Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Al Abbar A, Nordin N, Ghazalli N, Abdullah S
    Tissue Cell, 2018 Dec;55:13-24.
    PMID: 30503056 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.09.004
    Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have great potentials for regenerative medicine. However, serious concerns such as the use of the viral-mediated reprogramming strategies and exposure of iPSCs to animal products from feeder cells and serum-containing medium have restricted the application of iPSCs in the clinics. Therefore, the generation of iPSCs with minimal viral integrations and in non-animal sourced and serum-free medium is necessary. In this report, a polycistronic lentiviral vector carrying Yamanaka's factors was used to reprogram mouse fibroblasts into iPSCs in feeder- and xeno-free culture environment. The generated iPSCs exhibited morphology and self-renewal properties of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), expression of specific pluripotent markers, and potentials to differentiate into the three-major distinct specialized germ layers in vitro. The iPSCs were also shown to have the potential to differentiate into neural precursor and neurons in culture, with greater than 95% expression of nestin, Pax6 and βIII-tubulin. This body of work describes an alternative method of generating iPSCs by using polycistronic lentiviral vector that may minimize the risks associated with viral vector-mediated reprogramming and animal derived products in the culture media.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Culture Media*; Genetic Vectors/metabolism; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neurons/cytology; Cell Culture Techniques*; Regenerative Medicine/methods; Embryonic Stem Cells/cytology*; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology*; Feeder Cells/cytology*
  2. Basripuzi NH, Salisi MS, Isa NMM, Busin V, Cairns C, Jenvey C, et al.
    Vet Parasitol, 2018 Dec 15;264:18-25.
    PMID: 30503086 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.10.014
    Gastrointestinal nematode infection is one of the major diseases affecting small ruminants. Although some breeds of goats are quite resistant, many breeds of goats are relatively susceptible. This study used a combined parasitological, immunological, bioinformatic and statistical approach to examine the role of goat IgA and eosinophils in protection against Teladorsagia circumcincta. Molecular modelling suggested that the transmembrane domain of the high affinity IgA receptor was dysfunctional in goats. Statistical analyses failed to find any association in naturally infected goats between high IgA or eosinophil responses and low faecal egg counts. Together these results indicate that IgA and eosinophil responses against T. circumcincta are less effective in goats than sheep.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Eosinophils/immunology*; Goats; Immunoglobulin A/immunology*; Nematoda/immunology; Nematode Infections/immunology; Nematode Infections/veterinary*; Parasite Egg Count/veterinary; Sheep; Goat Diseases/immunology*; Goat Diseases/parasitology
  3. Mariappen U, Keane KN, Hinchliffe PM, Dhaliwal SS, Yovich JL
    Reprod Biol, 2018 Dec;18(4):324-329.
    PMID: 30503182 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.11.003
    Advanced age is an increasing trend for both males and females seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF). This retrospective cohort study investigated the outcomes of 1280 IVF-related treatment cycles, selecting the first treatment for couples utilizing autologous gametes and who underwent single fresh embryo transfer. Males aged 40-49 years had a 52% reduction in normal sperm motility, while it was markedly reduced by 79% at 50 years or older. However, neither semen parameters nor male age were predictive of clinical pregnancy or live birth chance. In a combination of age groups, cases with Younger Females had the greatest chance of successful outcomes and this was independent of having a younger or older male partner. Specifically, Young Female-Young Male combinations (≤ 35 years) were the most likely to succeed in achieving a clinical pregnancy or live birth (OR 2.84, p 35 years, respectively) had a similar increased chance (OR 2.07, p 
    MeSH terms: Adult; Age Factors; Birth Rate*; Female; Fertilization in Vitro/methods*; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Sperm Motility/physiology; Spermatozoa; Pregnancy Rate*; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic/methods*; Live Birth; Semen Analysis
  4. Rozainah MZ, Nazri MN, Sofawi AB, Hemati Z, Juliana WA
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Dec;137:237-245.
    PMID: 30503430 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.023
    This paper evaluated the total carbon stock of mangrove ecosystems in two contrasting sites: a fishing village in Delta Kelantan (DK) and Ramsar sites in Johor Park (JP). In both sites, aboveground carbon was significantly higher than belowground carbon, and stems contained more carbon than leaf and root partitions. The average carbon concentration of individual mangrove species (44.9-48.1%) was not significantly different but the larger biomass of the DK samples resulted in vegetation carbon stock that was higher than that in JP. Season played an important role in soil carbon stock-a pronounced wet season in DK coincided with the dry season in JP. The total carbon pool was estimated to be 427.88 t ha-1 in JP and 512.51 t ha-1 in DK, where at least 80% was contributed by soil carbon. The carbon dioxide equivalent was 1570.32 t ha-1 CO2e (JP) and 1880.91 t ha-1 CO2e (DK).
    MeSH terms: Carbon/analysis*; Carbon Dioxide/analysis; Malaysia; Plants/chemistry; Seasons; Soil/chemistry*; Ecosystem; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Plant Roots/chemistry; Biomass; Wetlands; Forests
  5. Elias MS, Ibrahim S, Samuding K, Rahman SA, Hashim A
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Dec;137:646-655.
    PMID: 30503479 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.006
    In this study, concentrations of heavy metals, rare earth elements (REEs), Uranium (U) and Thorium (Th) of the actinide group were determined from Linggi estuary sediment samples by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and inductive coupled plasma - mass spectrometry techniques. The geo-accumulation (Igeo) and ecological risk index (Ri) values were calculated to identify the quality status of Linggi estuary sediments. Results indicated Linggi estuary was polluted by arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and antimony (Sb). REEs, U and Th showed significant increase of concentration in Linggi estuary sediments. Ri of Linggi estuary was categorised as low to considerable ecological risk, which indicates no significant to moderate effect on the majority of the sediment-dwelling organisms. Correlation matrix and principal component analysis assessed pollution sources to be both natural and anthropogenic.
    MeSH terms: Arsenic/analysis; Ecology; Malaysia; Thorium/analysis; Uranium/analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Risk Assessment*; Geologic Sediments/analysis*; Principal Component Analysis; Estuaries
  6. Crous PW, Wingfield MJ, Burgess TI, Hardy GESJ, Gené J, Guarro J, et al.
    Persoonia, 2018 Dec;40:240-393.
    PMID: 30505003 DOI: 10.3767/persoonia.2018.40.10
    Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Chaetopsina eucalypti on Eucalyptus leaf litter, Colletotrichum cobbittiense from Cordyline stricta × C. australis hybrid, Cyanodermella banksiae on Banksia ericifolia subsp. macrantha, Discosia macrozamiae on Macrozamia miquelii, Elsinoë banksiigena on Banksia marginata, Elsinoë elaeocarpi on Elaeocarpus sp., Elsinoë leucopogonis on Leucopogon sp., Helminthosporium livistonae on Livistona australis, Idriellomyces eucalypti (incl. Idriellomyces gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus obliqua, Lareunionomyces eucalypti on Eucalyptus sp., Myrotheciomyces corymbiae (incl. Myrotheciomyces gen. nov., Myrotheciomycetaceae fam. nov.), Neolauriomyces eucalypti (incl. Neolauriomyces gen. nov., Neolauriomycetaceae fam. nov.) on Eucalyptus sp., Nullicamyces eucalypti (incl. Nullicamyces gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus leaf litter, Oidiodendron eucalypti on Eucalyptus maidenii, Paracladophialophora cyperacearum (incl. Paracladophialophoraceae fam. nov.) and Periconia cyperacearum on leaves of Cyperaceae, Porodiplodia livistonae (incl. Porodiplodia gen. nov., Porodiplodiaceae fam. nov.) on Livistona australis, Sporidesmium melaleucae (incl. Sporidesmiales ord. nov.) on Melaleuca sp., Teratosphaeria sieberi on Eucalyptus sieberi, Thecaphora australiensis in capsules of a variant of Oxalis exilis. Brazil, Aspergillus serratalhadensis from soil, Diaporthe pseudoinconspicua from Poincianella pyramidalis, Fomitiporella pertenuis on dead wood, Geastrum magnosporum on soil, Marquesius aquaticus (incl. Marquesius gen. nov.) from submerged decaying twig and leaves of unidentified plant, Mastigosporella pigmentata from leaves of Qualea parviflorae, Mucor souzae from soil, Mycocalia aquaphila on decaying wood from tidal detritus, Preussia citrullina as endophyte from leaves of Citrullus lanatus, Queiroziella brasiliensis (incl. Queiroziella gen. nov.) as epiphytic yeast on leaves of Portea leptantha, Quixadomyces cearensis (incl. Quixadomyces gen. nov.) on decaying bark, Xylophallus clavatus on rotten wood. Canada, Didymella cari on Carum carvi and Coriandrum sativum. Chile, Araucasphaeria foliorum (incl. Araucasphaeria gen. nov.) on Araucaria araucana, Aspergillus tumidus from soil, Lomentospora valparaisensis from soil. Colombia, Corynespora pseudocassiicola on Byrsonima sp., Eucalyptostroma eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus pellita, Neometulocladosporiella eucalypti (incl. Neometulocladosporiella gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla, Tracylla eucalypti (incl. Tracyllaceae fam. nov., Tracyllalales ord. nov.) on Eucalyptus urophylla. Cyprus, Gyromitra anthracobia (incl. Gyromitra subg. Pseudoverpa) on burned soil. Czech Republic, Lecanicillium restrictum from the surface of the wooden barrel, Lecanicillium testudineum from scales of Trachemys scripta elegans. Ecuador, Entoloma yanacolor and Saproamanita quitensis on soil. France, Lentithecium carbonneanum from submerged decorticated Populus branch. Hungary, Pleuromyces hungaricus (incl. Pleuromyces gen. nov.) from a large Fagus sylvatica log. Iran, Zymoseptoria crescenta on Aegilops triuncialis. Malaysia, Ochroconis musicola on Musa sp. Mexico, Cladosporium michoacanense from soil. New Zealand , Acrodontium metrosideri on Metrosideros excelsa, Polynema podocarpi on Podocarpus totara, Pseudoarthrographis phlogis (incl. Pseudoarthrographis gen. nov.) on Phlox subulata. Nigeria, Coprinopsis afrocinerea on soil. Pakistan, Russula mansehraensis on soil under Pinus roxburghii. Russia, Baorangia alexandri on soil in deciduous forests with Quercus mongolica. South Africa, Didymocyrtis brachylaenae on Brachylaena discolor. Spain, Alfaria dactylis from fruit of Phoenix dactylifera, Dothiora infuscans from a blackened wall, Exophiala nidicola from the nest of an unidentified bird, Matsushimaea monilioides from soil, Terfezia morenoi on soil. United Arab Emirates, Tirmania honrubiae on soil. USA, Arxotrichum wyomingense (incl. Arxotrichum gen. nov.) from soil, Hongkongmyces snookiorum from submerged detritus from a fresh water fen, Leratiomyces tesquorum from soil, Talaromyces tabacinus on leaves of Nicotiana tabacum. Vietnam, Afroboletus vietnamensis on soil in an evergreen tropical forest, Colletotrichum condaoense from Ipomoea pes-caprae. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.
  7. Addenan M, May CM, Hooi TK, Ismail F, Kamalden TA
    Oman J Ophthalmol, 2018 12 7;11(3):284-287.
    PMID: 30505126 DOI: 10.4103/ojo.OJO_149_2017
    Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is rarely encountered in ophthalmology practice. It is a spectrum of disorder characterized by accumulation of histiocytes in various tissues. Diagnosis is challenging as it may simulate periorbital hematoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and neuroblastoma. We report a case of unifocal LCH with orbital extension. Diagnosis was obtained from incisional biopsy, and histopathological examination showed numerous histiocytes with eosinophilic infiltrations. The presence of Langerhans cells was confirmed by the presence of protein S-100, CD1a, and/or Langerin (CD207). Treatment depends on the degree of organ involvement. She responded well to cytotoxic drugs and steroids. This emphasized that prompt tissue diagnosis is crucial for early management.
    MeSH terms: Biopsy; Eosinophilic Granuloma; Female; Hematoma; Histiocytes; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell; Langerhans Cells; Neuroblastoma; Ophthalmology; Rhabdomyosarcoma; Protein S; Antigens, CD1
  8. Srisonchai R, Enghoff H, Likhitrakarn N, Panha S
    Zookeys, 2018.
    PMID: 30505161 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.797.29510
    Nine new species constituting the 'spiny' group of dragon millipedes are assigned to the new genus Spinaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, gen. n. Seven new species are described from Thailand: S.biloba Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. and S.palmata Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. from Surat Thani Province, S.hasta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. from Chumphon Province, S.krabiensis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. (type species) and S.sutchariti Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. from Krabi Province, S.uncus Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., and S.macaca Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. from Phang Nga Province; as well as one from Malaysia, S.tortioverpa Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., and one from Myanmar, S.efefi Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. The new genus is endemic to South Myanmar, South Thailand, and Malaysia, and all new species are restricted to limestone habitats. All were exclusively found living on humid rock walls and/or inside small caves. Complete illustrations of external morphological characters, an identification key, and a distribution map are provided.
  9. Al-Shorgani NKN, Shukor H, Abdeshahian P, Kalil MS, Yusoff WMW, Hamid AA
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2018 Nov;25(7):1308-1321.
    PMID: 30505175 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.02.017
    A new isolate of the solvent-producing Clostridium acetobutylicum YM1 was used to produce butanol in batch culture fermentation. The effects of glucose concentration, butyric acid addition and C/N ratio were studied conventionally (one-factor-at-a-time). Moreover, the interactions between glucose concentration, butyric acid addition and C/N ratio were further investigated to optimize butanol production using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design was applied, and a polynomial regression model with a quadratic term was used to analyze the experimental data using analysis of variance (ANOVA). ANOVA revealed that the model was highly significant (p 
  10. Bhagavathula AS, Bandari DK, Jamshed SQ, Chattu VK
    PMID: 30505859 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_77_18
    BACKGROUND: Scholarly research experiences during student life can make pharmacy students capable of reaching the pinnacle of triumph with scientific skills.

    AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the perception of pharmacy students and their inclination toward scholarly research publications.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among pharmacy students across India, Malaysia, and Pakistan. A 21-item questionnaire was distributed through different social networking sites between July and September 2016. Descriptive and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the findings. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

    RESULTS: Of 543 pharmacy students approached, 348 participants from India, Pakistan, and Malaysia were included giving a response rate of 64%. The study comprises 48.5% of males and 51.4% of females, studying a bachelor of pharmacy (44.5%), and from private institutions (94%). Nearly, three-fourths (76.4%) of the students had no publications but showed high interest toward original research (87.4%). Most of the participants cited the reasons to engage in the scholarly publication is too advanced research/share findings (74.1%), and to improve writing and research skills (73.6%). Further, a significant percentage of students agreed that contributing to the literature during student life as a valuable experience and publishing will provide them with personal fulfilment.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that most of the pharmacy students had positive perceptions toward scholarly research activities to advance research and improve their writing research skills. We recommend the pharmacy schools to incorporate scholarly activities in the curriculum to embark research-inclusive career.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Curriculum; Female; India; Malaysia; Male; Pakistan; Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmacies; Pharmacy; Publishing; Surveys and Questionnaires; Research; Schools, Pharmacy; Students, Pharmacy; Writing; Internet; Social Networking
  11. Jafari H, Raeisi AR, Yarmohammadian MH, Heidari M, Niknam N
    PMID: 30505864 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_54_18
    INTRODUCTION: In the Iranian Accreditation System, leadership and management standards have been almost ignored and not paid enough and necessary attention to the structural components and the infrastructures standards in management and leadership sections. Governing body, medical staff, chief executive officer (CEO), and nursing management standards are inadequate and lack accountability. These standards could lead to reform and finally provide the context for accomplishment of an appropriate accreditation program.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive, comparative, and qualitative study. It was done in two phases. The first phase included literature review of the standards of the selected countries followed by comparison of the standards of the board of trustees, medical staff, CEOs, and nursing management standards to develop the primary framework for Iranian hospitals. In phase two, the primary framework was validated true three rounds of Delphi technique.

    RESULTS: Surveying the accreditation system standards in selected countries included the USA, Egypt, Malaysia, and Iran. It was found that the management and leadership standards were classify as governing body, medical staff, CEOs, and nursing management standards. The result of this study provides a framework for improvement of the Iranian national accreditation program.

    CONCLUSION: In regarded to the importance of the leadership and management standards in reform and change and promotion of the health services quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, the results of this study showed that the present standards of the Iranian accreditation assessment system and guidelines lack the necessary infrastructures for implementing a successful national accreditation program.

    MeSH terms: Accreditation; Attention; Delphi Technique; Egypt; Health Services; Hospitals; Iran; Leadership; Malaysia; Medical Staff; Social Responsibility; Trustees; Qualitative Research
  12. Labrooy C, Abdullah TL, Stanslas J
    Data Brief, 2018 Dec;21:1678-1685.
    PMID: 30505900 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.10.097
    This study compared morphological and molecular data for identification of Kaempferia species. Each species was deposited in Institute of Bioscience (IBS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as voucher specimens and ITS sequences of each species deposited in NCBI (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) as GenBank accessions. DNA was extracted using a modified CTAB method and PCR amplification was completed using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS4 and ITS5) markers. PCR amplification of products were viewed under gel electrophoresis. Sequencing was performed and sequence characteristics of ITS rDNA in Kaempferia is shown. Qualitative and qualitative scoring of morphological characters and measuring techniques for Kaempferia species are included. In addition, a brief review of molecular markers used in phylogenetic studies of Zingiberaceae is included in this dataset.
    MeSH terms: DNA, Ribosomal; Electrophoresis; Malaysia; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Zingiberaceae; Databases, Nucleic Acid; Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  13. Alara OR, Abdurahman NH, Ukaegbu CI, Hassan Z, Kabbashi NA
    Data Brief, 2018 Dec;21:1686-1689.
    PMID: 30505901 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.10.159
    The tentative identification of bioactive compounds in the extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf was carried out using positive ionization of Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quadrupole time of flight (LC-Q-TOF/MS). The positive ionization is associated with the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Tentative assignments of the secondary metabolites were performed by comparing the MS fragmentation patterns with Waters® UNIFY library which allows positive identification of the compounds based on the spectral match. All the metabolites compounds were estimated and presented in a BPI (Base peak intensity) plot. These data are the unpublished supplementary materials related to "Ethanolic extraction of bioactive compounds from V. amygdalina leaf using response surface methodology as an optimization tool" (Alara et al., 2018).
    MeSH terms: Alkaloids; Chromatography, Liquid; Flavonoids; Glycosides; Libraries; Plant Extracts; Saponins; Mass Spectrometry; Terpenes; Plant Leaves; Vernonia
  14. Paul M, Kalimuthu S, Banu C, Marimuthu S
    Trauma Case Rep, 2018 Dec;18:5-7.
    PMID: 30505922 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2018.11.002
    Penetrative neck injury can cause potentially fatal damage to the neck. Removing those fully embedded small foreign bodies secondary to ballistic trauma can be technically challenging. Neck exploration under direct vision may cause more local tissue damage or dislodge the foreign body further. We discussed a case where a small foreign body embedded in the neck caused by ballistic trauma. Successful removal of the foreign body guided by rigid endoscope thru the neck wound was also discussed as a useful tool as it was not ferromagnetic and image intensifier was not available.
    MeSH terms: Foreign Bodies; Neck; Endoscopes; Neck Injuries; Magnets
  15. Vashist N, Sambi SS, Narasimhan B, Kumar S, Lim SM, Shah SAA, et al.
    Chem Cent J, 2018 Dec 01;12(1):125.
    PMID: 30506405 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-018-0498-y
    BACKGROUND: A series of benzimidazole derivatives was developed and its chemical scaffolds were authenticated by NMR, IR, elemental analyses and physicochemical properties. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The synthesized benzimidazole compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using the tube dilution method and were found to exhibit good antimicrobial potential against selected Gram negative and positive bacterial and fungal species. The compounds were also assessed for their anticancer activity exhibited using the SRB assay and were found to elicit antiproliferative activity against MCF7 breast cancer cell line, which was comparable to the standard drug.

    CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial screening results indicated that compounds 1, 2 and 19 to be promising antimicrobial agents against selected microbial species and comparable to standard drugs which included norfloxacin and fluconazole. The anticancer screening results revealed that compounds, 12, 21, 22 and 29 to show the highest activity against MCF7 and their IC50 values were more potent than 5-fluorouracil.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Benzimidazoles; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line; Fluorouracil; Norfloxacin; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Fluconazole; Inhibitory Concentration 50
  16. Samsuzzaman M, Islam MT
    Sensors (Basel), 2018 Dec 04;18(12).
    PMID: 30518080 DOI: 10.3390/s18124261
    A simple, compact sickle-shaped printed antenna with a slotted ground plane is designed and developed for broadband circularly polarized (CP) radiation. The sickle-shaped radiator with a tapered feed line and circular slotted square ground plane are utilized to realize the wideband CP radiation feature. With optimized dimensions of 0.29λ × 0.29λ × 0.012λ at 2.22 GHz frequency for the realized antenna parameters, the measured results display that the antenna has a 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 7.70 GHz (126.85%; 2.22⁻9.92 GHz) and a 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 2.64 GHz (73.33%; 2.28⁻4.92 GHz). The measurement agrees well with simulation, which proves an excellent circularly polarized property. For verification, the mechanism of band improvement and circular polarization are presented, and the parametric study is carried out. Since, the proposed antenna is a simple design structure with broad impedance and AR bandwidth, which is a desirable feature as a candidate for various wireless communication systems. Because of the easy printed structure and scaling the dimension with broadband CP characteristics, the realized antenna does incorporate in a number of CP wireless communication applications.
    MeSH terms: Anemia, Sickle Cell; Communication; Electric Impedance; Wireless Technology; Electromagnetic Radiation
  17. Amin L, Hashim H, Mahadi Z, Ismail K
    BMC Med Res Methodol, 2018 12 05;18(1):163.
    PMID: 30518344 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0619-2
    BACKGROUND: The demand in biobanking for the collection and maintenance of biological specimens and personal data from civilians to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases has increased notably. Despite the advancement, certain issues, specifically those related to privacy and data protection, have been critically discussed. The purposes of this study are to assess the willingness of stakeholders to participate in biobanking and to determine its predictors.

    METHODS: A survey of 469 respondents from various stakeholder groups in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia was carried out. Based on previous research, a multi-dimensional instrument measuring willingness to participate in biobanking, and its predictors, was constructed and validated. A single step Structural Equation Modelling was performed to analyse the measurements and structural model using the International Business Machines Corporation Software Package for Social Sciences, Analysis of Moment Structures (IBM SPSS Amos) version 20 with a maximum likelihood function.

    RESULTS: Malaysian stakeholders in the Klang Valley were found to be cautious of biobanks. Although they perceived the biobanks as moderately beneficial (mean score of 4.65) and were moderately willing to participate in biobanking (mean score of 4.10), they professed moderate concern about data and specimen protection issues (mean score of 4.33). Willingness to participate in biobanking was predominantly determined by four direct predictors: specific application-linked perceptions of their benefits (β = 0.35, p 
    MeSH terms: Attitude; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Social Sciences; Software; Likelihood Functions; Computer Security; Biological Specimen Banks; Privacy; Trust
  18. Mohd Abd Razak MR, Mohmad Misnan N, Md Jelas NH, Norahmad NA, Muhammad A, Ho TCD, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2018 Dec 05;18(1):320.
    PMID: 30518360 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2390-7
    BACKGROUND: Carica papaya leaf juice (CPLJ) was well known for its thrombocytosis activity in rodents and dengue patients. However, the effect of CPLJ treatment on other parameters that could contribute to dengue pathogenesis such as nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) production and viremia level have never been highlighted in any clinical and in vivo studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of freeze-dried CPLJ treatment on NS1 and viremia levels of dengue fever mouse model.

    METHODS: The dengue infection in mouse model was established by inoculation of non-mouse adapted New Guinea C strain dengue virus (DEN-2) in AG129 mice. The freeze-dried CPLJ compounds were identified by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry analysis. The infected AG129 mice were orally treated with 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried CPLJ, starting on day 1 post infection for 3 consecutive days. The blood samples were collected from submandibular vein for plasma NS1 assay and quantitation of viral RNA level by quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

    RESULTS: The AG129 mice infected with dengue virus showed marked increase in the production of plasma NS1, which was detectable on day 1 post infection, peaked on day 3 post-infection and started to decline from day 5 post infection. The infection also caused splenomegaly. Twenty-four compounds were identified in the freeze-dried CPLJ. Oral treatment with 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried CPLJ did not affect the plasma NS1 and dengue viral RNA levels. However, the morbidity level of infected AG129 mice were slightly decreased when treated with freeze-dried CPLJ.

    CONCLUSION: Oral treatment of 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried CPLJ at the onset of viremia did not affect the plasma NS1 and viral RNA levels in AG129 mice infected with non-mouse adapted New Guinea C strain dengue virus.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*; Dengue/virology*; Dengue Virus/drug effects; Disease Models, Animal; Freeze Drying; Male; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; RNA, Viral/blood; Viremia/virology*; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/blood*; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Carica/chemistry*; Mice
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