Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Fulltext Comparative study on cartilage tissue collected from less- and severely-affected region of osteoarthritic knee
    Nurzazlin, B.Z.N., Shamsul, B.S., Yahya, N.H.M., Ruszymah, B.H.I., Abdul Rani, R., Chowdhury, S.R.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):77-87.
    MyJurnal
    Culture expanded chondrocytes isolated from non-load bearing region of osteoarthritic (OA) joint has been used to construct tissue engineered cartilage for treatment purposes. The aim of the study was to compare the histological properties of the cartilage tissue and morphological properties of the chondrocytes isolated from less and severely affected OA knee. Human articular cartilage was obtained as redundant tissue from consented patients with late-stage OA undergoing total knee replacement surgery at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Articular cartilage was graded according to Dougados and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) classification. Articular cartilage was classified into less affected (LA; Grade 0-1) and severely affected (SA; Grade 2-3). Cartilage tissue from less and severely affected region was stained with Safranin O staining. Isolated chondrocytes from each group were cultured until passage 4 (P4). Their growth patterns, cell areas, and circularity were compared. LA-cartilage tissue shows uniform spread of safranin O staining indicating intact extracellular matrix (ECM) component. However, SA-cartilage shows significant reduction and unstable staining due to its degraded ECM. LA-chondrocytes showed an aggregated growth compared to SA-chondrocyte that remains monolayer. Moreover, LA-chondrocytes have significantly higher cell area with wider spreading at passage 0 and 4 compared to SA-chondrocytes. It was also found that chondrocyte circularity increased with passage, and circularity of LAchondrocytes was significantly higher than that of the SA-chondrocytes at passage 3. This study demonstrated the considerable difference in the cellular properties for less and severely affected chondrocytes and implication of these differences in cell-based therapy needed to be explored.
    MeSH terms: Cartilage, Articular; Extracellular Matrix; Humans; Knee Joint; Malaysia; Osteoarthritis; Phenazines; Staining and Labeling; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Chondrocytes
  2. Fulltext Evaluating the effect of chlorpheniramine on patch test reactions amongst eczema patients sensitised to nickel
    Shafinaz, S., Chan, L.C., Adawiyah, J., Norazirah, M.N.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):71-76.
    MyJurnal
    Discontinuing antihistamines for patch testing (PT) in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is more conventional than evidence based. Data suggests that non-sedating antihistamines do not interfere with PT. Investigating the effects of sedating antihistamines are more relevant as these are recommended for eczema. We aimed to evaluate the effect of chlorpheniramine on PT, to determine the prevalence of nickel sensitization and common sensitizing allergens. An open labeled cohort study was conducted at two dermatology clinics. Patients indicated for PT underwent standard protocol where antihistamines were discontinued. Patients sensitised to nickel were subjected to a second nickel PT while taking chlorpheniramine. Results were evaluated using the North American Contact Dermatitis Research Group (NACDRG) score, a Mexameter measured erythema and pruritus was assessed using a visual analogue score. A total 82 patients were recruited, 28 (34.1%) were sensitised to nickel. The mean age was 40 ± 17.7 years with 22(26.8%) males and 60 (73.2%) females. Indications for PT included suspected ACD (57.3%), hand and feet eczema (34.1%) and severe eczema with suspected superimposed ACD (6.1%). The commonest sensitizing allergens were methyldibromoglutaronitrile (40.2%) nickel sulphate (34.1%), potassium dichromate (29.3%) and formaldehyde (24.4%). A second PT was performed on 23 patients. There was no difference in the NACDRG score with chlorpheniramine or without chlorpheniramine (p=0.968). Pruritus score was reduced by 1.39 ± 2.9, p=0.031 with chlorpheniramine. The degree of erythema was 611.46 ± 21.59 with chlorpheniramine versus 613.87 ± 27.5 without chlorpheniramine, p=0.671. Chlorpheniramine did not affect PT based on clinical and objective scorings. It has the additional benefit of reducing test-induced itch.
    Study site: Dermatology clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Hospitals, General; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Cohort Studies; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact*
  3. Fulltext Exploring alternative medicines in the treatment of atherosclerosis: an insight into molecular aspect
    Lina Izzati, A., Haszianaliza, H., Zar, C.T.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):49-70.
    MyJurnal
    Malaysia is blessed to have several natural products. Since past decades, studies have been carried out to discover the highly effective anti-atherosclerotic supplements. The phytoestrogens and soy proteins have gained much attention, over the years. Several literature highlighted the therapeutic effect of alternative medicines on atherosclerosis. However, the overall anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of isoflavones regardless of menopause or postmenopausal state was not discussed, to date. This review aimed to summarize the molecular mechanism of different types of alternative medicines for the treatment of atherosclerosis in general population. The herbs commonly used in the treatment of atherosclerosis are garlic (Allium sativum), pomegranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) and green tea (Camellia sinenses). Nevertheless, the palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil and omega-3 also plays significant role in attenuating the risk of atherosclerosis by decreasing the LDL level, increasing the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), scavenging the free radicals and also decreasing the inflammatory process. Daidzein improves atherosclerotic changes by activating the NF-ĸB pathway and regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Genistein reduces the monocyte-endothelial cell and adhesion molecules secretion via cAMP/PKA pathway, it decreases the inflammatory response via initiation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. Conclusively, we recognized that alternative medicines demonstrate remarkable therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of atherosclerosis in patients of all ages.
    MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies; Atherosclerosis*
  4. Fulltext Coconut oil and cholesterol as challenge agents to induce hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in hamster animal model
    Syarifah-Noratiqah, S.B., Zulfarina, M.S., 'Atiqah, A., Qodriyah, H.M.S., Naina-Mohamed, I., Fairus, S.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):29-48.
    MyJurnal
    Hyperlipidemia is a condition of high lipid levels in the plasma and often linked with the deposition of lipid droplets in the aorta which initiate the progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disorder initiated by the formation of foams cells in the vascular wall which leads to turbulent blood flow, injury to the endothelial layer and subsequent vascular thrombosis. Since the early 1980’s, Golden-Syrian hamsters have been widely used as an animal model in the research of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. The use of hamsters in the hyperlipidemic and atherosclerotic model is due to their lipoprotein profile that is closer to human setting, sensitive to high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet and a suitable rodent model. Atherosclerosis can be induced in hamsters through dietary challenge with HFHC diet. Over the decades, coconut oil (CNO) was commonly used as the source of fat in the diet design of high saturated fatty acids (SFA) composition. In this review, we summarized published literature with designs involving CNO plus cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis or both. The factors that may influence the ability of CNO and cholesterol combination to induce hyperlipidemia such as the period of dietary intervention, hamster strains and the dietary amount were evaluated and summarized.
  5. Fulltext Understanding the tuberculosis disease progression and future directions of research in tuberculosis: a mini review
    Siti, H.N., Syarifah-Noratiqah, S.B., Zulfarina, M.S., Isa, N.M., Kamisah, Y.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):20-28.
    MyJurnal
    Eradication of tuberculosis seems to be a long way off especially with the growing of drug resistance tuberculosis and HIV co-infection tuberculosis. The gaps in our knowledge and the limited sensitive and specific biomarkers especially for latent tuberculosis infection make it defensive. The fate of tuberculosis treatment ranged from cured to failure and there are many risk factors involved apart from the immune state and age. Therefore, this review focuses on the understanding of tuberculosis disease progression and the associated risk factors of the events in the disease progression. This article also highlights the diagnostic and predictive marker that may predict the disease progression. In addition, this review highlights the potential use of rifabutin in tuberculosis treatment regimen. It is hoped that this review could give an overview on future directions of research in tuberculosis.
    MeSH terms: Drug Resistance; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis; Biomarkers; HIV Infections; Rifabutin; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Disease Progression; Latent Tuberculosis; Coinfection
  6. Fulltext Novel therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis
    Sakthiswary R
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):12-19.
    MyJurnal
    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic systemic autoimmune disease worldwide. Although incurable, there are available therapies to effectively control the disease activity and minimize the joint damage. Numerous cytokines, enzymes and other forms of proteins have been implicated in the disease process of RA. In general, pharmacological therapies in RA target cytokine pathways. Despite a wide variety of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), a significant proportion of patients remain refractory to the available therapies. Hence, the search for newer drugs with different modes of actions is an ongoing process. The present review aimed to explore novel therapeutic targets in RA based on data from the literature. Inhibitors of spleen tyrosine kinase, choline kinase, galectin 3 and hypoxia-inducible factor may have a promising role in the

    MeSH terms: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Choline Kinase; Humans; Cytokines; Antirheumatic Agents; Galectin 3; Syk Kinase
  7. Fulltext Role of translaminar pressure gradient differences in glaucoma - a review
    Jemaima, C.H., Muhammad Syamil, M.S.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):3-11.
    MyJurnal
    Glaucoma is a group of diseases which result in a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells, producing characteristic optic nerve head appearance with corresponding visual loss. The aetiology remains unclear until today. Previous authors had tried to associate its pathology in relation to intracranial pressure level. We review the literature on interrelation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and intracranial pressure (ICP) which gives rise to the study of translaminar pressure gradient (TLPG) in postulating its causal factor towards glaucoma. Several studies had demonstrated that ICP was reduced in patients with glaucoma, and in sequence with normal or raised IOP, leads to increased level of TLPG. The increased TLPG which acts across the lamina cribrosa may cause a posteriorly bowed lamina cribrosa, therefore leading to glaucomatous changes. This review also explores the current available methods in
    measuring ICP accurately. Further studies are needed to elucidate possible disease mechanism in keeping with IOP-ICP relationship, thus confirming the findings of
    previous authors.
    Keywords: Glaucoma, intracranial, intraocular, pressure, pathophysiology, translaminar
    MeSH terms: Glaucoma
  8. Fulltext Examination stress in medical career
    Mahdy, Z.A., Srijit, D.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):1-2.
    MyJurnal
    Examination in any medical career has never been easy. Even after passing an examination in one’s medical career, one may still harbor nightmares and wake up with fright in the middle of the night. Rigorous examinations in the medical field require a lot of courage and resilience. Unfortunately, many succumb to mental illness.(Copied from article)
  9. Fulltext Chemical profile of Xanthine Oxidase inhibitor fraction of Persicaria Hydropiper
    Noor Hashim, N.H., Maulidiani, M., Mediani, A., Abas, F.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):1088-1094.
    MyJurnal
    Persicaria hydropiper, locally known as kesum, is an herb belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It has been used widely in many countries as food flavoring and possesses a wide range of medicinal values. The total phenolic content and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of the methanolic extract of P. hydropiper and fractions were determined spectrophotometrically. The butanol fraction was found to contain high phenolic content and was able to inhibit xanthine oxidase activity. Online profiling using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation spectrometry (LC-ESIMS/MS) has revealed ten constituents in this active fraction. The major components were flavonoid derivatives and flavonoid sulphates, which were confirmed by comparison with an authentic standards as well as their MS/MS fragmentation patterns and UV spectra.
    MeSH terms: Methanol; Chromatography, Liquid; Flavonoids; Phenols; Spectrum Analysis; Sulfates; Xanthine Oxidase; Polygonaceae; 1-Butanol; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
  10. Fulltext Effect of extraction time on the physico-chemical characteristics of collagen from sin croaker (Johniecop Sina) waste
    Normah, I., Maidzatul Afiqah, M.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):1074-1080.
    MyJurnal
    Fish waste is a major by-product of fish processing industries. Sin croaker (Johniecop sina) waste could be a valuable source of collagen and utilizing such waste will reduce pollution associated with fish processing industries. The objective of this study is to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of sin croaker waste collagen extracted using 0.5 M acetic acid as a function of extraction time which were 3 and 5 days. The extracted collagens were also compared with the commercial collagen. Results showed that extraction at the duration of 3 and 5 days produced 2.74 and 3.35% yields of collagen, respectively. Both collagens were most soluble at low pH (pH 1-2) and low salt concentration (2% NaCl). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the extracted collagen had good thermal stability as it denatured at 31.31°C and 32.10°C, respectively. Commercial collagen denatured at 30.60°C. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated that both collagens are of Type I due to the presence of α1, α2 chains, β and γ components. Commercial collagen showed only smeared band. Thus, it is concluded that sin croaker collagens extracted at the duration of 3 and 5 days exhibited similar characteristics and are of equally good quality.
  11. Fulltext Fish gelatin films incorporated with different oils: effect of thickness on physical and mechanical properties
    Norfarahin, A.H., Sulaiman, R., Sanny, M., Nur Hanani, Z.A.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):1036-1043.
    MyJurnal
    Properties of fish gelatin films incorporated with different oils at different thickness investigated. Gelatin films incorporated with all oils resulted in higher elongation at break (EAB) compared to control film, regardless of the oils type (P≤0.05). Increasing the thickness of gelatin films with oils decreased the solubility value (P≤0.05) significantly. However, water vapor permeability (WVP) of gelatin films containing oils increased as the thickness of films increased. FTIR spectra showed that incorporation of different oils into gelatin films gave effect on the molecular organization and intermolecular interaction in films matrix particularly at the wavenumber of Amide-I band and 1739-1744 cm-1. SEM analysis revealed the addition of oils into gelatin films enhanced the roughness of the film surface and cross-section. An appropriate combination of oils at moderate thickness could improve the mechanical and barrier properties of fish gelatin films thus fulfill the application either as coatings or films.
  12. Fulltext Physicochemical properties and consumer preference of imitation chicken nuggets produced from chickpea flour and textured vegetable protein
    Sharima-Abdullah, N., Hassan, C.Z., Arifin, N., Huda-Faujan, N.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):1016-1025.
    MyJurnal
    In recent years, consumers’ demand increases for healthier foods with nutritional benefits and similar taste to the origin. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties and proximate composition as well as consumer preference of imitation chicken nuggets or ICNs formulated with different percentage of chickpea flour and textured vegetable protein (TVP). A commercial brand of chicken nugget was chosen as control experiment to compare its characteristics with ICNs. Five formulation of ICNs were prepared with the percentage of chickpea flour to TVP of ICNs were: A (30:10), B (25:15), C (20:20), D (15:25), and E (10:30). Results found that all ICNs were found significantly lower (P
  13. Fulltext Effect of pasteurization treatment and calamansi (Fortunella Japonica) juice on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of black stem sugarcane juice
    Chew, S.K., Md Noor, N.A., Maizura, M., Tan, T.C., Rusul, G.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):1007-1015.
    MyJurnal
    Sugarcane juice deteriorates rapidly as enzymatic browning and microbial spoilage take place soon after juice extraction. Therefore, the effects of pasteurization treatment (70ºC for 10 minutes) and addition of calamansi juice at different concentrations (0, 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0%, v/v) on the physicochemical (color, pH, total soluble solid, titratable acidity, and peroxidase enzymatic activity), microbiological (total plate count, yeast and mold), and sensory characteristics of black stem sugarcane juice were investigated. Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA®) was conducted by eight trained panelists to determine the intensity of the sensory attributes of sugarcane juice, such as brownish color, grassy aroma, citrus aroma, sweetness, sourness, sweet aftertaste, and overall acceptability using a 15 cm unstructured line scale. The results showed that the pasteurization treatment significantly (p ˂ 0.05) increased the L* value (lightness) of sugarcane juice at 0% (v/v) of calamansi juice. Increasing the concentration of calamansi juice decreased the pH value and increased the titratable acidity of the sugarcane juice at 5% significance level. The relative effectiveness in reducing the peroxidase (POD) enzymatic activity and microbial load of sugarcane juice was shown after the addition of calamansi juice and pasteurization treatment, respectively. Significant (p ˂ 0.05) changes in the intensity of brownish color, grassy aroma, and sweet aftertaste of sugarcane juice were observed after the pasteurization treatment at 0% (v/v) calamansi juice; whereas, the addition of calamansi juice at different concentrations increased the intensity of citrus aroma and sourness, but decreased the intensity of grassy aroma and sweet aftertaste of sugarcane juice at 5% significance level. Hence, pasteurization treatment coupled with the addition of 1.5% (v/v) calamansi juice was effective in achieving microbial stability and consumer’s acceptability on sugarcane juice.
  14. Fulltext Molecular characterization of culturable bacteria in raw and commercial Edible Bird Nests (EBNs)
    Wong, S.F., Lim, P.K.C., Mak, J.W., Ooi, S.S., Chen, D.K.F.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):966-974.
    MyJurnal
    Edible bird nests (EBNs) are highly demanded globally. The industry was recently affected by an import ban to China due to high nitrite levels.Subsequently, many concerns have been raised. In this study, the microbial composition of both raw and commercial EBNs was investigated. The raw EBNs were purchased from swiftlet farms: Kuala Sanglang (Perlis), Pantai Remis (Perak), Kluang (Johor), Kajang (Selangor) and Kota Bharu (Kelantan). The commercial nests were purchased from five different Chinese traditional medicinal shops (Companies A-E) in Malaysia and one from Indonesia (Medan). A total of 123 and 34 isolates were successfully identified from unboiled raw and commercial EBNs respectively. The highest average CFU (1.77 x 104) was associated with raw EBNs obtained from Kluang, while for the commercial EBNs, those obtained from Company M1 had the highest CFU (5.50 x 104). Bacillus sp. accounted for the highest isolated species from both unboiled raw and commercial EBNs. Bacillus sp. and Brevibacillus sp. were mainly isolated from the boiled EBNs. Bacillus spp. were the dominant bacterial groups in all the raw EBNs except for those obtained from Kajang. The average number of bacteria isolated from the raw EBNs (average = 7) was higher compared with those isolated from the commercial EBNs (average = 4). The highest average number of bacterial isolates was reported in the raw EBNs obtained from Kota Bharu. Among the commercial EBNs, one EBN sample each from Companies A and M1 showed the highest number of isolates (n = 10). In general, there was a significant reduction in the number of bacteria isolated after boiling the EBNs. Raw EBNs obtained from Kajang had a distinct pool of bacterial species where the majority of the isolated species belonged to Staphylococcus species. The associated health impacts of these microorganisms to the consumers and public need to be addressed.
    MeSH terms: Bacillus; Birds; China; Indonesia; Malaysia; Nitrites; Staphylococcus; Brevibacillus; Farms
  15. Fulltext Resistant starch evaluation and in vitro fermentation of Lemantak (native sago starch), for prebiotic assessment
    Arshad, N.H., Zaman, S.A., Rawi, M.H., Sarbini, S.R.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):951-957.
    MyJurnal
    Resistant starch is the non-digestible portion of starch that reaches the colon and act as a prebiotic to stimulate the activity and growth of beneficial gut microbiota. In the present study, resistant starch content of native (lemantak), commercialized and retrograded sago and starch was analysed, and the in vitro fermentability with known probiotics were investigated. Retrograded starch was produced through two cycles of autoclaving and cooling steps. The resistant starch content of each modified starch were measured based on the method approved by AOAC 2002.02. The in vitro batch fermentation was carried out with inoculation of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis at 37°C for 24 hours in anaerobic condition. Total bacteria was enumerated at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Highest resistant starch content was shown in lemantak (native sago starch) at 62.61%. Lemantak was also shown to be the most preferred fermentation substrate with the highest number of total bacterial count at all sampling hours. These findings suggest the potential of lemantak as a prebiotic.
  16. Fulltext Effect of salam [Syzygium polyanthum (Wigt) Walp.] leaves extract on the microorganism population in chicken meat and shrimp and their sensory
    Ramli, S., Lim, L.Y., Samsudin, N.I.P., Rukayadi, Y.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):928-935.
    MyJurnal
    Recently, there has been an increasing demand and interest in developing plant extracts as natural food sanitizer, owing to their antimicrobial properties. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of salam (Syzygium polyanthum L.) leaves methanolics extract on the number of microflora on chicken meat and shrimp. Salam leaves extract at different concentrations (0.0%, 0.1%, 1.00%) and exposure times (5, and 10 min) used to treat chicken meat and shrimp by using dilution method. Result showed that the total plate count and Staphylococcus aureus had been detected in untreated chicken and shrimp samples with 6.66 ± 0.12, 8.66 ± 0.15 and 7.25 ± 0.21, 6.54 ± 0.21, respectively. However, there was no Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Vibrio cholerae detected in both samples. The number of total plate count (TPC) and S. aureus in chicken meat and shrimp were starting to reduce significantly at 0.01% concentration of salam leaves extract for 5 minutes of exposure time compared to initial count. There was no significantly different between exposure times. The highest reduction in number of microorganism population was at treatment with 1.0% extract for 10 min where TPC was reduced from 6.66 ± 0.12 to 0.00 ± 0.00 log10 CFU/ml, and from 8.66 ± 0.15 to 4.88 ± 0.00 log10 CFU/ml in shrimp while S. aureus reduced from 7.25 ± 0.21 to 3.88 ± 0.01 and from 6.54 ± 0.21 to 4.92 ± 0.04 in chicken and shrimp, respectively. For the sensory acceptability, overall acceptability were accepted by panellists until treatment 0.10% for 5 min and 10 min of soaking time. In conclusion, salam leaves extract might be developed as natural sanitizer for rinsing raw food materials such as chicken meat and shrimp.
  17. Fulltext Physico-chemical changes and microbiological quality of refrigerated broiler chicken meat slaughtered by two different methods
    Ahmed, H.O., Hassan, Z., Abdul Manap, M.N.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(3):913-920.
    MyJurnal
    Slaughtering is the first step in meat processing. It involves killing an animal for the production of meat. Effectiveness of slaughter is determined by the amount of blood removed from the animal. This study aimed to compare the chemical changes and microbiological quality of broiler chicken meat slaughtered by Halal and Non-Halal slaughter methods during refrigerated storage. A total of sixty (60) broiler chickens were slaughtered by: i) Neck cutting (NC) - by severing the jugular veins, carotid arteries, trachea and the oesophagus according to the Islamic ritual method of slaughter and (ii) Neck poking (NP) - by poking the neck of the bird with a sharp object. Residual blood was quantified by measuring the haem iron content in the breast meat samples. Storage stability of chicken meat was evaluated by measuring the extent of lipid oxidation determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and by assessing the microbiological quality of the meat. Haem iron content decreased significantly (P0.05) on chicken meat lipid oxidation at 1, 3, and 9 day of storage at 4oC. However, at 5 and 7 day of storage, significant differences (P
    MeSH terms: Animals; Carotid Arteries; Ceremonial Behavior; Chickens; Esophagus; Heme; Iron; Jugular Veins; Lipids; Meat; Oxidation-Reduction; Trachea; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Phytolacca americana
  18. Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Asia: A Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies
    Khan YH, Mallhi TH, Sarriff A, Khan AH, Tanveer N
    J Coll Physicians Surg Pak, 2018 Dec;28(12):960-966.
    PMID: 30501836 DOI: 10.29271/jcpsp.2018.12.960
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an asymptomatic disease associated with high morbidity and life-threatening complications that lead to decreased life expectancy. Worldwide prevalence of CKD is escalating at an alarming rate. Large population-based representative surveys have been reported in Western countries to estimate the prevalence of the disease. However, there is paucity of data as far as developing nations are concerned. Asia is the world's largest continent accommodating maximum number of under-developed and developing countries with an unclear picture of prevalence of CKD. Current review attempts to give an insight to the prevalence of CKD in this region by combining population-based surveys. This review will assist in estimating the burden of CKD in Asia, so that appropriate control measures could be designed.
    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Humans; Prevalence; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology*
  19. Fulltext Diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests for the early detection of leptospirosis
    Alia SN, Joseph N, Philip N, Azhari NN, Garba B, Masri SN, et al.
    J Infect Public Health, 2018 11 27;12(2):263-269.
    PMID: 30502041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.10.137
    BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is often misdiagnosed with several other tropical febrile illnesses in Malaysia due to similarities in clinical manifestations. Although treatment regimens could be started based on clinical judgments, early diagnosis has become paramount as a guide to chemotherapeutic interventions. Confirmed laboratory diagnosis through MAT or PCR is time consuming and usually available only in reference laboratories and not practical in healthcare settings. Rapid and easy to perform diagnostic tests are widely used in these settings as the point of care diagnosis. The present study was undertaken to compare the diagnostic performance of two IgM based immunodiagnostic assay kits for acute leptospirosis.

    METHODS: A total of 50 serum samples were collected from patients clinically suspected for acute leptospirosis on admission in the Hospital Serdang, from June 2016 to June 2017. All the samples were subjected to MAT, lipL32 PCR and the two rapid tests (Leptocheck-WB and ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test).

    RESULTS: Out of the 50 clinically suspected patients sampled, 19 were confirmed positive for leptospirosis. Six (12%) were confirmed by MAT and 13 (26%) by PCR. Similarly, of the 50 clinically suspected cases, 17 (34%) showed positivity for Leptocheck-WB and 7 (14%) for ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test. The overall sensitivity and specificity was 47.37% and 80.65% for Leptocheck-WB, and 21.05% and 90.32% for ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test. In another set of previously confirmed MAT positive samples (1:400-1:3600) obtained from a reference laboratory, Leptocheck-WB showed higher sensitivity (90.72%) than ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test (40.21%), and comparable specificity for ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test (88.89%) and Leptocheck-WB (82.86%).

    CONCLUSION: The sensitivity was higher for Leptocheck-WB and had a comparable specificity with ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test. Therefore, based on the present study, Leptocheck-WB is found to be a more sensitive rapid immunodiagnostic test for acute leptospirosis screening in hospital settings.

    MeSH terms: Point-of-Care Testing*; Antibodies, Bacterial/blood*; Diagnostic Tests, Routine/methods*; Humans; Immunoglobulin M/blood*; Immunoassay/methods*; Leptospirosis/diagnosis*; Malaysia; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Early Diagnosis
  20. The slow ape: High infant survival and long interbirth intervals in wild orangutans
    van Noordwijk MA, Utami Atmoko SS, Knott CD, Kuze N, Morrogh-Bernard HC, Oram F, et al.
    J Hum Evol, 2018 12;125:38-49.
    PMID: 30502896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2018.09.004
    Orangutans (Pongo spp.) are reported to have extremely slow life histories, including the longest average interbirth intervals of all mammals. Such slow life history can be viable only when unavoidable mortality is kept low. Thus, orangutans' survivorship under natural conditions is expected to be extremely high. Previous estimates of orangutan life history were based on captive individuals living under very different circumstances or on small samples from wild populations. Here, we combine birth data from seven field sites, each with demographic data collection for at least 10 years (range 12-43 years) on wild orangutans to better document their life history. Using strict criteria for data inclusion, we calculated infant survival, interbirth intervals and female age at first reproduction, across species, subspecies and islands. We found an average closed interbirth interval of 7.6 years, as well as consistently very high pre-weaning survival for males and females. Female survival of 94% until age at first birth (at around age 15 years) was higher than reported for any other mammal species under natural conditions. Similarly, annual survival among parous females is very high, but longevity remains to be estimated. Current data suggest no major life history differences between Sumatran and Bornean orangutans. The high offspring survival is remarkable, noting that modern human populations seem to have reached the same level of survival only in the 20th century. The orangutans' slow life history illustrates what can be achieved if a hominoid bauplan is exposed to low unavoidable mortality. Their high survival is likely due to their arboreal and non-gregarious lifestyle, and has allowed them to maintain viable populations, despite living in low-productivity habitats. However, their slow life history also implies that orangutans are highly vulnerable to a catastrophic population crash in the face of drastic habitat change.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Female; Indonesia; Longevity*; Male; Pongo pygmaeus/physiology*; Weaning*; Pongo abelii
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