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Detection and molecular characterization of the zot gene in Vibrio cholerae and V. alginolyticus isolates

Raja N, Shamsudin MN, Somarny W, Rosli R, Rahim RA, Radu S

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2001 Mar;32(1):100-4.
PMID: 11485069

A total of 11 Vibrio cholerae isolates from 1996-1998 outbreaks in Malaysia and 4 V. alginolyticus were analyzed. Isolates were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern hybridization for the presence of the gene encoding zonula occludens toxin (zot). Screening of zot gene by PCR revealed the presence of this gene in V. cholerae and V. alginolyticus. The zot gene from one V. cholerae Ogawa isolate that was cloned in a pCR 2.1 TOPO vector was sequenced. The sequences obtained were 99% homologous to the zot gene sequence from the Gene Bank.
Evaluation of a new predictive equation for automated calculation of size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) in CT imaging

Osman ND, Abdulkadir MK, Shuaib IL, Nasirudin RA

Radiography (Lond), 2024 Jan;30(1):237-244.
PMID: 38035439 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.11.012

INTRODUCTION: The adoption of size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) in clinical practice is still limited owing to the tedious and complex manual measurement of individual patient size for the clinical calculation of SSDE. Thus, the automation of SSDE is imperative. This study aims to evaluate a predictive equation for the automated calculation of SSDE.
METHODS: A user-friendly software was developed to accurately predict the individual size-specific dose estimation of paediatric patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans of the head, thorax, and abdomen. The software includes a calculation equation developed based on a novel SSDE prediction equation that used a population's pre-determined percentage difference between volume-weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and SSDE with age. American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM RPT 204) method (manual) and segmentation-based SSDE calculators (indoseCT and XXautocalc) were used to assess the proposed software predictions comparatively.
RESULTS: The results of this study show that the automated equation-based calculation of SSDE and the manual and segmentation-based calculation of SSDE are in good agreement for patients. The differences between the automated equation-based calculation of SSDE and the manual and segmentation-based calculation are less than 3%.
CONCLUSION: This study validated an accurate SSDE calculator that allows users to enter key input values and calculate SSDE.
IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The automated equation-based SSDE software (PESSD) seems a promising tool for estimating individualised CT doses during CT scans.
CD47 and CD36 expressions in the placenta of mothers with chorioamnionitis

Hanim BS, Rahim RA, Mohd Salleh MF, Zakaria H, Abd Shukor N

Malays J Pathol, 2023 Dec;45(3):463-471.
PMID: 38155387

INTRODUCTION: Chorioamnionitis is the inflammation of the placenta and is histologically defined as the presence of neutrophilic infiltration into the chorio-amnion membrane with and without involvement of the umbilical cord. Currently, the inflammatory mediators involved in the eliciting of inflammatory response is still largely under investigation. CD47 and CD36 are pro-inflammatory molecules that are still under investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the expressions of CD47 and CD36 in the placenta of mothers with chorioamnionitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, involving a total of 100 cases that comprised of acute subchorionitis (stage I, n=20), acute chorioamnionitis (stage II, n=20), acute necrotising chorioamnionitis (stage III, n=20) and non-chorioamnionitis placenta as control (n=40). All tissue blocks were retrieved from the archived pathology record over a period of 4 years. CD36 and CD47 immunohistochemistry were performed on all cases and their expression in various cell types on the placenta were analysed.
RESULTS: CD36 was expressed only on the foetal vascular endothelial cells. Interestingly, CD47 showed positive staining on the neutrophils and its expression was significantly different between maternal inflammatory response stage II chorioamnionitis (n=13/20, p<0.001) with stage I and stage III chorioamnionitis.
DISCUSSION: Our study showed CD47 was expressed in the neutrophils and it was associated with poorer perinatal outcomes and it may have a role in the pathogenesis of chorioamnionitis.
Fulltext Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and its natural environmental impacts

Rupani PF, Nilashi M, Abumalloh RA, Asadi S, Samad S, Wang S

Int J Environ Sci Technol (Tehran), 2020;17(11):4655-4666.
PMID: 32904898 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-020-02910-x

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the official name of a respiratory infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus that started first in Wuhan, China, and outspread worldwide with an unexpectedly fast speed. Flights have been canceled worldwide and transportation has been closed nationwide and across international borders. As a consequence, the economic activity has been stopped and stock markets have been dropped. The COVID-19 lockdown has several social and economic effects. Additionally, COVID-19 has caused several impacts on global migration. On the other hand, such lockdown, along with minimal human mobility, has impacted the natural environment somewhat positively. Overall carbon emissions have dropped, and the COVID-19 lockdown has led to an improvement in air quality and a reduction in water pollution in many cities around the globe. A summary of the existing reports of the environmental impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are discussed and the important findings are presented focusing on several aspects: air pollution, waste management, air quality improvements, waste fires, wildlife, global migration, and sustainability.
Thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of oil palm cellulose nanofibril reinforced green epoxy nanocomposites

Yusuf J, Sapuan SM, Rashid U, Ilyas RA, Hassan MR

Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Sep 02.
PMID: 39227276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134421

In this study, significant improvements in mechanical properties have been seen through the efficient inclusion of Oil Palm Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF) as nano-fillers into green polymer matrices produced from biomass with a 28 % carbon content. The goal of the research was to make green epoxy nanocomposites utilizing solution blending process with acetone as the solvent with the different CNF loadings (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt%). An ultrasonic bath was used in conjunction with mechanical stirring to guarantee that CNF was effectively dispersed throughout the green epoxy. The resultant nanocomposites underwent thorough evaluation, comparing them to unfilled green epoxy and evaluating their morphological, mechanical, and thermal behavior using a variety of instruments. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to validate findings, which showed that the CNF were dispersed optimally inside the nanocomposites. The thermal degradation temperature (Td) of the nanocomposites showed a marginal decrement of 0.8 % in temperatures (from 348 °C to 345 °C), between unfilled green epoxy (neat) and 0.1 wt% of CNF loading. The mechanical test results, which showed a 13.3 % improvement in hardness and a 6.45 % rise in tensile strength when compared to unfilled green epoxy, were in line with previously published research. Overall, the outcomes showed that green nanocomposites have significantly improved in performance.
Fulltext Antifungal activities of ziziphus mauritiana against candida albicans: in vitro study

Said,G,K,H,B,, Mohd,S,N,I,, Amiruddin,H,F,, Mohd,R,A,A,, Arzmi,M,H,

Compendium of Oral Science, 2020;7(1):1-11.
MyJurnal

Abstract
Medicinal plants have been discovered and used in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries since centuries. In the current study, Ziziphus mauritiana leaves was used as it is rich with many biological active compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, sapronins and tanins. Previous studies reported the antibacterial and antifungal effects of Z. mauritiana towards various microorganisms. However, the antifungal activities of Z. mauritiana methanol extracts on Candida albicans (Clinical and American Type Culture Collection Strains) have not been discovered extensively.Objectives:Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate the antifungal activity of Z. mauritiana leaves methanol extracts against C. albicans ATCC strain and clinical isolate (from oral cancer patient).Methods:Antifungal susceptibility test (AST) was performed using disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) to determine the antifungal activity of methanol leaves extract of Ziziphus mauritiana against C. albicans ATCC and clinical isolates.Results:The results obtained showed that there is no zone of inhibition seen from disk diffusion test for both strains. However, the minimal inhibitory and minimal fungicidal concentration showed that Ziziphus mauritiana methanol extracts was able to inhibit C. albicans clinical isolate but not ATCC strain at 500mg/mL.Conclusion: The finding of this study suggests that that Ziziphus mauritiana leaves methanol extract showed promising results against Candida albicans. Thus, it can be used as a source for functional ingredients for pharmaceutical drug industries in-order to reduce or inhibit oral fungal infection
Fulltext Effect of domestic cooking methods on physicochemical, nutritional and sensory properties of different varieties of brown rice from Southern Thailand and Malaysia

Chapagai, M. K., Wan Rosli ,W. I., Wan Manan, W. M., Jalil, R. A., Karrila, T., Pinkaew, S.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(3):1140-1147.
MyJurnal

Consumption of brown rice is increasing on account of higher nutritional components such as
vitamins, minerals, fibres and antioxidants than white rice. However, the effect of domestic
cooking methods on nutritional attributes of brown rice is not well-characterized. Hence, this
study aimed to investigate the effect of cooking methods; pressure cooker (PC) and rice cooker
(RC) on physicochemical, nutritional and sensory properties of brown rice from five different
varieties: Sungyod (SY), Chiang (CH), and Lepnok (LP) of Thai and long grain LS1 and LS2 of
Malaysian origin. Peak viscosity (PV) and final viscosity (FV) among uncooked samples were
significantly different except for LS1 and LS2. Between cooking methods, protein content (8.17
– 10.14%) was significantly different (p < 0.05) except in SY, LS1 and LS2 varieties whereas fat
(1.74 – 2.71%) and ash content (1.15 – 1.46%) showed significant difference (p < 0.05) only
in LP and SY varieties. Loss of iron was significantly higher in RC method than PC method
but zinc and thiamine was insignificant. The LS1 and LS2 cooked in PC was significantly
softer (p < 0.05) than cooked in RC. Hardness of PC cooked rice was correlated with PV (r
= –0.965), breakdown viscosity (r = –0.973), setback viscosity (r = –0.944) at p < 0.01 and
pasting temperature (r = 0.89, p < 0.05) of uncooked brown rice flours. Overall, PC was found
better over RC in terms of cooking time, textural properties, nutrients and sensory attributes.
Effect of durian peel fiber on thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation characteristics of thermoplastic cassava starch composites

Jumaidin R, Whang LY, Ilyas RA, Hazrati KZ, Hafila KZ, Jamal T, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Oct 01;250:126295.
PMID: 37573912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126295

This study is focused on developing and enhancing the properties of durian peel fiber (DPF) reinforced thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) composites. The proposed DPF was extracted from agro-waste and incorporated into TPCS with various contents of DPF (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%) via compression molding. The mechanical and thermal characteristics of the fabricated composites were studied. The thermal properties of the biocomposite were improved with the addition of DPF, as evidenced by an increase in the material's thermal stability and indicated by a higher onset decomposition temperature. The integration of DPF into TPCS improved the biodegradation rate process of the composites. Besides, the results indicated that incorporating DPF in TPCS composites enhanced tensile and flexural properties, with a 40 wt% DPF content exhibited the highest modulus and strength. The tensile and flexural strengths of TPCS/DPF composites were raised significantly from 2.96 to 21.89 MPa and 2.5 to 35.0 MPa, respectively, compared to the control TPCS sample, as DPF increased from 0 to 40 wt%. This finding was consistent with Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron micrograph (SEM), which showed good interaction between DPF and TPCS matrix. The analysis revealed that DPF at a 40 wt% ratio was the best composition compared to the other ratio. Finally, based on improved results, DPF was identified as a potential resource of green reinforcement for the biodegradable TPCS matrix.
Fulltext Bystander Effect Induced in Breast Cancer (MCF-7) and Human Osteoblast Cell Lines (hFOB 1.19) with HDR-Brachytherapy

Zainudin Nh M, R A, W N R

J Biomed Phys Eng, 2020 Jun;10(3):319-328.
PMID: 32637376 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.1135

Background: Radiation induced bystander effects (RIBEs) occurs in unirradiated cells exhibiting indirect biological effect as a consequence of signals from other irradiated cells in the population.
Objective: In this study, bystander effects in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and hFOB 1.19 normal osteoblast cells irradiated with gamma emitting HDR Brachytherapy Ir-192 source were investigated.
Material and Methods: In this in-vitro study, bystander effect stimulation was conducted using medium transfer technique of irradiated cells to the non-irradiated bystander cells. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and colony forming assay was employed to evaluate the effect.
Results: Results indicate that the exposure to the medium irradiated MCF-7 induced significant bystander killing and decreased the survival fraction of bystander MCF-7 and hFOB from 1.19 to 81.70 % and 65.44 %, respectively. A significant decrease in survival fraction was observed for hFOB 1.19 bystander cells (p < 0.05). We found that the rate of hFOB 1.19 cell growth significantly decreases to 85.5% when added with media from irradiated cells. The ROS levels of bystander cells for both cell lines were observed to have an increase even after 4 h of treatment. Our results suggest the presence of bystander effects in unirradiated cells exposed to the irradiated medium.
Conclusion: These data provide evidence that irradiated MCF-7 breast cancer cells can induce bystander death in unirradiated MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 bystander cells. Increase in cell death could also be mediated by the ROS generation during the irradiation with HDR brachytherapy.
Fulltext Mechanisms of Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis Inhibition By Carp-1 Functional Mimetic-4

Abdelkader E. Ashour, Anwar A. Almuslim, Sheikh F. Ahmad, Sabry M. Attia, Rehan Ahmed, Ashok Kumar, et al.

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):44-0.
MyJurnal

Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide and in Malaysia. Due to high recurrence rate and toxic side effects associated with radiation and chemotherapies, new agents are urgently needed. CARP-1 is a peri-nuclear phospho-protein which plays a dynamic role in regulating cell growth and apoptosis. CARP-1 functional mimetics (CFMs) are a class of compounds that stimulate CARP-1. CFM-4, a lead compound, was shown to suppress growth and metastasis of various cancers, other than CRC. We hypothesized that CFM-4 inhibits proliferation and metastasis in CRC. Materials and method: CFM-4 anti-cancer effects of on CRC cells were investigated using MTT assay, Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Antimetastatic activities were assessed by migration, colony formation and invasion assays. Results: CFM-4 inhibited CRC cell proliferation and was much more potent than the classical anti-CRC 5-fluorouracil. These effects were shown to be mediated at least in part by stimulating apoptosis, as indicated in our Annexin V/PI assay results. Cell cycle analysis showed that CFM-4 induced G2/M phase arrest. Molecularly, qRT-PCR results revealed that CFM-4 promoted intrinsic apoptosis by upregulating expression of caspase-8 and -9 , p53, PUMA and Noxa, and stimulated extrinsic apoptosis by enhancing expression of death receptors (DR4 and DR5). CFM-4 upregulated NF- k B signaling inhibitor A20-binding inhibitor protein and the PI3K negative regulator PTEN. Western blot analysis results revealed that CFM-4 enhanced expression of CARP1, caspase-8 and executioner caspase-3. Metastatic properties of the CRC cells were reduced by CFM-4 through blocking their capabilities to form colonies, migrate and invade through the matrix-coated membranes. Conclusion: The potent antitumor and anti-metastatic properties of CFM-4 against CRC are due to collective pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities. Together our data warrants further investigations of CFM-4 as potential anti-tumor agent for CRC malignancy and metastasis.
Specialisation in Primary Health Care: Training for the New General Practice in Malaysia

Rajakumar MK, Ahmad MD, Balasundaram R, Low BT, Tan FEH, Wan KC, et al.

Citation: Rajakumar MK, Ahmad MD, Balasundaram R, Low BT, Tan FEH, Wan KC, Catterall RA. Specialisation in Primary Health Care: Training for the New General Practice in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur: College of General Practitioners Malaysia, 1986
Fulltext Effectiveness of canlite and probase stabilized laterite soil

Mohd Yunus, N. Z., Wei, N. T., Yung, Y. C., Marto, A., Pakir, F., Hezmi, M. A., et al.

Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2015;5(1):17-30.
MyJurnal

Besides traditional chemical stabilizers, polymer emulsion that is considered as a nontraditional
chemical stabilizer had been introduced recently. Among polymer emulsions, Canlite and
Probase have been widely used for soil stabilization. The aim of this paper is to investigate the
effectiveness of Laterite soil stabilization treated by Canlite-liquid and Probase-liquid soil stabilizers.
A testing program, scheduled to achieve the overall objectives of this study was conducted to
determine the basic properties of Laterite soil, establish the relationship between the compaction
characteristics (maximum dry density and optimum moisture content) with the amount of polymer
emulsion and last but not least to compare the strength of the Canlite-treated and Probase-treated
Laterite soil. The effects of both polymer soil stabilizers – Canlite and Probase – were examined. The
optimum moisture content of the mixtures was used as a reference to determine the water content for
the preparation of all the specimens and later used in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test.
The laboratory test results showed that the additional amount of Canlite and Probase have improved
the physical properties, liquid limit and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the Laterite soil.
The compressive strength of the treated Laterite was found varied and depends on the type of
stabilizers, quantity of additives and curing time. From the UCS tests, it was found that Probase
improves the strength of the Laterite more than Canlite.
Exploring measurement tools to optimise hospital physician distribution

Suan NAM, Soelar SA, Rani RA, Anuar NA, Aziz KAA, Chan HK, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(2):222-233.
PMID: 38553930

INTRODUCTION: Equitable healthcare delivery is essential and requires resources to be distributed, which include assets and healthcare workers. To date, there is no gold standard for measuring the correct number of physicians to meet healthcare needs. This rapid review aims to explore measurement tools employed to optimise the distribution of hospital physicians, with a focus on ensuring fair resource allocation for equitable healthcare delivery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, Emerald Insight and grey literature sources. The key terms used in the search include 'distribution', 'method', and 'physician', focusing on research articles published in English from 2002 to 2022 that described methods or tools to measure hospital-based physicians' distribution. Relevant articles were selected through a two-level screening process and critically appraised. The primary outcome is the measurement tools used to assess the distribution of hospital-based physicians. Study characteristics, tool advantages and limitations were also extracted. The extracted data were synthesised narratively.
RESULTS: Out of 7,199 identified articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Among the selected articles, 12 were from Asia and one from Africa. The review identified eight measurement tools: Gini coefficients and Lorenz curve, Robin Hood index, Theil index, concentration index, Workload Indicator of Staffing Need method, spatial autocorrelation analysis, mixed integer linear programming model and cohortcomponent model. These tools rely on fundamental data concerning population and physician numbers to generate outputs. Additionally, five studies employed a combination of these tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of physician distribution dynamics.
CONCLUSION: Measurement tools can be used to assess physician distribution according to population needs. Nevertheless, each tool has its own merits and limitations, underscoring the importance of employing a combination of tools. The choice of measuring tool should be tailored to the specific context and research objectives.
Cytotoxicity evaluation of biodegradable Zn-3Mg alloy toward normal human osteoblast cells

Murni NS, Dambatta MS, Yeap SK, Froemming GRA, Hermawan H

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2015 Apr;49:560-566.
PMID: 25686984 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.01.056

The recent proposal of using Zn-based alloys for biodegradable implants was not supported with sufficient toxicity data. This work, for the first time, presents a thorough cytotoxicity evaluation of Zn-3Mg alloy for biodegradable bone implants. Normal human osteoblast cells were exposed to the alloy's extract and three main cell-material interaction parameters: cell health, functionality and inflammatory response, were evaluated. Results showed that at the concentration of 0.75mg/ml alloy extract, cell viability was reduced by ~50% through an induction of apoptosis at day 1; however, cells were able to recover at days 3 and 7. Cytoskeletal changes were observed but without any significant DNA damage. The downregulation of alkaline phosphatase protein levels did not significantly affect the mineralization process of the cells. Significant differences of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 inflammatory biomarkers were noticed, but not interleukin 1-beta, indicating that the cells underwent a healing process after exposure to the alloy. Detailed analysis on the cell-material interaction is further discussed in this paper.
Fulltext Asthma guideline knowledge, adherence and cost of treating asthma at emergency department [Abstract]

Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman A, Hassali AA, Saleem F, Aftab RA, Ali I

Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A725.
PMID: 27202576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.050

Conference abstract:
Objectives: To evaluate physician’s knowledge and adherence to asthma guideline adherence (GINA 2011) at emergency department of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia and to calculate cost of adhered and non-adhered prescriptions
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate knowledge of GINA, 2011 asthma guideline at emergency department of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. A total of 810 patient prescriptions of 27 doctors (30 prescriptions per doctor) were viewed to asses doctor’s guideline adherence. Patients’ prescriptions were categorised in terms of asthma severity as mild, moderate and severe. Prescriptions were labelled as adhered or non-adhered in terms of doctor treatment according to patient asthma severity as recommended by CPG (GINA 2011). Cost of adhered and non-adhered was calculated according to asthma severity.
Results: Twenty two (81.5%) doctor’s had adequate GINA, 2011 asthma guideline knowledge (Mean 16.7, SD ± 1.5). Six hundred and twenty eight (77.5%) patients received guideline (GINA 2011) adhered pharmacotherapy. Six hundred and seventy eight (83.7%) patients asthma were classified as mild asthma, 128 (15.8%) patients were classified as moderate asthma and 4 (0.5%) patients were classified as severe asthma. Pearson correlation indicated no statistical significant association between asthma guideline adherence and asthma guideline knowledge score (p=0.27). Univariate analysis indicate that patients with age group 25-35 years and with hypertension as co-morbidity received significantly better pharmacotherapy (p=0.04, p=0.03 respectively). Total cost of 628 adhered prescriptions was RM 5792.87 whereas cost of 182 non-adhered prescriptions was RM 1759.09. Cost of single mild asthma adhered prescription (RM 9.18) was less as compared to non adhered mild asthma prescription (RM 10.39).
Conclusions: Emergency doctor’s had adequate GINA, 2011 asthma guideline knowledge. Majority of patients received GINA, 2011 asthma guideline adhered pharmacotherapy. Cost effective medication can significantly reduce socioeconomic burden related to asthma.
Fulltext Impact of Hepatitis B on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients in Malaysia: A Retrospective Study

Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman SA, Akhtar A, Adnan AS, Aftab RA

Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A803.
PMID: 27203024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.505
Fulltext Adverse Drug Reactions of Haart Therapy Among Hiv/Aids Patients Treated at Infectious Disease Clinic

Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman SA, Khan K, Aftab RA, Soo CT

Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A803.
PMID: 27203025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.504
Fulltext Tracheotomy: an alternative for tracheobronchial foreign body removal

Tang CL, Lee SC, Mohamad Lal A, Thomas RA, Ngui LX, Lim LY

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Oct;69(5):241-3.
PMID: 25638243 MyJurnal

A 6 years old girl accidentally aspirated a plastic whistle while playing. Computed Tomography of thorax showed foreign body at carina level. Rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia was attempted but unable to extract the whistle through vocal cord. Tracheostomy was later performed and foreign body was removed.
Fulltext Utility of DNA barcoding for rapid and accurate assessment of bat diversity in Malaysia in the absence of formally described species

Wilson JJ, Sing KW, Halim MR, Ramli R, Hashim R, Sofian-Azirun M

Genet. Mol. Res., 2014;13(1):920-5.
PMID: 24634112 DOI: 10.4238/2014.February.19.2

Bats are important flagship species for biodiversity research; however, diversity in Southeast Asia is considerably underestimated in the current checklists and field guides. Incorporation of DNA barcoding into surveys has revealed numerous species-level taxa overlooked by conventional methods. Inclusion of these taxa in inventories provides a more informative record of diversity, but is problematic as these species lack formal description. We investigated how frequently documented, but undescribed, bat taxa are encountered in Peninsular Malaysia. We discuss whether a barcode library provides a means of recognizing and recording these taxa across biodiversity inventories. Tissue was sampled from bats trapped at Pasir Raja, Dungun Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. The DNA was extracted and the COI barcode region amplified and sequenced. We identified 9 species-level taxa within our samples, based on analysis of the DNA barcodes. Six specimens matched to four previously documented taxa considered candidate species but currently lacking formal taxonomic status. This study confirms the high diversity of bats within Peninsular Malaysia (9 species in 13 samples) and demonstrates how DNA barcoding allows for inventory and documentation of known taxa lacking formal taxonomic status.
Fulltext The influence of fasting insulin level in post-gestational diabetes mellitus women receiving low-glycaemic-index diets

Ghani RA, Shyam S, Arshad F, Wahab NA, Chinna K, Safii NS, et al.

Nutr Diabetes, 2014;4:e107.
PMID: 24535618 DOI: 10.1038/nutd.2014.5

Post-gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) women are recommended weight loss to manage increased cardio-metabolic risks. We investigated the effects of lowering diet glycaemic index (GI) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipids, body weight and composition of post-GDM women with varying fasting insulin levels (INS). Seventy-seven Asian, non-diabetic women with previous GDM (aged 20-40 years, mean BMI: 26.4±4.6 kg m(-2)) were recruited. At baseline, 20 subjects with INS <2 μIU ml(-1) and 18 with INS 2 μIU ml(-1) received conventional dietary recommendations (CHDR) only. CHDR emphasised energy and fat intake restriction and encouraged increase in dietary fibre intakes. Twenty-four subjects with INS <2 μIU ml(-1) and 15 with INS 2 μIU ml(-1), in addition to CHDR, received low-GI education (LGI). Changes in FBG, serum lipids, body weight and body composition were evaluated. Subjects with INS <2 μIU ml(-1) had similar outcomes with both diets. After 1 year, subjects with INS 2 μIU ml(-1) who received LGI education had reductions in FBG and triglycerides. Subjects who received CHDR observed increase in both FBG and triglycerides (P<0.05). Among all subjects, diet GI was lower and dietary fibre intakes were higher in LGI compared with CHDR subjects (all P<0.05). Thus, in Asian post-GDM women with normal/higher INS, adding low-GI education to CHDR improved management of FBG and triglycerides.

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