Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Dorairaj D, Ismail MR
    Front Physiol, 2017;8:491.
    PMID: 28747889 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00491
    Lodging is a phenomenon that affects most of the cereal crops including rice, Oryza sativa. This is due to the fragile nature of herbaceous plants whose stems are non-woody, thus affecting its ability to grow upright. Silicon (Si), a beneficial nutrient is often used to toughen and protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. Deposition of Si in plant tissues enhances the rigidity and stiffness of the plant as a whole. Silicified cells provide the much needed strength to the culm to resist breaking. Lignin plays important roles in cell wall structural integrity, stem strength, transport, mechanical support, and plant pathogen defense. The aim of this study is to resolve effects of Si on formation of microstructure and regulation of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), a key gene responsible for lignin biosynthesis. Besides evaluating silicon, paclobutrazol (PBZ) a plant growth retartdant that reduces internode elongation is also incorporated in this study. Hardness, brittleness and stiffness were improved in presence of silicon thus reducing lodging. Scanning electron micrographs with the aid of energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) was used to map silicon distribution. Presence of trichomes, silica cells, and silica bodies were detected in silicon treated plants. Transcripts of CAD gene was also upregulated in these plants. Besides, phloroglucinol staining showed presence of lignified vascular bundles and sclerenchyma band. In conclusion, silicon treated rice plants showed an increase in lignin content, silicon content, and formation of silicified microstructures.
    MeSH terms: Alcohol Oxidoreductases; Edible Grain; Electrons; Lignin; Phloroglucinol; Oryza; Silicon Dioxide; Silicon; Triazoles; X-Rays; Crops, Agricultural; Plant Development; Trichomes
  2. Tran PN, Savka MA, Gan HM
    Front Microbiol, 2017;8:1296.
    PMID: 28747902 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01296
    The genus Pseudomonas has one of the largest diversity of species within the Bacteria kingdom. To date, its taxonomy is still being revised and updated. Due to the non-standardized procedure and ambiguous thresholds at species level, largely based on 16S rRNA gene or conventional biochemical assay, species identification of publicly available Pseudomonas genomes remains questionable. In this study, we performed a large-scale analysis of all Pseudomonas genomes with species designation (excluding the well-defined P. aeruginosa) and re-evaluated their taxonomic assignment via in silico genome-genome hybridization and/or genetic comparison with valid type species. Three-hundred and seventy-three pseudomonad genomes were analyzed and subsequently clustered into 145 distinct genospecies. We detected 207 erroneous labels and corrected 43 to the proper species based on Average Nucleotide Identity Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) sequence similarity to the type strain. Surprisingly, more than half of the genomes initially designated as Pseudomonas syringae and Pseudomonas fluorescens should be classified either to a previously described species or to a new genospecies. Notably, high pairwise average nucleotide identity (>95%) indicating species-level similarity was observed between P. synxantha-P. libanensis, P. psychrotolerans-P. oryzihabitans, and P. kilonensis- P. brassicacearum, that were previously differentiated based on conventional biochemical tests and/or genome-genome hybridization techniques.
    MeSH terms: Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Nucleotides; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas fluorescens; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Pseudomonas syringae; Multilocus Sequence Typing
  3. Luk ADW, Lee PP, Mao H, Chan KW, Chen XY, Chen TX, et al.
    Front Immunol, 2017;8:808.
    PMID: 28747913 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00808
    BACKGROUND: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is fatal unless treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Delay in diagnosis is common without newborn screening. Family history of infant death due to infection or known SCID (FH) has been associated with earlier diagnosis.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical features that affect age at diagnosis (AD) and time to the diagnosis of SCID.

    METHODS: From 2005 to 2016, 147 SCID patients were referred to the Asian Primary Immunodeficiency Network. Patients with genetic diagnosis, age at presentation (AP), and AD were selected for study.

    RESULTS: A total of 88 different SCID gene mutations were identified in 94 patients, including 49 IL2RG mutations, 12 RAG1 mutations, 8 RAG2 mutations, 7 JAK3 mutations, 4 DCLRE1C mutations, 4 IL7R mutations, 2 RFXANK mutations, and 2 ADA mutations. A total of 29 mutations were previously unreported. Eighty-three of the 94 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. Their median AD was 4 months, and the time to diagnosis was 2 months. The commonest SCID was X-linked (n = 57). A total of 29 patients had a positive FH. Candidiasis (n = 27) and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine infection (n = 19) were the commonest infections. The median age for candidiasis and BCG infection documented were 3 months and 4 months, respectively. The median absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was 1.05 × 10(9)/L with over 88% patients below 3 × 10(9)/L. Positive FH was associated with earlier AP by 1 month (p = 0.002) and diagnosis by 2 months (p = 0.008), but not shorter time to diagnosis (p = 0.494). Candidiasis was associated with later AD by 2 months (p = 0.008) and longer time to diagnosis by 0.55 months (p = 0.003). BCG infections were not associated with age or time to diagnosis.

    CONCLUSION: FH was useful to aid earlier diagnosis but was overlooked by clinicians and not by parents. Similarly, typical clinical features of SCID were not recognized by clinicians to shorten the time to diagnosis. We suggest that lymphocyte subset should be performed for any infant with one or more of the following four clinical features: FH, candidiasis, BCG infections, and ALC below 3 × 10(9)/L.

    MeSH terms: BCG Vaccine; Candidiasis; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mutation; Neonatal Screening; Lymphocyte Subsets; Severe Combined Immunodeficiency; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Homeodomain Proteins; Patient Selection; Lymphocyte Count; Janus Kinase 3; Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit; Infant Death
  4. Chan KG, Tan WS
    Stand Genomic Sci, 2017;12:40.
    PMID: 28748024 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-017-0255-1
    Cedecea neteri M006 is a rare bacterium typically found as an environmental isolate from the tropical rainforest Sungai Tua waterfall (Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia). It is a Gram-reaction-negative, facultative anaerobic, bacillus. Here, we explore the features of Cedecea neteri M006, together with its genome sequence and annotation. The genome comprised 4,965,436 bp with 4447 protein-coding genes and 103 RNA genes.
  5. Kv S, C PR, Yadav SR, Kumar N, C D MK, Kumar SP
    PMID: 28748055 DOI: 10.15171/joddd.2017.023
    Dental anomalies affecting the teeth are relatively common. Simultaneous occurrence of multiple dental abnormalities in a single tooth is uncommon and relatively rare. One such abnormality routinely encountered in dental clinics is the talon cusp. It is also referred to as dens evaginatus, characterized by the presence of an accessory cusp-like structure projecting from the cingulum of anterior teeth. It has an increased predilection for maxillary teeth and permanent dentition. Although numerous cases of talon cusp have been reported in the literature, occurrence of multiple talon cusps in maxillary central incisors has not been found in the literature. This case report highlights the presence of talon cusps in maxillary anterior teeth with multiple impacted supernumerary teeth.
    MeSH terms: Dental Clinics; Incisor; Jaw Abnormalities; Odontogenesis; Tooth Abnormalities; Tooth, Impacted; Tooth, Supernumerary; Dentition, Permanent
  6. Guo C, Zhou Z, Wen Z, Liu Y, Zeng C, Xiao D, et al.
    PMID: 28748176 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00317
    Dengue is an arthropod-borne infectious disease caused by dengue virus (DENV) infection and transmitted byAedesmosquitoes. Approximately 50-100 million people are infected with DENV each year, resulting in a high economic burden on both governments and individuals. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize information regarding the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and serotype distribution and risk factors for global dengue outbreaks occurring from 1990 to 2015. We searched the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases through December 2016 using the term "dengue outbreak." In total, 3,853 studies were identified, of which 243 studies describing 262 dengue outbreaks met our inclusion criteria. The majority of outbreak-associated dengue cases were reported in the Western Pacific Region, particularly after the year 2010; these cases were primarily identified in China, Singapore and Malaysia. The pooled mean age of dengue-infected individuals was 30.1 years; of the included patients, 54.5% were male, 23.2% had DHF, 62.0% had secondary infections, and 1.3% died. The mean age of dengue patients reported after 2010 was older than that of patients reported before 2010 (34.0 vs. 27.2 years); however, the proportions of patients who had DHF, had secondary infections and died significantly decreased after 2010. Fever, malaise, headache, and asthenia were the most frequently reported clinical symptoms and signs among dengue patients. In addition, among the identified clinical symptoms and signs, positive tourniquet test (OR= 4.86), ascites (OR= 13.91) and shock (OR= 308.09) were identified as the best predictors of dengue infection, DHF and mortality, respectively (bothP< 0.05). The main risk factors for dengue infection, DHF and mortality were living with uncovered water container (OR= 1.65), suffering from hypotension (OR= 6.18) and suffering from diabetes mellitus (OR= 2.53), respectively (allP< 0.05). The serotype distribution varied with time and across WHO regions. Overall, co-infections were reported in 47.7% of the evaluated outbreaks, and the highest pooled mortality rate (2.0%) was identified in DENV-2 dominated outbreaks. Our study emphasizes the necessity of implementing programs focused on targeted prevention, early identification, and effective treatment.
    MeSH terms: Aedes/physiology; Aedes/virology; Animals; Dengue/epidemiology*; Dengue/transmission; Dengue/virology; Dengue Virus/genetics; Dengue Virus/isolation & purification; Dengue Virus/physiology; Disease Outbreaks; Humans
  7. Law JX, Chowdhury SR, Aminuddin BS, Ruszymah BHI
    Cell Tissue Bank, 2017 Dec;18(4):585-595.
    PMID: 28748415 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-017-9645-2
    Fibrin has excellent biocompatibility and biological properties to support tissue regeneration and promote wound healing. However, the role of diluted fibrin in wound healing has yet to be elucidated as it is commonly used in high concentration. This study was aimed to examine the effects of diluted plasma-derived fibrin (PDF) on keratinocyte and fibroblast wound healing in term of cell proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix (ECM) production and soluble factor secretion. Two PDF concentrations, 10 and 20% (v/v) were tested on keratinocytes and fibroblasts indirectly co-cultured in the transwell system. The control group was cultured with 5% FBS. Results showed that PDF reduced the keratinocyte growth rate and fibroblast migration, and increased the fibroblast ECM gene expression whereby significant differences were found between the 20% PDF group and the 5% FBS group. Similar trend was seen for the 10% PDF group but the differences were not significant. Comparison of the soluble factors between the PDF groups demonstrated that the level of growth-related oncogene alpha, interleukin-8 and epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78 were significantly higher in the 10% PDF group, whilst interleukin-1 alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor were significantly more concentrated in the 20% PDF group. Our results suggested that PDF selectively elevated the expression of collagen type 1 and collagen type 3 in fibroblasts but slowed down the migration in concentration-dependent manner. These novel findings provide new insight into the role of PDF in wound healing and may have important implications for the use of fibrin in skin tissue engineering.
    MeSH terms: Cell Movement/physiology; Cells, Cultured; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism; Fibrin/metabolism*; Fibroblasts/metabolism*; Humans; Wound Healing/physiology*; Keratinocytes/cytology*; Collagen Type I/metabolism; Cell Proliferation/physiology
  8. Atiomo W, Shafiee MN, Chapman C, Metzler VM, Abouzeid J, Latif A, et al.
    Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 2017 Nov;87(5):557-565.
    PMID: 28748640 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13436
    OBJECTIVE: Women with a prior history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of endometrial cancer (EC).

    AIM: To investigate whether the endometrium of women with PCOS possesses gene expression changes similar to those found in EC.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with EC, PCOS and control women unaffected by either PCOS or EC were recruited into a cross-sectional study at the Nottingham University Hospital, UK. For RNA sequencing, representative individual endometrial biopsies were obtained from women with EC, PCOS and a woman unaffected by PCOS or EC. Expression of a subset of differentially expressed genes identified by RNA sequencing, including NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), was validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR validation (n = 76) and in the cancer genome atlas UCEC (uterine corpus endometrioid carcinoma) RNA sequencing data set (n = 381). The expression of NQO1 was validated by immunohistochemistry in EC samples from a separate cohort (n = 91) comprised of consecutive patients who underwent hysterectomy at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, between 2011 and 2013. A further 6 postmenopausal women with histologically normal endometrium who underwent hysterectomy for genital prolapse were also included. Informed consent and local ethics approval were obtained for the study.

    RESULTS: We show for the first that NQO1 expression is significantly increased in the endometrium of women with PCOS and EC. Immunohistochemistry confirms significantly increased NQO1 protein expression in EC relative to nonmalignant endometrial tissue (P 

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endometrium/enzymology; Endometrium/metabolism*; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Middle Aged; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/enzymology; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism*; Gene Expression; Case-Control Studies; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)/metabolism*; Endometrial Neoplasms/enzymology; Endometrial Neoplasms/metabolism*; Young Adult
  9. Kruszka P, Porras AR, Addissie YA, Moresco A, Medrano S, Mok GTK, et al.
    Am J Med Genet A, 2017 Sep;173(9):2323-2334.
    PMID: 28748642 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38362
    Noonan syndrome (NS) is a common genetic syndrome associated with gain of function variants in genes in the Ras/MAPK pathway. The phenotype of NS has been well characterized in populations of European descent with less attention given to other groups. In this study, individuals from diverse populations with NS were evaluated clinically and by facial analysis technology. Clinical data and images from 125 individuals with NS were obtained from 20 countries with an average age of 8 years and female composition of 46%. Individuals were grouped into categories of African descent (African), Asian, Latin American, and additional/other. Across these different population groups, NS was phenotypically similar with only 2 of 21 clinical elements showing a statistically significant difference. The most common clinical characteristics found in all population groups included widely spaced eyes and low-set ears in 80% or greater of participants, short stature in more than 70%, and pulmonary stenosis in roughly half of study individuals. Using facial analysis technology, we compared 161 Caucasian, African, Asian, and Latin American individuals with NS with 161 gender and age matched controls and found that sensitivity was equal to or greater than 94% for all groups, and specificity was equal to or greater than 90%. In summary, we present consistent clinical findings from global populations with NS and additionally demonstrate how facial analysis technology can support clinicians in making accurate NS diagnoses. This work will assist in earlier detection and in increasing recognition of NS throughout the world.
    MeSH terms: Child; Face/physiopathology*; Female; Genetics, Population*; Humans; Male; Noonan Syndrome/genetics*; Noonan Syndrome/physiopathology; Signal Transduction; ras Proteins/genetics; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases/genetics; African Continental Ancestry Group/genetics; European Continental Ancestry Group/genetics; Asian Continental Ancestry Group
  10. Ahamad MNU, Ali ME, Hossain MAM, Asing A, Sultana S, Jahurul MHA
    PMID: 28748739 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2017.1359752
    Rabbit meat is receiving increasing attention because it contains a high level of proteins with relatively little fat. On the other hand, squirrel meat is served in upper-class meals in certain countries, so is sold at higher prices. The other side of the coin is rat meat, which has family ties with rabbit and squirrel but poses substantial threats to public health because it is a potential carrier of several zoonotic organisms. Recently, rat meat was mislabelled and sold as lamb after chemical modification. Thus, the chances of rabbit and squirrel meat substitution by rat meat cannot be ruled out. For the first time, a multiplex PCR assay was developed in Malaysia for the discriminatory identification of rat, rabbit and squirrel in the food chain. Rabbit (123 bp), rat (108 bp) and squirrel (243 bp) targets were amplified from ATP6 and cytb genes, along with a eukaryotic internal control (141bp). The products were sequenced and cross-tested against 22 species. A total of 81 reference samples and 72 meatball specimens were screened to validate the assay. Analyte stability was evaluated through boiling, autoclaving and micro-oven cooking. The tested lower limits of detection were 0.01 ng DNA for pure meat and 0.1% for meatballs.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Food Contamination/analysis*; Food Supply*; Malaysia; Meat/analysis*; Rabbits/genetics*; Sciuridae/genetics*; Mitochondrial Proton-Translocating ATPases/genetics; Mitochondrial Proton-Translocating ATPases/metabolism; Cytochromes b/genetics; Rats/genetics*; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  11. Kwan MK, Chiu CK, Chan CYW, Zamani R, Hansen-Algenstaedt N
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2017 7 28;25(2):2309499017722438.
    PMID: 28748740 DOI: 10.1177/2309499017722438
    PURPOSE: This study analysed the accuracy and safety of the fluoroscopic guided percutaneous screws in the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1-T6).

    METHODS: Computed tomography scans from 74 patients were retrospectively evaluated between January 2008 and December 2012. Pedicle perforations were classified by two types of grading systems. For medial, lateral, superior and inferior perforations: grade 0 - no violation; grade 1 - <2 mm; grade 2 - 2-4 mm and grade 3 - >4 mm. For anterior perforations: grade 0 - no violation; grade 1 - <4 mm; grade 2 - 4-6 mm and grade 3 - >6 mm.

    RESULTS: There were 35 (47.3%) male and 39 (52.7%) female patients with a total 260 thoracic pedicle screws (T1-T6) analysed. There were 32 screw perforations which account to a perforation rate of 12.3% (11.2% grade 1, 0.7% grade 2 and 0.4% grade 3). None led to pedicle screw-related complications. The perforation rate was highest at T1 (33.3%, all grade 1 perforations), followed by T6 (14.5%) and T4 (14.0%).

    CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous pedicle screws of the upper thoracic spine (T1-T6) are technically more demanding and carry potential risks of serious complications. Extra precautions need to be taken when fluoroscopic guided percutaneous pedicle screws are placed at T1 and T2 levels, due to high medial pedicular angulation and obstruction of lateral fluoroscopic images by the shoulder girdle and at T4-T6 levels, due to smaller pedicular width.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Fluoroscopy*; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications/etiology*; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Diseases/etiology; Spinal Diseases/surgery*; Thoracic Vertebrae/surgery*; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Surgery, Computer-Assisted/adverse effects*; Surgery, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation; Pedicle Screws/adverse effects*
  12. Yeoh SH, Satake A, Numata S, Ichie T, Lee SL, Basherudin N, et al.
    Mol Ecol, 2017 Oct;26(19):5074-5085.
    PMID: 28749031 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14257
    Elucidating the physiological mechanisms of the irregular yet concerted flowering rhythm of mass flowering tree species in the tropics requires long-term monitoring of flowering phenology, exogenous and endogenous environmental factors, as well as identifying interactions and dependencies among these factors. To investigate the proximate factors for floral initiation of mast seeding trees in the tropics, we monitored the expression dynamics of two key flowering genes, meteorological conditions and endogenous resources over two flowering events of Shorea curtisii and Shorea leprosula in the Malay Peninsula. Comparisons of expression dynamics of genes studied indicated functional conservation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and LEAFY (LFY) in Shorea. The genes were highly expressed at least 1 month before anthesis for both species. A mathematical model considering the synergistic effect of cool temperature and drought on activation of the flowering gene was successful in predicting the observed gene expression patterns. Requirement of both cool temperature and drought for floral transition suggested by the model implies that flowering phenologies of these species are sensitive to climate change. Our molecular phenology approach in the tropics sheds light on the conserved role of flowering genes in plants inhabiting different climate zones and can be widely applied to dissect the flowering processes in other plant species.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Models, Theoretical; Plant Proteins/genetics*; Temperature; Transcription Factors/genetics; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Flowers/genetics; Flowers/physiology*; Dipterocarpaceae/genetics*; Dipterocarpaceae/physiology; Droughts; Climate Change; Forests
  13. Hayati F, Mohd Azman ZA, Nasuruddin DN, Mazlan L, Zakaria AD, Sagap I
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2017 07 27;18(7):1821-1825.
    PMID: 28749112
    Background: Anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgery results in a high morbidity and mortality rate. Serum procalcitonin levels is known as a sensitive and specific marker of sepsis and could be use as a marker for early detection of a leak allowing early intervention. It may help a clinician decide to perform a CT scan even earlier especially when the diagnosis of a leak is uncertain. The aim of this study is to determine whether serum procalcitonin is a good predictor of anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery. Methodology: Between July 2014 until October 2015, 70 patients undergoing colorectal surgery were prospectively analyzed in a single-center tertiary teaching hospital. Demographic and surgical data were obtained. Serum procalcitonin was taken before surgery and at day 3 (72 hours) postoperatively. During the postoperative period, the patients were observed in the ward for features of anastomotic leak and if present, it was managed accordingly. The primary outcome was to prospectively determine an association between serum procalcitonin levels and an anastomotic leak in patients who underwent colorectal surgery with a primary anastomosis. Result: The rate of anastomotic leak was 4.5% (3 patients) with a mortality rate of 4.3% (3 patients). A rise in serum procalcitonin was statistically significant among patients with anastomotic leak. The optimal procalcitonin cut-off level at postoperative day 3 was 5.27 ng/mL, resulting in 100% sensitivity, 85% specificity, 23% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value. Nevertheless, none of the variables showed statistical significance with an anastomotic leak. Conclusion: Procalcitonin is a reliable biochemical marker to help diagnose anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery. Our study has shown that a level of 5 times beyond normal is statistically significant and a value of more than 5.27 ng/mL is confirmatory of a leak.
    MeSH terms: Anastomosis, Surgical; Colorectal Surgery; Demography; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Postoperative Period; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Biomarkers; Sepsis; Early Diagnosis; Anastomotic Leak
  14. Shukla V, Hussin FA, Hamid NH, Zain Ali NB
    Sensors (Basel), 2017 Jul 27;17(8).
    PMID: 28749411 DOI: 10.3390/s17081719
    With the advancement of digital microfluidics technology, applications such as on-chip DNA analysis, point of care diagnosis and automated drug discovery are common nowadays. The use of Digital Microfluidics Biochips (DMFBs) in disease assessment and recognition of target molecules had become popular during the past few years. The reliability of these DMFBs is crucial when they are used in various medical applications. Errors found in these biochips are mainly due to the defects developed during droplet manipulation, chip degradation and inaccuracies in the bio-assay experiments. The recently proposed Micro-electrode-dot Array (MEDA)-based DMFBs involve both fluidic and electronic domains in the micro-electrode cell. Thus, the testing techniques for these biochips should be revised in order to ensure proper functionality. This paper describes recent advances in the testing technologies for digital microfluidics biochips, which would serve as a useful platform for developing revised/new testing techniques for MEDA-based biochips. Therefore, the relevancy of these techniques with respect to testing of MEDA-based biochips is analyzed in order to exploit the full potential of these biochips.
    MeSH terms: Electrodes; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Microfluidics; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*; Microarray Analysis
  15. Liu H, Yang H, Qiao X, Wang Y, Liu X, Lee YS, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2017 Jul 27;17(8).
    PMID: 28749437 DOI: 10.3390/s17081725
    We have experimentally demonstrated an optical fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure formed by a few-mode photonic crystal fiber (PCF) for curvature measurement and inscribed a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in the PCF for the purpose of simultaneously measuring temperature. The structure consists of a PCF sandwiched between two multi-mode fibers (MMFs). Bending experimental results show that the proposed sensor has a sensitivity of -1.03 nm/m-1at a curvature range from 10 m-1to 22.4 m-1, and the curvature sensitivity of the embedded FBG was -0.003 nm/m-1. Temperature response experimental results showed that the MZI's wavelength, λa, has a sensitivity of 60.3 pm/°C, and the FBG's Bragg wavelength, λb, has sensitivity of 9.2 pm/°C in the temperature range of 8 to 100 °C. As such, it can be used for simultaneous measurement of curvature and temperature over ranges of 10 m-1to 22.4 m-1and 8 °C to 100 °C, respectively. The results show that the embedded FBG can be a good indicator to compensate the varying ambient temperature during a curvature measurement.
    MeSH terms: Interferometry; Temperature; Photons; Caspase 8; Optical Fibers
  16. Lim YM, Eng WL, Chan HK
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2017 07 27;18(7):1925-1930.
    PMID: 28749622
    Background: In Malaysia, the treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has long been delivered under the
    Malaysian Patient Assistance Program (MYPAP), but research on identifying factors contributing to non-adherence to
    tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is still limited. The current study explored understanding and challenges of Malaysian
    CML patients in taking imatinib and nilotinib. Methods: Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted
    with 13 CML patients receiving treatment at a public tertiary care center, and were analyzed using the content analysis
    approach. Results: The patients generally demonstrated inadequate knowledge, particularly of the natural history and
    staging of CML, the function of TKIs, and the methods used for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. A number of
    them also had experiences of withholding, skipping or altering the treatment, mainly due to the life-disturbing adverse
    drug effects (ADRs), forgetfulness, and religious and social issues. Besides, most of them were found having limited
    skills in managing the ADRs, and not using prompts as reminders to take the medications. Furthermore, even though
    nilotinib was generally perceived as better tolerated as compared with imatinib, the inconvenience caused by the need
    to take it twice daily and on an empty stomach was constantly highlighted by the patients. Conclusion: While TKIs
    are widely used for CML treatment in Malaysia, the findings have revealed a lack of patient education and awareness,
    which warrants an integrated plan to reinforce medication adherence.
    MeSH terms: Imatinib Mesylate; Awareness; Humans; Malaysia; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Pyrimidines; Stomach; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive; Medication Adherence; Tertiary Care Centers
  17. Wong JJ, Phan HP, Phumeetham S, Ong JSM, Chor YK, Qian S, et al.
    Crit Care Med, 2017 Jul 26.
    PMID: 28749854 DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000002623
    OBJECTIVES: The Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference developed a pediatric specific definition for acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). In this definition, severity of lung disease is stratified into mild, moderate, and severe groups. We aim to describe the epidemiology of patients with PARDS across Asia and evaluate whether the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference risk stratification accurately predicts outcome in PARDS.

    DESIGN: A multicenter, retrospective, descriptive cohort study.

    SETTING: Ten multidisciplinary PICUs in Asia.

    PATIENTS: All mechanically ventilated children meeting the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference criteria for PARDS between 2009 and 2015.

    INTERVENTIONS: None.

    MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data on epidemiology, ventilation, adjunct therapies, and clinical outcomes were collected. Patients were followed for 100 days post diagnosis of PARDS. A total of 373 patients were included. There were 89 (23.9%), 149 (39.9%), and 135 (36.2%) patients with mild, moderate, and severe PARDS, respectively. The most common risk factor for PARDS was pneumonia/lower respiratory tract infection (309 [82.8%]). Higher category of severity of PARDS was associated with lower ventilator-free days (22 [17-25], 16 [0-23], 6 [0-19]; p < 0.001 for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively) and PICU free days (19 [11-24], 15 [0-22], 5 [0-20]; p < 0.001 for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively). Overall PICU mortality for PARDS was 113 of 373 (30.3%), and 100-day mortality was 126 of 317 (39.7%). After adjusting for site, presence of comorbidities and severity of illness in the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model, patients with moderate (hazard ratio, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.03-3.45]; p = 0.039) and severe PARDS (hazard ratio, 3.18 [95% CI, 1.68, 6.02]; p < 0.001) had higher risk of mortality compared with those with mild PARDS.

    CONCLUSIONS: Mortality from PARDS is high in Asia. The Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference definition of PARDS is a useful tool for risk stratification.

    MeSH terms: Asia; Child; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Pneumonia; Respiration, Artificial; Ventilators, Mechanical; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; Cohort Studies; Risk Assessment; Acute Lung Injury
  18. Tan SK, Leung WK, Tang ATH, Zwahlen RA
    PLoS One, 2017;12(7):e0181146.
    PMID: 28749983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181146
    BACKGROUND: Mandibular advancement surgery may positively affect pharyngeal airways and therefore potentially beneficial to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

    OBJECTIVE: To collect evidence from published systematic reviews that have evaluated pharyngeal airway changes related to mandibular advancement with or without maxillary procedures.

    METHODOLOGY: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched without limiting language or timeline. Eligible systematic reviews evaluating changes in pharyngeal airway dimensions and respiratory parameters after mandibular advancement with or without maxillary surgery were identified and included.

    RESULTS: This overview has included eleven systematic reviews. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) increases linear, cross-sectional plane and volumetric measurements of pharyngeal airways significantly (p<0.0001), while reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) significantly (p<0.0001). Two systematic reviews included primary studies that have evaluated single-jaw mandibular advancement, but did not discuss their effect onto pharyngeal airways. Based on the included primary studies of those systematic reviews, single-jaw mandibular advancement was reported to significantly increase pharyngeal airway dimensions (p<0.05); however, conclusive long-term results were lacking.

    CONCLUSION: MMA increases pharyngeal airway dimensions and is beneficial to patients suffering from OSA. However, more evidence is still needed to draw definite conclusion related to the effect of single-jaw mandibular advancement osteotomies on pharyngeal airways.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Maxilla/surgery*; Osteotomy; Pharynx/surgery*; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Mandibular Advancement/methods*; Databases as Topic
  19. Taha M, Rahim F, Imran S, Ismail NH, Ullah H, Selvaraj M, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2017 10;74:30-40.
    PMID: 28750203 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.07.009
    Discovery of α-glucosidase inhibitors has been actively pursued with the aim to develop therapeutics for the treatment of type-II diabetes mellitus and the other carbohydrate mediated disease. In continuation of our drug discovery research on potential antidiabetic agents, we synthesized novel tris-indole-oxadiazole hybrid analogs (1-21), structurally characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, EI-MS, and 13C NMR. Elemental analysis was found in agreement with the calculated values. All compounds were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibiting potential and showed potent inhibitory activity in the range of IC50=2.00±0.01-292.40±3.16μM as compared to standard acarbose (IC50=895.09±2.04µM). The pharmacokinetic predictions of tris-indole series using descriptor properties showed that almost all compounds in this series indicate the drug aptness. Detailed binding mode analyses with docking simulation was also carried out which showed that the inhibitors can be stabilized by the formation of hydrogen bonds with catalytic residues and the establishment of hydrophobic contacts at the opposite side of the active site.
    MeSH terms: alpha-Glucosidases/metabolism*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/chemical synthesis; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology*; Hypoglycemic Agents/chemistry; Indoles/pharmacology*; Indoles/chemistry; Oxadiazoles/pharmacology*; Oxadiazoles/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation*; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemistry
  20. Intan-Shameha AR, Divers TJ, Morrow JK, Graves A, Olsen E, Johnson AL, et al.
    Res Vet Sci, 2017 Oct;114:401-405.
    PMID: 28750210 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.07.020
    The current study aimed at the investigating the potential use of phosphorylated neurofilament H (pNF-H) as a diagnostic biomarker for neurologic disorders in the horse. Paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (n=88) and serum only (n=30) were obtained from horses diagnosed with neurologic disorders and clinically healthy horses as control. The neurologic horses consisted of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) (38 cases) and cervical vertebral malformation (CVM) (23 cases). Levels of pNF-H were determined using an ELISA. The correlation between CSF and serum concentrations of pNF-H was evaluated using Spearman's Rank test and the significance of the difference among the groups was assessed using a nonparametric test. Horses had higher pNF-H levels in the CSF than serum. Horses afflicted with EPM had significantly higher serum pNF-H levels in comparison to controls or CVM cases. The correlation between CSF and serum pNF-H levels was poor in both the whole study population and among subgroups of horses included in the study. There was significant association between the likelihood of EPM and the concentrations of pNF-H in either the serum or CSF. These data suggest that pNF-H could be detected in serum and CSF samples from neurologic and control horses. This study demonstrated that pNF-H levels in serum and CSF have the potential to provide objective information to help in the early diagnosis of horses afflicted with neurologic disorders.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cervical Vertebrae/abnormalities*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Encephalomyelitis/blood; Encephalomyelitis/cerebrospinal fluid; Encephalomyelitis/diagnosis; Encephalomyelitis/veterinary; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary; Horse Diseases/blood; Horse Diseases/cerebrospinal fluid; Horse Diseases/diagnosis*; Horses; Nervous System Diseases/blood; Nervous System Diseases/cerebrospinal fluid; Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis; Nervous System Diseases/veterinary*; Phosphorylation; Sarcocystis/isolation & purification; Sarcocystosis/blood; Sarcocystosis/cerebrospinal fluid; Sarcocystosis/diagnosis; Sarcocystosis/veterinary; Biomarkers/blood; Biomarkers/cerebrospinal fluid; Neurofilament Proteins/blood*; Neurofilament Proteins/chemical synthesis*
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