Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. The effect of dietary cricket meal (Gryllus bimaculatus) on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, and haematological response of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
    Taufek NM, Aspani F, Muin H, Raji AA, Razak SA, Alias Z
    Fish Physiol Biochem, 2016 Aug;42(4):1143-55.
    PMID: 26886132 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-016-0204-8
    This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, biomarkers of oxidative stress, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as well as the haematological response of African catfish after being fed with fish feed containing different levels of cricket meal. The juvenile fish were assigned to three different treatments with isonitrogenous (35 %) and isoenergetic (19 kJ g(-1)) diets containing 100 % cricket meal (100 % CM), 75 % cricket meal (75 % CM), and 100 % fishmeal (100 % FM) as control groups for 7 weeks. The results indicated that a diet containing 100 % CM and 75 % CM improved growth performance in terms of body weight gain and specific growth rate, when compared to 100 % FM. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) did not differ significantly between all diets, but reduced FCR and increased PER were observed with a higher inclusion of cricket meal. A haematological examination of fish demonstrated no significant difference of red blood cells in all diets and white blood cells showed a significantly higher value in fishmeal-fed fish. On the other hand, haemoglobin and haematocrit significantly increased with increasing amounts of cricket meal in the diet. Antioxidant activity of CAT was higher in the 100 % CM group compared to fish fed other diets, whereas GST and SOD showed increasing trends with a higher incorporation of cricket, although insignificant differences were observed between all diets. These results suggest that cricket meal could be an alternative to fishmeal as a protein source in the African catfish diet.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Catalase/metabolism; Diet*; Glutathione Transferase/metabolism; Gryllidae*; Hematologic Tests; Liver/metabolism; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism; Aquaculture/methods; Oxidative Stress; Fish Proteins/metabolism
  2. Poverty within watershed and environmentally protected areas: the case of the indigenous community in Peninsular Malaysia
    Kari FB, Masud MM, Yahaya SR, Saifullah MK
    Environ Monit Assess, 2016 Mar;188(3):173.
    PMID: 26887312 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5162-1
    "Indigenous people" have been acknowledged as among the poorest and most socio-economically and culturally marginalized all over the world. This paper explores the socio-economic status of the indigenous people and their poverty profile within watershed and environmentally protected areas in Peninsular Malaysia. The findings of the study indicate that the "indigenous community" is likely to be poor if they live in environmentally sensitive and unprotected areas as compared to families under the new resettlement scheme. Inadequate access to basic education and employment contributed significantly to their poor economic status. The findings further reveal that the indigenous community is facing difficulties in receiving access and support in terms of basic needs such as housing, education, economic livelihood, and other social infrastructure. Moreover, the regulatory structure for the management of watershed areas as well as the emphasis for commodity crops such as palm oil and natural rubber have indirectly contributed toward the poverty level of the indigenous people.
    MeSH terms: Conservation of Natural Resources*; Environmental Monitoring; Housing; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Poverty*; Social Class; Socioeconomic Factors; Population Groups*
  3. Fulltext Alpha-Glucosidase Enzyme Biosensor for the Electrochemical Measurement of Antidiabetic Potential of Medicinal Plants
    Mohiuddin M, Arbain D, Islam AK, Ahmad MS, Ahmad MN
    Nanoscale Res Lett, 2016 Dec;11(1):95.
    PMID: 26887579 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-016-1292-1
    A biosensor for measuring the antidiabetic potential of medicinal plants was developed by covalent immobilization of α-glucosidase (AG) enzyme onto amine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-NH2). The immobilized enzyme was entrapped in freeze-thawed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) together with p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG) on the screen-printed carbon electrode at low pH to prevent the premature reaction between PNPG and AG enzyme. The enzymatic reaction within the biosensor is inhibited by bioactive compounds in the medicinal plant extracts. The capability of medicinal plants to inhibit the AG enzyme on the electrode correlates to the potential of the medicinal plants to inhibit the production of glucose from the carbohydrate in the human body. Thus, the inhibition indicates the antidiabetic potential of the medicinal plants. The performance of the biosensor was evaluated to measure the antidiabetic potential of three medicinal plants such as Tebengau (Ehretis laevis), Cemumar (Micromelum pubescens), and Kedondong (Spondias dulcis) and acarbose (commercial antidiabetic drug) via cyclic voltammetry, amperometry, and spectrophotometry. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) response for the inhibition of the AG enzyme activity by Tebengau plant extracts showed a linear relation in the range from 0.423-8.29 μA, and the inhibition detection limit was 0.253 μA. The biosensor exhibited good sensitivity (0.422 μA/mg Tebengau plant extracts) and rapid response (22 s). The biosensor retains approximately 82.16 % of its initial activity even after 30 days of storage at 4 °C.
  4. A review on ethnobotany, pharmacology and phytochemistry of Tabernaemontana corymbosa
    Abubakar IB, Loh HS
    J Pharm Pharmacol, 2016 Apr;68(4):423-32.
    PMID: 26887962 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12523
    OBJECTIVES: Tabernaemontana is a genus from the plant family, Apocynaceae with vast medicinal application and widespread distribution in the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Americas and Asia. The objective of this study is to critically evaluate the ethnobotany, medicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry of the species, Tabernaemontana corymbosa (Roxb. ex Wall.) and provide information on the potential future application of alkaloids isolated from different parts of the plant.

    KEY FINDINGS: T. corymbosa (Roxb. ex Wall.) parts are used as poultice, boiled juice, decoctions and infusions for treatment against ulceration, fracture, post-natal recovery, syphilis, fever, tumours and orchitis in Malaysia, China, Thailand and Bangladesh. Studies recorded alkaloids as the predominant phytochemicals in addition to phenols, saponins and sterols with vast bioactivities such as antimicrobial, analgesic, anthelmintic, vasorelaxation, antiviral and cytotoxicity.

    SUMMARY: An evaluation of scientific data and traditional medicine revealed the medicinal uses of different parts of T. corymbosa (Roxb. ex Wall.) across Asia. Future studies exploring the structure-bioactivity relationship of alkaloids such as jerantinine and vincamajicine among others could potentially improve the future application towards reversing anticancer drug resistance.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Humans; Phytotherapy; Neoplasms/drug therapy; Neoplasms/pathology; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plants, Medicinal; Vincristine/pharmacology; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects; Ethnobotany*; Tabernaemontana/chemistry*; Phytochemicals/isolation & purification; Phytochemicals/pharmacology*
  5. The effect of periodontal scaling and root polishing on serum IL-17E concentrations and the IL-17A:IL-17E ratio
    Nile CJ, Apatzidou DA, Awang RA, Riggio MP, Kinane DF, Lappin DF
    Clin Oral Investig, 2016 Dec;20(9):2529-2537.
    PMID: 26888221 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-016-1749-8
    OBJECTIVES: The serum IL-17A:IL-17E ratio has previously been demonstrated to be a clinical marker of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the serum IL-17A:IL-17E ratio.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty chronic periodontitis patients completed this study and received periodontal treatment comprising scaling and root planing plus ultrasonic debridement. Clinical data were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks (R1) after treatment completion (full-mouth or quadrant-scaling and root planing) and 25 weeks after baseline (R2). Serum samples were taken at each time point and cytokines concentrations determined by ELISA.

    RESULTS: Following treatment, statistically significant reductions were noted in clinical parameters. However, IL-17A and IL-17E concentrations were significantly greater than baseline values before- and after-adjusting for smoking. The IL-17A:IL-17E ratio was lower at R1 and R2. Serum IL-6 and TNF levels were significantly lower at R1 only. Also exclusively at R1, serum IL-17A and IL-17E correlated positively with clinical parameters, while the IL-17A:IL-17E ratio correlated negatively with probing pocket depth and clinical attachment.

    CONCLUSION: Increased serum IL-17E and a reduced IL-17A:IL-17E ratio may be indicative and/or a consequence of periodontal therapy. Therefore, the role of IL-17E in periodontal disease progression and the healing process is worthy of further investigation.

    CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IL-17E may be a valuable biomarker to monitor the healing process following periodontal treatment as increased IL-17E levels and a reduced IL-17A:IL-17E ratio could reflect clinical improvements post-therapy. Therefore, monitoring serum IL-17E might be useful to identify individuals who require additional periodontal treatment.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Debridement; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Male; Periodontal Index; Dental Scaling*; Biomarkers/blood; Root Planing*; Interleukin-17/blood*; Chronic Periodontitis/therapy*
  6. Graphene-philic surfactants for nanocomposites in latex technology
    Mohamed A, Ardyani T, Bakar SA, Brown P, Hollamby M, Sagisaka M, et al.
    Adv Colloid Interface Sci, 2016 Apr;230:54-69.
    PMID: 26888600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2016.01.003
    Graphene is the newest member of the carbon family, and has revolutionized materials science especially in the field of polymer nanocomposites. However, agglomeration and uniform dispersion remains an Achilles' heel (even an elephant in the room), hampering the optimization of this material for practical applications. Chemical functionalization of graphene can overcome these hurdles but is often rather disruptive to the extended pi-conjugation, altering the desired physical and electronic properties. Employing surfactants as stabilizing agents in latex technology circumvents the need for chemical modification allowing for the formation of nanocomposites with retained graphene properties. This article reviews the recent progress in the use of surfactants and polymers to prepare graphene/polymer nanocomposites via latex technology. Of special interest here are surfactant structure-performance relationships, as well as background on the roles surfactant-graphene interactions for promoting stabilization.
  7. Fulltext Association of nuclear and mitochondrial genes with audiological examinations in Iranian patients with nonaminoglycoside antibiotics-induced hearing loss
    Balali M, Kamalidehghan B, Farhadi M, Ahmadipour F, Ashkezari MD, Hemami MR, et al.
    Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2016;12:117-28.
    PMID: 26889084 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S90581
    Mitochondrial DNA mutations play an important role in causing sensorineural hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of the mitochondrial genes RNR1, MT-TL1, and ND1 as well as the nuclear genes GJB2 and GJB6 with audiological examinations in nonfamilial Iranians with cochlear implants, using polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and RNA secondary structure analysis. We found that there were no novel mutations in the mitochondrial gene 12S rRNA (MT-RNR1) in patients with and without GJB2 mutation (GJB2(+) and GJB2(-), respectively), but a total of six polymorphisms were found. No mutations were observed in tRNA(Leu) (() (UUR) ()) (MT-TL1). Furthermore, eight polymorphisms were found in the mitochondrial ND1 gene. Additionally, no mutations were observed in the nuclear GJB6 gene in patients in the GJB2(-) and GJB2(+) groups. The speech intelligibility rating and category of auditory perception tests were statistically assessed in patients in the GJB2(-) and GJB2(+) groups. The results indicated that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the categories of auditory perception score in the GJB2(-) group compared to that in the GJB2(+) group. Successful cochlear implantation was observed among individuals with GJB2 mutations (GJB2(+)) and mitochondrial polymorphisms compared to those without GJB2 mutations (GJB2(-)). In conclusion, the outcome of this study suggests that variation in the mitochondrial and nuclear genes may influence the penetrance of deafness. Therefore, further genetic and functional studies are required to help patients in making the best choice for cochlear implants.
  8. Fulltext The impact of cranioplasty on cerebral blood flow and its correlation with clinical outcome in patients underwent decompressive craniectomy
    Mah JK, Kass RA
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2016 Jan-Mar;11(1):15-21.
    PMID: 26889273 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.172593
    Decompressive craniectomy is commonly use as the treatment for medically refractory intracranial hypertension. Unexpected improvement in patient's neurological status has been observed among patients that underwent cranioplasty. Restoration of cerebral blood flow (CBF) hemodynamics is one of the contributing factors. This study was conducted to determine the impact of cranioplasty on CBF and its correlation with clinical outcome.
    MeSH terms: Cerebrovascular Circulation; Hemodynamics; Humans; Skull; Intracranial Hypertension; Decompressive Craniectomy
  9. Fulltext Comparing monomodality treatments of low-grade intracranial arteriovenous malformation at Hospital Kuala Lumpur between 2008 and 2011: A retrospective study
    Bin Rosli FJ, Mohammed Haspani MS, Izaini Ab Ghani AR
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2016 Jan-Mar;11(1):22-8.
    PMID: 26889274 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.172595
    Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of Spetzler-Martin grades (SMGs) I-III are treated using either monomodality treatments of microsurgical excision, embolization or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or a combination of two or more of these treatment options. At Hospital Kuala Lumpur, we still practice monomodality treatments for AVMs of these three grades. In this study, we wanted to achieve an understanding whether monomodality treatments can achieve a satisfactory outcome of AVM nidi for patients, for up to 3 years, and to gather an objective data for AVM treatment for the Malaysian population.
    MeSH terms: Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations; Embolization, Therapeutic; Humans; Radiosurgery
  10. Fulltext Tuberculosis of the skull mimicking a bony tumor
    Rosli FJ, Haron R
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2016 2 19;11(1):68.
    PMID: 26889285 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.172594
    We present a rare case of calvarial tuberculosis mimicking a solitary bone tumor, which was surgically removed. A 52-year-old female presented with a right forehead swelling, which gradually enlarged over the course of 2 years, with no symptoms or raised intracranial pressure or neurological deficits. Plain and contrast-enhanced brain computed tomography scans were done, revealing a punched-out lesion of the right frontal bone, with a nonenhancing lytic mass. With an initial diagnosis of an intraosseous meningioma, and later on intraoperatively thought to be a metastatic tumor, the mass was excised along with a rim of bone. Histopathological examination results came back as caseous necrosis, highly suggestive of tuberculosis. The patient was then treated with a 1 year regimen of anti-tuberculous medications. Tuberculosis of the cranium is a rare entity, and can mimic tumors or multiple myeloma. A high index of suspicion and knowledge is required for an early diagnosis. A combined surgical and medical therapy is curative.
    MeSH terms: Bone Neoplasms; Female; Forehead; Frontal Bone; Humans; Intracranial Pressure; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberculosis; Early Diagnosis
  11. Switching from sulphonylurea to a sodium-glucose cotransporter2 inhibitor in the fasting month of Ramadan is associated with a reduction in hypoglycaemia
    Wan Seman WJ, Kori N, Rajoo S, Othman H, Mohd Noor N, Wahab NA, et al.
    Diabetes Obes Metab, 2016 06;18(6):628-32.
    PMID: 26889911 DOI: 10.1111/dom.12649
    The aim of the present study was to assess the hypoglycaemia risk and safety of dapagliflozin compared with sulphonylurea during the fasting month of Ramadan. In this 12-week, randomized, open-label, two-arm parallel group study, 110 patients with type 2 diabetes who were receiving sulphonylurea and metformin were randomized either to receive 10 mg (n = 58) of dapagliflozin daily or to continue receiving sulphonylurea (n = 52). The primary outcome was to compare the effects of dapagliflozin and sulphonylurea on the proportions of patients with at least one episode of hypoglycaemia during Ramadan, as well as to assess the safety of dapagliflozin when used to treat patients observing Ramadan. A lower proportion of patients had reported or documented hypoglycaemia in the dapagliflozin group than in the sulphonylurea group: 4 (6.9%) versus 15 (28.8%); p = 0.002. The relative risk of any reported or documented hypoglycaemia in the 4th week of Ramadan was significantly lower in the dapagliflozin group: RR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.68; p=0.002. No significance differences were observed between the two groups regarding postural hypotension (13.8 vs 3.8%; p = 0.210) or urinary tract infections (10.3 vs 3.8%; p = 0.277). In conclusion, fewer patients exhibited hypoglycaemia in the dapagliflozin group than in the sulphonylurea group.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Benzhydryl Compounds/administration & dosage*; Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Glucosides/administration & dosage*; Glucosides/adverse effects; Humans; Hypoglycemia/chemically induced; Hypoglycemia/prevention & control*; Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage*; Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects; Islam*; Male; Metformin/administration & dosage*; Metformin/adverse effects; Middle Aged; Sulfonylurea Compounds/administration & dosage*; Sulfonylurea Compounds/adverse effects; Young Adult; Drug Substitution/methods*
  12. Fulltext Visual demands in modern Australian primary school classrooms
    Narayanasamy S, Vincent SJ, Sampson GP, Wood JM
    Clin Exp Optom, 2016 May;99(3):233-40.
    PMID: 26889920 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12365
    BACKGROUND: The visual demands of modern classrooms are poorly understood yet are relevant in determining the levels of visual function required to perform optimally within this environment.

    METHODS: Thirty-three Year 5 and 6 classrooms from eight south-east Queensland schools were included. Classroom activities undertaken during a full school day (9 am to 3 pm) were observed and a range of measurements recorded, including classroom environment (physical dimensions, illumination levels), text size and contrast of learning materials, habitual working distances (distance and estimated for near) and time spent performing various classroom tasks. These measures were used to calculate demand-related minimum criteria for distance and near visual acuity, contrast and sustained use of accommodation and vergence.

    RESULTS: The visual acuity demands for distance and near were 0.33 ± 0.13 and 0.72 ± 0.09 logMAR, respectively (using habitual viewing distances and smallest target sizes) or 0.33 ± 0.09 logMAR assuming a 2.5 times acuity reserve for sustained near tasks. The mean contrast levels of learning materials at distance and near were greater than 70 per cent. Near tasks (47 per cent) dominated the academic tasks performed in the classroom followed by distance (29 per cent), distance to near (15 per cent) and computer-based (nine per cent). On average, children engaged in continuous near fixation for 23 ± 5 minutes at a time and during distance-near tasks performed fixation changes 10 ± 1 times per minute. The mean estimated habitual near working distance was 23 ± 1 cm (4.38 ± 0.24 D accommodative demand) and the vergence demand was 0.86 ± 0.07(Δ) at distance and 21.94 ± 1.09(Δ) at near assuming an average pupillary distance of 56 mm.

    CONCLUSIONS: Relatively high levels of visual acuity, contrast demand and sustained accommodative-convergence responses are required to meet the requirements of modern classroom environments. These findings provide an evidence base to inform prescribing guidelines and develop paediatric vision screening protocols and referral criteria.
    MeSH terms: Accommodation, Ocular; Australia; Child; Humans; Lighting*; Schools; Visual Acuity*; Contrast Sensitivity
  13. Analyzing the relationships between travel mode indicators and the number of passenger transport fatalities at the city level
    Asadi-Shekari Z, Moeinaddini M, Sultan Z, Shah MZ, Hamzah A
    Traffic Inj Prev, 2016 08 17;17(6):650-5.
    PMID: 26890058 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1136739
    OBJECTIVE: A number of efforts have been conducted on travel behavior and transport fatalities at the neighborhood or street level, and they have identified different factors such as roadway characteristics, personal indicators, and design indicators related to transport safety. However, only a limited number of studies have considered the relationship between travel behavior indicators and the number of transport fatalities at the city level. Therefore, this study explores this relationship and how to fill the mentioned gap in current knowledge.

    METHOD: A generalized linear model (GLM) estimates the relationships between different travel mode indicators (e.g., length of motorway per inhabitants, number of motorcycles per inhabitant, percentage of daily trips on foot and by bicycle, percentage of daily trips by public transport) and the number of passenger transport fatalities. Because this city-level model is developed using data sets from different cities all over the world, the impacts of gross domestic product (GDP) are also included in the model.

    CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results imply that the percentage of daily trips by public transport, the percentage of daily trips on foot and by bicycle, and the GDP per inhabitant have negative relationships with the number of passenger transport fatalities, whereas motorway length and the number of motorcycles have positive relationships with the number of passenger transport fatalities.

    MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic/mortality*; Cities/epidemiology; Europe/epidemiology; Humans; Motorcycles/statistics & numerical data; Transportation/methods*; Transportation/statistics & numerical data*; Linear Models; Databases, Factual
  14. Changes of microbial spoilage, lipid-protein oxidation and physicochemical properties during post mortem refrigerated storage of goat meat
    Sabow AB, Sazili AQ, Aghwan ZA, Zulkifli I, Goh YM, Ab Kadir MZ, et al.
    Anim Sci J, 2016 Jun;87(6):816-26.
    PMID: 26890722 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12496
    Examined was the effect of post mortem refrigerated storage on microbial spoilage, lipid-protein oxidation and physicochemical traits of goat meat. Seven Boer bucks were slaughtered, eviscerated and aged for 24 h. The Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles were excised and subjected to 13 days post mortem refrigerated storage. The pH, lipid and protein oxidation, tenderness, color and drip loss were determined in LL while microbiological analysis was performed on ST. Bacterial counts generally increased with increasing aging time and the limit for fresh meat was reached at day 14 post mortem. Significant differences were observed in malondialdehyde (MDA) content at day 7 of storage. The thiol concentration significantly reduced as aging time increased. The band intensities of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and troponin-T significantly decreased as storage progressed, while actin remained relatively stable. After 14 days of aging, tenderness showed significant improvement while muscle pH and drip loss reduced with increase in storage time. Samples aged for 14 days had higher lightness (P 
  15. Cognitive functioning following traumatic brain injury: A five-year follow-up
    Marsh NV, Ludbrook MR, Gaffaney LC
    NeuroRehabilitation, 2016 Feb 10;38(1):71-8.
    PMID: 26889800 DOI: 10.3233/NRE-151297
    To describe the long-term prevalence and severity of cognitive deficits following significant (i.e., ventilation required for >24 hours) traumatic brain injury. To assess a comprehensive range of cognitive functions using psychometric measures with established normative, reliability, and validity data.
  16. Fulltext Vocalisation Repertoire of Female Bluefin Gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu) in Captivity: Sound Structure, Context and Vocal Activity
    Radford CA, Ghazali SM, Montgomery JC, Jeffs AG
    PLoS One, 2016;11(2):e0149338.
    PMID: 26890124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149338
    Fish vocalisation is often a major component of underwater soundscapes. Therefore, interpretation of these soundscapes requires an understanding of the vocalisation characteristics of common soniferous fish species. This study of captive female bluefin gurnard, Chelidonichthys kumu, aims to formally characterise their vocalisation sounds and daily pattern of sound production. Four types of sound were produced and characterised, twice as many as previously reported in this species. These sounds fit two aural categories; grunt and growl, the mean peak frequencies for which ranged between 129 to 215 Hz. This species vocalized throughout the 24 hour period at an average rate of (18.5 ± 2.0 sounds fish-1 h-1) with an increase in vocalization rate at dawn and dusk. Competitive feeding did not elevate vocalisation as has been found in other gurnard species. Bluefin gurnard are common in coastal waters of New Zealand, Australia and Japan and, given their vocalization rate, are likely to be significant contributors to ambient underwater soundscape in these areas.
    MeSH terms: Acoustics; Animals; Female; Fishes*; New Zealand; Sound; Vocalization, Animal*; Discriminant Analysis
  17. Fulltext Two-Stage Design Method for Enhanced Inductive Energy Transmission with Q-Constrained Planar Square Loops
    Eteng AA, Abdul Rahim SK, Leow CY, Chew BW, Vandenbosch GA
    PLoS One, 2016;11(2):e0148808.
    PMID: 26890878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148808
    Q-factor constraints are usually imposed on conductor loops employed as proximity range High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification (HF-RFID) reader antennas to ensure adequate data bandwidth. However, pairing such low Q-factor loops in inductive energy transmission links restricts the link transmission performance. The contribution of this paper is to assess the improvement that is reached with a two-stage design method, concerning the transmission performance of a planar square loop relative to an initial design, without compromise to a Q-factor constraint. The first stage of the synthesis flow is analytical in approach, and determines the number and spacing of turns by which coupling between similar paired square loops can be enhanced with low deviation from the Q-factor limit presented by an initial design. The second stage applies full-wave electromagnetic simulations to determine more appropriate turn spacing and widths to match the Q-factor constraint, and achieve improved coupling relative to the initial design. Evaluating the design method in a test scenario yielded a more than 5% increase in link transmission efficiency, as well as an improvement in the link fractional bandwidth by more than 3%, without violating the loop Q-factor limit. These transmission performance enhancements are indicative of a potential for modifying proximity HF-RFID reader antennas for efficient inductive energy transfer and data telemetry links.
    MeSH terms: Employment; Energy Transfer; Telemetry; Physical Phenomena; Electromagnetic Phenomena; Radio Frequency Identification Device
  18. Fulltext Unmasking Heavily O-Glycosylated Serum Proteins Using Perchloric Acid: Identification of Serum Proteoglycan 4 and Protease C1 Inhibitor as Molecular Indicators for Screening of Breast Cancer
    Lee CS, Taib NA, Ashrafzadeh A, Fadzli F, Harun F, Rahmat K, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(2):e0149551.
    PMID: 26890881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149551
    Heavily glycosylated mucin glycopeptides such as CA 27.29 and CA 15-3 are currently being used as biomarkers for detection and monitoring of breast cancer. However, they are not well detected at the early stages of the cancer. In the present study, perchloric acid (PCA) was used to enhance detection of mucin-type O-glycosylated proteins in the serum in an attempt to identify new biomarkers for early stage breast cancer. Sensitivity and specificity of an earlier developed sandwich enzyme-linked lectin assay were significantly improved with the use of serum PCA isolates. When a pilot case-control study was performed using the serum PCA isolates of normal participants (n = 105) and patients with stage 0 (n = 31) and stage I (n = 48) breast cancer, higher levels of total O-glycosylated proteins in sera of both groups of early stage breast cancer patients compared to the normal control women were demonstrated. Further analysis by gel-based proteomics detected significant inverse altered abundance of proteoglycan 4 and plasma protease C1 inhibitor in both the early stages of breast cancer patients compared to the controls. Our data suggests that the ratio of serum proteoglycan 4 to protease C1 inhibitor may be used for screening of early breast cancer although this requires further validation in clinically representative populations.
    MeSH terms: Blood Proteins/metabolism*; Breast Neoplasms/blood*; Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism; Breast Neoplasms/pathology; Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins/metabolism*; Female; Glycoproteins/metabolism*; Glycosylation; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Perchlorates/chemistry*; Proteoglycans/blood*; Blotting, Western; Case-Control Studies; Lectins/metabolism; Complement C1 Inhibitor Protein; Early Detection of Cancer*
  19. Fulltext Leisure time physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour and lifestyle correlates among students aged 13-15 in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, 2007-2013
    Peltzer K, Pengpid S
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2016 Feb;13(2):217.
    PMID: 26891312 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13020217
    The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-reported leisure time physical inactivity frequency and sedentary behaviour and lifestyle correlates among school children in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. The analysis included 30,284 school children aged 13-15 years from seven ASEAN countries that participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) between 2007 and 2013. The measure asked about overall physical activity, walking or biking to school, and on time spent sitting. Overall, the prevalence of physical inactivity was 80.4%, ranging from 74.8% in Myanmar to 90.7% in Cambodia and sedentary behaviour 33.0%, ranging from 10.5% in Cambodia and Myanmar to 42.7% in Malaysia. In multivariate logistic regression, not walking or biking to school, not attending physical education classes, inadequate vegetable consumption and lack of protective factors (peer and parental or guardian support) were associated with physical inactivity, and older age (14 and 15 years old), coming from an upper middle income country, being overweight or obese, attending physical education classes, alcohol use, loneliness, peer support and lack of parental or guardian supervision were associated with sedentary behaviour. In boys, lower socioeconomic status (in the form of having experienced hunger) and coming from a low income or lower middle income country were additionally associated with physical inactivity, and in girls, higher socioeconomic status, not walking or biking to school and being bullied were additionally associated with sedentary behaviour. In conclusion, a very high prevalence of leisure physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour among school going adolescents in ASEAN was found and several factors identified that may inform physical activity promotion programmes in school-going adolescents in ASEAN.
    Study name: Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)
    MeSH terms: Adolescent*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Life Style; Malaysia; Motor Activity; Exercise
  20. Boldine suppresses dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse experimental colitis: NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 as potential targets
    Pandurangan AK, Mohebali N, Hasanpourghadi M, Looi CY, Mustafa MR, Mohd Esa N
    Biofactors, 2016 May;42(3):247-58.
    PMID: 26891685 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1267
    Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific inflammatory disorder characterized by oxidative and nitrosative stress, leucocyte infiltration, and upregulation of inflammatory mediators. Boldine is an alkaloid compound found in Boldo tree, with multiple pharmacological actions, mainly anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Hence, the effect of boldine for its anti-inflammatory properties against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in BALB/c mice was studied. Administration of boldine to DSS-induced mice protects colon damage by reduced disease activity index, spleen weight, and increased colon length. Also administration of boldine showed a reduction in the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD 68+ expression. Boldine reduced the colon damage, with significant reductions in both the extent and the severity of the inflammation as well as in crypt damage and leukocyte infiltration in the mucosa. Analysis in vivo showed clear decrease in the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-(p-STAT3)(Y705) with nuclear factor (p65-NF-κB) production being reduced significantly. Moreover, p65-NF-κB activation was reduced in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. The data demonstrated that boldine may be beneficial in colitis through selective immunomodulatory effects, which may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of p65-NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(3):247-258, 2016.
    MeSH terms: RAW 264.7 Cells; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage; Antioxidants/administration & dosage; Aporphines/administration & dosage*; Colitis/chemically induced; Colitis/drug therapy*; Colitis/genetics; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects; Humans; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors; Interleukin-6/biosynthesis; Dextran Sulfate/toxicity; NF-kappa B/biosynthesis; NF-kappa B/genetics*; Inflammation Mediators/administration & dosage; STAT3 Transcription Factor/antagonists & inhibitors; STAT3 Transcription Factor/biosynthesis*; Mice; Transcription Factor RelA/antagonists & inhibitors; Transcription Factor RelA/biosynthesis*
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