Browse publications by year: 2018

Fulltext The Antibacterial Activity of Dayak Onion (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) towards Pathogenic Bacteria

Harlita TD, Oedjijono, Asnani A

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):39-52.
PMID: 30112140 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.4

Antibacterial activity of indigenous Dayak onion (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) was investigated. The Dayak onion was solvent extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol 96% consecutively. Each extract was tested its antibacterial activity towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus, Shigella sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using disc diffusion method. The test results showed that the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol 96% extracts positively inhibited the growth of MRSA, B. cereus, Shigella sp., and P. aeruginosa. The highest inhibition activity of each extract was obtained with 10 mg/mL of extract concentration; whereas the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each extract was 2 mg/mL. Extract with the highest inhibition activity was ethyl acetate extract against B. cereus (139.58%). TLC evaluation of ethyl acetate extract showed four spots and bioautography indicated that ethyl acetate extract contained four types of compounds with inhibition activity against B. cereus, in which two compounds have higher antibacterial activity than the other two.

MeSH terms: Acetates; Ethanol; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacillus cereus; Methicillin; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Shigella; Solvents; Onions; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Fulltext Apoptosis Activity of the Mouse Macrophage Cell Line J774A.1 Infected with a Recombinant BCG consisting the C-Terminus of Merozoite Surface Protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum

Zulkipli AF, Zakaria NM, Abdikarim MH, Azlan M, Abdullah N, Nor NM, et al.

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):53-76.
PMID: 30112141 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.5

Macrophage apoptosis exerts an efficient mechanism in controlling intracellular infection during innate immune response against various pathogens including malaria parasites. This study was carried out to determine the apoptosis activity in mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1 infected with a Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) clone and a recombinant BCG clone expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 (BCG-MSP1C) of Plasmodium falciparum for 48 h. In this study, a parent BCG cells was used as a control. The nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342 showed that the BCG-MSP1C cells was capable of increasing the nuclear condensation and morphological stages of apoptosis in the infected cells compared to the BCG-infected cells and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells. The flow cytometric analysis using Annexin-V and Propidium iodide (PI) staining confirmed that the BCG-MSP1C cells significantly increased the percentage of early apoptotic activity in the infected macrophage higher than the one stimulated by the parent BCG cells and LPS. This apoptotic response corresponded with the reduction of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression and higher p53 expression. The colorimetric assay demonstrated that the BCG cells capable of stimulating higher production of caspase-1, -3, -8 and -9 while the BCG-MSP1C cells stimulated the expression of caspase-1 and -9 in the infected macrophages, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial-mediated (intrinsic) pathway of apoptosis. In conclusion, both the BCG and BCG-MSP1C cells are capable of inducing macrophage apoptosis activity in the mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1. This mechanism is important for the elimination of pathogens such as malaria parasite during the phagocytosis activity of macrophage. However, the BCG-MSP1C cells showed higher apoptosis activity than those produced by the parent BCG cells.
Fulltext Declining Orangutans Population in the Unprotected Forest of Batang Toru

Nasution A, Perwitasari-Farajallah D, Utami-Atmoko SS

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):77-87.
PMID: 30112142 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.6

Habitat loss and hunting are major threats to the long-term survival of the viable orangutan population in Batang Toru. East Batang Toru Forest Block (EBTFB) is the most threatened area due to low forest cover and high encroachment. Based on a preliminary survey in 2008, Hopong forest which is located in EBTFB, had the highest orangutan density (0.7 ind/km2). However illegal logging and hunting of protected species were occuring in this unprotected forest. Since this location has been gazetted as unprotected forest from the first survey until this study was conducted, it is important to assess orangutans population trends. This study aims to provide an updated density of orangutan in Hopong forest. The study included the location of the original survey but covered a wider overall area. The line transect method was used to record orangutan nests, ficus and trees bearing fruits. A quadrat method was used to record vegetation. The encounter rate of orangutan declined from 0.7 ind/km2 to 0.4 ind/km2 between 2008 and 2015. Forest cover has also changed in the seven years between surveys and this has influenced orangutan and orangutan nest encounter rates in Hopong. Since unprotected forest is at more risk in comparison with protected forest, allocation status of the Hopong forest is critical to reduce the threats it faces.
Fulltext Insecticidal Activity of Grape Pomaces from Two Grape Cultivars Against the Housefly (Musca domestica L.) Under Laboratory Conditions

Molan AL, Balasim MQ, Al-Bayati NY

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):89-102.
PMID: 30112143 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.7

Aqueous extracts prepared from the powdered entire pomaces and their parts (seeds and peels) of two Iraqi grape cultivars (Shada and Des-Alanez) were evaluated for their ovicidal, larvicidal, and pupicidal activities against housefly, Musca domestica (Linnaeus 1758) and compared them with chemical insecticide (Agita 10 WG; Austria). The highest insecticidal activity was shown by the aqueous extracts of powdered seeds followed by the entire pomace and then peels. The water extracts from the seeds, peels and pomaces were able to inhibit completely the hatching of the eggs at a concentration of 150 μg/ml while the Agita insecticide was able to inhibit the hatching process at a concentration of 50 μg/ml. The water extracts also were able to kill the L3 larvae and the activity was increasing with the increasing of the concentration. It is very interesting to note that the addition of the powdered entire pomaces, seeds, and peels on top or at the bottom of the cow manure was able to inhibit the development of up to 50% and 47.5% of L1 to pupae and to adult flies, respectively. Taking into consideration the huge amounts of grape pomaces that produced annually, the cheap price and the ease in dealing with, make them a good candidate as alternative insecticides and environmentally more friendly than the chemical insecticides.
Fulltext Muscle Fatty Acid Content in Selected Freshwater Fish from Bukit Merah Reservoir, Perak, Malaysia

Jaya-Ram A, Fuad F, Zakeyuddin MS, Sah ASRM

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):103-117.
PMID: 30112144 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.8

One of the oldest reservoirs in Peninsular Malaysia, Bukit Merah Reservoir, is a place in which locals participate in fishing activities. Inland fisheries are important to individuals, society and the environment; whereby they generate a source of income and food security. It is essential to gauge the nutrition value of fish caught in this location as food source, especially in terms of fatty acid composition, to better demonstrate its potential towards the betterment of human health and general well-being. From an initial list of 47 fish species available in Bukit Merah Reservoir, a total of seven edible freshwater fish species were identified, namely tinfoil barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii), Javanese barb (Barbonymus gonionotus), hampala barb (Hampala macrolepidota), beardless barb (Cyclocheilichthys apogon), glassfish (Oxygaster anomalura), striped snakehead (Channa striata) and horseface loach (Acantopsis dialuzona), and muscle fatty acid content was analysed to determine their nutritional value. Muscle of cyprinid fish contained substantial amount of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) compared to fish from Channidae and Cobitidae families. Javanese and tinfoil barbs muscle recorded the highest levels of combined eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) indicating the highest nutritional value comparatively. Unexpectedly, the striped snakehead, a predatory carnivore, contained lower levels of LC-PUFA compared to detrivorous/herbivorous fishes. This further justifies that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content in fish muscle varies according to their feeding habits. Even though it has been recommended that marine fish be consumed to improve health to a certain extent, there still are benefits of consuming freshwater fish, as there are several species which contain considerable amounts of beneficial omega-3 PUFA.

MeSH terms: Animals; Cyprinidae; Cypriniformes; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Fisheries; Food Supply; Fresh Water; Habits; Humans; Indonesia; Malaysia; Nutritive Value; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Seafood
Fulltext Shoot Induction in White Eggplant (Solanum melongena L. Cv. Bulat Putih) using 6-Benzylaminopurine and Kinetin

Foo PC, Lee ZH, Chin CK, Subramaniam S, Chew BL

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):119-129.
PMID: 30112145 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.9

Solanum melongena L. commonly known as the eggplant or brinjal comes from the family of Solanaceae, sharing the same ancestor with the tomato and potato. It is an economically important crop worldwide, being well studied for its medicinal properties, nutritional values and its role as an alternative model plant. The eggplant fruit has been previously used for treatments of various diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and diabetes as well as its nutritive properties that are beneficial to the human diet. Plant transformation studies on the eggplant have been widely done for the production of transgenic eggplants harbouring genes that are beneficial for optimal plant growth and fruit production. Shoot induction is an essential step required for the successful regeneration of transformed plant tissues and therefore is an essential pre-requisite in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The local eggplant cv. Bulat Putih is a local cultivar of eggplant in Malaysia with white and round fruits making it a potential model plant colour pigment accumulation studies in fruit crops. The current work aims to investigate the shoot induction potential of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Kinetin from cotyledon explants of eggplant cv. Bulat Putih. Results indicated that both BAP and Kinetin were able to induce the regeneration of callus from cotyledon explants. On the other hand, Kinetin at the concentration of 2.0 mg/L successfully induced shoots at the value of 1.50 ± 0.22 shoots per explant, whereas BAP alone did not trigger any formation of shoots. This study indicated that kinetin alone is sufficient to induce shoots in eggplant cv. Bulat Putih without the presence of BAP.
Fulltext Microbiota of Palm Oil Mill Wastewater in Malaysia

Bala JD, Lalung J, Al-Gheethi AAS, Hossain K, Ismail N

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):131-163.
PMID: 30112146 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.10

This study was aimed at identifying indigenous microorganisms from palm oil mill effluent (POME) and to ascertain the microbial load. Isolation and identification of indigenous microorganisms was subjected to standard microbiological methods and sequencing of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes for the microbial strains signifies that they were known as Micrococcus luteus 101PB, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 102PB, Bacillus cereus 103PB, Providencia vermicola 104PB, Klebsiella pneumoniae 105PB, Bacillus subtilis 106PB, Aspergillus fumigatus 107PF, Aspergillus nomius 108PF, Aspergillus niger 109PF and Meyerozyma guilliermondii 110PF. Results revealed that the population of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) ranged from 9.5 × 105 - 7.9 × 106 cfu/mL. The total heterotrophic fungi (THF) ranged from 2.1 × 104 - 6.4 × 104 cfu/mL. Total viable heterotrophic indigenous microbial population on CMC agar ranged from 8.2 × 105 - 9.1 × 106 cfu/mL and 1.4 × 103 - 3.4 × 103 cfu/mL for bacteria and fungi respectively. The microbial population of oil degrading bacteria (ODB) ranged from 6.4 × 105 - 4.8 × 106 cfu/mL and the oil degrading fungi (ODF) ranged from 2.8 × 103 - 4.7 × 104 cfu/mL. The findings revealed that microorganisms flourish well in POME. Therefore, this denotes that isolating native microorganisms from POME is imperative for effectual bioremediation, biotreatment and biodegradation of industrial wastewaters.

MeSH terms: Agar; Aspergillus fumigatus; Aspergillus niger; Bacillus cereus; Bacillus subtilis; Biodegradation, Environmental; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Providencia; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Micrococcus luteus; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; Waste Water
Fulltext Shoot Induction from Axillary Shoot Tip Explants of Fig (Ficus carica) cv. Japanese BTM 6

Ling WT, Liew FC, Lim WY, Subramaniam S, Chew BL

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):165-174.
PMID: 30112147 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.11

Fig, or Ficus carica, is a fruit tree from the Moraceae family and is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Fig plants are mainly propagated through grafting, air layering, and hardwood cutting whereby these methods were found to be less efficient. Plant tissue culture is efficient method to propagate plants, particularly to produce true-to-type platelets for mass multiplication. The aim of this study is to induce multiple shoot formation on Ficus carica cv. Japanese BTM 6 through identifying and optimising the concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Zeatin suited for shoot formation. The axillary shoot tip explants were cultured in MS media supplemented with different concentrations of BAP and Zeatin (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L) to determine the optimal concentration for the formation of multiple shoots. Number of shoots per explants and the differences in shoot height of explants were calculated after 8 and 12 weeks of culture respectively. Of all the treatments of BAP, MS media containing with 2 mg/L BAP marked the highest number of shoots per explant with the average value of 1.67 ± 0.33 while 1.5 and 2 mg/L of BAP produced the highest differences in shoot height with 0.51 ± 0.08 cm and 0.51 ± 0.07 cm after 12 weeks respectively. Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 2 mg/L Zeatin showed the highest production of multiple shoots and differences in shoot height with the average of 0.83 ± 0.219 and 0.32 ± 0.04 cm respectively among all the different treatments of Zeatin. In this study, BAP performed better in shoot induction and elongation as compared to Zeatin for the cultivar Japanese BTM 6.
Fulltext Lead Concentration in Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) Hair in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

Hassim NA, Hambali K, Idris NSU, Amir A, Ismail A, Zulkifli SZ, et al.

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):175-186.
PMID: 30112148 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.12

Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) has the potential to be a good biological indicator for toxic exposure because they have an almost similar physiology and behaviour to humans. The objective of this study is to determine the concentration of lead (Pb) in hair samples of long-tailed macaques which were found in and out of the Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP) area. The hypothesis is long-tailed macaques that live in the anthropogenic area (outside KSNP) may be exposed to high levels of lead compared to long-tailed macaques living in the forest area (inside KSNP). Analysis of hair samples were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study found that the average mean of lead concentration in the anthropogenic area is 6.31 μg/g while for the forest area it is 3.16 μg/g. Lead concentration in the two areas are statistically insignificant. Nevertheless, lead concentration in the anthropogenic area recorded a slightly higher mean concentration than in the forest area. Even so, results of this study indicate that long-tailed macaques in Kuala Selangor are not exposed to high levels of lead. This study is the first in Malaysia to utilise long-tailed macaques as a biological indicator for testing the concentration of toxic substances in the environment. This study is still in its early stages; thus, future research requires improvements.

MeSH terms: Animals; Biometry; Goals; Humans; Lead; Macaca fascicularis; Malaysia; Mass Spectrometry; Forests
Fulltext Identification of Cultivable Bacteria from Tropical Marine Sponges and Their Biotechnological Potentials

Amelia TSM, Amirul AA, Saidin J, Bhubalan K

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):187-199.
PMID: 30112149 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.13

Marine sponges are acknowledged as bacterial hotspots in the oceanic biome. Aquatic bacteria are being investigated comprehensively for bioactive complexes and secondary metabolites. Cultivable bacteria associated with different species of sea sponges in South China Sea waters adjacent to Bidong Island, Terengganu were identified. Molecular identification was accomplished using 16S rRNA gene cloning and sequencing. Fourteen bacterial species were identified and their phylogenetic relationships were analysed by constructing a neighbour-joining tree with Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis 6. The identified species encompassed four bacterial classes that were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria known to have been associated with sponges. The potential biotechnological applications of the identified bacteria were compared and reviewed based on relevant past studies. The biotechnological functions of the 14 cultivable isolates have been previously reported, hence reinforcing that bacteria associated with sponges are an abundant resource of scientifically essential compounds. Resilience of psychrotolerant bacteria, Psychrobacter celer, in warm tropical waters holds notable prospects for future research.
Fulltext Molecular Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Banana Leaves (Musa spp.)

Zakaria L, Aziz WNW

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):201-211.
PMID: 30112150 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.14

Endophytic fungi are part of microbial community found in various types of plant tissues including the leave, and display a range of symbiotic interactions with the plant host. In this study, endophytic fungi isolated from banana leaves were identified using ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer region) sequences of which 10 genera comprising 17 species were molecularly identified. Endophytic fungal species identified were Nigrospora oryzae, Nigrospora sphaerica, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum siamense, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium chlamydosporum, Phoma sorghina, Pestalotiopsis oxyanthi, Pestalotiopsis theae, Pestalotiopsis eugeniae, Penicillium steckii, Penicillium purpurogenum, Bipolaris papendorfii, Bipolaris sp., Lasidiodiplodia theobromae, Cochliobolus intermedius dan Aspergillus niger. The present study showed that several endophytic fungal genera/species are common plant pathogen and there is a possibility that these endophytes can become pathogenic. Some of the fungal endophyte might be mutualist or saprophyte.
Fulltext A Review of Gelatin Source Authentication Methods

Hameed AM, Asiyanbi-H T, Idris M, Fadzillah N, Mirghani MES

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):213-227.
PMID: 30112151 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.15

Gelatin is a very popular pharmaceutical and food ingredient and the most studied ingredient in Halal researches. Interest in source gelatin authentication is based on religious and cultural beliefs, food fraud prevention and health issues. Seven gelatin authentication methods that have been developed include: nucleic acid based, immunochemical, electrophoretic analysis, spectroscopic, mass-spectrometric, chromatographic-chemometric and chemisorption methods. These methods are time consuming, and require capital intensive equipment with huge running cost. Reliability of gelatin authentication methods is challenged mostly by transformation of gelatin during processing and close similarities among gelatin structures. This review concisely presents findings and challenges in this research area and suggests needs for more researches on development of rapid authentication method and process-transformed gelatins.

MeSH terms: Chromatography; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Electrophoresis; Fraud; Gelatin; Nucleic Acids; Running; Spectrum Analysis; Mass Spectrometry; Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Optic Discs Swelling Procrastinates Wernicke's Encephalopathy Associated with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Mun-Wei L, Gayathri G, Kwang Hwee G, Ruban K, Suresh Kumar V, Shatriah I

Cureus, 2018 Jun 12;10(6):e2793.
PMID: 30112269 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2793

Wernicke's encephalopathy following severe hyperemesis gravidarum is an uncommon clinical entity. We describe a rare manifestation of optic discs swelling in a pregnant woman that has caused a diagnostic dilemma. With high index of suspicion of clinical manifestations and radiological evidences, a clinical diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy was made. Intravenous thiamine therapy was instituted, and prompt improvement of clinical signs was observed. The association of optic discs swelling and Wernicke's encephalopathy after hyperemesis gravidarum is discussed.

MeSH terms: Edema; Female; Humans; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Optic Disk; Pregnancy; Radiography; Radiology; Thiamine; Wernicke Encephalopathy; Korsakoff Syndrome
Fulltext Patterns and Determinants of Attitudes towards Genetic Risk of Cancer: Case Study in a Malaysian Public University

Sim EU, Ting SH

Biomed Res Int, 2018;2018:4682431.
PMID: 30112391 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4682431

Genetic risk to cancer is a knowledge largely confined to experts and the more educated sectors of the developed western countries. The perception of genetic susceptibility to cancer among the masses is fragmented, particularly in developing countries. As cancer diseases affect developing countries as much as developed nations, it is imperative to study perception and reception of genetic risk to cancer in Southeast Asia. Here, we report on a novel case study to gauge the awareness and attitudes towards genetic determination of cancer among the undergraduates of a Malaysian public university. A total of 272 university undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire. On causes of cancer, the respondents believed that cancer is caused by lifestyle and environmental factors, but those with science background were more likely to associate it with genetic factors. The results on awareness of genetic profiling of cancer risk showed that there are significant differences between those with science and nonscience background but there are no significant differences for gender and socioeconomic background. As for attitudes towards cancer risk, female respondents, those from middle socioeconomic status and science background, are more likely to believe in genetic determinism of cancer. The findings have implications on target population segmentation in strategic health communication on cancer.

MeSH terms: Adult; Asia, Southeastern; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Male; Neoplasms/genetics*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students; Universities; Genetic Predisposition to Disease*; Young Adult
Fulltext Interventions for treating oro-antral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures

Kiran Kumar Krishanappa S, Eachempati P, Kumbargere Nagraj S, Shetty NY, Moe S, Aggarwal H, et al.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018 08 16;8:CD011784.
PMID: 30113083 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011784.pub3

BACKGROUND: An oro-antral communication is an unnatural opening between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus. When it fails to close spontaneously, it remains patent and is epithelialized to develop into an oro-antral fistula. Various surgical and non-surgical techniques have been used for treating the condition. Surgical procedures include flaps, grafts and other techniques like re-implantation of third molars. Non-surgical techniques include allogenic materials and xenografts. This is an update of a review first published in May 2016.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae due to dental procedures.
SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 23 May 2018), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2018, Issue 4), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 23 May 2018), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 23 May 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. We also searched the reference lists of included and excluded trials for any randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs evaluating any intervention for treating oro-antral communications or oro-antral fistulae due to dental procedures. We excluded quasi-RCTs and cross-over trials. We excluded studies on participants who had oro-antral communications, fistulae or both related to Caldwell-Luc procedure or surgical excision of tumours.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials. Two review authors assessed trial risk of bias and extracted data independently. We estimated risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS: We included only one study in this review, which compared two surgical interventions: pedicled buccal fat pad flap and buccal flap for the treatment of oro-antral communications. The study involved 20 participants. The risk of bias was unclear. The relevant outcome reported in this trial was successful (complete) closure of oro-antral communication.The quality of the evidence for the primary outcome was very low. The study did not find evidence of a difference between interventions for the successful (complete) closure of an oro-antral communication (RR 1.00, 95% Cl 0.83 to 1.20) one month after the surgery. All oro-antral communications in both groups were successfully closed so there were no adverse effects due to treatment failure.We did not find trials evaluating any other intervention for treating oro-antral communications or fistulae due to dental procedures.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found very low quality evidence from a single small study that compared pedicled buccal fat pad and buccal flap. The evidence was insufficient to judge whether there is a difference in the effectiveness of these interventions as all oro-antral communications in the study were successfully closed by one month after surgery. Large, well-conducted RCTs investigating different interventions for the treatment of oro-antral communications and fistulae caused by dental procedures are needed to inform clinical practice.

MeSH terms: Adipose Tissue/transplantation*; Adult; Dental Care/adverse effects*; Humans; Middle Aged; Oroantral Fistula/etiology; Oroantral Fistula/surgery*; Surgical Flaps/transplantation*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Validation of the Iranian/Persian Version of the Perceived Therapeutic Efficacy Scale for Type 2 Diabetes

Azami G, Lam SK, Shariff-Ghazali S, Said SM, Aazami S, Mozafari M, et al.

Arch Iran Med, 2018 08 01;21(8):356-361.
PMID: 30113857

BACKGROUND: The theory if self-efficacy is the central concept of social cognitive theory with emphasis on the constructs of efficacy expectation, outcome expectation. Efficacy expectation is defined as the person's confidence to carry out a specific behavior. Outcome expectation is beliefs that carrying out a specific behavior will lead to a specific outcome. While the benefit of measuring outcome expectations has been established, there has been no large scale within the Iranian context. The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability-validity of the Persian version of the Perceived Therapeutic Efficacy Scale (PTES).
METHODS: This study was conducted among 160 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a self-administered instrument measuring outcome expectation. We used a methodological study design to assess the validity and reliability of the translated Persian version of the instrument.
RESULTS: The findings of the present study support the uni-dimensionality of the Persian version of the instrument. The 10 items of the scale account for 73.54% of the total variance and the un-rotated factor loadings ranged from 0.66 to 0.93. Moreover, this study offers support for convergent validity and internal consistency of the scale.
CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated good convergent validity, factor structure and internal consistency in a sample of 160 Iranian adults with T2DM. Therefore, the Persian version of the scale is a valid and reliable instrument and can be used in research and clinical settings.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology*; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Iran; Male; Middle Aged; Psychometrics; Quality of Life/psychology*; Surveys and Questionnaires/standards*; Translating; Reproducibility of Results; Self Efficacy*
Clinical responses in cows vaccinated with a developed prototype killed Staphylococcus aureus mastitis vaccine

Hambali IU, Bhutto KR, Jesse FFA, Lawan A, Odhah MN, Wahid AH, et al.

Microb Pathog, 2018 Nov;124:101-105.
PMID: 30114463 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.08.017

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the udder that occurs as a result of the release of leucocytes into the udder in a response to bacterial invasion. The major causes of mastitis are an array of gram positive and negative bacteria, however, algae, virus, fungi, mechanical or thermal injury to the gland have also been identified as possible causes. Mastitis vaccines are yet to be developed using Malaysian local isolate of bacteria. The objective of the present experimental trial was to develop a monovalent vaccine against mastitis using S. aureus of Malaysian isolate and to evaluate the clinical responses such as temperature, respiratory rates and heart rates in vaccinated cows. S. aureus is a major causative bacteria in clinical and subclinical types of mastitis in cows. Four concentrations of the bacterin (106, 107, 108 and 109 cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were prepared using Aluminium potassium sulfate adjuvant. Thirty cows were grouped into four treatment groups (B, C, D and E) with a fifth group as control (A). These groups were vaccinated intramuscularly(IM) with the prepared monovalent vaccine and its influence on the vital signs were intermittently measured. The mean of rectal temperature was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at 0hr Post Vaccination [1]" in groups D and E (39.5 ± 0.15 °C and 39.4 ± 0.15 °C respectively) and at 3 h PV in groups C, D and E (39.8 ± 0.14 °C, 39.9 ± 0.14 °C and 40.3 ± 0.14 °C respectively) compared to the control group. This indicated a sharp increased rectal temperatures between 0hr and 3 h PV in groups C, D and E which later declined at 24 h PV. The mean of rectal temperature of group E was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at weeks 1 and 2 PV (39.87 ± 0.19 °C and 39.80 ± 0.18 °C respectively) compared to the control group. The mean of heart rate was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 1 PV in groups D and E (83.0 ± 3.8 beats/minute and 80.0 ± 3.8 °C respectively) compared to control. A trending decrease was however observed in heart rates of group E from weeks through 4 PV and in group D from weeks 1 through 3 PV. The mean of respiratory rates was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 3 PV in group B and D (31.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute and 28.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute) compared to control. In conclusion, this study highlights responses of these vital signs due to vaccination against S. aureus causing mastitis in cows. To the best of our knowledge the findings of this study adds value to the shallow literature on vital signs alterations in cows vaccinated against mastitis as elevated levels of temperature and heart rates of group D and E indicated obvious response.

MeSH terms: Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage; Alum Compounds/administration & dosage; Animals; Bacterial Vaccines/administration & dosage; Bacterial Vaccines/immunology*; Cattle; Injections, Intramuscular; Mastitis, Bovine/pathology; Mastitis, Bovine/prevention & control*; Staphylococcal Infections/pathology; Staphylococcal Infections/prevention & control; Staphylococcal Infections/veterinary*; Staphylococcal Vaccines/administration & dosage; Staphylococcal Vaccines/immunology*; Staphylococcus aureus/immunology*; Treatment Outcome
Faecal Particle Size in Free-Ranging Proboscis Monkeys, Nasalis larvatus: Variation between Seasons

Thiry V, Clauss M, Stark DJ, Beudels-Jamar RC, Vercauteren Drubbel R, Nathan SKSS, et al.

Folia Primatol., 2018;89(5):327-334.
PMID: 30114703 DOI: 10.1159/000490794

Reducing the size of food particles is crucial for herbivores. Seasonal dietary changes are known to influence animals' chewing efficiency. Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) are foregut fermenters, with a high chewing efficiency allowing them to achieve very fine faecal particles. In this study, we investigated how proboscis monkeys' chewing efficiency varies between wet and dry seasons, hypothesising differences possibly related to diet change. Faecal particle size analysis is an established approach to estimate chewing efficiency in mammalian herbivores. We analysed 113 proboscis monkey faecal samples collected in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, between 2015 and 2017. By following standard sieve analysis protocols, we measured a mean particle size MPS0.025-8 of 0.45 ± 0.14 mm, and confirmed a previous result that proboscis monkeys have a very low faecal MPS. This study highlights a seasonal influence on proboscis monkeys' chewing efficiency, with smaller MPS (better chewing efficiency) during the wet season. During that time of the year, individuals may potentially change their diet, as all faecal samples contained intact seeds. Whether the seasonal MPS difference in proboscis monkeys is smaller than in other colobines due to their "rumination" strategy remains to be investigated.

MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; Diet; Feces*; Malaysia; Mastication*; Particle Size*; Seasons; Colobinae/physiology*; Herbivory*
Fulltext Factors associated with awareness, knowledge and attitude towards prostate cancer among Malay men in traditional Malay Villages, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Suriani Ismail, Huda Zainuddin, Titi Rahmawati Hamedon, Muhammad Hanafiah Juni, Nor Afiah Mohd. Zulkefli, Suhainizam bin Muhamad Saliluddin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(2):31-38.
MyJurnal

Background: Lack of awareness, poor knowledge and attitude regarding cancer have been identified as possible reasons accounting for the late presentation which lead to the poor survival of cancer patients in Malaysia. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in three traditional Malay villages in Negeri Sembilan among adult males. Those who were already diagnosed with prostate cancer or Non malaysians were excluded from the study. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires which consist of several sections namely socio-demographic, awareness about prostate cancer, sources of information, family history of prostate cancer, lifestyle associated with risk of cancer, knowledge and attitude towards prostate cancer. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Chisquare test was used to determine associations. Level of significance was set at p

MeSH terms: Adult; Awareness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Demography; Humans; Life Style; Malaysia; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk
Fulltext Identifying self-care behaviour and its predictors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at a district of northern peninsular Malaysia

Kang CY, Md Said S, Abdul Manaf R

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(2):17-29.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Malaysian aged ≥ 18 years increased from 11.6% (2006) to 17.5% (2015). Positive self–care behaviour leads to good glycaemic control. The objective of this study is to determine the self-care behaviour, its associated factors and predictors among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in government health clinics at a district of Northern Peninsular Malaysia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 546 T2DM patients aged ≥ 18 years, recruited by simple random sampling method. A validated self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes profile, knowledge, Health Belief Model (HBM) and Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activity Scale (SDSCA) was used. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Self-care behaviour is the dependent variable.
Results: The respondents practised 3.4 (SD = 1.11) days self-care behaviour past 1 week. The predictors of self-care behaviour were self-efficacy (standardized β = 0.257, p < 0.001), knowledge (standardized β = 0.112, p = 0.007), female (standardized β = 0.107, p = 0.010), combination oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) and insulin (standardized β = -0.182, p = 0.002), and monthly income < RM1,000 (standardized β = -0.129, p = 0.002). The entire group of variables significantly predicted self-care behaviour [F (6, 539) = 15.79, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.140] with total variance of 14.9%. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor in self-care behaviour.
Conclusion: The findings enable us to identify the specific groups with predicted lower self-care behaviour which are useful in future planning and implementation of intervention.
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Malaysia

MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Malaysia; Self Care*

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