MyMedR

Ethnic differences in acute myocardial infarction in Singapore

Mak KH, Chia KS, Kark JD, Chua T, Tan C, Foong BH, et al.

Eur Heart J, 2003 Jan;24(2):151-60.

AIMS: We compare the myocardial infarction (MI) event and mortality rates among Chinese, Malay and Indian residents of Singapore.

METHODS: Residents, aged 20 to 64 years, with an MI event were identified from hospital discharge listings, postmortem reports, and the Registry of Births and Deaths. All pathology laboratories flagged patients with elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. Modified MONICA (multinational monitoring of trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease) criteria were used for determining MI events.

RESULTS: From 1991 to 1999, 12 481 MI events were identified. Chinese patients were older and less likely to have typical symptoms or previous MI. Malays had the highest peak CPK level. Among all three ethnic groups, MI event and age-adjusted case-fatality rates declined. Compared with Chinese, MI event rates were >2-fold and >3-fold higher, and age-standardized coronary mortality rates were 2.4 and 3.0 higher times for Malays and Indians, respectively. Malays have the highest 3.1-year case-fatality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.38) compared with Chinese.

CONCLUSION: We found strong ethnic differences in MI event, case-fatality and coronary mortality rates among the three ethnic groups in Singapore. While Indians have the greatest MI event rates, Malays have the highest case-fatality.

In vitro vascular effects produced by crude aqueous extract of green marine algae, Cladophora patentiramea (Mont.) Kützing, in aorta from normotensive rats

Lim YL, Mok SL

Med Princ Pract, 2010;19(4):260-8.

PMID: 20516701 DOI: 10.1159/000312711

To investigate the antihypertensive activity of aqueous extracts obtained from Malaysian coastal seaweeds and to determine the pharmacological mechanisms of the extracts on rat aorta in vitro.

On the feasibility of self-mixing interferometer sensing for detection of the surface electrocardiographic signal using a customized electro-optic phase modulator

Bakar AA, Lim YL, Wilson SJ, Fuentes M, Bertling K, Taimre T, et al.

Physiol Meas, 2013 Feb;34(2):281-9.

PMID: 23363933 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/34/2/281

Optical sensing offers an attractive option for detection of surface biopotentials in human subjects where electromagnetically noisy environments exist or safety requirements dictate a high degree of galvanic isolation. Such circumstances may be found in modern magnetic resonance imaging systems for example. The low signal amplitude and high source impedance of typical biopotentials have made optical transduction an uncommon sensing approach. We propose a solution consisting of an electro-optic phase modulator as a transducer, coupled to a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser and the self-mixing signal detected via a photodiode. This configuration is physically evaluated with respect to synthesized surface electrocardiographic (EKG) signals of varying amplitudes and using differing optical feedback regimes. Optically detected EKG signals using strong optical feedback show the feasibility of this approach and indicate directions for optimization of the electro-optic transducer for improved signal-to-noise ratios. This may provide a new means of biopotential detection suited for environments characterized by harsh electromagnetic interference.

Fulltext Quorum sensing activity of Serratia fonticola strain RB-25 isolated from an ex-landfill site

Ee R, Lim YL, Tee KK, Yin WF, Chan KG

Sensors (Basel), 2014 Mar 12;14(3):5136-46.

PMID: 24625739 DOI: 10.3390/s140305136

Quorum sensing is a unique bacterial communication system which permits bacteria to synchronize their behaviour in accordance with the population density. The operation of this communication network involves the use of diffusible autoinducer molecules, termed N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). Serratia spp. are well known for their use of quorum sensing to regulate the expression of various genes. In this study, we aimed to characterized the AHL production of a bacterium designated as strain RB-25 isolated from a former domestic waste landfill site. It was identified as Serratia fonticola using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis and this was confirmed by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. High resolution triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of S. fonticola strain RB-25 spent culture supernatant indicated the existence of three AHLs namely: N-butyryl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and N-(3-oxohexanoyl) homoserine-lactone (3-oxo-C6 HSL). This is the first report of the production of these AHLs in S. fonticola.

Fulltext Quorum sensing activity of Aeromonas caviae strain YL12, a bacterium isolated from compost

Lim YL, Ee R, Yin WF, Chan KG

Sensors (Basel), 2014 Apr 22;14(4):7026-40.

PMID: 24759107 DOI: 10.3390/s140407026

Quorum sensing is a well-studied cell-to-cell communication method that involves a cell-density dependent regulation of genes expression mediated by signalling molecules. In this study, a bacterium isolated from a plant material compost pile was found to possess quorum sensing activity based on bioassay screening. Isolate YL12 was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and molecular typing using rpoD gene which identified the isolate as Aeromonas caviae. High resolution tandem mass spectrometry was subsequently employed to identify the N-acyl homoserine lactone profile of Aeromonas caviae YL12 and confirmed that this isolate produced two short chain N-acyl homoserine lactones, namely C4-HSL and C6, and the production was observed to be cell density-dependent. Using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) bioassay, both AHLs were found to activate C. violaceum CV026, whereas only C6-HSL was revealed to induce bioluminescence expression of E. coli [pSB401]. The data presented in this study will be the leading steps in understanding the role of quorum sensing in Aeromonas caviae strain YL12.

Fulltext Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain YL84, a Quorum-Sensing Strain Isolated from Compost

Chan KG, Yin WF, Lim YL

Genome Announc, 2014;2(2).

PMID: 24699957 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00246-14

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain YL84, which was isolated from compost. This strain was found to be a chitinase-producing quorum-sensing bacterium.

Fulltext De Novo Assembly of the Quorum-Sensing Pandoraea sp. Strain RB-44 Complete Genome Sequence Using PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing Technology

Ee R, Lim YL, Yin WF, Chan KG

Genome Announc, 2014;2(2).

PMID: 24699956 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00245-14

We report the first complete genome sequence of Pandoraea sp. strain RB-44, which was found to possess quorum-sensing properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of both a complete genome sequence and quorum-sensing properties of a Pandoraea species.

Fulltext Quorum sensing activity in Pandoraea pnomenusa RB38

Ee R, Lim YL, Kin LX, Yin WF, Chan KG

Sensors (Basel), 2014;14(6):10177-86.

PMID: 24919016 DOI: 10.3390/s140610177

Strain RB38 was recovered from a former dumping area in Malaysia. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and genomic analysis identified strain RB-38 as Pandoraea pnomenusa. Various biosensors confirmed its quorum sensing properties. High resolution triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was subsequently used to characterize the N-acyl homoserine lactone production profile of P. pnomenusa strain RB38, which validated that this isolate produced N-octanoyl homoserine lactone as a quorum sensing molecule. This is the first report of the production of N-octanoyl homoserine lactone by P. pnomenusa strain RB38.

Complete genome sequence of oxalate-degrading bacterium Pandoraea vervacti DSM 23571(T)

Ee R, Yong D, Lim YL, Yin WF, Chan KG

J Biotechnol, 2015 Jun 20;204:5-6.

PMID: 25848988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.03.020

Pandoraea vervacti DSM 23571(T) is an oxalate metabolizing bacterium isolated from an uncultivated field soil in Mugla, Turkey. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of P. vervacti DSM 23571(T). A complete pathway for degradation of oxalate was revealed from the genome analysis. These data are important to path new opportunities for genetic engineering in the field of biotechnology.

Complete genome sequence of Serratia multitudinisentens RB-25(T), a novel chitinolytic bacterium

Lim YL, Yong D, Ee R, Tee KK, Yin WF, Chan KG

J Biotechnol, 2015 Aug 10;207:32-3.

PMID: 25975625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.04.027

Serratia multitudinisentens RB-25(T) (=DSM 28811(T) =LMG 28304(T)) is a newly proposed type strain in the genus of Serratia isolated from a municipal landfill site. Here, we present the complete genome of S. multitudinisentens RB-25(T) which contains a complete chitinase operon and other chitin and N-acetylglucosamine utilisation enzymes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the complete genome sequence of this novel isolate and its chitinase gene discovery.

Complete genome of the potential thermozyme producer Anoxybacillus gonensis G2(T) isolated from the Gönen hot springs in Turkey

Lim YL, Chan KG, Ee R, Belduz AO, Canakci S, Kahar UM, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2015 Oct 20;212:65-6.

PMID: 26297905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.08.007

Anoxybacillus gonensis type strain G2(T) (=NCIMB 13,933(T) =NCCB 100040(T)) has been isolated from the Gönen hot springs in Turkey. This strain produces a number of well-studied, biotechnologically important enzymes, including xylose isomerase, carboxylesterase, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase. In addition, this strain is an excellent candidate for the bioremediation of areas with heavy metal pollution. Here, we present a high-quality, annotated, complete genome of A. gonensis G2(T). Furthermore, this report provides insights into several novel enzymes of strain G2(T) and their potential industrial applications.

Complete genome of Pandoraea pnomenusa RB-38, an oxalotrophic bacterium isolated from municipal solid waste landfill site

Lim YL, Ee R, Yong D, Tee KK, Yin WF, Chan KG

J Biotechnol, 2015 Nov 20;214:83-4.

PMID: 26393955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.09.018

Pandoraea pnomenusa RB-38 is a bacterium isolated from a former sanitary landfill site. Here, we present the complete genome of P. pnomenusa RB38 in which an oxalate utilization pathway was identified. The genome analysis suggested the potential of this strain as an effective biocontrol agent against oxalate-producing phytopathogens.

Complete genome sequence of Serratia fonticola DSM 4576 T, a potential plant growth promoting bacterium

Lim YL, Yong D, Ee R, Krishnan T, Tee KK, Yin WF, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2015 Nov 20;214:43-4.

PMID: 26376471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.09.005

Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of Serratia fonticola DSM 4576(T), a potential plant growth promoting (PGP) bacterium which confers solubilization of inorganic phosphate, indole-3-acetic acid production, hydrogen cyanideproduction, siderophore production and assimilation of ammonia through the glutamate synthase (GS/GOGAT) pathway. This genome sequence is valuable for functional genomics and ecological studies which are related to PGP and biocontrol activities.

Fulltext Exploring molecular variation in Schistosoma japonicum in China

Young ND, Chan KG, Korhonen PK, Min Chong T, Ee R, Mohandas N, et al.

Sci Rep, 2015;5:17345.

PMID: 26621075 DOI: 10.1038/srep17345

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. The main disease-causing agents, Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni and S. haematobium, are blood flukes that have complex life cycles involving a snail intermediate host. In Asia, S. japonicum causes hepatointestinal disease (schistosomiasis japonica) and is challenging to control due to a broad distribution of its snail hosts and range of animal reservoir hosts. In China, extensive efforts have been underway to control this parasite, but genetic variability in S. japonicum populations could represent an obstacle to eliminating schistosomiasis japonica. Although a draft genome sequence is available for S. japonicum, there has been no previous study of molecular variation in this parasite on a genome-wide scale. In this study, we conducted the first deep genomic exploration of seven S. japonicum populations from mainland China, constructed phylogenies using mitochondrial and nuclear genomic data sets, and established considerable variation between some of the populations in genes inferred to be linked to key cellular processes and/or pathogen-host interactions. Based on the findings from this study, we propose that verifying intraspecific conservation in vaccine or drug target candidates is an important first step toward developing effective vaccines and chemotherapies against schistosomiasis.

Fulltext Complete genome sequencing of Pandoraea pnomenusa RB38 and Molecular Characterization of Its N-acyl homoserine lactone synthase gene ppnI

Lim YL, Ee R, How KY, Lee SK, Yong D, Tee KK, et al.

PeerJ, 2015;3:e1225.

PMID: 26336650 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1225

In this study, we sequenced the genome of Pandoraea pnomenusa RB38 using Pacific Biosciences RSII (PacBio) Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT) sequencing technology. A pair of cognate luxI/R homologs was identified where the luxI homolog, ppnI, was found adjacent to a luxR homolog, ppnR1. An additional orphan luxR homolog, ppnR2, was also discovered. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that ppnI is an N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) synthase gene that is distinct from those of the nearest phylogenetic neighbor viz. Burkholderia spp. High resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed that Escherichia coli BL21 harboring ppnI produced a similar AHL profile (N-octanoylhomoserine lactone, C8-HSL) as P. pnomenusa RB38, the wild-type donor strain, confirming that PpnI directed the synthesis of AHL in P. pnomenusa RB38. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of the luxI/R homologs of the genus Pandoraea.

Fulltext Insights on Quorum-Quenching Properties of Lysinibacillus fusiformis Strain RB21, a Malaysian Municipal Solid-Waste Landfill Soil Isolate, via Complete Genome Sequence Analysis

Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Chang CY, Yin WF, Chan KG

Genome Announc, 2015;3(3).

PMID: 25953192 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00409-15

Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain RB21 is a quorum-quenching bacterium that is able to degrade quorum-sensing signaling molecules. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of L. fusiformis strain RB21. The finished genome is 4.8 Mbp in size, and the quorum-quenching gene was identified.

Complete genome sequence of Pandoraea thiooxydans DSM 25325(T), a thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium

Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Yu CY, Ang GY, How KY, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Jan 10;217:51-2.

PMID: 26603120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.11.009

Pandoraea thiooxydans DSM 25325(T) is a thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium isolated from rhizosphere soils of a sesame plant. Here, we present the first complete genome of P. thiooxydans DSM 25325(T). Several genes involved in thiosulfate oxidation and biodegradation of aromatic compounds were identified.

Complete genome sequence of Pandoraea oxalativorans DSM 23570(T), an oxalate metabolizing soil bacterium

Chan KG, Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Yu CY, Tee KK, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Feb 10;219:124-5.

PMID: 26742625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.12.037

Pandoraea oxalativorans DSM 23570(T) is an oxalate-degrading bacterium that was originally isolated from soil litter near to oxalate-producing plant of the genus Oxalis. Here, we report the first complete genome of P. oxalativorans DSM 23570(T) which would allow its potential biotechnological applications to be unravelled.

Fulltext Complete Genome Sequence and Methylome Analysis of Aeromonas hydrophila Strain YL17, Isolated from a Compost Pile

Lim YL, Roberts RJ, Ee R, Yin WF, Chan KG

Genome Announc, 2016 Mar 03;4(2).

PMID: 26941143 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00060-16

In this report, we announce the complete genome sequence of Aeromonas hydrophila strain YL17. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) DNA sequencing was used to generate the complete genome sequence and the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of this environmental isolate. A total of five unique DNA methyltransferase recognition motifs were reported here.

Complete genome of Planococcus rifietoensis M8(T), a halotolerant and potentially plant growth promoting bacterium

See-Too WS, Convey P, Pearce DA, Lim YL, Ee R, Yin WF, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Mar 10;221:114-5.

PMID: 26808870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.01.026

Planococcus rifietoensis M8(T) (=DSM 15069(T)=ATCC BAA-790(T)) is a halotolerant bacterium with potential plant growth promoting properties isolated from an algal mat collected from a sulfurous spring in Campania (Italy). This paper presents the first complete genome of P. rifietoensis M8(T). Genes coding for various potentially plant growth promoting properties were identified within its genome.

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