Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Navarro-Muñoz JC, de Jong AW, Gerrits van den Ende B, Haas PJ, Then ER, Mohd Tap R, et al.
    Mycopathologia, 2019 Dec;184(6):731-734.
    PMID: 31734799 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-019-00404-0
    Candida vulturna is a new member of the Candida haemulonii species complex that recently received much attention as it includes the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen Candida auris. Here, we describe the high-quality genome sequence of C. vulturna type strain CBS 14366T to cover all genomes of pathogenic C. haemulonii species complex members.
    MeSH terms: Candida/genetics*; Candidiasis/microbiology; Humans; Opportunistic Infections/microbiology; Genome, Fungal/genetics*
  2. Mitchell PJ, Cooper C, Fujita M, Halbout P, Åkesson K, Costa M, et al.
    Curr Osteoporos Rep, 2019 12;17(6):510-520.
    PMID: 31734907 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-019-00544-8
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review sought to describe quality improvement initiatives in fragility fracture care and prevention.

    RECENT FINDINGS: A major care gap persists throughout the world in the secondary prevention of fragility fractures. Systematic reviews have confirmed that the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) model of care is associated with significant improvements in rates of bone mineral density testing, initiation of osteoporosis treatment and adherence with treatment for individuals who sustain fragility fractures. Further, these improvements in the processes of care resulted in significant reductions in refracture risk and lower post-fracture mortality. The primary challenge facing health systems now is to ensure that best practice is delivered effectively in the local healthcare setting. Publication of clinical standards for FLS at the organisational and patient level in combination with the establishment of national registries has provided a mechanism for FLS to benchmark and improve their performance. Major efforts are ongoing at the global, regional and national level to improve the acute care, rehabilitation and secondary prevention for individuals who sustain fragility fractures. Active participation in these initiatives has the potential to eliminate current care gaps in the coming decade.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Osteoporosis/diagnosis*; Osteoporosis/drug therapy*; Referral and Consultation*; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Disease Management; Bone Density Conservation Agents/therapeutic use*; Secondary Prevention; Osteoporotic Fractures/prevention & control; Osteoporotic Fractures/therapy*; Quality Improvement*
  3. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.
    Eur Phys J C Part Fields, 2019;79(9):773.
    PMID: 31713548 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-019-7276-4
    A measurement for inclusive 2- and 3-jet events of the azimuthal correlation between the two jets with the largest transverse momenta, Δ ϕ 12 , is presented. The measurement considers events where the two leading jets are nearly collinear ("back-to-back") in the transverse plane and is performed for several ranges of the leading jet transverse momentum. Proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 are used. Predictions based on calculations using matrix elements at leading-order and next-to-leading-order accuracy in perturbative quantum chromodynamics supplemented with leading-log parton showers and hadronization are generally in agreement with the measurements. Discrepancies between the measurement and theoretical predictions are as large as 15%, mainly in the region 177 ∘ < Δ ϕ 12 < 180 ∘ . The 2- and 3-jet measurements are not simultaneously described by any of models.
  4. Jałoszyński P
    Zootaxa, 2019 Sep 09;4668(1):zootaxa.4668.1.10.
    PMID: 31716645 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4668.1.10
    The genus Marcepania is a sole member of the tribe Marcepaniini, known to occur in SE Asia. The five hitherto described species inhabit the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. The first species discovered in the Philippines, Marcepania princesa sp. n. is described here, based on a male specimen found on the island of Palawan. It is most similar to its geographically closest relative, M. elongata of northern Borneo.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures; Asia; Beetles*; Borneo; Malaysia; Male; Philippines; Islands; Animal Distribution
  5. Lye YL, Bong CW, Lee CW, Zhang RJ, Zhang G, Suzuki S, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2019 Oct 20;688:1335-1347.
    PMID: 31726563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.304
    The environmental reservoirs of sulfonamide (SA) resistome are still poorly understood. We investigated the potential sources and reservoir of SA resistance (SR) in Larut River and Sangga Besar River by measuring the SA residues, sulfamethoxazole resistant (SMXr) in bacteria and their resistance genes (SRGs). The SA residues measured ranged from lower than quantification limits (LOQ) to 33.13 ng L-1 with sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfadimethoxine (SDM) and SMX as most detected. Hospital wastewater effluent was detected with the highest SA residues concentration followed by the slaughterhouse and zoo wastewater effluents. The wastewater effluents also harbored the highest abundance of SMXr-bacteria (107 CFU mL-1) and SRGs (10-1/16S copies mL-1). Pearson correlation showed only positive correlation between the PO4 and SMXr-bacteria. In conclusion, wastewater effluents from the zoo, hospital and slaughterhouse could serve as important sources of SA residues that could lead to the consequent emergence of SMXr-bacteria and SRGs in the river.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring*; Genes, Bacterial; Sulfonamides/analysis*; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics*; Rivers/microbiology*; Rivers/chemistry
  6. Leong FW, Mohd Yasin MA, Muhd Ramli ER, Fadzil NA, Kueh YC
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 Nov 12;16(22).
    PMID: 31726715 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224434
    There has been an increasing interest in personality study over the years. This has led to the necessity for personality measures with good psychometric properties. However, good personality measures are usually too cumbersome to apply in real practical settings due to their length. This study aims to validate a commonly used short personality measure of the Big Five model, i.e., Mini-IPIP (Mini International Personality Item Pool), which has never been validated and used in the substance abuse population in the local setting. The participants were 239 individuals attending one of the six methadone clinics in Malaysia. Structural analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis. Results showed a good model fit for Mini-IPIP when item-parcelling and adding-in correlated uniqueness items were applied (fit indices: Comparative Fit Index = 0.949, Standardised Root Mean Residual = 0.044). Our study supported the five-factor solution for the Mini-IPIP. It is valid and reliable to be used among individuals with drug abuse in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Methadone/therapeutic use*; Middle Aged; Personality; Personality Disorders; Personality Inventory*; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; Substance-Related Disorders/psychology*
  7. Wood C, Barron D, Smyth N
    PMID: 31726784 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224443
    Both nature exposure and green exercise (GE) can improve health. However, there are no scales examining frequency of engagement; or that consider interaction with nature. There are also no scales assessing these variables during childhood. The aim of this study was to develop a modified (NES-II) and retrospective (RNES-II) version of the Nature Exposure Scale to incorporate GE and to examine their factor structure and reliability. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) explored the factor structure of the scales; followed by confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the model fit. Fit indices for the one factor five item NES-II and RNES-II models identified by EFA were poor. Use of modification indices resulted in a good model fit; NES-II: χ(5, n = 385) = 2.638; χnormed = 0.879; CFI= 1.000; RMSEA < 0.001 with 90%CI = 0.000-0.082; SRMR = 0.009; AIC = 36.638. RNES-II: χ(2, n = 385) = 7.149; χnormed = 3.574; CFI = 0.995; RMSEA = 0.082 with 90%CI = 0.023-0.151; SRMR = 0.015; AIC = 43.149. Both models demonstrated very good reliability (α = 0.84; 89 respectively). These findings indicate that the scales can be used to assess current and retrospective nature exposure. However, due to the removal of item one, the authors recommend that the scales be named the 'intentional nature exposure scale' and 'retrospective intentional nature exposure scale'.
    MeSH terms: Child; City Planning; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Male; Models, Theoretical; Psychometrics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Retrospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Exercise*
  8. Ramalingam A, Santhanathas T, Shaukat Ali S, Zainalabidin S
    PMID: 31726798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224445
    Prolonged exposure to nicotine accelerates onset and progression of renal diseases in habitual cigarette smokers. Exposure to nicotine, either via active or passive smoking is strongly shown to enhance renal oxidative stress and augment kidney failure in various animal models. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol supplementation on nicotine-induced kidney injury and oxidative stress in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given nicotine (0.6 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or in combination with either resveratrol (8 mg/kg, i.p.), or angiotensin II type I receptor blocker, irbesartan (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Upon completion of treatment, kidneys were investigated for changes in structure, kidney injury markers and oxidative stress. Administration of nicotine alone for 28 days resulted in significant renal impairment as shown by marked increase in plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and oxidative stress. Co-administration with resveratrol however successfully attenuated these changes, with a concomitant increase in renal antioxidants such as glutathione similar to the conventionally used angiotensin II receptor blocker, irbesartan. These data altogether suggest that targeting renal oxidative stress with resveratrol could alleviate nicotine-induced renal injury. Antioxidants may be clinically important for management of renal function in habitual smokers.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antioxidants/metabolism; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Glutathione/metabolism; Kidney/drug effects; Kidney Diseases/chemically induced*; Kidney Diseases/prevention & control; Kidney Function Tests; Male; Nicotine/adverse effects*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats, Wistar; Oxidative Stress/drug effects; Dietary Supplements; Rats
  9. Zhang Y, Kuhn SK, Jobson L, Haque S
    BMC Psychiatry, 2019 11 14;19(1):361.
    PMID: 31727046 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2346-6
    BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders demonstrate various cognitive deficiencies, the most pertinent one being impairment in autobiographical memory. This paper reviews quantitative research investigating deficits in the content, and characteristics, of autobiographical memories in individuals with schizophrenia. It also examines if the method used to activate autobiographical memories influenced the results and which theoretical accounts were proposed to explain the defective recall of autobiographical memories in patients with schizophrenia.

    METHODS: PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched for articles published between January 1998 and December 2018. Fifty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies implemented the generative retrieval strategy by inducing memories through cue words or pictures, the life-stage method, or open-ended retrieval method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines were followed for this review.

    RESULTS: Most studies reported that patients with schizophrenia retrieve less specific autobiographical memories when compared to a healthy control group, while only three studies indicated that both groups performed similarly on memory specificity. Patients with schizophrenia also exhibited earlier reminiscence bumps than those for healthy controls. The relationship between comorbid depression and autobiographical memory specificity appeared to be independent because patients' memory specificity improved through intervention, but their level of depression remained unchanged. The U-shaped retrieval pattern for memory specificity was not consistent. Both the connection between the history of attempted suicide and autobiographical memory specificity, and the relationship between psychotic symptoms and autobiographical memory specificity, remain inconclusive. Patients' memory specificity and coherence improved through cognitive training.

    CONCLUSIONS: The overgeneral recall of autobiographical memory by patients with schizophrenia could be attributed to working memory, the disturbing concept of self, and the cuing method implemented. The earlier reminiscence bump for patients with schizophrenia may be explained by the premature closure of the identity formation process due to the emergence of psychotic symptoms during early adulthood. Protocol developed for this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration no: CRD42017062643).

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cues; Female; Humans; Male; Memory Disorders/epidemiology*; Memory Disorders/psychology*; Memory Disorders/therapy; Mental Recall/physiology; Schizophrenia/epidemiology*; Schizophrenia/therapy; Schizophrenic Psychology*; Memory, Episodic*
  10. Siddiqui R, Roberts SK, Ong TYY, Mungroo MR, Anwar A, Khan NA
    Parasit Vectors, 2019 Nov 14;12(1):538.
    PMID: 31727139 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3785-0
    BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba is well known to produce a blinding keratitis and serious brain infection known as encephalitis. Effective treatment is problematic, and can continue up to a year, and even then, recurrence can ensue. Partly, this is due to the capability of vegetative amoebae to convert into resistant cysts. Cysts can persist in an inactive form for decades while retaining their pathogenicity. It is not clear how Acanthamoeba cysts monitor environmental changes, and determine favourable conditions leading to their emergence as viable trophozoites.

    METHODS: The role of ion transporters in the encystation and excystation of Acanthamoeba remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of sodium, potassium and calcium ion transporters as well as proton pump inhibitors on A. castellanii encystation and excystation and their effects on trophozoites.

    RESULTS: Remarkably 3',4'-dichlorobenzamil hydrochloride a sodium-calcium exchange inhibitor, completely abolished excystation of Acanthamoeba. Furthermore, lanthanum oxide and stevioside hydrate, both potassium transport inhibitors, resulted in the partial inhibition of Acanthamoeba excystation. Conversely, none of the ion transport inhibitors affected encystation or had any effects on Acanthamoeba trophozoites viability.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that ion transporters are involved in sensory perception of A. castellanii suggesting their value as potential therapeutic targets to block cellular differentiation that presents a significant challenge in the successful prognosis of Acanthamoeba infections.

    MeSH terms: Acanthamoeba/drug effects*; Acanthamoeba/metabolism*; Parasite Encystment/drug effects*; Culture Media; Ions/metabolism*; Ion Transport*; Proton Pump Inhibitors/pharmacology
  11. Ekker MS, Jacob MA, van Dongen MME, Aarnio K, Annamalai AK, Arauz A, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2019 Nov 14;9(11):e031144.
    PMID: 31727655 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031144
    INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, 2 million patients aged 18-50 years suffer a stroke each year, and this number is increasing. Knowledge about global distribution of risk factors and aetiologies, and information about prognosis and optimal secondary prevention in young stroke patients are limited. This limits evidence-based treatment and hampers the provision of appropriate information regarding the causes of stroke, risk factors and prognosis of young stroke patients.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Global Outcome Assessment Life-long after stroke in young adults (GOAL) initiative aims to perform a global individual patient data meta-analysis with existing data from young stroke cohorts worldwide. All patients aged 18-50 years with ischaemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage will be included. Outcomes will be the distribution of stroke aetiology and (vascular) risk factors, functional outcome after stroke, risk of recurrent vascular events and death and finally the use of secondary prevention. Subgroup analyses will be made based on age, gender, aetiology, ethnicity and climate of residence.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval for the GOAL study has already been obtained from the Medical Review Ethics Committee region Arnhem-Nijmegen. Additionally and when necessary, approval will also be obtained from national or local institutional review boards in the participating centres. When needed, a standardised data transfer agreement will be provided for participating centres. We plan dissemination of our results in peer-reviewed international scientific journals and through conference presentations. We expect that the results of this unique study will lead to better understanding of worldwide differences in risk factors, causes and outcome of young stroke patients.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Climate; Ethnic Groups; Humans; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Seasons; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Secondary Prevention; Young Adult
  12. Webair HH, Ismail TAT, Ismail SB, Mohd Noor N
    BMJ Open, 2019 Nov 14;9(11):e032266.
    PMID: 31727658 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032266
    INTRODUCTION: Patient-centred infertility care (PCIC) is one of the quality indicators of effective fertility care. The application of this indicator requires a clear definition from the patient's perspective. This proposed scoping review aims to explore the extent and nature of published scientific literature on PCIC in the past decade, identify gaps in the literature and define PCIC from infertile patients' perspectives.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct the proposed scoping review following the method of Arksey and O'Malley. The literature search will include studies published from 2009 to 2019, and will be conducted on the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases; reference lists will be mined for literature not contained on these databases. A grey literature search will also be conducted. To be included in the review, studies should have been conducted on people with a history of infertility, with a focus on patient-centred fertility care. Studies that have not been published in full text and studies published in languages other than English will be excluded. After study selection, data will be charted in a prepared form. We will analyse the data using descriptive numerical and qualitative thematic analyses to answer the research questions. NVivo V.12 will be used for data extraction.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This work does not warrant any ethical or safety concerns. This scoping review will synthesise existing literature on PCIC, and the results will be published to be readily available for clinical audiences and policymakers. These findings may support clinicians and decision-makers in applying PCIC, thereby promoting high-quality healthcare in the concerned population.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Infertility/psychology*; Infertility/therapy*; Quality of Life*; Research Design; Patient-Centered Care/methods*
  13. Liew KJ, Teo SC, Shamsir MS, Goh KM
    Microbiol Resour Announc, 2019 Nov 14;8(46).
    PMID: 31727717 DOI: 10.1128/MRA.01238-19
    Longimonas halophila and Longibacter salinarum are type strains of underexplored genera affiliated with Salisaetaceae Herein, we report the draft genome sequences of two strains of these bacteria, L. halophila KCTC 42399 and L. salinarum KCTC 52045, with the intent of broadening knowledge of this family. Genome annotation and gene mining revealed that both bacteria exhibit amylolytic abilities.
    MeSH terms: Bacteria; Base Sequence; Chromosome Mapping; Bacteroidetes
  14. Sam KK, Lau NS, Furusawa G, Amirul AA
    Microbiol Resour Announc, 2019 Nov 14;8(46).
    PMID: 31727719 DOI: 10.1128/MRA.01248-19
    Pararhodobacter-like strain CCB-MM2 is a halophilic alphaproteobacterium isolated from estuarine sediment collected from Matang Mangrove Forest in Malaysia. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of CCB-MM2 and provide insights into its physiological roles and metabolic potential.
    MeSH terms: Base Sequence; Chromosome Mapping; Malaysia; Rhodobacteraceae; Wetlands
  15. Tajidin NE, Shaari K, Maulidiani M, Salleh NS, Ketaren BR, Mohamad M
    Sci Rep, 2019 11 14;9(1):16766.
    PMID: 31727911 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52905-z
    Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees. is considered as the herb of the future due to its precious chemical compounds, andrographolide (ANDRO), neoandrographolide (NAG) and 14-deoxyandrographolide (DAG). This study aims to profile the metabolites in young and mature leaf at six different harvest ages using 1HNMR-based metabolomics combined with multivariate data analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated noticeable and clear discrimination between young and mature leaves. A comparison of the leaves stage indicated that young leaves were separated from mature leaves due to its larger quantity of ANDRO, NAG, DAG, glucose and sucrose. These similar metabolites are also responsible for the PCA separation into five clusters representing the harvest age at 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 weeks of leaves extract. Loading plots revealed that most of the ANDRO and NAG signals were present when the plant reached at the pre-flowering stage or 18 weeks after sowing (WAS). As a conclusion, A. paniculata young leaves at pre-flowering harvest age were found to be richer in ANDRO, NAG and DAG compared to mature leaves while glucose and choline increased with harvest age. Therefore, young leaves of A. paniculata should be harvested at 18 WAS in order to produce superior quality plant extracts for further applications by the herbal, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
    MeSH terms: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Diterpenes/analysis; Glucose/analysis; Glucosides/analysis; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Sucrose/analysis; Tetrahydronaphthalenes/analysis; Plant Leaves/anatomy & histology*; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Principal Component Analysis; Andrographis/anatomy & histology*; Andrographis/chemistry; Metabolomics/methods*; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  16. Lind CE, Agyakwah SK, Attipoe FY, Nugent C, Crooijmans RPMA, Toguyeni A
    Sci Rep, 2019 11 14;9(1):16767.
    PMID: 31727970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53295-y
    Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a globally significant aquaculture species rapidly gaining status as a farmed commodity. In West Africa, wild Nile tilapia genetic resources are abundant yet knowledge of fine-scale population structure and patterns of natural genetic variation are limited. Coinciding with this is a burgeoning growth in tilapia aquaculture in Ghana and other countries within the region underpinned by locally available genetic resources. Using 192 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers this study conducted a genetic survey of Nile tilapia throughout West Africa, sampling 23 wild populations across eight countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Mali, Gambia and Senegal), representing the major catchments of the Volta, Niger, Senegal and Gambia River basins. A pattern of isolation-by-distance and significant spatial genetic structure was identified throughout West Africa (Global FST = 0.144), which largely corresponds to major river basins and, to a lesser extent, sub-basins. Two populations from the Gambia River (Kudang and Walekounda), one from the western Niger River (Lake Sélingué) and one from the upper Red Volta River (Kongoussi) showed markedly lower levels of diversity and high genetic differentiation compared to all other populations, suggesting genetically isolated populations occurring across the region. Genetic structure within the Volta Basin did not always follow the pattern expected for sub-river basins. This study identifies clear genetic structuring and differentiation amongst West African Nile tilapia populations, which concur with broad patterns found in previous studies. In addition, we provide new evidence for fine-scale genetic structuring within the Volta Basin and previously unidentified genetic differences of populations in Gambia. The 192 SNP marker suite used in this study is a useful tool for differentiating tilapia populations and we recommend incorporating this marker suite into future population screening of O. niloticus. Our results form the basis of a solid platform for future research on wild tilapia genetic resources in West Africa, and the identification of potentially valuable germplasm for use in ongoing breeding programs for aquaculture.
    MeSH terms: Africa, Western; Animals; Genetics, Population; Phylogeny; Population Density; Genetic Variation; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods*; Aquaculture; Evolution, Molecular; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*; Cichlids/classification; Cichlids/genetics*; Rivers
  17. Zainal Z, Rahim AA, Radhakrishnan AK, Chang SK, Khaza'ai H
    Sci Rep, 2019 11 14;9(1):16793.
    PMID: 31727971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53424-7
    The tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil contains vitamin E, which possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic joint inflammatory disease characterised by severe joint pain, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion owing to the effects of various pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of TRF in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritis was induced by a single intradermal injection of collagen type II in Dark Agouti (DA) rats. Rats were then treated with or without TRF by oral gavage from day 28 after the first collagen injection. Arthritic rats supplemented with TRF showed decreased articular index scores, ankle circumferences, paw volumes, and radiographic scores when compared with untreated rats. The untreated arthritic rats showed higher plasma C-reactive protein levels (p 
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Animals; Arthritis, Experimental/blood; Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy*; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Vitamin E/administration & dosage*; Vitamin E/pharmacology; Cytokines/blood; Treatment Outcome; Tocotrienols/administration & dosage*; Tocotrienols/pharmacology; Rats
  18. Mohd Abdah MAA, Azman NHN, Kulandaivalu S, Sulaiman Y
    Sci Rep, 2019 Nov 14;9(1):16782.
    PMID: 31728061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53421-w
    Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASC) have shown a great potential candidate for high-performance supercapacitor due to their wide operating potential which can remarkably enhance the capacitive behaviour. In present work, a novel positive electrode derived from functionalised carbon nanofibers/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/manganese oxide (f-CNFs/PEDOT/MnO2) was prepared using a multi-step route and activated carbon (AC) was fabricated as a negative electrode for ASC. A uniform distribution of PEDOT and MnO2 on f-CNFs as well as porous granular of AC are well-observed in FESEM. The assembled f-CNFs/PEDOT/MnO2//AC with an operating potential of 1.6 V can achieve a maximum specific capacitance of 537 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s and good cycling stability (81.06% after cycling 8000 times). Furthermore, the as-prepared ASC exhibited reasonably high specific energy of 49.4 Wh/kg and low charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 2.27 Ω, thus, confirming f-CNFs/PEDOT/MnO2//AC as a promising electrode material for the future energy storage system.
    MeSH terms: Charcoal; Electrodes; Oxides; Polymers; Porosity; Manganese Compounds; Electric Capacitance; Nanofibers
  19. Nazri HM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Sep;26(5):1-5.
    PMID: 31728114 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.5.1
    The rise of dubious medical practice and anti-vaccination groups in Malaysia suggests that the public needs to be equipped with the scientific literacy skills to navigate the healthcare landscape. Additionally, the overall result of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009+ for Malaysia suggests that the national scientific literacy levels of 16-year-old Malaysian students to be below the international and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average. Consequently, the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) was introduced to form part of the national English language evaluation in 2013 to encourage creative and critical thinking. In this editorial piece, I describe a youth-led intervention that may be more effective at increasing scientific literacy to combat pseudoscience in Malaysian youth especially in bridging the education inequality gap in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Literacy; Language; Malaysia; Socioeconomic Factors; Students; Vaccination; Program Evaluation; Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development; Anti-Vaccination Movement
  20. Rajaratinam H, Nafi SNM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Sep;26(5):6-20.
    PMID: 31728115 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.5.2
    Oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer is one of the common forms of breast cancer affecting women worldwide. ER-positive breast cancer patients are subjected to anti-oestrogen therapy such as selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Recently, the emergence of resistance to anti-oestrogen treatment is under intensive focus. The different mechanisms postulated to explain the occurrence of resistance in ER-positive breast cancer treatment include the loss of ER function and the crosstalk between signalling pathways in cancer cells. Recent literature highlighted that the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway acts as a novel mechanism underlying resistance to oestrogen deprivation. The present study aimed to highlight the role of cholesterol biosynthesis in anti-oestrogen treatment resistance, putatively suggesting an alternative plant-based treatment using andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata. The hypolipidaemic effect of andrographolide can be utilised to prevent the resistance in the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer contributed by cholesterol biosynthesis.
    MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms; Cholesterol; Diterpenes; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Receptors, Estrogen; Signal Transduction; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Andrographis; Aromatase Inhibitors
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