Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Fulltext Risk factors of diabetic foot Charcot arthropathy: a case-control study at a Malaysian tertiary care centre
    Fauzi AA, Chung TY, Latif LA
    Singapore Med J, 2016 Apr;57(4):198-203.
    PMID: 27075668 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2016074
    TThis study aimed to determine the risk factors of diabetic Charcot arthropathy of the foot among diabetic patients with and without foot problems.
    MeSH terms: Arthropathy, Neurogenic; Diabetic Neuropathies; Foot; Humans; Risk Factors
  2. Profile distribution of juvenile Aedes species in an urban area of Malaysia
    Che Dom N, Faiz Madzlan M, Nadira Yusoff SN, Hassan Ahmad A, Ismail R, Nazrina Camalxaman S
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2016 Apr;110(4):237-45.
    PMID: 27076510 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw015
    Dengue fever (DF) is an urban vector-borne disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Both species deposit their eggs in favorable breeding sites either in natural or artificial containers. An understanding of their habitat characteristics is crucial in curbing DF outbreaks
    MeSH terms: Aedes; Animals; Breeding; Dengue; Disease Outbreaks; Ecosystem
  3. Fulltext Aberrant Inflammasome Activation Characterizes Tuberculosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
    Tan HY, Yong YK, Shankar EM, Paukovics G, Ellegård R, Larsson M, et al.
    J Immunol, 2016 05 15;196(10):4052-63.
    PMID: 27076678 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502203
    Tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) complicates combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in up to 25% of patients with HIV/TB coinfection. Monocytes and IL-18, a signature cytokine of inflammasome activation, are implicated in TB-IRIS pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated inflammasome activation both pre- and post-cART in TB-IRIS patients. HIV/TB patients exhibited higher proportions of monocytes expressing activated caspase-1 (casp1) pre-cART, compared with HIV patients without TB, and patients who developed TB-IRIS exhibited the greatest increase in casp1 expression. CD64(+) monocytes were a marker of increased casp1 expression. Furthermore, IL-1β, another marker of inflammasome activation, was also elevated during TB-IRIS. TB-IRIS patients also exhibited greater upregulation of NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome mRNA, compared with controls. Analysis of plasma mitochondrial DNA levels showed that TB-IRIS patients experienced greater cell death, especially pre-cART. Plasma NO levels were lower both pre- and post-cART in TB-IRIS patients, providing evidence of inadequate inflammasome regulation. Plasma IL-18 levels pre-cART correlated inversely with NO levels but positively with monocyte casp1 expression and mitochondrial DNA levels, and expression of IL-18Rα on CD4(+) T cells and NK cells was higher in TB-IRIS patients, providing evidence that IL-18 is a marker of inflammasome activation. We propose that inflammasome activation in monocytes/macrophages of HIV/TB patients increases with ineffective T cell-dependent activation of monocytes/macrophages, priming them for an excessive inflammatory response after cART is commenced, which is greatest in patients with TB-IRIS.
    MeSH terms: Cell Self Renewal/immunology*; Cells, Cultured; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism; DNA, Mitochondrial/blood; Humans; Inflammation/complications; Inflammation/drug therapy; Inflammation/immunology*; Macrophages/physiology*; Nitric Oxide/blood; Syndrome; Tuberculosis/complications; Tuberculosis/drug therapy; Tuberculosis/immunology*; HIV Infections/complications; HIV Infections/drug therapy; HIV Infections/immunology*; Cell Death; Caspase 1/metabolism; Interleukin-18/metabolism; Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism; Inflammasomes/metabolism*; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism
  4. Fulltext Nurse's perceptions of physiotherapists in critical care team: Report of a qualitative study
    Gupte P, Swaminathan N
    Indian J Crit Care Med, 2016 Mar;20(3):141-5.
    PMID: 27076724 DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.178176
    Interprofessional relationship plays a major role in effective patient care. Specialized units such as critical care require multidisciplinary care where perception about every members role may affect the delivery of patient care. The objective of this study was to find out nurses' perceptions of the role of physiotherapists in the critical care team.
  5. Fulltext Supporting data for identification of biosurfactant-producing bacteria isolated from agro-food industrial effluent
    Fulazzaky MA, Abdullah S, Salim MR
    Data Brief, 2016 Jun;7:834-8.
    PMID: 27077083 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.03.058
    The goal of this study was to identify the biosurfactant-producing bacteria isolated from agro-food industrial effluet. The identification of the potential bacterial strain using a polymerase chain reaction of the 16S rRNA gene analysis was closely related to Serratia marcescens with its recorded strain of SA30 "Fundamentals of mass transfer and kinetics for biosorption of oil and grease from agro-food industrial effluent by Serratia marcescens SA30" (Fulazzaky et al., 2015) [1]; however, many biochemical tests have not been published yet. The biochemical tests of biosurfactant production, haemolytic assay and cell surface hydrophobicity were performed to investigate the beneficial strain of biosurfactant-producing bacteria. Here we do share data collected from the biochemical tests to get a better understanding of the use of Serratia marcescens SA30 to degrade oil, which contributes the technical features of strengthening the biological treatment of oil-contaminated wastewater in tropical environments.
    MeSH terms: Genetic Testing; Goals; Hydrocarbons; Kinetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Serratia marcescens; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Waste Water
  6. Ibogan, Aspidosperman, Vincamine, and Bisindole Alkaloids from a Malayan Tabernaemontana corymbosa: Iboga Alkaloids with C-20α Substitution
    Nge CE, Chong KW, Thomas NF, Lim SH, Low YY, Kam TS
    J Nat Prod, 2016 05 27;79(5):1388-99.
    PMID: 27077800 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.6b00129
    Ten new indole alkaloids (1-10) comprising five ibogan, two aspidosperman, one vincamine, and two bisindole alkaloids, in addition to 32 known alkaloids, were isolated from the stem-bark extract of a Malayan Tabernaemontana corymbosa. The structures of these alkaloids were determined based on analysis of the NMR and MS data and, in five instances (1, 3, 5, 6, 8), confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Two of the iboga alkaloids, conodusines B (2) and C (3), and the iboga-containing bisindole tabernamidine B (10) are notable for the presence of an α-substituted acetyl group at C-20 of the iboga carbon skeleton. The iboga alkaloid (+)-conodusine E (5) had MS and NMR data that were identical to those of (-)-ervatamine I, recently isolated from Ervatamia hainanensis. Establishment of the absolute configuration of (+)-conodusine E (5) was based on analysis of the ECD data, correlation with (-)-heyneanine, and X-ray analysis, which showed that (+)-5 belongs to the same enantiomeric series as exemplified by (-)-coronaridine. The configuration at C-20' of the previously reported Tabernaemontana bisindole alkaloid 19'-oxotabernamine (renamed tabernamidine B) required revision based on the present results. Several of the bisindoles showed pronounced in vitro growth inhibitory activity against drug-sensitive and vincristine-resistant KB cells.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Ibogaine/analogs & derivatives; KB Cells; Molecular Conformation; Stereoisomerism; Structure-Activity Relationship; Vincamine/isolation & purification; Vincamine/pharmacology; Vincamine/chemistry; Vincristine/pharmacology; Molecular Structure; Crystallography, X-Ray; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Plant Bark/chemistry; Indole Alkaloids/isolation & purification*; Indole Alkaloids/chemistry*; Tabernaemontana/chemistry
  7. The Management of Persistent Pain From a Branch of the Trifid Mandibular Canal due to Implant Impingement
    Aljunid S, AlSiweedi S, Nambiar P, Chai WL, Ngeow WC
    J Oral Implantol, 2016 Aug;42(4):349-52.
    PMID: 27078072 DOI: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-16-00011
    The mandibular canal is a conduit that allows the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle to transverse the mandible to supply the dentition, jawbone, and soft tissue around the lower lip. It is now acknowledged that the mandibular canal is not a single canal but an anatomical structure with multiple branches and variations. Iatrogenic injury to branches of the mandibular canal that carry a neurovascular bundle has been reported to cause injury to the main canal as severe as if the main canal itself is traumatized. These injuries include bleeding, neurosensory disturbance, or the formation of traumatic neuroma, and so far, they have involved cases with the bifid mandibular canal. This current report presents a case of neurosensory disturbance that resulted from the impingement of a branch of a trifid mandibular canal during implant insertion. Its management included analgesics, reexamination, and reinserting a shorter implant.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Mandible*; Mandibular Nerve; Pain; Dental Implants*
  8. Fulltext Fine-mapping and cross-validation of QTLs linked to fatty acid composition in multiple independent interspecific crosses of oil palm
    Ting NC, Yaakub Z, Kamaruddin K, Mayes S, Massawe F, Sambanthamurthi R, et al.
    BMC Genomics, 2016;17(1):289.
    PMID: 27079197 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2607-4
    The commercial oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) produces a mesocarp oil (commonly called 'palm oil') with approximately equal proportions of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FAs). An increase in unsaturated FAs content or iodine value (IV) as a measure of the degree of unsaturation would help to open up new markets for the oil. One way to manipulate the fatty acid composition (FAC) in palm oil is through introgression of favourable alleles from the American oil palm, E. oleifera, which has a more unsaturated oil.
  9. Fulltext Ocular perfusion pressure and ophthalmic artery flow in patients with normal tension glaucoma
    Samsudin A, Isaacs N, Tai ML, Ramli N, Mimiwati Z, Choo MM
    BMC Ophthalmol, 2016;16:39.
    PMID: 27079202 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-016-0215-3
    Vascular insufficiency has been reported to be a cause of normal tension glaucoma (NTG). The aim of this study was to compare ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) and ophthalmic artery flow (OAF) between patients with NTG and those without glaucoma.
  10. Fulltext Helminth infection promotes colonization resistance via type 2 immunity
    Ramanan D, Bowcutt R, Lee SC, Tang MS, Kurtz ZD, Ding Y, et al.
    Science, 2016 Apr 29;352(6285):608-12.
    PMID: 27080105 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf3229
    Increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, in developed nations is associated with changes to the microbial environment, such as decreased prevalence of helminth colonization and alterations to the gut microbiota. We find that helminth infection protects mice deficient in the Crohn's disease susceptibility gene Nod2 from intestinal abnormalities by inhibiting colonization by an inflammatory Bacteroides species. Resistance to Bacteroides colonization was dependent on type 2 immunity, which promoted the establishment of a protective microbiota enriched in Clostridiales. Additionally, we show that individuals from helminth-endemic regions harbor a similar protective microbiota and that deworming treatment reduced levels of Clostridiales and increased Bacteroidales. These results support a model of the hygiene hypothesis in which certain individuals are genetically susceptible to the consequences of a changing microbial environment.
    MeSH terms: Clostridiales/immunology; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology*; Animals; Bacteroides/immunology*; Bacteroides Infections/immunology*; Clostridium Infections/immunology; Crohn Disease/genetics*; Crohn Disease/immunology; Intestines/immunology*; Intestines/microbiology; Intestines/parasitology; Mice, Mutant Strains; Trichuriasis/immunology*; Trichuris/immunology*; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Mice; Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein/genetics*; Hygiene Hypothesis
  11. Fulltext Treatment of multiple-level tracheobronchial stenosis secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis using bronchoscopic balloon dilatation with topical mitomycin-C
    Faisal M, Harun H, Hassan TM, Ban AY, Chotirmall SH, Abdul Rahaman JA
    BMC Pulm Med, 2016;16(1):53.
    PMID: 27080697 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-016-0209-1
    Tracheobronchial stenosis is a known complication of endobronchial tuberculosis. Despite antituberculous and steroid therapy, the development of bronchial stenosis is usually irreversible and requires airway patency to be restored by either bronchoscopic or surgical interventions. We report the use of balloon dilatation and topical mitomycin-C to successful restore airway patency.
    MeSH terms: Bronchial Diseases; Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Respiration Disorders; Tuberculosis; Mitomycin
  12. Fulltext Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1P2) attenuates reactive oxygen species formation and inhibits cell death: implications for otoprotective therapy
    Herr DR, Reolo MJ, Peh YX, Wang W, Lee CW, Rivera R, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2016 Apr 15;6:24541.
    PMID: 27080739 DOI: 10.1038/srep24541
    Ototoxic drugs, such as platinum-based chemotherapeutics, often lead to permanent hearing loss through apoptosis of neuroepithelial hair cells and afferent neurons of the cochlea. There is no approved therapy for preventing or reversing this process. Our previous studies identified a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), S1P2, as a potential mediator of otoprotection. We therefore sought to identify a pharmacological approach to prevent cochlear degeneration via activation of S1P2. The cochleae of S1pr2(-/-) knockout mice were evaluated for accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay. This showed that loss of S1P2 results in accumulation of ROS that precedes progressive cochlear degeneration as previously reported. These findings were supported by in vitro cell-based assays to evaluate cell viability, induction of apoptosis, and accumulation of ROS following activation of S1P2 in the presence of cisplatin. We show for the first time, that activation of S1P2 with a selective receptor agonist increases cell viability and reduces cisplatin-mediated cell death by reducing ROS. Cumulatively, these results suggest that S1P2 may serve as a therapeutic target for attenuating cisplatin-mediated ototoxicity.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Survival/drug effects; Cochlea/metabolism; Cochlea/pathology; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Cell Death/genetics; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*; Mice, Knockout; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid/genetics; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid/metabolism*; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid/agonists; Mice
  13. Acrylic microspheres-based optosensor for visual detection of nitrite
    Noor NS, Tan LL, Heng LY, Chong KF, Tajuddin SN
    Food Chem, 2016 Sep 15;207:132-8.
    PMID: 27080889 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.03.088
    A new optosensor for visual quantitation of nitrite (NO2(-)) ion has been fabricated by physically immobilizing Safranine O (SO) reagent onto a self-adhesive poly(n-butyl acrylate) [poly(nBA)] microspheres matrix, which was synthesized via facile microemulsion UV lithography technique. Evaluation and optimization of the optical NO2(-) ion sensor was performed with a fiber optic reflectance spectrophotometer. Scanning electron micrograph showed well-shaped and smooth spherical morphology of the poly(nBA) microspheres with a narrow particles size distribution from 0.6μm up to 1.8μm. The uniform size distribution of the acrylic microspheres promoted homogeneity of the immobilized SO reagent molecules on the microspheres' surfaces, thereby enhanced the sensing response reproducibility (<5% RSD) with a linear range obtained from 10 to 100ppm NO2(-) ion. The micro-sized acrylic immobilization matrix demonstrated no significant barrier for diffusion of reactant and product, and served as a good solid state ion transport medium for reflectometric nitrite determination in food samples.
  14. Partial ablation of uropygial gland effect on carcass characteristics of Akar Putra chicken
    Jawad HS, Idris LH, Bakar ZB, Kassim AB
    Poult Sci, 2016 Aug 01;95(8):1966-71.
    PMID: 27081194 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew125
    This study evaluated the effect of partial uropygialectomy (PU) on carcass traits of male and female Akar Putra chickens. Sixty chicks of each sex were evenly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 3 replicates per group containing 4 males and 4 females each, and reared for 12 wk. Homogeneity of the groups was satisfied with regard to the parity. Experimental treatments consisted of a control treatment (T1), and partial ablation of the uropygial gland was applied on the second, third, fourth, and fifth treatments at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk of age, respectively. The chickens were fed ad libitum the same diets (1 to 13 d: starter; 14 d to slaughter: finisher). On the last d of the experiment, 12 birds were randomly selected from each treatment group (2 males and 2 females per replicate) and slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics, which included carcass weight, dressing percentage with or without eating giblets, and the relative weights of heart, liver, gizzard, thighs, wings, breast, back, and neck. From the results of the study, it was shown that the partial ablation of the uropygial gland at all ages had certain dependent effects concerning some carcass parameters, as shown by higher breast and back relative weights in males and breast relative weight in females. As a consequence, a positive effect also was noticed regarding the carcass morphology in terms of the increase in dressing percentage with or without eating giblets thus leading to an increase in the body weight and carcass weight. Furthermore, the best result was obtained in the second treatment when PU was applied at 3 wk of age compared with other experimental groups. Moreover, the current study provides a novel and economic alternative to enhance the body performance of poultry in general and Akar Putra chicken particularly.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Husbandry; Female; Male; Meat/standards*; Sebaceous Glands/surgery*; Food Quality
  15. Fulltext The MARCOPOLO Study of ustekinumab utilization and efficacy in a real-world setting: treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis in Asia-Pacific countries
    Youn SW, Tsai TF, Theng C, Choon SE, Wiryadi BE, Pires A, et al.
    Ann Dermatol, 2016 Apr;28(2):222-31.
    PMID: 27081271 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2016.28.2.222
    BACKGROUND: Ustekinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. However, factors including efficacy, tolerability, ease of use, and cost burden may affect ustekinumab utilization. Noncompliance may, in turn, affect treatment response.
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ustekinumab utilization in the real-world setting in Asia-Pacific countries.
    METHODS: In this phase 4 observational study conducted in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan, adults with plaque psoriasis receiving ustekinumab were followed for up to 52 weeks. Study endpoints were the proportion of all patients using ustekinumab according to label-recommended intervals and the proportion of Korean patients who achieved a psoriasis area severity index 75 response at week 16. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events.
    RESULTS: Overall, 169 patients received ustekinumab (Korea, n=102; other countries, n=67). Just over half (56.2%) of patients used ustekinumab with the label-recommended interval from baseline to week 40; the proportion was higher in Korea (73.5%) than in other countries (29.9%), probably because ustekinumab was provided without charge for Korean patients up to week 40. Noncompliance increased after week 40 in Korea and from week 28 in other Asia-Pacific countries, with cost cited as the most common reason. At week 16, 56.9% of Korean patients achieved a Psoriasis Area Severity Index 75 response. Safety results were in line with those seen in previous studies.
    CONCLUSION: More than half of all patients in Asia-Pacific countries used ustekinumab as per the label-recommended dose interval, but reimbursement variations between countries may have confounded overall results.
    KEYWORDS: Asia-Pacific; Compliance; Plaque psoriasis; Reimbursement; Ustekinumab
  16. Fulltext The extraction of different proteins in selenium enriched peanuts and their antioxidant properties
    Zhao P, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Guo T, Zhang Z, Zhang WJ, et al.
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2016 May;23(3):353-7.
    PMID: 27081360 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.08.007
    In this study, the selenium enriched peanuts and the different solubility proteins extracted from them were investigated. The dried defatted selenium enriched peanuts (SeP) powder (0.3147 μg/g) had a 2.5-fold higher mean total selenium concentration than general peanuts (GP) power (0.1233 μg/g). The SeP had higher concentration of selenium, manganese and zinc than that of GP, but less calcium. The rate of extraction of protein was 23.39% for peanuts and alkali soluble protein was the main component of protein in SeP, which accounted for 92.82% of total soluble protein and combined selenium was 77.33% of total selenium protein. In different forms of proteins from SeP, the WSePr due to higher concentration of selenium had higher DPPH free-radical scavenging activity, higher reducing activity and longer induction time than other proteins.
    MeSH terms: Alkalies; Calcium, Dietary; Ions; Manganese; Arachis; Powders; Selenium; Solubility; Zinc
  17. A Randomised Single-Blinded Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Brief Advice on Smoking Cessation among Tertiary Students in Malaysia
    De Silva W, Awang R, Samsudeen S, Hanna F
    J Health Med Inform, 2016 Feb;7(1).
    PMID: 27081575
    INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoking, a habitual behavior, is addictive and detrimental to health. Quitting requires personal abilities and environmental opportunities and therefore, improving these abilities and opportunities will undoubtedly act on smokers' motivation to quit.

    METHODS: A prospective single-blinded randomized controlled interventional study was conducted among first year undergraduate students in Malaysia. A total of eighty smokers were randomly allocated to a control or intervention groups (40/40). Randomization remained concealed from research personnel. All participants were followed up for six months to evaluate abstinence.

    RESULTS: Quit line enrolment rate of the intervention group was 55% (22) compared to 7.5% (3) in the control (P < 0.001 95% CI 30.1 - 64.9). In the intervention group 27% (6) sustained quitting for six months compared to none in the control group.

    CONCLUSION: This study has shown that brief advice for smoking cessation is more effective than an information leaflet alone to promote quitting and that to maintain abstinence quit line follow up is necessary. Larger samples size and longer follow up studies are needed to further confirm these findings.

  18. Development of an objective method for the comparison of fired projectiles using an air pistol as a template
    Hamzah NH
    Forensic Sci Int, 2016 07;264:106-12.
    PMID: 27081766 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.050
    The ability to objectify ballistic evidence is a challenge faced by firearms examiners around the world. A number of researchers are trying to improve bullet-identification systems to address deficiencies detailed within the National Academy of Science report (2009). More recently focus has turned to making use of more sophisticated imaging modalities to view entire regions of the projectile and the development of automated systems for the comparison of the topographical surfaces recorded. Projectiles from a newly bought air pistol with 0.177 calibre pellets (unjacketed), fired series of 609 pellets were examined using an optical microscope. A mathematical methodology was developed to pre-process the resultant topographical maps generating point data for comparison, analysed using the principal component analysis (PCA). In most cases limited to reasonable success was achieved. The objective method still requires an operator to identify the Land Engraved Areas to be scanned, however the mathematical alignments were objectively achieved. The PCA results illustrated that the striation marks were neither exclusive nor specific to the LEA regions but rather crossed over regions. This study also proves that a single weapon does not necessarily leave identical marks of projectiles on its surface.
    MeSH terms: Academies and Institutes; Firearms; National Academy of Sciences (U.S.); Cross-Over Studies; Principal Component Analysis; Forensic Ballistics
  19. Whole-grain dietary recommendations: the need for a unified global approach
    Seal CJ, Nugent AP, Tee ES, Thielecke F
    Br J Nutr, 2016 06;115(11):2031-8.
    PMID: 27082494 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516001161
    Increased whole-grain (WG) consumption reduces the risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, is related to reduced body weight and weight gain and is related to improved intestinal health. Definitions of 'WG' and 'WG food' are proposed and used in some countries but are not consistent. Many countries promote WG consumption, but the emphasis given and the messages used vary. We surveyed dietary recommendations of fifty-three countries for mentions of WG to assess the extent, rationale and diversity in emphasis and wording of any recommendations. If present, recommendations were classified as either 'primary', where the recommendation was specific for WG, or 'secondary', where recommendations were made in order to achieve another (primary) target, most often dietary fibre intake. In total, 127 organisations were screened, including government, non-governmental organisations, charities and professional bodies, the WHO and European Food Safety Authority, of which forty-nine including WHO provide a WG intake recommendation. Recommendations ranged from 'specific' with specified target amounts (e.g. x g WG/d), 'semi-quantitative' where intake was linked to intake of cereal/carbohydrate foods with proportions of WG suggested (e.g. x servings of cereals of which y servings should be WG) to 'non-specific' based on 'eating more' WG or 'choosing WG where possible'. This lack of a harmonised message may result in confusion for the consumer, lessen the impact of public health messages and pose barriers to trade in the food industry. A science-based consensus or expert opinion on WG recommendations is needed, with a global reach to guide public health decision making and increase WG consumption globally.
    MeSH terms: Whole Grains*; Energy Intake*; Dietary Fiber/administration & dosage; Feeding Behavior*; Humans; Public Health; Global Health*; Nutrition Policy; Recommended Dietary Allowances*
  20. In vitro activity of Tedizolid phosphate against multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Asian countries
    Baek JY, Kang CI, Kim SH, Ko KS, Chung DR, Peck KR, et al.
    Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 2016 Jun;85(2):218-20.
    PMID: 27083121 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2016.02.022
    Tedizolid phosphate is a second-generation oxazolidinone prodrug that is potential activity against a wide range of Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, penicillin-resistant streptococci, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The in vitro activity of tedizolid and other comparator agents against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pneumococci from various Asian countries were evaluated. Of the S. pneumoniae clinical pneumonia isolates collected during 2008 and 2009 from 8 Asian countries (Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka), 104 isolates of MDR pneumococci were included in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for 18 antimicrobial agents was performed by broth microdilution method. Tedizolid was highly active against pneumococci. All isolates tested were inhibited at a tedizolid minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of ≤0.25μg/ml (ranged from ≤0.03μg/ml to 0.25μg/ml). The MIC50 and MIC90 of tedizolid against MDR pneumococci were both 0.12μg/ml, while MIC50 and MIC90 of linezolid were 0.5μg/ml and 1μg/ml, respectively. In addition, tedizolid maintained the activity against S. pneumoniae regardless of the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotype of the isolates. The activity of tedizolid was excellent against all types of MDR pneumococci, exhibiting and maintaining at least 4-fold-greater potency compared to linezolid, regardless of resistance phenotypes to other commonly utilized agents. Tedizolid has the potential to be an agent to treat infections caused by MDR pneumococci in the Asia.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Asia; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Oxazoles/pharmacology*; Organophosphates/pharmacology*; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal/microbiology; Streptococcal Infections/microbiology*; Streptococcus pneumoniae/drug effects*; Streptococcus pneumoniae/isolation & purification*; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial*
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