Browse publications by year: 2020

Fulltext Morphological Variability Identification of Harumanis Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Harvested from Different Location and Tree Age

Yusuf SNA, Rahman AMA, Zakaria Z, Subbiah VK, Masnan MJ, Wahab Z

Trop Life Sci Res, 2020 Jul;31(2):107-143.
PMID: 32922671 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.2.6

Harumanis is one of the main signatures of Perlis with regards to its delightful taste, pleasant aroma and expensive price. Harumanis authenticity and productivity had become the remarks among the farmers, entrepreneurs, consumers and plant breeders due to the existence of morphological characteristics variation among the fruits and high production cost. Assessment of Harumanis morphological characteristics of natural population and different tree ages may represent a possible source of important characteristics for development and breeding purposes of Harumanis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the morphological variation of Harumanis collected from different location in Perlis and tree age. A total of 150 Harumanis fruits from 50 trees with three different stages of development (young, middle-aged and old) were characterised using 11 traits; 10 quantitative and one qualitative morphological trait. The ANOVA analyses in combination with Dunn's pairwise and Kruskal-Wallis multiple comparison test able to point out the existence of environmental factor and age influence towards the significant different of identified morphological traits except for Total Soluble Solid (TSS) and pulp percentage. Five clusters of 50 Harumanis accessions reflect a grouping pattern which not according to neither geographical region nor age. The result of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using the first two principal components (PCs) provided a good approximation of the data explaining 84.09% of the total variance which majorly contributed by parameters of weight, fruit dimensional characteristics, peel percentage and hue angle, h. Preliminary screening of important morphological characteristics which contribute to the phenotypic diversity of Harumanis is successfully achieved. The findings can be employed by the plant breeders and farmers for the establishment of standard grading of Harumanis and advancement of breeding crop of Harumanis in future.

MeSH terms: Farmers; Analysis of Variance; Body Weight; Breeding; Fruit; Humans; Middle Aged; Phenotype; Taste; Trees; Principal Component Analysis
Fulltext Conchology Variations in Species Identification of Pachychilidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Cerithiodea) through Multivariate Analysis

Hamli H, Hamed NA, Azmai SHS, Idris MH

Trop Life Sci Res, 2020 Jul;31(2):145-158.
PMID: 32922672 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.2.7

Pachychilidae is one of the freshwater gastropod family which was previously known under the Potamididae and Thiaridae families. Studies on freshwater gastropods especially on conchcology examinantions are still inadequate compared to marine gastropods. Morphological and morphometric studies of gastropods are practically used to identify and differentiate between species and necessary to complement molecular studies due to its low cost and tolerable resolving power of discrimination. The aim of the current study is to provide information on morphological and morphometric characteristics of Pachychilidae in Bintulu, Sarawak stream. A total of 20 individuals from each species of Sulcospira testudinaria, Sulcospira schmidti, Brotia siamensis, and Tylomelania sp. from Pachychilidae familiy were collected at three different sites from a small stream within the Bintulu area. Fourteen measurement of shell morphometrics were converted into proportioned ratios and analysed for univariate and multivariate analysis. Three shell morphometric (Aperture width, AW; Whorl width, WW2; and, Interior anterior length, AINL) of Pachychilidae indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) between species. However, multivariate analysis revealed that these shell morphometrics are pre-eminent factors to discriminate genus Sulcospira, Brotia and Tylomelania, as well as between Sulcospira species. This current study also suggests that these three characteristics are unique to Sulcospira species due to strong distinction among species. Findings on these three characteristics are significant for Sulcospira spp. as this study is the first shell morphometric report on the Pachychilidae species in Sarawak.

MeSH terms: Animals; Complement System Proteins; Fresh Water; Malaysia; Phylogeny; Multivariate Analysis; Rivers; Gastropoda
Fulltext Condition Index, Reproduction and Feeding of Three Non-Obligatory Riverine Mekong Cyprinids in Different Environments

Wongyai N, Jutagate A, Grudpan C, Jutagate T

Trop Life Sci Res, 2020 Jul;31(2):159-173.
PMID: 32922673 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.2.8

Condition index, reproduction and feeding of three non-obligatory riverine Mekong cyprinids namely Hampala dispar, Hampala macrolepidota and Osteochilus vittatus were examined. The samples were from the Nam Ngiep (NN) River and Bueng Khong Long (BKL) Swamp, which are the representative of the lotic- and lentic-environments, respectively. These two habitats lay in the same geographical area but on the opposite banks of the Mekong mainstream. The samplings were conducted between May 2017 and April 2018. There were 365 H. dispar, 259 H. macrolepidota and 298 O. vittatus samples in this study. The condition index of all three species were beyond 90% implying they can live well in both lotic and lentic environments. Reproductions of all three species were taken place in both environments with two peaks at the onset and end of rainy season. The samples from BKL showed early maturation than NN samples in all three (3) species. Feeding plasticity, though dominant by insects, was observed in Hampala spp., while O. vittatus can utilise any available detritus in both environments. Results clearly show that all the three selected non-obligatory riverine fish species can live very well in either lotic or lentic environments and imply that they can adjust themselves to reservoir environment.

MeSH terms: Animals; Cyprinidae; Rain; Seasons; Ecosystem; Rivers; Wetlands
Fulltext Assessing the Immunomodulatory Activity of Ethanol Extract of Sambucus javanica Berries and Leaves in Chloramphenicol-Induced Aplastic Anemia Mouse Model

Putra WE, Rifa'i M

Trop Life Sci Res, 2020 Jul;31(2):175-185.
PMID: 32922674 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.2.9

Aplastic anemia, life-threatened disease, is a hematologic disorder characterised by bone marrow hypoplasia. Multiple modalities such as bone marrow transplantation and immunosuppression treatment have been proposed to ameliorate this entity, however it remains ineffective. Sambucus, a group of herb plants, possesses a broad spectrum of medicinal properties such as antioxidant, insulin-like activity, anticancer and antiviral. However, the study about its activity toward aplastic anemia incidence is based on limited data. Thus, the research aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory activities of Sambucus javanica in chloramphenicol-induced anemia aplastic mouse model. In this present study, BALB/c mice were administrated with chloramphenicol (CMP) to induce aplastic anemia then followed by S. javanica extracts treatment. Additionally, cellular and molecular aspects were evaluated by flow cytometry and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Further analysis showed that S. javanica extracts could promote the population number of regulatory T-cells and naive cytotoxic T-cells. Moreover, those extract also reduced the inflammation and necrotic incidence in CMP-induced mouse aplastic anemia model. Together, these results suggest that S. javanica has therapeutically effect to aplastic anemia by altering the immune system as an immunomodulatory agent.

MeSH terms: Anemia, Aplastic; Animals; Antioxidants; Bone Marrow; Chloramphenicol; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Flow Cytometry; Hematoxylin; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Immunologic Factors; Immunosuppression; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Incidence; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Sambucus; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Mice
Fulltext Crustacean Proteases and Their Application in Debridement

Perera E, Rodriguez-Viera L, Montero-Alejo V, Perdomo-Morales R

Trop Life Sci Res, 2020 Jul;31(2):187-209.
PMID: 32922675 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.2.10

Digestive proteases from marine organisms have been poorly applied to biomedicine. Exceptions are trypsin and other digestive proteases from a few cold-adapted or temperate fish and crustacean species. These enzymes are more efficient than enzymes from microorganism and higher vertebrates that have been used traditionally. However, the biomedical potential of digestive proteases from warm environment species has received less research attention. This review aims to provide an overview of this unrealised biomedical potential, using the debridement application as a paradigm. Debridement is intended to remove nonviable, necrotic and contaminated tissue, as well as fibrin clots, and is a key step in wound treatment. We discuss the physiological role of enzymes in wound healing, the use of exogenous enzymes in debridement, and the limitations of cold-adapted enzymes such as their poor thermal stability. We show that digestive proteases from tropical crustaceans may have advantages over their cold-adapted counterparts for this and similar uses. Differences in thermal stability, auto-proteolytic stability, and susceptibility to proteinase inhibitors are discussed. Furthermore, it is proposed that the feeding behaviour of the source organism may direct the evaluation of enzymes for particular applications, as digestive proteases have evolved to fill a wide variety of feeding habitats, natural substrates, and environmental conditions. We encourage more research on the biomedical application of digestive enzymes from tropical marine crustaceans.

MeSH terms: Animals; Attention; Crustacea; Debridement; Feeding Behavior; Fibrin; Fishes; Peptide Hydrolases; Trypsin; Vertebrates; Wound Healing; Ecosystem; Aquatic Organisms
Fulltext Frequency of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 1, 2, 3,6 and 7 and clinical profile of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 in Malaysia

Mohamed Ibrahim N, Lau YH, Ariffin N, Md Desa SH, Azizan E, Chin LK, et al.

Cerebellum & ataxias, 2020;7:11.
PMID: 32922823 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-020-00120-2

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are highly heterogenous group of neurodegenerative diseases causing progressive cerebellar dysfunction. We report the first description of relative frequencies of the common SCA mutations and of phenotypic characteristics of SCA3 patients among Malaysians. Pooled data from adult Malaysian patients who had undergone genetic testing for SCA 1,2,3,6 and 7 at UKM Medical Centre and Institute for Medical Research from 2017 to 2020 were analysed. Fifteen patients with SCA 3 had detailed clinical phenotype evaluation using Inventory for Non -Ataxia Signs (INAS) and Ataxia Severity evaluation using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Out of 152 adults patients who were tested for common SCA mutations, 64(42.1%) patients were tested positive for either SCA 1,2,3,6 or 7. Of the 64 positive cases, 44 (68.9%) patients were diagnosed with SCA 3 followed by SCA 2 in 13(20.3%) patients and SCA 1 in 5 (7.8%) patients. Our findings suggest that Malay race had the highest frequency of SCA (n = 34, 50%), followed by the Chinese (n = 16, 23.5%) and approximately 60 (93.8%) SCA patients had first degree family history. In conclusion, SCA 3 is the commonest SCA in Malaysia, followed by SCA 2 and SCA 1. It is important to develop a proper registry of SCA patients to further understand the true prevalence and local impact of the disease in Malaysia.
Fulltext Initial leucocytosis and other significant indicators of poor outcome in severe traumatic brain injury: an observational study

Vijian K, Teo EG, Kanesen D, Wong ASH

Chinese neurosurgical journal, 2020;6:5.
PMID: 32922934 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-020-0185-4

Background: Globally, severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been the principal cause of mortality among individuals aged 45 and below. The incidence of road traffic accidents in Malaysia is one of the highest in the world with thousands of victims sustaining severe disabilities. The aim of this study is to determine the association between leucocytosis and extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) scores as well the relationship of other factors and the outcomes of severe TBI.
Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. A total of 44 consecutive patients who were admitted to Sarawak General Hospital from January 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018, with severe TBI were included. Data were collected from discharge summaries and hospital medical records. Chi-square and t test were used. SPSS was employed.
Results: Of a total of 44 patients with severe TBI, 18 patients (41%) died during the same admission. The mean age of patients was 37.1 years with 93.2% of affected patients being male. 56.9% of patients presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 6 and less. A large percentage (86.3%) were discharged with a GOSE of less than 7. Older age and low admission GCS (6 and less) were significantly associated with poor GOSE scores on discharge and after 6 months (p < 0.05) on multivariate analysis. Leucocytosis on admission was also associated with poor outcomes where patients with higher total white counts on presentation attaining lower GOSE scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: We concluded that leucocytosis was significantly associated with poor outcomes in severe TBI patients in addition to other factors such as advanced age and poor GCS on arrival.

MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Aged; Hospital Records; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Medical Records; Middle Aged; Patient Discharge; Retrospective Studies; Glasgow Coma Scale; Incidence; Multivariate Analysis; Glasgow Outcome Scale; Brain Injuries, Traumatic
Fulltext Review of global neurosurgery education: Horizon of Neurosurgery in the Developing Countries

Kato Y, Liew BS, Sufianov AA, Rasulic L, Arnautovic KI, Dong VH, et al.

Chinese neurosurgical journal, 2020;6:19.
PMID: 32922948 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-020-00194-1

Globally, the discipline of neurosurgery has evolved remarkably fast. Despite being one of the latest medical specialties, which appeared only around hundred years ago, it has witnessed innovations in the aspects of diagnostics methods, macro and micro surgical techniques, and treatment modalities. Unfortunately, this development is not evenly distributed between developed and developing countries. The same is the case with neurosurgical education and training, which developed from only traditional apprentice programs in the past to more structured, competence-based programs with various teaching methods being utilized, in recent times. A similar gap can be observed between developed and developing counties when it comes to neurosurgical education. Fortunately, most of the scholars working in this field do understand the coherent relationship between neurosurgical education and neurosurgical practice. In context to this understanding, a symposium was organized during the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Special World Congress Beijing 2019. This symposium was the brain child of Prof. Yoko Kato-one of the eminent leaders in neurosurgery and an inspiration for female neurosurgeons. Invited speakers from different continents presented the stages of development of neurosurgical education in their respective countries. This paper summarizes the outcome of these presentations, with particular emphasis on and the challenges faced by developing countries in terms of neurosurgical education and strategies to cope with these challenges.
Fulltext Primary Hyperaldosteronism in End-Stage Renal Disease: Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Considerations

Chand R, Tandukar S, Asmil S, Chico M

Cureus, 2020 Aug 07;12(8):e9599.
PMID: 32923203 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.9599

An adrenal incidentaloma is defined as an adrenal mass measuring at least 1 cm that is discovered surreptitiously in an imaging study done for reasons other than the evaluation of adrenal disease. The increase in the prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas has paralleled the increase in diagnostic imaging done for evaluation of other abdominal pathologies. However, most of these adrenal incidentalomas are benign non-hyperfunctioning adenomas. When an adrenal incidentaloma is discovered, the simultaneous presence of hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, mild hypernatremia, and mild to severe drug-resistant hypertension may alert a clinician to underlying primary hyperaldosteronism. We present a case of adrenal incidentaloma noted in a patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis which presented a diagnostic challenge due to the correction of metabolic parameters with hemodialysis. The patient was found to have an aldosterone-producing adenoma based on an elevated aldosterone-to-renin ratio and was started on a mineralocorticoid antagonist.

MeSH terms: Adenoma; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Aldosterone; Alkalosis; Renal Dialysis; Humans; Hyperaldosteronism; Hypernatremia; Hypertension; Hypokalemia; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Mineralocorticoids; Renin; Prevalence; Adrenocortical Adenoma
Fulltext Effect of COVID-19 virus on reducing GHG emission and increasing energy generated by renewable energy sources: A brief study in Malaysian context

Naderipour A, Abdul-Malek Z, Ahmad NA, Kamyab H, Ashokkumar V, Ngamcharussrivichai C, et al.

Environ Technol Innov, 2020 Nov;20:101151.
PMID: 32923529 DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2020.101151

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has globally affected the human mortality rate and economic history of the modern world. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 has caused a severe threat to the health of the vulnerable groups, notably the elderly. There is still some disagreements regarding the source of the virus and its intermediate host. However, the spread of this disease has caused most countries to enforce strict curfew laws and close most industrial and recreational centres. This study aims to show the potential positive effects of COVID-19 on the environment and the increase of renewable energy generation in Malaysia. To prevent the spread of this disease, Malaysia enacted the Movement Control Order (MCO) law in March 2020. Implementation of this law led to a reduction in environmental pollution, especially air pollution, in this country. The greenhouse gases (GHG) emission , which was 8 Mt CO2 eq. from January 2020 to March 2020, reduced to <1 Mt CO2 eq. for April and May. The reduction of GHG emission and pollutant gases allowed more sunlight to reach photovoltaic panels, hence increasing the renewable energy generation.

MeSH terms: Aged; Air Pollution; Carbon Dioxide; Environmental Pollution; Gases; Humans; Malaysia; Sunlight; World Health Organization; Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Renewable Energy
Fulltext Quantitative dataset of shallow water reef in Pulau Bidong, Southern of South China sea during pre and post of tropical storm (Pabuk - January 2019)

Bachok Z, Safuan CDM, Roseli NH, Akhir MF

Data Brief, 2020 Oct;32:106182.
PMID: 32923531 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106182

This article provides raw datasets of the coral reefs status in Pulau Bidong, southern of South China Sea before and after being strike by the tropical storm Pabuk on January 2019. Data were collected using a rapid coral survey method called Coral Video Transect (CVT) technique. The data were collected along a 100 m transect line set up parallel to the shoreline and at a constant depth. In total, eight transects were surveyed during both periods (pre - August 2016, post - March 2019). Back in laboratory, the footage was then extracted into non-overlapping frames or still images prior to image analysis using Coral Point Count with Excel Extension (CPCe) software. The benthic coral reefs relative percentage cover was automatically generated after the image analysis and represented by five major categories; live coral (C), algae (ALG), other invertebrates (OT), dead coral (DC), and sand silt and rock (SR). Live coral cover was identified up to the genus level. This raw dataset was used in this article. The data provided in this article could be of significant use for future studies especially on coral recovery after the natural disturbances. It can provide a baseline assessment especially for coral reefs management as well as to comprehend changes in coral health status in the face of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The data presented here support the information in the article Safuan et al. (2020).

MeSH terms: Animals; China; Health Status; Invertebrates; Surveys and Questionnaires; Software; Anthozoa; Cyclonic Storms; Coral Reefs
Fulltext Dataset on the antecedents of career adaptability among undergraduate students in Malaysia

Fawehinmi O, Yahya KK, Yusliza MY, Muhammad Z

Data Brief, 2020 Oct;32:106211.
PMID: 32923538 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106211

This data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 188 final year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students in a Malaysian Public University. The survey was self-administered to final year BBA students undergoing seminar course prior to the commencement of their industrial training in the coming semester. A regression analysis was conducted in order to assess the link between students' self-esteem, pro-active personality, and social support with their career adaptability using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20. Specifically, this data article provides data about the participants' demographic characteristics, as well as the mean, standard deviation and reliability of the measured constructs. It is believed by the authors that the dataset will guide policy makers on the choice of predictor(s) that could boost the level of students' career adaptability, most especially during the school to work transition, in this current volatile labour market.
Fulltext Willingness to Use HIV Self-Testing and Associated Factors Among Transgender Women in Malaysia

Shrestha R, Galka JM, Azwa I, Lim SH, Guadamuz TE, Altice FL, et al.

Transgend Health, 2020;5(3):182-190.
PMID: 32923668 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0085

Background: While global research on the implementation of HIV self-testing (HIVST) has increased exponentially, few studies have assessed information on HIVST uptake factors (i.e., willingness, preferences) in transgender women (TW) and none in the Malaysian context. We therefore sought to assess willingness to use HIVST among this understudied key population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 361 HIV-negative Malaysian TW in 2017. Participants were recruited using flyers, announcements through social media, and direct referral from staff members of the community-based organizations serving the TW communities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of willingness to use HIVST. Results: Nearly half of the participants (47.6%) reported that they would be willing to use HIVST. Multivariable analysis showed that willingness to use HIVST was positively associated with having experienced sexual assault in childhood (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.239, p<0.001), having ever used mobile phone or apps to find sex work clients (aOR=1.677, p=0.040), and having engaged in condomless sex in the past 6 months (aOR=1.886, p=0.018). In contrast, living in Kuala Lumpur (aOR=0.559, p=0.032), having higher number of sex work clients per day (aOR=0.927, p=0.004), and current depressive symptoms (aOR=0.576, p=0.026) were negatively associated with willingness to use HIVST. Conclusions: Findings in this study suggest that TW in our sample were moderately willing to use HIVST. Especially important here is the increased interest in HIVST among TW who are at higher risk for HIV infection. Overall, our findings underscore the need for additional research on how to most effectively implement HIVST for key populations, including TW, such that uptake and retention in regular HIV screening is sustained.
Fulltext Holistic approach to microwave-reflux extraction and thermo-analytical fingerprints of under-utilized Artocarpus heterophyllus seed wastes

Olalere OA, Gan CY, Abdurahman HN, Adeyi O, Ahmad MM

Heliyon, 2020 Aug;6(8):e04770.
PMID: 32923719 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04770

The increase in wastes generated from jackfruit seeds has been largely under-utilized in Malaysia. Due to the high nutritional and medicinal content embedded in the cellulosic structure of jackfruit wastes, a need then arises for their physicochemical elucidations. In this study, the extraction of Artocarpus heterophyllus seed was carefully investigated using Taguchi orthogonal optimization design. Complete functional group characteristics and chemical profile of the A. heterophyllus seed extracts were obtained using different physicochemical characterization. The optimal conditions of the microwave extraction parameters were determined at 5 min of irradiation time, 450 W of power and 50 °C of temperature. Under this condition, the optimal yield of 17.34 (mg/g) % was achieved at an SNR ratio of 24.78. The mass spectrometry analysis tentatively identified a total of 90 and 148 secondary metabolites at positive and negative ESI modes, respectively. The chemical profile obtained provided a baseline reference for further investigation on the food and medicinal bioactive from Artocarpus heterophyllus seed oleoresins. The FT-infrared emission spectrum shows the presence of some specific carbohydrates and amide protein functional groups directly linked to C-O (1008 cm-1) the carbonyl (C=O) groups, respectively. Moreover, the morphological characteristics of the jackfruit raw and crude extracts conspicuously revealed large-sized globules which suggest the carbohydrates and protein contents. The result of this study indicates that the use of microwave extraction technology produced high-quality extracts with lower degradation of the thermal labile constituents. This will assist in determining the suitable conditions necessary for the total recovery of medicinal and nutritional constituents and conversion of agricultural waste products into useful products.

MeSH terms: Amides; Carbohydrates; Malaysia; Microwaves; Plant Extracts; Seeds; Mass Spectrometry; Temperature; Waste Products; Artocarpus
Fulltext Effect of Addition of Polyaniline on Polyethylene Oxide and Polyvinyl Alcohol for the Fabrication of Nanorods

Al-Hazeem NZ, Ahmed NM

ACS Omega, 2020 Sep 08;5(35):22389-22394.
PMID: 32923796 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02802

For the first time, the fabrication of novel nanorods by the addition of polyaniline (PANI) to polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymers through electrospinning method is investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy observations reveal the formation of nanofibers and nanorods having diameters in the range of 26.87-139.90 nm and 64.11-122.40 nm, respectively, and lengths in the range of 542.10 nm to 1.32 μm. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis shows the presence of peaks which are characteristic of isotactic polymers (363-412, 529-691 nm), 412-529 nm for PVA/PEO and 363-691 nm for PVA/PEO/PANI. PL spectra also show peak bonding at a wavelength of 552 nm. Manufacture of nanorods by electrospinning method gives better options for controlling the diameter and length of nanorods.

MeSH terms: Aniline Compounds; Data Collection; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Polyethylene Glycols; Polymers; Polyvinyl Alcohol; Nanotubes; Nanofibers
Hesperidin modulates the rhythmic proteomic profiling in Drosophila melanogaster under oxidative stress

Jayapalan JJ, Subramanian P, Kani A, Hiji J, Najjar SG, Abdul-Rahman PS, et al.

Arch Insect Biochem Physiol, 2020 Nov;105(3):e21738.
PMID: 32924199 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21738

The circadian clock regulates vital aspects of physiology including protein synthesis and oxidative stress response. In this investigation, we performed a proteome-wide scrutiny of rhythmic protein accrual in Drosophila melanogaster on exposure to rotenone, rotenone + hesperidin and hesperidin in D. melanogaster. Total protein from fly samples collected at 6 h intervals over the 24 h period was subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics tool, Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships classification system was used to the determine the biological processes of the proteins of altered abundance. Conspicuous variations in the proteome (151 proteins) of the flies exposed to oxidative stress (by rotenone treatment) and after alleviating oxidative stress (by hesperidin treatment) were observed during the 24 h cycle. Significantly altered levels of abundance of a wide variety of proteins under oxidative stress (rotenone treatment) and under alleviation of oxidative stress (rotenone + hesperidin treatment) and hesperidin (alone) treatment were observed. These proteins are involved in metabolism, muscle activity, heat shock response, redox homeostasis, protein synthesis/folding/degradation, development, ion-channel/cellular transport, and gustatory and olfactory function of the flies. Our data indicates that numerous cellular processes are involved in the temporal regulation of proteins and widespread modulations happen under rotenone treatment and, action of hesperidin could also be seen on these categories of proteins.

MeSH terms: Animals; Circadian Rhythm/drug effects*; Drosophila melanogaster/drug effects*; Drosophila melanogaster/physiology; Hesperidin/pharmacology; Male; Rotenone/pharmacology; Oxidative Stress/drug effects*; Drosophila Proteins/metabolism; Proteomics*
Fulltext Future Directions for Dementia Risk Reduction and Prevention Research: An International Research Network on Dementia Prevention Consensus

Anstey KJ, Peters R, Zheng L, Barnes DE, Brayne C, Brodaty H, et al.

J Alzheimers Dis, 2020;78(1):3-12.
PMID: 32925063 DOI: 10.3233/JAD-200674

In the past decade a large body of evidence has accumulated on risk factors for dementia, primarily from Europe and North America. Drawing on recent integrative reviews and a consensus workshop, the International Research Network on Dementia Prevention developed a consensus statement on priorities for future research. Significant gaps in geographical location, representativeness, diversity, duration, mechanisms, and research on combinations of risk factors were identified. Future research to inform dementia risk reduction should fill gaps in the evidence base, take a life-course, multi-domain approach, and inform population health approaches that improve the brain-health of whole communities.

MeSH terms: Dementia/prevention & control*; Europe; Humans; North America; Risk Factors; Consensus; Biomedical Research*; Risk Reduction Behavior*
Fulltext Health status, healthcare utilisation, and quality of life among the coastal communities in Sabah: Protocol of a population-based survey

Dahlui M, Azzeri A, Zain MA, Mohd Noor MI, Jaafar H, Then AYH, et al.

Medicine (Baltimore), 2020 Sep 11;99(37):e22067.
PMID: 32925742 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022067

INTRODUCTION: Coastal areas in Malaysia can have important impacts on the livelihoods and health of local communities. Efforts by Malaysian government to develop and improve the landscape and ecosystem have been planned; however, the progress has been relatively slow because some of the coastal areas are remote and relatively inaccessible. Thus, these coastal communities face various challenges in health, healthcare and quality of life. This paper presents a study protocol to examine the health status, healthcare utilisation, and quality of life among the coastal communities. In addition, the relationship between the community and their coastal environment is examined.
METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS: The population of interest is the coastal communities residing within the Tun Mustapha Park in Sabah, Malaysia. The data collection is planned for a duration of 6 months and the findings are expected by December 2020. A random cluster sampling will be conducted at three districts of Sabah. This study will collect 600 adult respondents (300 households are estimated to be collected) at age of 18 and above. The project is a cross sectional study via face-to-face interview with administered questionnaires, anthropometrics measurements and observation of the living condition performed by trained interviewers.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Government Programs; Health Services/statistics & numerical data*; Health Services Accessibility; Health Status*; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Quality of Life*; Rural Health*; Ecosystem; Public Health Surveillance*
Fulltext Ser-653-Asn substitution in the acetohydroxyacid synthase gene confers resistance in weedy rice to imidazolinone herbicides in Malaysia

Ruzmi R, Ahmad-Hamdani MS, Mazlan N

PLoS One, 2020;15(9):e0227397.
PMID: 32925921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227397

The continuous and sole dependence on imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides for weedy rice control has led to the evolution of herbicide resistance in weedy rice populations across various countries growing IMI herbicide-resistant rice (IMI-rice), including Malaysia. A comprehensive study was conducted to elucidate occurrence, level, and mechanisms endowing resistance to IMI herbicides in putative resistant (R) weedy rice populations collected from three local Malaysian IMI-rice fields. Seed bioassay and whole-plant dose-response experiments were conducted using commercial IMI herbicides. Based on the resistance index (RI) quantification in both experiments, the cross-resistance pattern of R and susceptible (S) weedy rice populations and control rice varieties (IMI-rice variety MR220CL2 and non-IMI-rice variety MR219) to imazapic and imazapyr was determined. A molecular investigation was carried out by comparing the acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) gene sequences of the R and S populations and the MR220CL2 and MR219 varieties. The AHAS gene sequences of R weedy rice were identical to those of MR220CL2, exhibiting a Ser-653-Asn substitution, which was absent in MR219 and S plants. In vitro assays were conducted using analytical grade IMI herbicides of imazapic (99.3%) and imazapyr (99.6%) at seven different concentrations. The results demonstrated that the AHAS enzyme extracted from the R populations and MR220CL2 was less sensitive to IMI herbicides than that from S and MR219, further supporting that IMI herbicide resistance was conferred by target-site mutation. In conclusion, IMI resistance in the selected populations of Malaysian weedy rice could be attributed to a Ser-653-Asn mutation that reduced the sensitivity of the target site to IMI herbicides. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show the resistance mechanism in weedy rice from Malaysian rice fields.

MeSH terms: Acetoin/analysis; Acetoin/metabolism; Acetolactate Synthase/genetics*; Acetolactate Synthase/metabolism; Asparagine/genetics; Biological Assay; DNA Mutational Analysis; Herbicides/pharmacology; Imidazoles/pharmacology; Lactates/metabolism; Malaysia; Mutation; Niacin/analogs & derivatives; Niacin/pharmacology; Nicotinic Acids/pharmacology; Plant Proteins/genetics*; Plant Proteins/metabolism; Oryza/drug effects*; Oryza/genetics; Seeds/drug effects; Serine/analysis; Serine/genetics; Serine/metabolism; DNA, Plant/genetics; DNA, Plant/isolation & purification; Amino Acid Substitution; Herbicide Resistance/genetics*; Enzyme Assays; Plant Weeds/drug effects*; Plant Weeds/genetics; Weed Control/methods
Fulltext Impact of elevated temperature on the physiological and biochemical responses of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta)

Kumar YN, Poong SW, Gachon C, Brodie J, Sade A, Lim PE

PLoS One, 2020;15(9):e0239097.
PMID: 32925956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239097

The eucheumatoids Kappaphycus and Eucheuma are cultivated in tropical or subtropical regions for the production of carrageenan, a hydrocolloid widely used in the food and cosmetic industries. Kappaphycus alvarezii is a highly valued economic crop in the Coral Triangle, with the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia ranked among the largest producers. In the absence of measures to mitigate climate change, extreme events including heatwaves, typhoons, severe El Niño and La Niña, are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude. This inadvertently brings adverse effects to the seaweed cultivation industry, especially in the tropics. Temperatures are rapidly reaching the upper limit of biologically tolerable levels and an increase in reports of ice-ice and pest outbreaks is attributable to these shifts of environmental parameters. Nevertheless, few reports on the response of eucheumatoids to a changing environment, in particular global warming, are available. Understanding the responses and possible mechanisms for acclimation to warming is crucial for a sustainable seaweed cultivation industry. Here, the physiological and biochemical responses of K. alvarezii to acute warming indicated that the strain used in the current study is unlikely to survive sudden increases in temperature above 36°C. As temperature increased, the growth rates, photosynthetic performance, phycocolloid quality (carrageenan yield, gel strength and gel viscosity) and pigment content (chlorophyll-a, carotenoid and phycobiliproteins) were reduced while the production of reactive oxygen species increased indicating the occurrence of stress in the seaweeds. This study provides a basis for future work on long term acclimation to elevated temperature and mesocosm-based multivariate studies to identify heat-tolerant strains for sustainable cultivation.

MeSH terms: Acclimatization; Rhodophyta/growth & development; Rhodophyta/physiology*; Rhodophyta/chemistry; Carrageenan/analysis; Carrageenan/metabolism; Photosynthesis; Pigments, Biological/analysis; Pigments, Biological/metabolism; Temperature; Reactive Oxygen Species/analysis; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Climate Change; Global Warming*

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