites. The absence of cyst wall-degrading enzymes in marketed contact lens disinfecting solutions render them ineffective against Acanthamoeba cysts. It is concluded that the addition of cyst wall degrading molecules in contact lens disinfecting solutions will enhance their efficacy in decreasing the incidence of Acanthamoeba effectively.

MeSH terms: Amebicides/administration & dosage; Contact Lenses/adverse effects; Contact Lenses/parasitology*; Disinfection/methods; Drug Synergism; Equipment Contamination/prevention & control*; Humans; Acanthamoeba Keratitis/etiology; Acanthamoeba Keratitis/parasitology; Acanthamoeba Keratitis/prevention & control*; Contact Lens Solutions/administration & dosage*; Acanthamoeba castellanii/cytology*; Acanthamoeba castellanii/drug effects*; Trophozoites/cytology; Trophozoites/drug effects

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