Browse publications by year: 2017

Fulltext Mobile App Design, Development, and Publication for Adverse Drug Reaction Assessments of Causality, Severity, and Preventability

Ithnin M, Mohd Rani MD, Abd Latif Z, Kani P, Syaiful A, Nor Aripin KN, et al.

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2017 May 30;5(5):e78.
PMID: 28559222 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.6261

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Improved assessment of ADRs to identify the causal relationship, the severity, and the preventability will aid ADRs prevention or reduce patient burden.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop mobile apps in assisting clinical decision in ADR assessments of causality, severity, and preventability using validated tools. The usability of the apps was assessed.
METHODS: We designed mobile apps using validated assessment tools for ADRs. They are the Liverpool ADRs Causality Assessment Tool, Hartwig's Severity Assessment Scale, and the Modified Schumock and Thronton Preventability Scale. The apps were named "Adverse Drug ReactionCausality," "Adverse Drug ReactionSeverity," and "Adverse Drug RxnPreventability." A survey was conducted using the System Usability Scale (SUS) to assess the usability of the developed apps among health care professionals.
RESULTS: These apps are available for download through Google Play Store for free since January 2015. From the survey, the mean SUS score was 70.9 based on 26 responses from the pediatric ward of Hospital Ampang, Malaysia.
CONCLUSIONS: The developed apps received an overall acceptable usability among health care professionals. The usage of these apps will improve detection, assessment, and avoidance of future ADRs. They will also contribute to future research on ADRs, thus increasing drug safety.
Fulltext Preparation and characterization of a novel edible film based on Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum

Mohammadi Nafchi A, Olfat A, Bagheri M, Nouri L, Karim AA, Ariffin F

J Food Sci Technol, 2017 May;54(6):1703-1710.
PMID: 28559629 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2602-z

In this study a novel biodegradable edible film based on Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) was fabricated and characterized. Glycerol at three levels (25, 35, and 45% based on dried AHSG) as plasticizer were added. The microstructure and barrier, electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties of the film were characterized. Results showed that permeability to both oxygen and water vapor, increased as the plasticizer content increased from 25 to 45%. The mechanical properties of AHSG films were comparable to those of polysaccharide films. Results showed that the glycerol content significantly decreased the glass-transition temperature of the film. The color measurement indicated that increasing the plasticizer content augmented the b* and L* values. Results of the field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform and smooth surface morphology and an absence of phase separation among the film compositions. The findings demonstrated that AHSG has the potential to fabricate edible films with enhanced quality characteristics.
Fulltext Combating Sale of Counterfeit and Falsified Medicines Online: A Losing Battle

Lee KS, Yee SM, Zaidi STR, Patel RP, Yang Q, Al-Worafi YM, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:268.
PMID: 28559845 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00268
Fulltext Streptomyces colonosanans sp. nov., A Novel Actinobacterium Isolated from Malaysia Mangrove Soil Exhibiting Antioxidative Activity and Cytotoxic Potential against Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Law JW, Ser HL, Duangjai A, Saokaew S, Bukhari SI, Khan TM, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2017;8:877.
PMID: 28559892 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00877

Streptomyces colonosanans MUSC 93JT, a novel strain isolated from mangrove forest soil located at Sarawak, Malaysia. The bacterium was noted to be Gram-positive and to form light yellow aerial and vivid yellow substrate mycelium on ISP 2 agar. The polyphasic approach was used to determine the taxonomy of strain MUSC 93JT and the strain showed a range of phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the members of the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that closely related strains include Streptomyces malachitofuscus NBRC 13059T (99.2% sequence similarity), Streptomyces misionensis NBRC 13063T (99.1%), and Streptomyces phaeoluteichromatogenes NRRL 5799T (99.1%). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between MUSC 93JT and closely related type strains ranged from 14.4 ± 0.1 to 46.2 ± 0.4%. The comparison of BOX-PCR fingerprints indicated MUSC 93JT exhibits a unique DNA profile. The genome of MUSC 93JT consists of 7,015,076 bp. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 69.90 mol%. The extract of strain MUSC 93JT was demonstrated to exhibit potent antioxidant activity via ABTS, metal chelating, and SOD assays. This extract also exhibited anticancer activity against human colon cancer cell lines without significant cytotoxic effect against human normal colon cells. Furthermore, the chemical analysis of the extract further emphasizes the strain is producing chemo-preventive related metabolites. Based on this polyphasic study of MUSC 93JT, it is concluded that this strain represents a novel species, for which the name Streptomyces colonosanans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 93JT (= DSM 102042T = MCCC 1K02298T).

MeSH terms: Agar; Antioxidants; Base Composition; DNA; Humans; Malaysia; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Soil; Streptomyces; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Wetlands
Fulltext Bone Scintigraphy and Tenofovir-Induced Osteomalacia in Chronic Hepatitis B

Khoo ACH, Lee YF

Nucl Med Mol Imaging, 2017 06;51(2):195-196.
PMID: 28559948 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-016-0395-z

Tenofovir, used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and HIV, is known for its side effects on the kidneys and bones. We share interesting images of a patient with tenofovir-induced osteomalacia on Technetium-99 m hydroxymethyelene (Tc-99 m HDP) bone scintigraphy. Pattern recognition of this bone scintigraphy and correlation with the clinical history is essential to avoid misdiagnosis.
Fulltext Non-invasive ventilation in a pregnancy with severe pneumonia

Mazlan MZ, Ali S, Zainal Abidin H, Mokhtar AM, Ab Mukmin L, Ayub ZN, et al.

Respir Med Case Rep, 2017;21:161-163.
PMID: 28560149 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.05.002

INTRODUCTION: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is not proven to be effective in treating respiratory failure in severe pneumonia. However, some clinicians nevertheless attempt NIV to indirectly deliver adequate oxygenation and avoid unnecessary endotracheal intubation.
CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we report the case of a 24-year-old woman at 32 weeks' gestation who presented with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. She was successfully managed by NIV.
DISCUSSION: However, NIV must be managed by providers who are trained in mechanical ventilation. This is of the utmost importance in avoiding any delay should the patient's condition worsen and require endotracheal intubation. Moreover, in pregnant women, the severity of illness may progress quickly due to the immunosuppression inherent in these patients.
CONCLUSION: Special attention should be given to the choices of invasive ventilation and NIV to manage community acquired pneumonia patients in third trimester.

MeSH terms: Adult; Attention; Female; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Pneumonia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Insufficiency; Community-Acquired Infections; Young Adult; Noninvasive Ventilation
Fulltext Small RNA-seq analysis in response to methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid treatment in Persicaria minor

Nazaruddin N, Samad AFA, Sajad M, Jani J, Zainal Z, Ismail I

Genom Data, 2017 Jun;12:157-158.
PMID: 28560166 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2017.05.011

Persicaria minor (Kesum) is an important medicinal plant with high level of secondary metabolite contents, especially, terpenoids and flavonoids. Previous studies have revealed that application of exogenous phytohormone could increase secondary metabolite contents of the plant. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that play important regulatory roles in various biological processes. In order to explore the possible role of miRNA in the regulation of these phytohormones signaling pathway and uncovering their potential correlation, we, for the first time, have generated the smallRNA library of Kesum plant. The library was developed in response to methyl jasmonate (MJ) and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment by using next-generation sequencing technology. Raw reads have been deposited to SRA database with the accession numbers, SRX2655642 and SRX2655643 (MJ-treated), SRXSRX2655644 and SRX2655645 (ABA-treated) and SRX2655646and SRX2655647 (Control).
Fulltext RNA-seq analysis of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) fruit ripening

Abdul-Rahman A, Goh HH, Loke KK, Noor NM, Aizat WM

Genom Data, 2017 Jun;12:159-160.
PMID: 28560167 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2017.05.013

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is known for its delectable taste and contains high amount of xanthones which have been reported to possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other bioactive properties. However, stage-specific regulation of mangosteen fruit ripening has never been studied in detail. We have performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of three ripening stages (Stage 0, 2 and 6) of mangosteen. We have obtained a raw data from six libraries through Illumina HiSeq 4000. A total of ~ 40 Gb of raw data were generated. Clean reads of 650,887,650 (bp) were obtained from 656,913,570 (bp) raw reads. The raw transcriptome data were deposited to SRA database, with the BioProject accession number of PRJNA339916. These data will be beneficial for transcriptome profiling in order to study the regulation of mangosteen fruit ripening. The lack of a complete sequence database from this species impedes protein identification. These data sets provide a reference data for the exploration of novel genes or proteins to understand mangosteen fruit ripening behaviour.
Fulltext Small RNA sequencing for secondary metabolite analysis in Persicaria minor

Samad AFA, Nazaruddin N, Sajad M, Jani J, Murad AMA, Zainal Z, et al.

Genom Data, 2017 Sep;13:3-4.
PMID: 28560169 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2017.05.014

Persicaria minor (kesum) is an important medicinal plant and commonly found in southeast countries; Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This plant is enriched with a variety of secondary metabolites (SMs), and among these SMs, terpenoids are in high abundance. Terpenoids are comprised of many valuable biomolecules which have well-established role in agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. In P. minor, for the first time, we have generated small RNAs data sets, which can be used as tool in deciphering their roles in terpenoid biosynthesis pathways. Fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum was used as elicitor to trigger SMs biosynthesis in P. minor. Raw reads and small RNA analysis data have already been deposited at GenBank under the accessions; SRX2645684 (Fusarium-treated), SRX2645685 (Fusarium-treated), SRX2645686 (mock-infected), and SRX2645687 (mock-infected).
Characterization of Thiomonas delicata arsenite oxidase expressed in Escherichia coli

Teoh WK, Salleh FM, Shahir S

3 Biotech, 2017 Jun;7(2):97.
PMID: 28560637 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0740-7

Microbial arsenite oxidation is an essential biogeochemical process whereby more toxic arsenite is oxidized to the less toxic arsenate. Thiomonas strains represent an important arsenite oxidizer found ubiquitous in acid mine drainage. In the present study, the arsenite oxidase gene (aioBA) was cloned from Thiomonas delicata DSM 16361, expressed heterologously in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. The purified recombinant Aio consisted of two subunits with the respective molecular weights of 91 and 21 kDa according to SDS-PAGE. Aio catalysis was optimum at pH 5.5 and 50-55 °C. Aio exhibited stability under acidic conditions (pH 2.5-6). The V max and K m values of the enzyme were found to be 4 µmol min(-1) mg(-1) and 14.2 µM, respectively. SDS and Triton X-100 were found to inhibit the enzyme activity. The homology model of Aio showed correlation with the acidophilic adaptation of the enzyme. This is the first characterization studies of Aio from a species belonging to the Thiomonas genus. The arsenite oxidase was found to be among the acid-tolerant Aio reported to date and has the potential to be used for biosensor and bioremediation applications in acidic environments.

MeSH terms: Arsenates; Biodegradation, Environmental; Catalysis; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Escherichia coli; Mining; Molecular Weight; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidoreductases; Octoxynol; Arsenites
Fulltext Tonabersat Prevents Inflammatory Damage in the Central Nervous System by Blocking Connexin43 Hemichannels

Kim Y, Griffin JM, Nor MNM, Zhang J, Freestone PS, Danesh-Meyer HV, et al.

Neurotherapeutics, 2017 Oct;14(4):1148-1165.
PMID: 28560708 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0536-9

The cis benzopyran compound tonabersat (SB-220453) has previously been reported to inhibit connexin26 expression in the brain by attenuating the p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. We show here that tonabersat directly inhibits connexin43 hemichannel opening. Connexin43 hemichannels have been called "pathological pores" based upon their role in secondary lesion spread, edema, inflammation, and neuronal loss following central nervous system injuries, as well as in chronic inflammatory disease. Both connexin43 hemichannels and pannexin channels released adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during ischemia in an in vitro ischemia model, but only connexin43 hemichannels contributed to ATP release during reperfusion. Tonabersat inhibited connexin43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release during both ischemia and reperfusion phases, with direct channel block confirmed using electrophysiology. Tonabersat also reduced connexin43 gap junction coupling in vitro, but only at higher concentrations, with junctional plaques internalized and degraded via the lysosomal pathway. Systemic delivery of tonabersat in a rat bright-light retinal damage model (a model for dry age-related macular degeneration) resulted in significantly improved functional outcomes assessed using electroretinography. Tonabersat also prevented thinning of the retina, especially the outer nuclear layer and choroid, assessed using optical coherence tomography. We conclude that tonabersat, already given orally to over 1000 humans in clinical trials (as a potential treatment for, and prophylactic treatment of, migraine because it was thought to inhibit cortical spreading depression), is a connexin hemichannel inhibitor and may have the potential to be a novel treatment of central nervous system injury and chronic neuroinflammatory disease.

MeSH terms: Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism; Animals; Benzamides/administration & dosage*; Benzopyrans/administration & dosage*; Cells, Cultured; Electroretinography; Encephalitis/metabolism; Encephalitis/prevention & control*; Female; Humans; Lysosomes/metabolism; Male; Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism; Retina/drug effects; Retina/pathology; Retina/physiopathology; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Connexins/metabolism; Connexin 43/antagonists & inhibitors*; Connexin 43/metabolism*
Fulltext The Development of Non-Enzymatic Glucose Biosensors Based on Electrochemically Prepared Polypyrrole-Chitosan-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite Films

Al-Mokaram AMAAA, Yahya R, Abdi MM, Mahmud HNME

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2017 May 31;7(6).
PMID: 28561760 DOI: 10.3390/nano7060129

The performance of a modified electrode of nanocomposite films consisting of polypyrrole-chitosan-titanium dioxide (Ppy-CS-TiO₂) has been explored for the developing a non-enzymatic glucose biosensors. The synergy effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) and conducting polymer on the current responses of the electrode resulted in greater sensitivity. The incorporation of TiO₂ NPs in the nanocomposite films was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra. FE-SEM and HR-TEM provided more evidence for the presence of TiO₂ in the Ppy-CS structure. Glucose biosensing properties were determined by amperommetry and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The interfacial properties of nanocomposite electrodes were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The developed biosensors showed good sensitivity over a linear range of 1-14 mM with a detection limit of 614 μM for glucose. The modified electrode with Ppy-CS nanocomposite also exhibited good selectivity and long-term stability with no interference effect. The Ppy-CS-TiO₂ nanocomposites films presented high electron transfer kinetics. This work shows the role of nanomaterials in electrochemical biosensors and describes the process of their homogeneous distribution in composite films by a one-step electrochemical process, where all components are taken in a single solution in the electrochemical cell.

MeSH terms: Electrodes; Electrons; Glucose; Kinetics; Polymers; Pyrroles; Titanium; Biosensing Techniques; Chitosan; Nanocomposites; Photoelectron Spectroscopy; Limit of Detection; Dielectric Spectroscopy
Fulltext Evaluation of awareness & utilisation of clinical practise guideline for management of adult dengue infection among Malaysia doctors

Ariff MI, Yahya A, Zaki R, Sarimin R, Mohamed Ghazali IM, Gill BS, et al.

PLoS One, 2017;12(5):e0178137.
PMID: 28562626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178137

Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) provides evidence-based guidance for the management of Dengue Infection in adult patients. A cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate awareness and utilization of CPG among doctors in public or private hospitals and clinics in Malaysia. Doctors practicing only at hospital Medical and Emergency Departments were included, while private specialist clinics were excluded in this study. A multistage proportionate random sampling according to region (Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern, Sabah and Sarawak) was performed to select study participants. The overall response rate was 74% (84% for public hospitals, 82% for private hospitals, 70% for public clinics, and 64% for private clinics). The CPG Awareness and Utilization Feedback Form were used to determine the percentage in the study. The total numbers of respondent were 634 with response rate of 74%. The mean lengths of service of the respondent were 13.98 (11.55).A higher percentages of doctors from public facilities (99%) were aware of the CPG compared to those in private facilities (84%). The percentage of doctors utilising the CPG were also higher (98%) in public facilities compared to private facilities (86%). The percentage of Medical Officer in private facilities that utilizing the CPG were 84% compares to Medical Officer in public facilities 98%. The high percentage of doctors using the CPG in both public (97%) and private (94%) hospitals were also observed. However, only 69% of doctors in private clinics utilised the CPG compared to doctors in public clinics (98%). Doctors in both public and private facilities were aware of the dengue CPG. However, most doctors in private clinic were less likely to utilise the CPG. Therefore, there is a need to increase the level of CPG utilisation especially in private clinics.
Study site: primary care and hospital from Medical and Emergency Department, public and private health facilities in Malaysia

MeSH terms: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Awareness*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dengue/therapy*; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Practice Patterns, Physicians'*; Private Practice; Practice Guidelines as Topic*; Guideline Adherence*
Fulltext Chronic treatment with paeonol improves endothelial function in mice through inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated oxidative stress

Choy KW, Lau YS, Murugan D, Mustafa MR

PLoS One, 2017;12(5):e0178365.
PMID: 28562691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178365

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leads to endothelial dysfunction which is commonly associated in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. We explored the vascular protective effects of chronic treatment with paeonol (2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone), the major compound from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa on ER stress-induced endothelial dysfunction in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with ER stress inducer, tunicamycin (1 mg/kg/week) for 2 weeks to induce ER stress. The animals were co-administered with or without paeonol (20 mg/kg/oral gavage), reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, tempol (20 mg/kg/day) or ER stress inhibitor, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA, 150 mg/kg/day) respectively. Blood pressure and body weight were monitored weekly and at the end of treatment, the aorta was isolated for isometric force measurement. Protein associated with ER stress (GRP78, ATF6 and p-eIF2α) and oxidative stress (NOX2 and nitrotyrosine) were evaluated using Western blotting. Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability were determined using total nitrate/nitrite assay and western blotting (phosphorylation of eNOS protein). ROS production was assessed by en face dihydroethidium staining and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence assay, respectively. Our results revealed that mice treated with tunicamycin showed an increased blood pressure, reduction in body weight and impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations (EDRs) of aorta, which were ameliorated by co-treatment with either paeonol, TUDCA and tempol. Furthermore, paeonol reduced the ROS level in the mouse aorta and improved NO bioavailability in tunicamycin treated mice. These beneficial effects of paeonol observed were comparable to those produced by TUDCA and tempol, suggesting that the actions of paeonol may involve inhibition of ER stress-mediated oxidative stress pathway. Taken together, the present results suggest that chronic treatment with paeonol preserved endothelial function and normalized blood pressure in mice induced by tunicamycin in vivo through the inhibition of ER stress-associated ROS.

MeSH terms: Acetophenones/pharmacology*; Animals; Aorta/drug effects; Aorta/metabolism; Aorta/physiology; Biological Availability; Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects*; Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism; Endothelium, Vascular/physiology; Humans; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nitric Oxide/metabolism; Superoxides/metabolism; Tunicamycin/pharmacology; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; Mice; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects*; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Fulltext Circulating microRNA as a marker for predicting liver disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Riazalhosseini B, Mohamed R, Apalasamy YD, Langmia IM, Mohamed Z

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop, 2017 Mar-Apr;50(2):161-166.
PMID: 28562750 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0416-2016

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) constitutes an important risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The link between circulating microRNAs and HBV has been previously reported, although not as a marker of liver disease progression in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to characterize miRNA expression profiles between CHB with and without cirrhosis or HCC.

METHODS:: A total of 12 subjects were recruited in this study. We employed an Affymetrix Gene Chip miRNA 3.0 Array to provide universal miRNA coverage. We compared microRNA expression profiles between CHB with and without cirrhosis/HCC to discover possible prognostic markers associated with the progression of CHB.

RESULTS:: Our results indicated 8 differently expressed microRNAs, of which miRNA-935, miRNA-342, miRNA-339, miRNA-4508, miRNA-3615, and miRNA-3200 were up-regulated, whereas miRNA-182 and miRNA-4485 were down-regulated in patients with CHB who progressed to cirrhosis/HCC as compared to those without progression.

CONCLUSIONS:: We demonstrated the differential expression of miRNA-935, miRNA-342, miRNA-339, miRNA-4508, miRNA-3615, miRNA-3200, miRNA-182, and miRNA-4485 between patients with HBV without cirrhosis/HCC and those who had progressed to these more severe conditions. These miRNAs may serve as novel and non-invasive prognostic markers for early detection of CHB-infected patients who are at risk of progression to cirrhosis and/or HCC.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism*; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis/genetics; Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism*; Liver Neoplasms/genetics; Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Biomarkers/blood; Disease Progression; Hepatitis B, Chronic/genetics; Hepatitis B, Chronic/metabolism*; Gene Expression Profiling; MicroRNAs/blood*; MicroRNAs/genetics
Fulltext Solitonic conduction of electrotonic signals in neuronal branchlets with polarized microstructure

Poznanski RR, Cacha LA, Al-Wesabi YMS, Ali J, Bahadoran M, Yupapin PP, et al.

Sci Rep, 2017 May 31;7(1):2746.
PMID: 28566682 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01849-3

A model of solitonic conduction in neuronal branchlets with microstructure is presented. The application of cable theory to neurons with microstructure results in a nonlinear cable equation that is solved using a direct method to obtain analytical approximations of traveling wave solutions. It is shown that a linear superposition of two oppositely directed traveling waves demonstrate solitonic interaction: colliding waves can penetrate through each other, and continue fully intact as the exact pulses that entered the collision. These findings indicate that microstructure when polarized can sustain solitary waves that propagate at a constant velocity without attenuation or distortion in the absence of synaptic transmission. Solitonic conduction in a neuronal branchlet arising from polarizability of its microstructure is a novel signaling mode of electrotonic signals in thin processes (<0.5 μm diameter).

MeSH terms: Action Potentials/physiology; Dendrites/physiology; Dendrites/ultrastructure; Heart Rate/physiology; Models, Neurological*; Neural Conduction/physiology*; Synaptic Transmission/physiology*; Neurons/physiology*; Neurons/ultrastructure
Fulltext Recanalization of an occluded left pulmonary artery: A case report and review of the literature

Elarabi AI, Leong MC, Alwi M

Ann Pediatr Cardiol, 2017 6 2;10(2):203-205.
PMID: 28566832 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2069.205157

We report an 8-year-old male child with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), who developed left pulmonary artery (LPA) atresia, following surgical repair of TOF and left pulmonary arterioplasty at the age of 6 years. He underwent successful radiofrequency recanalization and stenting of the LPA. The LPA exhibited satisfactory growth for 3 months, following recanalization and stenting.

MeSH terms: Child; Humans; Lung; Male; Pulmonary Artery; Tetralogy of Fallot; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Stents; Respiratory System Abnormalities
Fulltext Stent migration after right ventricular outflow tract stenting in the severe cyanotic Tetralogy of Fallot case

Hayashi T, Akhtar S, Alwi M

Ann Pediatr Cardiol, 2017 6 2;10(2):206-208.
PMID: 28566833 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2069.205143

We report our experience with a stent migration after right ventricle outflow tract stenting and converted to patent ductus arteriosus stenting in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with severe infundibular stenosis. Finally, the patient achieved to TOF repair, and the migrated stent was removed without any complication.

MeSH terms: Constriction, Pathologic; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Persistent Fetal Circulation Syndrome; Tetralogy of Fallot; Ventricular Outflow Obstruction; Stents
Fulltext Interleukin 1β (+3954; -511) Genotype Polymorphism and its Association with Severe Chronic Generalized Periodontitis in the Malaysian Population

Arora S, Ramachandra SS, Abdullah F, Gundavarapu KC

Contemp Clin Dent, 2017 Jan-Mar;8(1):102-105.
PMID: 28566859 DOI: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_1177_16

INTRODUCTION: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin 1β (IL-1β) gene have been known to be associated with increased susceptibility to chronic periodontitis among various ethnic populations. SNPs are more commonly observed at loci + 3954 and - 511. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IL-1β gene polymorphism at loci +3954 and - 511, and its association with severe chronic generalized periodontitis among the ethnic Malay, Chinese, and Indians within the Malaysian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples from 120 subjects (60 cases and 60 controls) in the age group of 25-50 years were collected for isolation of genetic material using Norgen technique. Clinical attachment loss of ≥5 mm was considered as severe chronic generalized periodontitis. SNP's at loci +3954 and - 511 were identified and analyzed using Kompetitive Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction Genotyping System (KASP™). Differences in the allele/genotype frequencies were assessed by Chi-square test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS: On the comparison between cases and controls of IL-1β genotype polymorphism (+3954 and - 511), the difference in the genotype frequencies was statistically insignificant in all the three ethnicities. The genotype frequency in both groups in all three ethnicities of the Malaysian population was similar.

CONCLUSION: IL-1β genotype polymorphism at +3954 and - 511 was found to be not associated with severe chronic generalized periodontitis among the three ethnicities in Malaysia. Studies with larger sample size should be done to confirm the findings of this study.

MeSH terms: Alleles; Ethnic Groups; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Humans; Malaysia; Nucleotides; Saliva; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sample Size; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Interleukin-1beta; Chronic Periodontitis
Fulltext Streptomyces sp. MUM212 as a Source of Antioxidants with Radical Scavenging and Metal Chelating Properties

Tan LT, Chan KG, Khan TM, Bukhari SI, Saokaew S, Duangjai A, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:276.
PMID: 28567016 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00276

Reactive oxygen species and other radicals potentially cause oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA which may ultimately lead to various complications including mutations, carcinogenesis, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, aging, and inflammatory disease. Recent reports demonstrate that Streptomyces bacteria produce metabolites with potent antioxidant activity that may be developed into therapeutic drugs to combat oxidative stress. This study shows that Streptomyces sp. MUM212 which was isolated from mangrove soil in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia, could be a potential source of antioxidants. Strain MUM212 was characterized and determined as belonging to the genus Streptomyces using 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis. The MUM212 extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity through DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radical scavenging assays and also metal-chelating activity of 22.03 ± 3.01%, 61.52 ± 3.13%, 37.47 ± 1.79%, and 41.98 ± 0.73% at 4 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, MUM212 extract was demonstrated to inhibit lipid peroxidation up to 16.72 ± 2.64% at 4 mg/mL and restore survival of Vero cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damages. The antioxidant activities from the MUM212 extract correlated well with its total phenolic contents; and this in turn was in keeping with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis which revealed the presence of phenolic compounds that could be responsible for the antioxidant properties of the extract. Other chemical constituents detected included hydrocarbons, alcohols and cyclic dipeptides which may have contributed to the overall antioxidant capacity of MUM212 extract. As a whole, strain MUM212 seems to have potential as a promising source of novel molecules for future development of antioxidative therapeutic agents against oxidative stress-related diseases.

MeSH terms: Alcohols; Animals; Antioxidants; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dipeptides; Hydrogen Peroxide; Lipids; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Soil; Streptomyces; Superoxides; Vero Cells; Lipid Peroxidation; Reactive Oxygen Species

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