Browse publications by year: 2018

A Unique Interaction of IVS-I-1 (G>A) (HBA2: c.95+1G>A) with Hb Adana (HBA2: c.179G>A) Presenting as Transfusion-Dependent α-Thalassemia

Alauddin H, Kamarudin K, Loong TY, Azma RZ, Ithnin A, Jalil N, et al.

Hemoglobin, 2018 Jul;42(4):247-251.
PMID: 30623696 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2018.1528985

Nondeletional α-globin mutations are known to cause more serious clinical effects than deletional ones. A rare IVS-I-1 (G>A) (HBA2: c.95+1G>A) donor splice site mutation interferes with normal splicing of pre mRNA and results in activation of a cryptic splice site as well as a frameshift mutation. Hb Adana [HBA2: c.179G>A (or HBA1)] is a highly unstable variant hemoglobin (Hb) resulting from a mutation at codon 59 on the HBA2 or HBA1 gene, recognized to cause severe α-thalassemia (α-thal) syndromes. We report a unique case of compound heterozygosity for these two mutations in a 9-year-old boy who presented with a Hb level of 5.3 g/dL and hepatomegaly at the age of 15 months. He required regular blood transfusions in view of a Hb level of <7.0 g/dL and failure to thrive. He had thalassemic red cell indices and peripheral blood film. The Hb electrophoresis only showed a raised Hb F level (3.3%) and a pre run peak but the Hb H inclusion test was negative. His father had thalassemic red cell indices but a normal Hb level. His mother had almost normal Hb levels and red cell indices. Hb Adana involving the HBA2 gene was detected by mutiplex amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) in the proband and his father. DNA sequencing of the HBA2 gene confirmed the IVS-I-1 mutation in the proband and his mother. This case highlighted the unique interaction of the IVS-I-1 mutation with Hb Adana in a young Malay boy presenting with transfusion-dependent α-thal.

MeSH terms: Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Erythrocyte Indices; Hemoglobin A2/genetics*; Hemoglobins, Abnormal/genetics*; Heterozygote; Humans; Male; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics*; RNA Splice Sites; alpha-Globins/genetics
Fulltext Application of Transtheoretical Model on Behavioral Changes, and Amount of Physical Activity Among University's Students

Liu KT, Kueh YC, Arifin WN, Kim Y, Kuan G

Front Psychol, 2018;9:2402.
PMID: 30618907 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02402

This study's purpose was to examine the structural relationship of the transtheoretical model (TTM) and the amount of physical activity (PA) among undergraduate students in health and medicine at Universiti Sains Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was carried out among students who took part in the co-curricular program. Co-curricular program includes activities that take place outside of the regular lectures or tutorials in the University. Students recruited through purposive sampling were informed that their participation was entirely voluntarily. Those interested completed the self-administered questionnaire, which consisted of the decisional balance, processes of change, self-efficacy, stages of change scales, and Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Mplus version 8 for descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling analysis for inferential statistics. A total of 562 students participated in the study. The majority of the students was female (79.0%) and Malay (73.3%) and average of exercise sessions per week was 2.62, with a mean of 43.37 min per exercise session. The final structural model fit the data well based on several fit indices (SRMR = 0.046, RMSEA (CI: 90%) = 0.061 (0.045, 0.078), RMSEA p = 0.130). The model showed that stages of change significantly affected self-efficacy (p < 0.001), pros (benefits of exercise; p < 0.001), cons (barriers to exercise; p = 0.022), and processes of change (p < 0.001). The model also showed significant inter-relationships among the TTM constructs and supported seven hypotheses. Among all the variables examined, only processes of change significantly affected PA (p < 0.001). However, stages of change (p < 0.001) and pros (p =< 0.001) had significant indirect effects on PA via processes of change. The findings support that individuals' stages of change affect their self-efficacy level, or the ability to make positive and negative decisions and perform behavior accordingly. The study confirms that making correct decisions and taking action accordingly can increase PA levels.
Fulltext Different Concentrations of Doxycycline in Swine Manure Affect the Microbiome and Degradation of Doxycycline Residue in Soil

Yan Q, Li X, Ma B, Zou Y, Wang Y, Liao X, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2018;9:3129.
PMID: 30619199 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03129

Antibiotic residues that enter the soil through swine manure could disturb the number, community structure and functions of microbiota which could also degrade antibiotics in soil. Five different concentrations of doxycycline (DOX) incorporated into swine manure were added to soil to explore the effects of DOX on microbiota in soil and degradation itself. The results showed that the soil microbiome evolved an adaptation to the soil containing DOX by generating resistance genes. Moreover, some of the organisms within the soil microbiome played crucial roles in the degradation of DOX. The average degradation half-life of DOX in non-sterile groups was 13.85 ± 0.45 days, which was significantly shorter than the 29.26 ± 0.98 days in the group with sterilized soil (P < 0.01), indicating that the soil microbiome promoted DOX degradation. DOX addition affected the number of tetracycline resistance genes, depending on the type of gene and the DOX concentration. Among these genes, tetA, tetM, tetW, and tetX had significantly higher copy numbers when the concentration of DOX was higher. In contrast, a lower concentration of DOX had an inhibitory effect on tetG. At the same time, the microbial compositions were affected by the initial concentration of DOX and the different experimental periods. The soil chemical indicators also affected the microbial diversity changes, mainly because some microorganisms could survive in adversity and become dominant bacterial groups, such as the genera Vagococcus and Enterococcus (which were associated with electrical conductivity) and Caldicoprobacter spp. (which were positively correlated with pH). Our study mainly revealed soil microbiota and DOX degradation answered differently under variable concentrations of DOX mixed with swine manure in soil.

MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Doxycycline; Electric Conductivity; Gram-Positive Cocci; Half-Life; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Manure; Soil; Swine; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance; Enterococcus; DNA Copy Number Variations; Microbiota
Fulltext Dairy Cattle, a Potential Reservoir of Human Campylobacteriosis: Epidemiological and Molecular Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni From Cattle Farms

An JU, Ho H, Kim J, Kim WH, Kim J, Lee S, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2018;9:3136.
PMID: 30619204 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03136

Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen that is increasingly found worldwide and that is transmitted to humans through meat or dairy products. A detailed understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of C. jejuni in dairy cattle farms, which are likely to become sources of contamination, is imperative and is currently lacking. In this study, a total of 295 dairy cattle farm samples from 15 farms (24 visits) in Korea were collected. C. jejuni prevalence at the farm level was 60% (9/15) and at the animal level was 23.8% (68/266). Using the multivariable generalized estimating equation (GEE) model based on farm-environmental factors, we estimated that a high density of cattle and average environmental temperature (7 days prior to sampling) below 24°C affects the presence and survival of C. jejuni in the farm environment. Cattle isolates, together with C. jejuni from other sources (chicken and human), were genetically characterized based on analysis of 10 virulence and survival genes. A total of 19 virulence profile types were identified, with type 01 carrying eight genes (all except hcp and virB11) being the most prevalent. The prevalence of virB11 and hcp was significantly higher in isolates from cattle than in those from other sources (p < 0.05). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of C. jejuni isolates from three different sources mainly clustered in the CC-21 and CC-48. Within the CC-21 and CC-48 clusters, cattle isolates shared an indistinguishable pattern with human isolates according to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and flaA-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing. This suggests that CC-21 and CC-48 C. jejuni from dairy cattle are genetically related to clinical campylobacteriosis isolates. In conclusion, the farm environment influences the presence and survival of C. jejuni, which may play an important role in cycles of cattle re-infection, and dairy cattle represent potential reservoirs of human campylobacteriosis. Thus, environmental management practices could be implemented on cattle farms to reduce the shedding of C. jejuni from cattle, subsequently reducing the potential risk of the spread of cattle-derived C. jejuni to humans through the food chain.

MeSH terms: Animals; Campylobacter Infections; Cattle; Chickens; Chromosome Mapping; Dairy Products; Humans; Meat; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Temperature; Virulence; Prevalence; Campylobacter jejuni; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field; Food Chain; Republic of Korea; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Farms
Fulltext Sequence-Specific Detection of Aristolochia DNA - A Simple Test for Contamination of Herbal Products

Sgamma T, Masiero E, Mali P, Mahat M, Slater A

Front Plant Sci, 2018;9:1828.
PMID: 30619401 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01828

Herbal medicines are used globally for their health benefits as an alternative therapy method to modern medicines. The market for herbal products has increased rapidly over the last few decades, but this has in turn increased the opportunities for malpractices such as contamination or substitution of products with alternative plant species. In the 1990s, a series of severe renal disease cases were reported in Belgium associated with weight loss treatment, in which the active species Stephania tetrandra was found to be substituted with Aristolochia fangchi. A. fangchi contains toxic aristolochic acids, which have been linked to kidney failure, as well as cancers of the urinary tract. Because of these known toxicities, herbal medicines containing these compounds, or potentially contaminated by these plants, have been restricted or banned in some countries, but they are still available via the internet and in alternate formulations. In this study, a DNA based method based on quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was tested to detect and distinguish Aristolochia subg. Siphisia (Duch.) O.C.Schmidt species from a range of medicinal plants that could potentially be contaminated with Aristolochia material. Specific primers were designed to confirm that Aristolochia subg. Siphisia can be detected, even in small amounts, if it is present in the products, fulfilling the aim of offering a simple, cheaper and faster solution than the chemical methods. A synthetic gBlock template containing the primer sequences was used as a reference standard to calibrate the qPCR assay and to estimate the copy number of a target gene per sample. Generic primers covering the conserved 5.8S rRNA coding region were used as internal control to verify DNA quality and also as a reference gene for relative quantitation. To cope with potentially degraded DNA, all qPCR primer sets were designed to generate PCR products of under 100 bp allowing detection and quantification of A. fangchi gBlock even when mixed with S. tetrandra gBlock in different ratios. All proportions of Aristolochia, from 100 to 2%, were detected. Using standards, associating the copy number to each start quantity, the detection limit was calculated and set to about 50 copies.

MeSH terms: Belgium; DNA; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Malpractice; Neoplasms; Plants, Medicinal; Reference Standards; Weight Loss; Internet; Herbal Medicine; Aristolochia; Stephania tetrandra; Aristolochic Acids; Renal Insufficiency; Limit of Detection; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Fulltext Urban forest fragmentation impoverishes native mammalian biodiversity in the tropics

Tee SL, Samantha LD, Kamarudin N, Akbar Z, Lechner AM, Ashton-Butt A, et al.

Ecol Evol, 2018 Dec;8(24):12506-12521.
PMID: 30619561 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4632

Urban expansion has caused major deforestation and forest fragmentation in the tropics. The impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity are understudied in urban forest patches, especially in the tropics and little is known on the conservation value of the patches for maintaining mammalian biodiversity. In this study, camera trapping was used to determine the species composition and species richness of medium- and large-sized mammals in three urban forest patches and a contiguous forest in Peninsular Malaysia. We identified the key vegetation attributes that predicted mammal species richness and occurrence of herbivores and omnivores in urban forest patches. A total number of 19 mammal species from 120 sampling points were recorded. Contiguous forest had the highest number of species compared to the urban forest patches. Sunda Pangolin and Asian Tapir were the only conservation priority species recorded in the urban forest patches and contiguous forest, respectively. Top predators such as Malayan Tiger and Melanistic Leopard were completely absent from the forest patches as well as the contiguous forest. This was reflected by the abundance of wild boars. We found that mammal species richness increased with the number of trees with DBH less than 5 cm, trees with DBH more than 50 cm, and dead standing trees. In the future, the remaining mammal species in the urban forest patches are expected to be locally extinct as connecting the urban forest patches may be infeasible due to land scarcity. Hence, to maintain the ecological integrity of urban forest patches, we recommend that stakeholders take intervention measures such as reintroduction of selected species and restocking of wild populations in the urban forest patches to regenerate the forest ecosystems.
Editor's note

Goh KL

JGH Open, 2018 Dec;2(6):248.
PMID: 30619932 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12127
Fulltext Lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance in a multiracial Asian population in Malaysia

Goh LH, Mohd Said R, Goh KL

JGH Open, 2018 Dec;2(6):307-310.
PMID: 30619942 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12089

Background and Aims: There have been few reports on lactase deficiency (LD) and lactose intolerance (LI) in Malaysia, which has a peculiar mix of three distinct major Asian races-Malay, Chinese, and Indian. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of LD and LI in a young multiethnic Malaysian population.
Methods: Lactase activity was measured with a 13CO2 lactose breath test using an infrared spectrometer. Each subject took 25 g of lactose naturally enriched in 13CO2 together with 250 mL of water after an overnight fast. Breath samples were collected at baseline and at 15-min intervals for 180 min. Subjects were asked to report gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms following ingestion of the lactose test meal.
Results: Of the 248 subjects tested, 216 (87.1%) were lactase deficient. We found no significant differences in the presentation of LD between gender and races. LD was found in 87.5% of males and 86.8% of females (P = 0.975) and in different races: Chinese (88.5%) versus Malay (83.1%) (P = 0.399), Indian (90.5%) versus Malay (P = 0.295), and Chinese versus Indian (P = 0.902). LI was diagnosed in only 49 (19.8%) subjects; 35 patients had diarrhea, while the remainder had at least two other GI symptoms after the lactose meal.
Conclusion: The prevalence of LD was high in all three major ethnic groups-Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Ironically, the prevalence of LI was low overall.

MeSH terms: beta-Galactosidase; Breath Tests; Diarrhea; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; Lactose; Lactose Intolerance; Malaysia; Male; Water; Prevalence; Lactase; Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Fulltext Formulation design and optimization of triclosan loaded nanoparticles for enhanced drug delivery across gingival sulcus by resolution IV modeling of design expert

Nafiu Aminu, Chan, Siok-Yee, Toh, Seok-Ming

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):83-90.
MyJurnal

The aim of this study was to design and systematically optimize
triclosan loaded nanoparticles (TCS-loaded NPs) formulation for the treatment
of periodontal disease. Triclosan (TCS) is a broad spectrum antimicrobial
agent that has been used in the treatment of the disease. The free drug has
poor aqueous solubility and therefore may encounter permeability problems
when applied to the oral cavity. Resolution IV model of Design-Expert®
software (version 10) was used for the design of experiment and optimization
of TCS-loaded NPs. The nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the solvent
displacement method. Effect of factors that were investigated include drugpolymer ratio, surfactant concentration, stirring speed, stirring duration, and
drug-polymer injection rate. Particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index
(PDI) and entrapment efficiency (EE) were the critical quality attributes
selected for the study. Desirability function determined by the software for
optimized TCS-loaded NPs was 0.704. The observed particle size, PDI, zeta
potential and EE of the optimized TCS-loaded NPs was found to be 135 ± 2.3
nm, 0.1 ± 0.012, -30 ± -4 mV and 75 ± 6%, respectively. It was found that
particle size increases by elevating the concentration of polymer and
decreases with an increase in surfactant concentration and stirring speed.
Zeta potential was found to increase when surfactant concentration was
reduced. Both surfactant concentration and drug to polymer ratio were found
to negatively affect PDI while % EE was positively influenced by the increase
in polymer concentration and decrease in surfactant concentration. The use of
Design-Expert®
software helped in identifying suitable levels of critical quality
parameters for preparing improved NPs formulation for delivery of TCS into
the periodontal pocket.
Fulltext Prevalence of Reduced vancomycin susceptibility measured by minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) among Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from surgical site infected patients at clinical training centre, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia

Siti Farah Alwani Mohd Nawi, Nur Hazirah Kamal Bahrin, Farah Amirah Ahmad

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):78-92.
MyJurnal

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing
surgical site infections is one of the most common nosocomial infections
affecting post-surgery patients. Vancomycin is the recommended treatment
with MRSA-resistance breakpoint for minimum inhibition concentration (MIC)
of 2 ug/mL where the pathogen can be considered as susceptible. Here, we
describe the MIC of vancomycin against our MRSA isolates. Retrospective
data of MRSA positive cultures from post-surgical patients who were admitted
to the Clinical Training Centre Sungai Buloh public section from 2016-2017
with documented MIC to vancomycin were analyzed. The specimens consist
of pus swabs, mediastinal fluid, sternal bone, and tissue. A total of 29 MRSA
were isolated from 11 patients. There were 19, 3, 3 and 4 MRSA with
vancomycin’s MIC (ug/mL) of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 respectively. The MRSA with
MIC of 2 ug/mL were observed from two different patients with one of them
showing MIC of 0.5 ug/mL which grew from wound swabs to 2.0 ug/mL which
grew from sternal bone and mediastinal fluid isolates. Vancomycin reduced
susceptibility MRSA has been observed in our clinical training centre with a
1.1% incidence. Identification of possible risk factors and follow up of
outcomes is required to fully elucidate the importance of this occurrence.
Fulltext Antibacterial activity of heterogeneous TIO2 and ZNO nanoparticles against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogens

Nor Hazliana Harun, Sreekantan, Srimala, Khairul Arifah Saharudin, Khor, Yong Ling, Norfatehah Basiron, Azman Seeni, et al.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):75-78.
MyJurnal

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are responsible for over 40% of cases in acute-care hospitals and commonly associated with catheter-sassociated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Current nanotechnology approach focus on improving the aseptic procedures for medical devices and manage the HAIs risk. TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely reported independently, to have a photocatalytic killing potential. The present study evaluates the antibacterial activity of heterojunction between TiO2 and ZnO NPs on several types bacterial pathogens model including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial screening test on TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were done under dark and light conditions with different molar ratio 25T75Z, 50T50Z and 75T25Z according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines MO2-A11. ZnO and TiO2/ZnO (25T75Z and 50T50Z) NPs at the highest concentration (1000µg/µL) showed mean diameters of the zones of inhibition (mm); (12.5 ± 0.58), (12.13 ± 0.85), and (7.25 ± 1.44) in dark condition. Increment in inhibition zones was obtained under light condition; (21.38 ± 0.48), (17.50 ± 1.0), and (12.38 ± 1.80). Findings from this study highlights the heterogeneous TiO2 and ZnO NPs could become a promising bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal agent to combat against the HAIs.
Fulltext The effect of dental unit waterline flushing on the quality of water in dental teaching center in Malaysia

Sa’adiah Shahabudin, Rohayu Hami, Lim, Lee-Sim, Amalina Salleh

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):72-74.
MyJurnal

The aim of this study to assess the efficiency of flushing
method of Dental Unit Waterline (DUWL) system in reducing the
number of microorganism. Water samples were taken before and after
two minutes of flushing from air-water syringes system in ten randomly
selected dental units in a Dental Teaching Centre. These samples
were immediately transferred to the microbiology laboratory in the cool
box within 8 hours for the heterotrophic plate count (HPC) test. Paired
t-test was used to analyse number of microbe before and after flushing.
The numbers of colony forming unit (CFU) ranged from 13,000 to
120,000CFU/ml in unflushed samples, and 3,000 to 15,000CFU/ml in
flushed samples. The mean HPC post-flushing was lower than preflushing [8360.00 (4561.48) vs 63300.00 (44587.12) CFU/ml]. The
mean HPC between pre- and post-flushing was significantly different
(P=0.004, 95% CI 22039.52, 87840.48). The coliform count from the
control was 140 CFU/ml. In conclusion, flushing method of DUWL
system significantly reduces the number of microorganisms in the
dental unit. However, the level of microorganisms still does not meet
the standard guideline by Environmental Protection Agency for safe
drinking water, which should be below 500 CFU/ml. In our opinion, the
duration of flushing should be increased and additional chemical
treatments of the dental units should be implemented to ensure the
safety of patients and dental personnel.

MeSH terms: Attitude; Dental Equipment; Humans; Stem Cells; Syringes; United States; United States Environmental Protection Agency; Phase Transition; Heterotrophic Processes; Drinking Water
Fulltext The identification of floras used as traditional and complementary medicine: a study in ramsar site, Sabah, Malaysia

Kunjuraman, Velan

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):68-71.
MyJurnal

The practice of traditional medicine has been deduced based on
available evidences from the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities in
Malaysia. Based on extensive review of previous literature, the study
discovered that there is limited empirical documentation on the types of floras
used as Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) by the rural
communities in Sabah, especially those residing along the Ramsar site. Thus,
this article aims to document the types of floras used in TCM by the rural
communities in the Dagat village at the Lower Kinabatangan-Segama area.
The data for the study were obtained from a series of in-depth interviews and
field observations. The findings revealed that the rural communities in the
Dagat village utilized floras available around the village as TCM in their daily
lives. TCM using floras have helped to save lives in emergency cases,
especially for pregnant women with high risks during pregnancy. This study is
significant as it presents an empirical documentation of floras for TCM
practices among the local community in Sabah, Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Documentation; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Medicine, Traditional; Pregnancy; Publications; Rural Population; Meridians
Fulltext Apoptotic induction in cCCRF-CEM and HL human leukemic cell lines by 5-azacitidine and trichostatin A

Aziee, S., Haiyuni, MY, Shafini, MY, Johan, MF, Al-Jamal, HAN, Abdul Wahab, R., et al.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):54-61.
MyJurnal

The aims of the study were to investigate the anti-cancer effects of 5-
Aza and TSA in two leukemic cell lines (CCRF-CEM and HL-60). Inhibition
concentration of 5-Aza and TSA were measured using trypan blue exclusion
assay. 5-Aza and TSA at IC50 were treated to both CCRF-CEM and HL-60 cell
lines for 4-6 days. To confirm the inhibition effects of these agents, Annexin-V
stained cells were analyzed using flow cytometry to evaluate the apoptotic
induction. The IC50 values of CCRF-CEM were 2.01±0.1µM and 2.65±0.3µM for
5-Aza- and TSA-treated, respectively. Whereas, the IC50 values of HL-60 were
1.98±0.2µM and 2.35±0.2µM for 5-Aza- and TSA-treated, respectively. To
further substantiate the findings, the time-dependent exposure of both drugs was
studied. CCRF-CEM cells were reduced to 49.4%±5.0, 49.4%±2.5 and
41.5%±5.6 by 5-Aza; 56.5%±7.0, 45.3%±4.2 and 40.2%±4.2 by TSA treatment
at first, third and sixth day. HL-60 cells were reduced to 72.0%±4.5, 51.0%±1.5
and 40.6%±2.6 by 5-Aza at first, third and sixth day. Meanwhile, HL-60 cells
reduced to 55.6%±4.5, 45.2%±4.0 and 36.3%±2.9 by TSA at first, second and
fourth day. Both cell lines were significantly inhibited (p
Fulltext Establishment of the collection, storage and preservation methods and their influence on stability of human salivary exosome

Long, Tuan Kechik TSM, Berahim Z., Shahidan WNS

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):44-52.
MyJurnal

Abstract—The functions displayed by exosomes derived from saliva and
other body fluids have been established. This paper studied the stability of
human salivary exosome beginning from the collection mode, storage, and its
preservation methods. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from
healthy subjects. Protease inhibitor was added into each samples and stored
under different temperatures and at varying periods of time. The exosomes
were isolated by ultracentrifugation and confirmed by using Western Blot.
Exosome morphology was inspected by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
and the protein concentration was determined using the Protein (Bradford)
Assay. The exosome particle size distribution and concentration were
calculated using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). The protein assay
showed no significant differences in the exosome protein concentration values
for all conditions. Western Blot analysis also showed no differences in the
presence of exosome and all the samples were positive for protein CD63.
SEM analysis showed the fine shape of exosome which is round, in vesicle
form with the size ranging between 10 nm and 100 nm. NTA determined the
individual mean and the clumping exosome size was 203 nm. Human salivary
exosomes remained intact in the absence of protease inhibitor and in different
storage temperatures.
Probing the endogenous peptidomes of cancer for biomarkers: A new endeavor

Lee PY, Low TY, Jamal R

Adv Clin Chem, 2018 12 27;88:67-89.
PMID: 30612607 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2018.10.004

The life span of cancer patients can be prolonged with appropriate therapies if detected early. Mass screening for early detection of cancer, however, requires sensitive and specific biomarkers obtainable from body fluids such as blood or urine. To date, most biomarker discovery programs focus on the proteome rather than the endogenous peptidome. It has been long-established that tumor cells and stromal cells produce tumor resident proteases (TRPs) to remodel the surrounding tumor microenvironment in support of tumor progression. In fact, proteolytic products of TRPs have been shown to correlate with malignant behavior. Being of low molecular weight, these unique peptides can pass through the endothelial barrier of the vasculature into the bloodstream. As such, the cancer peptidome has increasingly become a focus for biomarker discovery. In this review, we discuss on the various aspects of the peptidome in cancer biomarker research.

MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Neoplasms/metabolism; Peptides/analysis*; Peptides/metabolism; Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism; Disease Progression; Proteome/analysis; Proteome/metabolism; Proteomics/methods; Proteolysis; Carcinogenesis/metabolism
Fulltext The economically important thrips from Malaysia, with a key to species (Thysanoptera, Thripinae)

Ng YF, Zaimi JS

Zookeys, 2018.
PMID: 30613175 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.810.28457

An illustrated key is provided to the economically important Thripinae (Thysanoptera) of Malaysia, together with a checklist and information on hosts and distributions. Information about the diversity and pest status for these Thripinae is provided, together with the prominent character states that are useful for recognising each species.

MeSH terms: Animals; Malaysia; Body Size; Checklist; Thysanoptera; Animal Distribution
Fulltext The effect of human salivary exosome on the basic fibroblast growth factor and collagen type I gene expressions from human periodontal fibroblast cells

Long, Tuan Kechik TSM, Berahim Z., Shahidan WNS

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):39-43.
MyJurnal

Gene expression is the most fundamental level at which the
genotype gives rise to phenotype. The development of human salivary
exosomes has become one of the promising researches to improve cell-based
tissue engineering but their functions in human periodontal ligament fibroblast
(HPdLF) cells are not well studied. To study the effect of human salivary
derived exosomes on the gene expression of HPdLF cells. In vitro, HPdLF
cells were cultured for 24 hours with 10 µg/ml of human salivary exosomes.
Determination of gene expression levels of basic fibroblast growth factor
(bFGF) and collagen type I (COL1) in the presence and absence of human
salivary exosomes in HPdLF culture was performed using quantitative reverse
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Human salivary
exosomes significantly upregulated bFGF gene expression but not COL1
gene in HPdLF cells after 24 hours of culture. Human salivary exosomes are
able to upregulate bFGF gene in HPdLF cells. Thus, they might have potential
to be used as an alternative biomaterial in tissue engineering for periodontal
regeneration.
Fulltext Obturator hernia: a rare condition with common surgical symptoms

Fitreena A.A., Shahidah C.A., Mohd. Nizam M.H., Wan Zainira W.Z., Wong, M.P.K.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):35-38.
MyJurnal

Hernia is a common surgical problem. However, worldwide
incidence of obturator hernia is

MeSH terms: Hernia, Obturator; Intestinal Obstruction; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Incidence
Fulltext Silent occlusive retinal vasculitis in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis

Nadia Yaacob, Adil Hussein, Maizan Yaakob, Zuraidah Mustari

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):31-34.
MyJurnal

The presence of retinal vasculitis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis is not uncommon. However, asymptomatic presentations are quite rare. Here, we present a case of 25-year-old Malay gentleman with pulmonary tuberculosis, who was referred for an eye assessment following initiation of anti-tuberculosis drugs. His vision was good; he had no other symptoms despite having retinal neovascularization, pre-retinal haemorrhages and healed choroiditis at the fundus of the left eye. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of capillary fallouts at the superotemporal quadrant of the left eye with leakage from the retinal neovascularization. He was treated with laser retinal photocoagulation and oral steroids for 6 weeks, while the anti-tuberculosis drugs were continued for 9 months. Subsequent follow-ups showed regression of the neovascularization. He has remained asymptomatic since his initial visit to the eye clinic.

MeSH terms: Angiography; Antitubercular Agents; Choroiditis; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Light Coagulation; Malaysia; Male; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Retinal Hemorrhage; Tuberculosis, Ocular*; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Retinal Neovascularization; Fluorescein; Retinal Vasculitis

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