Browse publications by year: 2018

1. Fulltext High Fat Diet Attenuates the Anticontractile Activity of Aortic PVAT via a Mechanism Involving AMPK and Reduced Adiponectin Secretion

   Almabrouk TAM, White AD, Ugusman AB, Skiba DS, Katwan OJ, Alganga H, et al.

   Front Physiol, 2018;9:51.

   PMID: 29479319 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00051

   Abstract

   Background and aim:
   Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) positively regulates vascular function through production of factors such as adiponectin but this effect is attenuated in obesity. The enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is present in PVAT and is implicated in mediating the vascular effects of adiponectin. In this study, we investigated the effect of an obesogenic high fat diet (HFD) on aortic PVAT and whether any changes involved AMPK.Methods:Wild type Sv129 (WT) and AMPKα1 knockout (KO) mice aged 8 weeks were fed normal diet (ND) or HFD (42% kcal fat) for 12 weeks. Adiponectin production by PVAT was assessed by ELISA and AMPK expression studied using immunoblotting. Macrophages in PVAT were identified using immunohistochemistry and markers of M1 and M2 macrophage subtypes evaluated using real time-qPCR. Vascular responses were measured in endothelium-denuded aortic rings with or without attached PVAT. Carotid wire injury was performed and PVAT inflammation studied 7 days later.Key results:Aortic PVAT from KO and WT mice was morphologically indistinct but KO PVAT had more infiltrating macrophages. HFD caused an increased infiltration of macrophages in WT mice with increased expression of the M1 macrophage markersNos2andIl1band the M2 markerChil3. In WT mice, HFD reduced the anticontractile effect of PVAT as well as reducing adiponectin secretion and AMPK phosphorylation. PVAT from KO mice on ND had significantly reduced adiponectin secretion and no anticontractile effect and feeding HFD did not alter this. Wire injury induced macrophage infiltration of PVAT but did not cause further infiltration in KO mice.Conclusions:High-fat diet causes an inflammatory infiltrate, reduced AMPK phosphorylation and attenuates the anticontractile effect of murine aortic PVAT. Mice lacking AMPKα1 phenocopy many of the changes in wild-type aortic PVAT after HFD, suggesting that AMPK may protect the vessel against deleterious changes in response to HFD.

   MeSH terms: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Aorta; Endothelium; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Immunohistochemistry; Inflammation; Macrophages; Obesity; Phosphorylation; Immunoblotting; Mice, Knockout; Mice; Adiponectin; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Diet, High-Fat
2. Fulltext Psychometric Comparisons of Benevolent and Corrective Humor across 22 Countries: The Virtue Gap in Humor Goes International

   Heintz S, Ruch W, Platt T, Pang D, Carretero-Dios H, Dionigi A, et al.

   Front Psychol, 2018;9:92.

   PMID: 29479326 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00092

   Abstract

   Recently, two forms of virtue-related humor, benevolent and corrective, have been introduced. Benevolent humor treats human weaknesses and wrongdoings benevolently, while corrective humor aims at correcting and bettering them. Twelve marker items for benevolent and corrective humor (the BenCor) were developed, and it was demonstrated that they fill the gap between humor as temperament and virtue. The present study investigates responses to the BenCor from 25 samples in 22 countries (overallN= 7,226). The psychometric properties of the BenCor were found to be sufficient in most of the samples, including internal consistency, unidimensionality, and factorial validity. Importantly, benevolent and corrective humor were clearly established as two positively related, yet distinct dimensions of virtue-related humor. Metric measurement invariance was supported across the 25 samples, and scalar invariance was supported across six age groups (from 18 to 50+ years) and across gender. Comparisons of samples within and between four countries (Malaysia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK) showed that the item profiles were more similar within than between countries, though some evidence for regional differences was also found. This study thus supported, for the first time, the suitability of the 12 marker items of benevolent and corrective humor in different countries, enabling a cumulative cross-cultural research and eventually applications of humor aiming at the good.

   MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Humans; Malaysia; Psychometrics; Switzerland; Temperament; Turkey; Reproducibility of Results; Virtues
3. Fulltext Status of the undisturbed mangroves at Brunei Bay, East Malaysia: a preliminary assessment based on remote sensing and ground-truth observations

   Satyanarayana B, M Muslim A, Izzaty Horsali NA, Mat Zauki NA, Otero V, Nadzri MI, et al.

   PeerJ, 2018;6:e4397.

   PMID: 29479500 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4397

   Abstract

   Brunei Bay, which receives freshwater discharge from four major rivers, namely Limbang, Sundar, Weston and Menumbok, hosts a luxuriant mangrove cover in East Malaysia. However, this relatively undisturbed mangrove forest has been less scientifically explored, especially in terms of vegetation structure, ecosystem services and functioning, and land-use/cover changes. In the present study, mangrove areal extent together with species composition and distribution at the four notified estuaries was evaluated through remote sensing (Advanced Land Observation Satellite-ALOS) and ground-truth (Point-Centred Quarter Method-PCQM) observations. As of 2010, the total mangrove cover was found to be ca. 35,183.74 ha, of which Weston and Menumbok occupied more than two-folds (58%), followed by Sundar (27%) and Limbang (15%). The medium resolution ALOS data were efficient for mapping dominant mangrove species such asNypa fruticans,Rhizophora apiculata,Sonneratia caseolaris,S. albaandXylocarpus granatumin the vicinity (accuracy: 80%). The PCQM estimates found a higher basal area at Limbang and Menumbok-suggestive of more mature vegetation, compared to Sundar and Weston. Mangrove stand structural complexity (derived from the complexity index) was also high in the order of Limbang > Menumbok > Sundar > Weston and supporting the perspective of less/undisturbed vegetation at two former locations. Both remote sensing and ground-truth observations have complementarily represented the distribution ofSonneratiaspp. as pioneer vegetation at shallow river mouths,N. fruticansin the areas of strong freshwater discharge,R. apiculatain the areas of strong neritic incursion andX. granatumat interior/elevated grounds. The results from this study would be able to serve as strong baseline data for future mangrove investigations at Brunei Bay, including for monitoring and management purposes locally at present.

   MeSH terms: Brunei; Fresh Water; Malaysia; Ecosystem; Lythraceae; Rhizophoraceae; Rivers; Wetlands; Remote Sensing Technology; Bays; Estuaries
4. Fulltext Deep sequencing and in silico analysis of small RNA library reveals novel miRNA from leaf Persicaria minor transcriptome

   Samad AFA, Nazaruddin N, Murad AMA, Jani J, Zainal Z, Ismail I

   3 Biotech, 2018 Mar;8(3):136.

   PMID: 29479512 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1164-8

   Abstract

   In current era, majority of microRNA (miRNA) are being discovered through computational approaches which are more confined towards model plants. Here, for the first time, we have described the identification and characterization of novel miRNA in a non-model plant, Persicaria minor (P. minor) using computational approach. Unannotated sequences from deep sequencing were analyzed based on previous well-established parameters. Around 24 putative novel miRNAs were identified from 6,417,780 reads of the unannotated sequence which represented 11 unique putative miRNA sequences. PsRobot target prediction tool was deployed to identify the target transcripts of putative novel miRNAs. Most of the predicted target transcripts (mRNAs) were known to be involved in plant development and stress responses. Gene ontology showed that majority of the putative novel miRNA targets involved in cellular component (69.07%), followed by molecular function (30.08%) and biological process (0.85%). Out of 11 unique putative miRNAs, 7 miRNAs were validated through semi-quantitative PCR. These novel miRNAs discoveries in P. minor may develop and update the current public miRNA database.

   MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena; RNA, Messenger; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Analysis, RNA; RNA, Plant; MicroRNAs; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Plant Development; Gene Ontology
5. Perceived Risk of Developing Cancer in a Suburban Community in Malaysia

   Pasi H, Md Isa Z, Azhar Shah S

   Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Feb 26;19(2):395-400.

   PMID: 29479988

   Abstract

   Objective: To determine the perceived risk of developing cancer in a suburban community in Malaysia. Methods:
   A cross sectional study using a simple random sampling was conducted among residents aged 18 years old and above
   (n=520) who had never been diagnosed with cancer, in selected households in a suburban area of Pahang state in
   Malaysia. The study instruments were a validated questionnaire on risk perception, an automatic blood pressure monitor,
   a weighing scale and a measuring tape. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0 and
   the p value was taken at p <0.05 as significant. Result: This study revealed that only 5.0 percent individuals perceived
   they were at risk cancer, whilst the perceived severity was 41.3 percent. Multivariable analysis showed a significant
   association only for a family history of cancer (adjusted OR of 4.80; 95% CI = 1.45-15.82) (p=0.010) among this
   population. Conclusion: The perceived risk of developing cancer in the selected suburban community of Pahang state in
   Malaysia is low as compared to that for other non-communicable diseases in this country, whilst the perceived severity
   was higher than for other diseases. Thus, considering the importance of correct perceptions for behavioral changes,
   more health education and promotion is needed to make the community better aware of the actual threat of cancer.

   MeSH terms: Awareness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Education; Humans; Malaysia; Neoplasms; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Blood Pressure Monitors
6. Fulltext Vaping topography and reasons of use among adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia

   Zainol Abidin N, Abidin EZ, Zulkifli A, Syed Ismail SN, Karuppiah K, Amer Nordin AS, et al.

   Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Feb 26;19(2):457-462.

   PMID: 29480664

   Abstract

   Background: Consistency and accuracy of results in assessing health risks due to vaping or e-cigarette use are difficult to achieve without established consumption data. The present report covers baseline data on vaping topography and reasons for use among local users in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
   Methods: An 80-item survey regarding socio-demographic characteristics, smoking topography and reasons for e-cigarette use was employed to assess e-cigarette users recruited from several public universities and private organisations. The survey questionnaire was self-administered. Data were analysed using statistical software.
   Results: Eighty-six current e-cigarette users participated with more than half (51.2%) of them aged ≥ 25 years old. Significant proportions of the sample were single (51.2%), had a tertiary education level (63.5%) and a household income of less than USD1000 per month (65.2%). Median duration of e-cigarette use was less than a year; users drew approximately 50 puffs per day and refilled twice a day. The majority (74%) used e-liquids containing nicotine with a concentration of 6 μg/mL. Daily users spent USD18-23 per month. Reasons for using the e-cigarette included enjoyment of the products (85.9%), perception of lower toxicity than tobacco (87%), and the fact that it was a cheaper smoking alternative (61%).
   Conclusion: The data on e-cigarette smoking topography obtained in this study are novel. The reasons of usage were mainly users’ enjoyment of e-cigarettes, preparation for quitting smoking, perception of low toxicity and a healthier smoking substitute and cheapness in the long run. The results establish basic knowledge for the local vaping topography and reference material for future e-cigarette-related research.

   MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Nicotine/administration & dosage; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities; Smoking Cessation/statistics & numerical data; Tobacco Products/statistics & numerical data; Electronic Cigarettes/statistics & numerical data; Vaping*
7. Novel drug delivery approaches in treating pulmonary fibrosis

   Dua K, Awasthi R, Madan JR, Chellappan DK, Nalluri BN, Gupta G, et al.

   Panminerva Med, 2018 Dec;60(4):238-240.

   PMID: 29480673 DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.18.03428-6

   MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Lipids/chemistry; Lung/drug effects; Lung Diseases/drug therapy; Pulmonary Fibrosis/drug therapy*; Drug Delivery Systems*; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism; Mice; Nanocapsules/chemistry; Medication Adherence; HEK293 Cells
8. Effect of oral premedication on the anaesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis - A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

   Pulikkotil SJ, Nagendrababu V, Veettil SK, Jinatongthai P, Setzer FC

   Int Endod J, 2018 Sep;51(9):989-1004.

   PMID: 29480930 DOI: 10.1111/iej.12912

   Abstract

   This systematic review (SR; PROSPERO database: CRD42017075160) and network meta-analysis (NMA) identified the most effective oral premedication for anaesthetic success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in cases of irreversible pulpitis. Medline and Ebscohost databases were searched up until 10/2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) studying the effect of oral premedication, alone or in combination, on the success of IANB for cases of irreversible pulpitis, compared to placebo or other oral premedications, were included. Quality of the included studies was appraised by the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Pairwise analysis, NMA and quality of evidence assessment using GRADE criteria were performed. Nineteen studies (n = 1654 participants) were included. NMA demonstrated that compared to placebo, dexamethasone was most effective in increasing anaesthetic success (RR, 2.92 [95% CI 1.74,4.91]; SUCRA = 0.96), followed by NSAIDs (RR, 1.92 [95% CI 1.63,2.27], SUCRA = 0.738) and Tramadol (RR, 2.03 [95% CI 1.18,3.49], SUCRA = 0.737). Premedication with acetaminophen added to NSAIDs demonstrated similar efficacy as NSAIDs alone (RR, 1.06 [95% CI 0.79,1.43]). Sensitivity analyses proved the superiority of dexamethasone or NSAIDs over any other premedications. Subgroup analyses of specific dosages in comparison with placebo demonstrated that dexamethasone 0.5 mg was most effective, followed by ketorolac 10 mg, piroxicam 20 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg + acetaminophen 500 mg and Tramadol 50 mg. Ibuprofen 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg had a significantly improved IANB success, while Ibuprofen 300 mg had no effect. Oral premedication with dexamethasone, NSAIDs or Tramadol significantly increased anaesthetic success. More trials are needed to evaluate the premedication effects of dexamethasone or Tramadol for improved anaesthetic success of IANB when treating irreversible pulpitis.

   MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Anesthesia, Dental/methods*; Humans; Mandibular Nerve*; Nerve Block/methods*; Preanesthetic Medication/methods*; Pulpitis/surgery*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
9. Survival Time and Prognostic Factors for Breast Cancer among Women in North-East Peninsular Malaysia

   Nordin N, Yaacob NM, Abdullah NH, Mohd Hairon S

   Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Feb 26;19(2):497-502.

   PMID: 29480991

   Abstract

   Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease and the leading cause of cancer death among
   women globally. This study aimed to determine the median survival time and prognostic factors for breast cancer
   patients in a North-East State of Malaysia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January till
   April 2017 using secondary data obtained from the state’s cancer registry. All 549 cases of breast cancer diagnosed
   from 1st January 2007 until 31st December 2011 were selected and retrospectively followed-up until 31st December
   2016. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected to determine prognostic factors. Results: The average
   (SD) age at diagnosis was 50.4 (11.2) years, the majority of patients having Malay ethnicity (85.8%) and a histology of
   ductal carcinoma (81.5%). Median survival times for those presenting at stages III and IV were 50.8 (95% CI: 25.34,
   76.19) and 6.9 (95% CI: 3.21, 10.61) months, respectively. Ethnicity (Adj. HR for Malay vs non-Malay ethnicity=2.52;
   95% CI: 1.54, 4.13; p<0.001), stage at presentation (Adj. HR for Stage III vs Stage I=2.31; 95% CI: 1.57, 3.39; p<0.001
   and Adj. HR for Stage IV vs Stage I=6.20; 95% CI: 4.45, 8.65; p<0.001), and history of surgical treatment (Adj. HR
   for patients with no surgical intervention=1.95; 95% CI: 1.52, 2.52; p<0.001) were observed to be the statistically
   significant prognostic factors associated with death caused by breast cancer. Conclusion: The median survival time
   among breast cancer patients in North-East State of Malaysia was short as compared to other studies. Primary and
   secondary prevention aimed at early diagnosis and surgical management of breast cancer, particularly among the Malay
   ethnic group, could improve treatment outcome.

   MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/mortality*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging/methods; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
10. Fulltext Short-term renal outcomes following acute kidney injury among dengue patients: A follow-up analysis from large prospective cohort

    Mallhi TH, Khan AH, Adnan AS, Sarriff A, Khan YH, Gan SH

    PLoS One, 2018;13(2):e0192510.

    PMID: 29481564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192510

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Despite myriad improvements in the care of dengue patients, acute kidney injury (AKI) remained least appreciated intricacy of dengue infection. Exiting literature does not provide any information on renal outcomes among dengue patients surviving an episode of AKI.

    METHODS: Dengue patients who developed AKI were followed up for post-discharge period of three months and renal recovery was assessed by using recovery criteria based on different thresholds of serum creatinine (SCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR).

    RESULTS: Out of the 526 dengue participants, AKI was developed in 72 (13.7%) patients. Renal recovery was assessed among AKI survivors (n = 71). The use of less (±50% recovery to baseline) to more (±5% recovery to baseline) stringent definitions of renal recovery yielded recovery rates from 88.9% to 2.8% by SCr and 94.4% to 5.6% by eGFR, as renal function biomarkers. At the end of study, eight patients had AKI with AKIN-II (n = 7) and AKIN-III (n = 1). Approximately 50% patients (n = 36/71) with AKI had eGFR primitive to CKD stage 2, while 18.3% (n = 13/71) and 4.2% (n = 3/71) patients had eGFR corresponding to advanced stages of CKD (stage 3 & 4). Factors such as renal insufficiencies at hospital discharge, multiple organ involvements, advance age, female gender and diabetes mellitus were associated with poor renal outcomes.

    CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that dengue patients with AKI portend unsatisfactory short-term renal outcomes and deserve a careful and longer follow-up, especially under nephrology care.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Dengue/complications*; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Discharge; Prospective Studies; Young Adult; Acute Kidney Injury/complications*
11. Responses of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in goats inoculated intradermally with C. pseudotuberculosis and mycolic acid extract immunogen

    Odhah MN, Jesse FFA, Lawan A, Idris UH, Marza AD, Mahmood ZK, et al.

    Microb Pathog, 2018 Apr;117:243-246.

    PMID: 29481974 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.02.038

    Abstract

    Haptoglobin (Hp) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) are a group of blood proteins whose concentrations in animals can be influenced by infection, inflammation, surgical trauma or stress. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), and Mycolic acid is a virulent factor extracted from C. pseudotuberculosis. There is a dearth of sufficient evidence on the clinical implication of MAs on the responses of Hp and SAA in goats. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Mycolic acid (MAs) and C. pseudotuberculosis on the responses of Hp and SAA in female goats. A total of 12 healthy female goats was divided into three groups; A, B and C each comprising of 4 goats and managed for a period of three months. Group (A) was inoculated with 2 mL of sterile phosphate buffered saline (as a negative control group) intradermally, while group (B) and (C) were inoculated intradermally with 2 ml each of mycolic acid and 1‏ × 109 cfu of active C. pseudotuberculosis respectively. The result of the study showed that the Hp concentration in goats inoculated with C. pseudotuberculosis was significantly increased up to 7-fold (1.17 ± 0.17 ng/L) while MAs showed a 3-fold increased (0.83 ± 0.01 ng/L) compared with the control. Whereas SAA concentration in C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs groups showed a significant 3-fold (17.85 ± 0.91 pg/mL) and 2-fold (10.97 ± 0.71 pg/mL) increased compared with the control. This study concludes that inoculation of C. pseudotuberculosis and MAs have significant effects on Hp and SAA levels, which indicates that MAs could have a role in the pathogenesis of caseous lymphadenitis.

    MeSH terms: Serum Amyloid A Protein/analysis; Serum Amyloid A Protein/metabolism*; Animals; Corynebacterium Infections/blood*; Corynebacterium Infections/immunology*; Corynebacterium Infections/microbiology; Corynebacterium Infections/veterinary; Female; Goats/blood; Haptoglobins/analysis; Haptoglobins/metabolism*; Lymphadenitis/microbiology; Mycolic Acids/isolation & purification; Mycolic Acids/pharmacology*; Goat Diseases/blood; Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis/isolation & purification; Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis/metabolism*
12. Feels Not Right Stabbing a Child

    Goh ZNL, Khoo EJ

    Acad Pediatr, 2018 07;18(5):481-482.

    PMID: 29331344 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2018.01.001

    MeSH terms: Attitude of Health Personnel*; Female; Humans; Infant; Internship and Residency; Male; Medical Staff, Hospital/psychology*; Physician-Patient Relations*; Students, Medical; Phlebotomy/methods; Phlebotomy/psychology*
13. Growth kinetics and biodeterioration of polypropylene microplastics by Bacillus sp. and Rhodococcus sp. isolated from mangrove sediment

    Auta HS, Emenike CU, Jayanthi B, Fauziah SH

    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Feb;127:15-21.

    PMID: 29475646 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.036

    Abstract

    Interest in the biodegradation of microplastics is due to their ubiquitous distribution, availability, high persistence in the environment and deleterious impact on marine biota. The present study evaluates the growth response and mechanism of polypropylene (PP) degradation by Bacillus sp. strain 27 and Rhodococcus sp. strain 36 isolated from mangrove sediments upon exposure to PP microplastics. Both bacteria strains were able to utilise PP microplastic for growth as confirmed by the reduction of the polymer mass. The weight loss was 6.4% by Rhodococcus sp. strain 36 and 4.0% by Bacillus sp. strain 27 after 40days of incubation. PP biodegradation was further confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses, which revealed structural and morphological changes in the PP microplastics with microbial treatment. These analyses showed that the isolates can colonise, modify and utilise PP microplastics as carbon source.

    MeSH terms: Bacillus/isolation & purification*; Biodegradation, Environmental; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Kinetics; Malaysia; Polypropylenes/analysis*; Rhodococcus/isolation & purification*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Geologic Sediments/microbiology*; Geologic Sediments/chemistry; Wetlands*
14. Acute toxicity test of copper pyrithione on Javanese medaka and the behavioural stress symptoms

    Mohamat-Yusuff F, Sarah-Nabila AG, Zulkifli SZ, Azmai MNA, Ibrahim WNW, Yusof S, et al.

    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Feb;127:150-153.

    PMID: 29475647 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.046

    Abstract

    This study was conducted to investigate the median lethal concentration (LC50) of copper pyrithione (CuPT) at 96-hr exposure on adult Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus) in revealing toxicological effects of CuPT contamination in the tropical area. Wild stock fishes were acclimatized for 14-days prior analysis. Triplicate of test tanks for seven test concentrations were placed with ten fishes each, this includes two control tanks. The behaviour of the tested fishes was manually observed through a camera. The LC50 of CuPT at 96-h was found to be 16.58mg/L. Tested fishes swam slowly in vertical movement and swam fast towards food during feeding time as the sign of stress behaviour. Meanwhile, fishes in the two control groups swam actively in a horizontal manner and no excitement during feeding time. No mortality in control groups. Results indicate CuPT to be toxic to Javanese medaka at low concentration and caused behavioural stress.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Behavior, Animal/drug effects*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Indonesia; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Organometallic Compounds/toxicity*; Oryzias/physiology*; Pyridines/toxicity*; Stress, Physiological/drug effects*; Swimming/physiology; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity*; Toxicity Tests, Acute
15. Isolation, characterization, and identification of potential Diuron-degrading bacteria from surface sediments of Port Klang, Malaysia

    Hanapiah M, Zulkifli SZ, Mustafa M, Mohamat-Yusuff F, Ismail A

    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Feb;127:453-457.

    PMID: 29475685 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.015

    Abstract

    Diuron is an alternative biocide suggested to replace organotin in formulating antifouling paints to be applied on water-going vessels hull. However, it is potentially harmful to various non-targeted marine organisms due to its toxic properties. Present study aimed to isolate, screen and identify the potential of Diuron-degrading bacteria collected from the marine sediments of Port Klang, Malaysia. Preliminary screening was conducted by exposing isolated bacteria to 430ng/L (background level), followed by 600ng/L and 1000ng/L of Diuron concentrations. Nine bacteria colonies survived the exposure of the above concentrations. However, only two strains can tolerate to survive up to 1000μg/L, which were then characterised and identified using phenotypic tests and the standard 16S rRNA molecular identification. The strains were identified as Comamonas jiangduensis SZZ 10 and Bacillus aerius SZZ 19 (GenBank accession numbers: KU942479 and KU942480, respectively). Both strains have the potential of Diuron biodegradation for future use.

    MeSH terms: Bacillus/drug effects; Bacillus/isolation & purification*; Biodegradation, Environmental; Disinfectants/analysis*; Diuron/analysis*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Malaysia; Paint; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Geologic Sediments/microbiology*; Comamonas/drug effects; Comamonas/isolation & purification*; Microbial Viability/drug effects; Biofouling/prevention & control; Transportation Facilities
16. Bisphenol A and alkylphenols concentrations in selected mariculture fish species from Pulau Kukup, Johor, Malaysia

    Ismail NAH, Wee SY, Aris AZ

    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Feb;127:536-540.

    PMID: 29475693 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.043

    Abstract

    Endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) contamination in food is a global concern. Concerning potential environmental and human health exposed to EDCs via food intake, an experiment was conducted on the selected EDCs concentration in the mariculture fish, Trachinotus blochii (golden pomfret), Lutjanus campechanus (snapper), and Lates calcarifer (sea bass) at Pulau Kukup, Johor. Mariculture activity at Pulau Kukup involves active export of fishes to Singapore and Indonesia. The recovery of BPA (bisphenol A), 4OP (4-octylphenol), and 4NP (4-nonylphenol) were 61.54%-93.00%, 16.79%-17.13%, and 61.24%-71.49%, respectively. Relatively high concentration of BPA was recorded in T. blochii (0.322ng/g), followed by L. calcarifer (0.124ng/g) and L. campechanus (0.023ng/g). Furthermore, 4OP and 4NP were detected only in T. blochii at concentrations of 0.084ng/g and 0.078ng/g, respectively. The results of the present study provide insights on monitoring and managing mariculture activity in relation to environmental protection and food safety.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis*; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Food Contamination/analysis; Humans; Malaysia; Muscles/chemistry; Perciformes/metabolism*; Phenols/analysis*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Seafood/analysis; Endocrine Disruptors/analysis*
17. Elevated concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in heavy mineral-rich beach sands of Langkawi Island, Malaysia

    Khandaker MU, Asaduzzaman K, Sulaiman AFB, Bradley DA, Isinkaye MO

    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Feb;127:654-663.

    PMID: 29475708 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.055

    Abstract

    Study is made of the radioactivity in the beach sands of Langkawi island, a well-known tourist destination. Investigation is made of the relative presence of the naturally occurring radionuclide 40K and the natural-series indicator radionuclides 226Ra and 232Th, the gamma radiation exposure also being estimated. Sample quantities of black and white sand were collected for gamma ray spectrometry, yielding activity concentration in black sands of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K from 451±9 to 2411±65Bqkg-1 (mean of 1478Bqkg-1); 232±4 to 1272±35Bqkg-1 (mean of 718Bqkg-1) and 61±6 to 136±7Bqkg-1 (mean of 103Bqkg-1) respectively. Conversely, in white sands the respective values for 226Ra and 232Th were appreciably lower, at 8.3±0.5 to 13.7±1.4Bqkg-1 (mean of 9.8Bqkg-1) and 4.5±0.7 to 9.4±1.0Bqkg-1 (mean of 5.9Bqkg-1); 40K activities differed insubstantially from that in black sands, at 85±4 to 133±7Bqkg-1 with a mean of 102Bqkg-1. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th in black sands are comparable with that of high background areas elsewhere in the world. The heavy minerals content gives rise to elevated 226Ra and 232Th activity concentrations in all of black sand samples. Evaluation of the various radiological risk parameters points to values which in some cases could be in excess of recommendations providing for safe living and working. Statistical analysis examines correlations between the origins of the radionuclides, also identifying and classifying the radiological parameters. Present results may help to form an interest in rare-earth resources for the electronics industry, power generation and the viability of nuclear fuels cycle resources.

    MeSH terms: Background Radiation*; Bathing Beaches/standards*; Humans; Malaysia; Metals, Rare Earth/chemistry*; Radiation Monitoring/methods*; Radioisotopes/analysis*; Silicon Dioxide/chemistry; Soil Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis*; Islands
18. A genome-wide characterization of copy number variations in native populations of Peninsular Malaysia

    Fu R, Mokhtar SS, Phipps ME, Hoh BP, Xu S

    Eur J Hum Genet, 2018 06;26(6):886-897.

    PMID: 29476164 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0120-8

    Abstract

    Copy number variations (CNVs) are genomic structural variations that result from the deletion or duplication of large genomic segments. The characterization of CNVs is largely underrepresented, particularly those of indigenous populations, such as the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. In the present study, we first characterized the genome-wide CNVs of four major native populations from Peninsular Malaysia, including the Malays and three Orang Asli populations; namely, Proto-Malay, Senoi, and Negrito (collectively called PM). We subsequently assessed the distribution of CNVs across the four populations. The resulting global CNV map revealed 3102 CNVs, with an average of more than 100 CNVs per individual. We identified genes harboring CNVs that are highly differentiated between PM and global populations, indicating that these genes are predominantly enriched in immune responses and defense functions, including APOBEC3A_B, beta-defensin genes, and CCL3L1, followed by other biological functions, such as drug and toxin metabolism and responses to radiation, suggesting some attributions between CNV variations and adaptations of the PM groups to the local environmental conditions of tropical rainforests.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Malaysia; Chemokines, CC; beta-Defensins; Genomics; Population Groups; Genomic Structural Variation; DNA Copy Number Variations; Rainforest
19. Role of Sirtuin1-p53 regulatory axis in aging, cancer and cellular reprogramming

    Ong ALC, Ramasamy TS

    Ageing Res Rev, 2018 May;43:64-80.

    PMID: 29476819 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.02.004

    Abstract

    Regulatory role of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), one of the most extensively studied members of its kind in histone deacetylase family in governing multiple cellular fates, is predominantly linked to p53 activity. SIRT1 deacetylates p53 in a NAD+-dependent manner to inhibit transcription activity of p53, in turn modulate pathways that are implicated in regulation of tissue homoeostasis and many disease states. In this review, we discuss the role of SIRT1-p53 pathway and its regulatory axis in the cellular events which are implicated in cellular aging, cancer and reprogramming. It is noteworthy that these cellular events share few common regulatory pathways, including SIRT1-p53-LDHA-Myc, miR-34a,-Let7 regulatory network, which forms a positive feedback loop that controls cell cycle, metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, epigenetics and many others. In the context of aging, SIRT1 expression is reduced as a protective mechanism against oncogenesis and for maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Interestingly, its activation in aged cells is evidenced in response to DNA damage to protect the cells from p53-dependent apoptosis or senescence, predispose these cells to neoplastic transformation. Importantly, the dual roles of SIRT1-p53 axis in aging and tumourigenesis, either as tumour suppressor or tumour promoter are determined by SIRT1 localisation and type of cells. Conceptualising the distinct similarity between tumorigenesis and cellular reprogramming, this review provides a perspective discussion on involvement of SIRT1 in improving efficiency in the induction and maintenance of pluripotent state. Further research in understanding the role of SIRT1-p53 pathway and their associated regulators and strategies to manipulate this regulatory axis very likely foster the development of therapeutics and strategies for treating cancer and aging-associated degenerative diseases.

    MeSH terms: Aging/genetics; Aging/metabolism*; Animals; Cell Differentiation/physiology; DNA Damage/immunology; Humans; Neoplasms/genetics; Neoplasms/metabolism*; Transcriptional Activation/physiology; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism*; Cell Aging/physiology*; Apoptosis/physiology; Gene Regulatory Networks/physiology; Sirtuin 1/genetics; Sirtuin 1/metabolism*; Cellular Reprogramming/physiology*
20. Synthesis, α-glucosidase inhibition and molecular docking study of coumarin based derivatives

    Taha M, Shah SAA, Afifi M, Imran S, Sultan S, Rahim F, et al.

    Bioorg Chem, 2018 04;77:586-592.

    PMID: 29477126 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.01.033

    Abstract

    We have synthesized seventeen Coumarin based derivatives (1-17), characterized by 1HNMR, 13CNMR and EI-MS and evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Among the series, all derivatives exhibited outstanding α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 values ranging between 1.10 ± 0.01 and 36.46 ± 0.70 μM when compared with the standard inhibitor acarbose having IC50 value 39.45 ± 0.10 μM. The most potent derivative among the series is derivative 3 having IC50 value 1.10 ± 0.01 μM, which are many folds better than the standard acarbose. The structure activity relationship (SAR) was mainly based upon by bring about difference of substituent's on phenyl part. Molecular docking studies were carried out to understand the binding interaction of the most active compounds.

    MeSH terms: alpha-Glucosidases/metabolism*; Coumarins/chemical synthesis; Coumarins/pharmacology*; Coumarins/chemistry; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/enzymology; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure; Molecular Docking Simulation*; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemistry