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Fulltext Phylogeographic pattern of the striped snakehead, Channa striata in Sundaland: ancient river connectivity, geographical and anthropogenic signatures [corrected]

Tan MP, Jamsari AF, Siti Azizah MN

PLoS One, 2012;7(12):e52089.
PMID: 23284881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052089

A phylogeographic study of an economically important freshwater fish, the striped snakehead, Channa striata in Sundaland was carried out using data from mtDNA ND5 gene target to elucidate genetic patterning. Templates obtained from a total of 280 individuals representing 24 sampling sites revealed 27 putative haplotypes. Three distinct genetic lineages were apparent; 1)northwest Peninsular Malaysia, 2)southern Peninsular, east Peninsular, Sumatra and SW (western Sarawak) and 3) central west Peninsular and Malaysian Borneo (except SW). Genetic structuring between lineages showed a significant signature of natural geographical barriers that have been acting as effective dividers between these populations. However, genetic propinquity between the SW and southern Peninsular and east Peninsular Malaysia populations was taken as evidence of ancient river connectivity between these regions during the Pleistocene epoch. Alternatively, close genetic relationship between central west Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo populations implied anthropogenic activities. Further, haplotype sharing between the east Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra populations revealed extraordinary migration ability of C. striata (>500 km) through ancient connectivity. These results provide interesting insights into the historical and contemporary landscape arrangement in shaping genetic patterns of freshwater species in Sundaland.
Peritoneal dialysis in Malaysia

Morad Z, Lee DG, Lim YN, Tan PC

Perit Dial Int, 2005 9 24;25(5):426-31.
PMID: 16178472
Fulltext The rusty knee--pigmented villonodular synovitis

Samsudin O, Leong KK, Shukur MH, Tan KK, Ismail S

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Dec;59 Suppl F:54-6.
PMID: 15941164

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a distinct but rare clinical entity often presents late with a diagnostic difficulty. Its non-specific manifestations require exclusion of several chronic inflammatory disorders and other humorous lesions but all investigations including highly predictive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopic examination are non-diagnostic demanding confirmatory tissue biopsy. A typical case of such lesion is presented to highlight some potential difficulties.
Influence of beta-glucanase-producing Lactobacillus strains on intestinal characteristics and feed passage rate of broiler chickens

Sieo CC, Abdullah N, Tan WS, Ho YW

Poult Sci, 2005 May;84(5):734-41.
PMID: 15913185

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of beta-glucanase produced by transformed Lactobacillus strains on the intestinal characteristics and feed passage rate of broiler chickens fed barley-based diets. Supplementation of transformed Lactobacillus strains to the diet of chickens significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the intestinal fluid viscosity by 21 to 46% compared with chickens fed an unsupplemented diet or a diet supplemented with parental Lactobacillus strains. The relative weights of pancreas, liver, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ceca, and colon were reduced (P < 0.05) by 6 to 27%, and the relative length of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca was reduced (P < 0.05) by 8 to 15%. Histological examination of the intestinal tissues showed that the jejunal villus height of chickens fed a diet supplemented with transformed Lactobacillus strains was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of chickens fed other dietary treatments. The transformed Lactobacillus strains were found to reduce (P < 0.05) the time of feed passage rate by 2.2 h. Supplementation of transformed Lactobacillus strains to the diet improved the intestinal characteristics and feed, passage rate of the chickens.
Distribution of Helicobacter pylori cagA, cagE and vacA in different ethnic groups in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tan HJ, Rizal AM, Rosmadi MY, Goh KL

J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2005 Apr;20(4):589-94.
PMID: 15836708

There is a geographic variation in Helicobacter pylori (HP) genotypes and virulence factors. Cytotoxin associated genes A (cagA) and E (cagE), and certain vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) genotypes are associated with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). There is also a different prevalence of PUD among different ethnic groups in Malaysia. The present study compared the distribution of vacA alleles and cagA and cagE status in three ethnic groups residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and their association with clinical outcome.
Fulltext Clinical predictors of a positive troponin T test in patients presenting with probable acute coronary syndromes

Omar AR, Ping C, Tan HC, Lim YT

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Mar;60(1):50-3.
PMID: 16250280

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with positive troponin T (TnT) test are at higher risk for death and myocardial reinfarction. They would significantly benefit from early aggressive pharmacologic and invasive therapy. However, TnT test is not widely available. This retrospective study of 173 patients with ACS showed: that prolonged or repetitive episodes of angina at rest in the previous 24 hours (p = 0.01) and evidence of myocardial ischaemia on ECG (p < 0.001) were associated with positive TnT tests (> or = 0.1 ng/mL). The two variables in combination showed 100% positive predictive value, facilitating early identification and streamlining of therapy.
Degradation of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates in tropical forest and mangrove soils

Lim SP, Gan SN, Tan IK

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2005 Jul;126(1):23-33.
PMID: 16014996

Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are perceived to be a suitable alternative to petrochemical plastics because they have similar material properties, are environmentally degradable, and are produced from renewable resources. In this study, the in situ degradation of medium-chain-length PHA (PHAMCL) films in tropical forest and mangrove soils was assessed. The PHAMCL was produced by Pseudomonas putida PGA1 using saponified palm kernel oil (SPKO) as the carbon source. After 112 d of burial, there was 16.7% reduction in gross weight of the films buried in acidic forest soil (FS), 3.0% in the ones buried in alkaline forest soil by the side of a stream (FSst) and 4.5% in those buried in mangrove soil (MS). There was a slight decrease in molecular weight for the films buried in FS but not for the films buried in FSst and in MS. However, no changes were observed for the melting temperature, glass transition temperature, monomer compositions, structure, and functional group analyses of the films from any of the burial sites during the test period. This means that the integral properties of the films were maintained during that period and degradation was by surface erosion. Scanning electron microscopy of the films from the three sites revealed holes on the film surfaces which could be attributed to attack by microorganisms and bigger organisms such as detritivores. For comparison purposes, films of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a short-chain-length PHA, and polyethylene (PE) were buried together with the PHAMCL films in all three sites. The PHB films disintegrated completely in MS and lost 73.5% of their initial weight in FSst, but only 4.6% in FS suggesting that water movement played a major role in breaking up the brittle PHB films. The PE films did not register any weight loss in any of the test sites.
Anthropogenic impacts on the distribution and biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality of the Langat River, Peninsular Malaysia

Azrina MZ, Yap CK, Rahim Ismail A, Ismail A, Tan SG

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2006 Jul;64(3):337-47.
PMID: 15964072

A study of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the distribution and biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality of the Langat River (Peninsular Malaysia) was conducted. Four pristine stations from the upstream and 4 stations at the downstream receiving anthropogenic impacts were selected along the river. For 4 consecutive months (March-June 1999), based on the Malaysian DOE (Malaysia Environmental Quality Report 2000, Department of Environment, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment Malaysia. Maskha Sdn. Bhd. Kuala Lumpur, 86pp; Malaysia Environmental Quality Report 2001, Department of Environment, Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment Malaysia) water quality index classes, the upstream stations recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher Biological Monitoring Working Party scores and better water quality indices than those of the downstream. The total number of macrobenthic taxa and their overall richness indices and diversity indices were significantly (P<0.05) higher at the upstream stations (54 taxa) than at the downstream stations (5 taxa). The upstream of the Langat River was dominated by Ephemeroptera and chironomid dipterans while other orders found in small quantities included Trichoptera, Diptera, Plecoptera, Odonata, Ephemeraptera, Coleoptera, and Gastropoda. On the other hand, the downstream of the river was mainly inhabited by the resistant Oligochaeta worms Limnodrilus spp. and Branchiodrilus sp. and Hirudinea in small numbers. The relationships between the physicochemical and the macrobenthic data were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis. These statistical analyses showed that the richness and diversity indices were generally influenced by the total suspended solids and the conductivity of the river water. This study also highlighted the impacts of anthropogenic land-based activities such as urban runoff on the distribution and species diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates in the downstream of the Langat River. The data obtained in this study supported the use of the bioindicator concept for Malaysian rivers. Some sensitive (Trichopteran caddisflies and Ephemeraptera) and resistant species (Oligochaeta such as Limnodrilus spp.) are identified as potential bioindicators of clean and polluted river ecosystems, respectively, for Malaysian rivers.
Fulltext Treating hepatitis C in HIV/HCV co-infected patients in Malaysia - the outcomes and challenges

Tan SS, Leong CL, Lee CK

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Oct;70(5):281-7.
PMID: 26556116

BACKGROUND: Co-infection by human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C viruses (HIV/HCV) is common and results in significant morbidity and mortality despite effective antiretroviral therapies (ART).
METHOD: A retrospective and prospective evaluation of the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa 2a/2b plus ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) in consecutive HIV/HCV co-infected patients treated in real life clinical practice in Malaysia.
RESULTS: Forty-five HIV/HCV co-infected patients with a median age (interquartile range, IQR) of 41 years (37; 47) were assessed for treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV. All except one are of male gender and the most common risk behaviour was injecting drug use. At baseline 75.5% was on ART and the median (IQR) CD4 count was 492 cells/μl (376; 621). The HCV genotypes (GT) were 73 % GT3 and 27% GT1. Liver biopsies in forty patients showed 10% had liver cirrhosis and another 50% had significant liver fibrosis. The treatment completion rate was 79.5% with 15.9% dropped out of treatment due to adverse effects (AE) or default and 4.6% due to lack of early virological response. The AE causing premature discontinuations were neuropsychiatric and haematological. The overall sustained virological response (SVR) was 63.6% with a trend towards higher SVR in GT3 compared with GT1 (71.9% vs. 41.7%; p=0.064). In patients with bridging fibrosis plus occasional nodules or cirrhosis on liver biopsy, the SVR was significantly lower at 20% (p=0.030) compared to those with milder fibrosis.
CONCLUSION: HIV/HCV co-infected patients can be successfully and safely treated with PEG-IFN/RBV achieving high rates of SVR except in cirrhotic patients.

Study site: co-infection clinics at Sungai Buloh Hospita
Association among calendar packaging and medication adherence: Findings from a focus group discussion among hypertensive patients in Penang, Malaysia. [Abstract]

Tan BY, Shafie AA, Hassali MA, Saleem F, Kumar R

Value Health, 2015 Nov;18(7):A831.
PMID: 26534439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.09.317

Objectives: Medication adherence to treatment recommendations has major impact on health outcomes. Numerous interventions to improve medication adherence among the patients have been studied in clinical trials, including calendar packaging and patient reminder letters. Therefore, this study is aimed to explore hypertensive patient’s perceptions towards calendar packaging and its impact on medication adherence.
Methods: A qualitative method was adopted, whereby two focus group sessions were conducted among 16 conveniently sampled hypertensive patients from a community based non-governmental organisation in the state of Penang, Malaysia. A pre validated focus group guide was constructed and used for data collection. Collected data was transcribed verbatim and analysed by thematic content analysis to identify the emerging themes.
Results: Each focus group consisted of 8 hypertensive patients. Thematic content analysis resulted into 3 major themes (knowledge and familiarity with the medicines names and their packaging; perception about the packaging and labelling of medicines; knowledge and views of calendar packaging) and each theme was further divided into 2 sub themes. Majority of the hypertensive patients were not familiar with their medication names, however they were able to identify their medications based on the appearance and packaging. Participants agreed that calendar packaging is a great intervention to increase awareness among patients about regular medicine use and increase medication adherence.
Conclusions: The study concluded that hypertensive patients relied on the packaging and labelling on the medications to identify their medications. Thus, packaging and labelling of the medications play an important role in improving medication adherence and reduce medication errors. This finding can help to enhance the drug manufacturers to pay attention on the drug packaging in order to increase medication adherence among the patients.
Gambling Risk Amongst Adolescents: Evidence from a School-Based Survey in the Malaysian Setting

Sheela PS, Choo WY, Goh LY, Tan CP

J Gambl Stud, 2016 Jun;32(2):643-59.
PMID: 26499201 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-015-9577-3

There has been emerging evidence regarding gambling experiences of young people in Asia recently, but to date, none in Malaysia. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gambling, and to identify individual, familial and high-risk behaviours factors among Malaysian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months at randomly selected secondary schools in Seremban in Negeri Sembilan state. A total of 2265 self-administered, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to the students. The students completed the questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic and family background, gambling behaviours, high risk behaviours and mental health questions. Approximately 29.6 % (95 % CI 27.7-31.5) of respondents reported participating in some forms of gambling activities in the previous 12 months. Among these, 3.6 % (95 % CI 2.8-4.3) of them were problem gamblers. Parental gambling was the strongest correlate with adolescent gambling behaviour. Signification association was found between gambling behaviour and gender (being males), but interestingly, not with ethnicity. Adolescents who reported engaging in high risk behaviours (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, involvement in physical fights, illegal vehicular racing) were also more likely to gamble. Gambling is not an uncommon phenomenon amongst Malaysian adolescents. Public awareness campaign, health education to targeted groups, revision of existing laws, and screening at primary care level should be implemented to address the issue of gambling among adolescents. This study also highlights the need to examine the national scope of the problem in Malaysia.
Fulltext Endoscopic transnasal approach to anterior and middle cranial base lesions

Tan SH, Brand Y, Prepageran N, Waran V

Neurol India, 2015 Sep-Oct;63(5):673-80.
PMID: 26448224 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.166539

We present our experience in managing pathologies involving the anterior and middle cranial base using an endoscopic transnasal approach, highlighting the surgical technique, indications, and complications. The different types of endoscopic approaches used include the transtuberculum/transplanum, transcribiform, transsellar, and cavernous sinus approaches. The common indications include repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks (both spontaneous and post traumatic) and excision of pituitary adenomas, meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, esthesioneuroblastomas, and other malignancies of the anterior cranial base. Careful reconstruction is performed with the multilayer technique utilizing fat, fascia lata, and fibrin sealant. The endoscopic transnasal approach, coupled with the present-day sophisticated neuronavigation systems, allows access to lesions in the midline extending from the cribriform plate to the craniovertebral junction. However, preoperative planning and careful selection of cases with evaluation of each case on an individual basis with regard to the lateral extension of the lesion are imperative.
Anticholinergic burden is associated with recurrent and injurious falls in older individuals

Zia A, Kamaruzzaman S, Myint PK, Tan MP

Maturitas, 2016 Feb;84:32-7.
PMID: 26531071 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.10.009

OBJECTIVE: While the anticholinergic activity of medications has been linked to cognitive decline, few studies have linked anticholinergic burden with falls in older people. We evaluated the relationship between anticholinergic burden and recurrent and injurious falls among community-dwelling older adults.
STUDY DESIGN: This case-control study was performed on 428 participants aged ≥65 years, 263 cases with two or more falls or one injurious fall in the preceding 12 months, and 165 controls with no falls in the preceding 12 months. Anticholinergic burden was determined using the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scale. Upper and lower limb functional abilities were assessed with timed up and go (TUG), functional reach (FR) and grip strength (GS). Logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate the mediation effect of TUG, FR and GS on ACB associated falls.
RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between an ACB score of ≥1 with falls (OR, 1.8; 95% CI; 1.1-3.0; p=0.01) and significantly poorer TUG and FR. The association between ACB≥1 and falls was no longer significant after adjustment for either TUG (OR for ACB associated falls, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.88-2.4; p=0.14) or FR (OR for ACB associated falls, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.89-2.4, p=0.12) but remained significant with GS.
CONCLUSION: The association between recurrent and injurious falls and the use of any medications listed in the ACB scale was mediated through gait and balance impairment but not by muscular weakness, providing a novel insight into the potential mechanistic link between ACB and falls. Future studies should determine whether TUG and FR measurements could help inform risk to benefit decisions where ACB medications are being considered.
KEYWORDS: Aged; Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden; Falls; Functional Reach; Scale; Timed up and go
Fulltext A novel gap-PCR with high resolution melting analysis for the detection of α-thalassaemia Southeast Asian and Filipino β°-thalassaemia deletion

Kho SL, Chua KH, George E, Tan JA

Sci Rep, 2015;5:13937.
PMID: 26365497 DOI: 10.1038/srep13937

Homozygosity for the α-thalassaemia Southeast Asian (α-SEA) and Filipino β°-thalassaemia (β-FIL) deletions can cause serious complications leading to foetal death or life-long blood transfusions. A rapid and accurate molecular detection assay is essential in populations where the deletions are common. In this study, gap-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis was developed to detect both the large deletions. Melting curves at 86.9 ± 0.1 °C were generated by normal individuals without the α-SEA deletion, 84.7 ± 0.1 °C by homozygous α-SEA deletion individuals and two melting curves at 84.7 ± 0.1 °C and 86.9 ± 0.1 °C by α-SEA deletion carriers. Normal individuals without the β-FIL deletion produce amplicons with a melting temperature (Tm) at 74.6 ± 0.1 °C, homozygous β-FIL individuals produce amplicons with Tm at 73.6 ± 0.1 °C and heterozygous β-FIL individuals generate two amplicons with Tm at 73.6 ± 0.1 °C and 74.6 ± 0.1 °C. Evaluation using blinded tests on 220 DNA samples showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The developed assays are sensitive and specific for rapid molecular and prenatal diagnosis for the α-SEA and β-FIL deletions.
Fulltext Wound healing properties of ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera in normal human dermal fibroblasts

Gothai S, Arulselvan P, Tan WS, Fakurazi S

J Intercult Ethnopharmacol, 2016;5(1):1-6.
PMID: 27069722 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20160201055629

BACKGROUND/AIM: Wounds are the outcome of injuries to the skin that interrupt the soft tissue. Healing of a wound is a complex and long-drawn-out process of tissue repair and remodeling in response to injury. A large number of plants are used by folklore traditions for the treatment of cuts, wounds and burns. Moringa oleifera (MO) is an herb used as a traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various skin wounds and associated diseases. The underlying mechanisms of wound healing activity of ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves extract are completely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves was investigated for its efficacy on cell viability, proliferation and migration (wound closure rate) in human normal dermal fibroblast cells.

RESULTS: Results revealed that lower concentration (12.5 µg/ml, 25 µg/ml, and 50 µg/ml) of ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves showed remarkable proliferative and migratory effect on normal human dermal fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION: This study suggested that ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves might be a potential therapeutic agent for skin wound healing by promoting fibroblast proliferation and migration through increasing the wound closure rate corroborating its traditional use.
Pharmacological modulation of oncogenic Ras by natural products and their derivatives: Renewed hope in the discovery of novel anti-Ras drugs

Quah SY, Tan MS, Teh YH, Stanslas J

Pharmacol Ther, 2016 06;162:35-57.
PMID: 27016467 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.03.010

Oncogenic rat sarcoma (Ras) is linked to the most fatal cancers such as those of the pancreas, colon, and lung. Decades of research to discover an efficacious drug that can block oncogenic Ras signaling have yielded disappointing results; thus, Ras was considered "undruggable" until recently. Inhibitors that directly target Ras by binding to previously undiscovered pockets have been recently identified. Some of these molecules are either isolated from natural products or derived from natural compounds. In this review, we described the potential of these compounds and other inhibitors of Ras signaling in drugging Ras. We highlighted the modes of action of these compounds in suppressing signaling pathways activated by oncogenic Ras, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. The anti-Ras strategy of these compounds can be categorized into four main types: inhibition of Ras-effector interaction, interference of Ras membrane association, prevention of Ras-guanosine triphosphate (GTP) formation, and downregulation of Ras proteins. Another promising strategy that must be validated experimentally is enhancement of the intrinsic Ras-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity by small chemical entities. Among the inhibitors of Ras signaling that were reported thus far, salirasib and TLN-4601 have been tested for their clinical efficacy. Although both compounds passed phase I trials, they failed in their respective phase II trials. Therefore, new compounds of natural origin with relevant clinical activity against Ras-driven malignancies are urgently needed. Apart from salirasib and TLN-4601, some other compounds with a proven inhibitory effect on Ras signaling include derivatives of salirasib, sulindac, polyamine, andrographolide, lipstatin, levoglucosenone, rasfonin, and quercetin.
Religiosity, dietary habit, intake of fruit and vegetable, and vegetarian status among Seventh-Day Adventists in West Malaysia

Tan MM, Chan CK, Reidpath DD

J Behav Med, 2016 08;39(4):675-86.
PMID: 27010212 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-016-9736-8

Religion has been shown to be salutary on health, and a possible link between religion and positive health outcomes is diet. Research has shown that religiosity is associated with better diet but most studies were conducted in a multi-denominational context, which might be confounded with theological differences. This study examined the relationship between religiosity and diet within a homogenous group of believers. Data from survey of 574 Seventh-Day Adventists residing in West Malaysia, aged 18-80, were analyzed using multiple regressions. While none of the religious variables were significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake, a higher level of religiosity was associated with a better dietary habit and vegetarian status. The mixed relationship between religiosity and diet suggest that further research is needed to explore how religion might influence the diet of adherents.
Fulltext Whole-Genome Sequencing and Comparative Analysis of Mycobacterium brisbanense Reveals a Possible Soil Origin and Capability in Fertiliser Synthesis

Wee WY, Tan TK, Jakubovics NS, Choo SW

PLoS One, 2016;11(3):e0152682.
PMID: 27031249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152682

Mycobacterium brisbanense is a member of Mycobacterium fortuitum third biovariant complex, which includes rapidly growing Mycobacterium spp. that normally inhabit soil, dust and water, and can sometimes cause respiratory tract infections in humans. We present the first whole-genome analysis of M. brisbanense UM_WWY which was isolated from a 70-year-old Malaysian patient. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirmed the identification of this strain as M. brisbanense and showed that it has an unusually large genome compared with related mycobacteria. The large genome size of M. brisbanense UM_WWY (~7.7Mbp) is consistent with further findings that this strain has a highly variable genome structure that contains many putative horizontally transferred genomic islands and prophage. Comparative analysis showed that M. brisbanense UM_WWY is the only Mycobacterium species that possesses a complete set of genes encoding enzymes involved in the urea cycle, suggesting that this soil bacterium is able to synthesize urea for use as plant fertilizers. It is likely that M. brisbanense UM_WWY is adapted to live in soil as its primary habitat since the genome contains many genes associated with nitrogen metabolism. Nevertheless, a large number of predicted virulence genes were identified in M. brisbanense UM_WWY that are mostly shared with well-studied mycobacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium abscessus. These findings are consistent with the role of M. brisbanense as an opportunistic pathogen of humans. The whole-genome study of UM_WWY has provided the basis for future work of M. brisbanense.
Genotyping of microsatellite markers to study genetic structure of the wild striped snakehead Channa striata in Malaysia

Tan MP, Jamsari AF, Siti Azizah MN

J Fish Biol, 2016 May;88(5):1932-48.
PMID: 27027270 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12956

Genetic variability and differences in wild striped snakehead Channa striata from Malaysia were analysed by genotyping nine novel nuclear microsatellite loci. Analysis revealed moderate-to-high genetic diversity in most of the populations, indicative of large effective population sizes. The highly diversified populations are admixed populations and, therefore, can be recommended as potential candidates for selective breeding and conservation since they each contain most of the alleles found in their particular region. Three homogenous groups of the wild populations were identified, apparently separated by effective barriers, in accordance with contemporary drainage patterns. The highest population pairwise FST found between members of the same group reflects the ancient population connectivity; yet prolonged geographical isolation resulted in adaptation of alleles to local contemporary environmental change. A significant relationship between genetic distance and geographical isolation was observed (r = 0·644, P < 0·01). Anthropogenic perturbations indicated apparent genetic proximity between distant populations.
Five-year follow-up study of Monarc transobturator tape for surgical treatment of primary stress urinary incontinence

Lo TS, Jaili S, Tan YL, Wu PY

Int Urogynecol J, 2016 Nov;27(11):1653-1659.
PMID: 27085545

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that transobturator tape (TOT) is safe and efficacious for the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence in the long term.
METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients with confirmed urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) who underwent a Monarc(TM) TOT procedure in a tertiary center between February 2006 and March 2009 without other concurrent surgical procedures. Urodynamics were conducted at 1 and 3 years postoperatively. Subjective evaluation included Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Urinary Distress Inventory Questionnaire (UDI-6), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Objective cure was defined as no urinary leakage demonstrable on provocative filling cystometry and/ or 1-h pad test of <2 g. Subjective cure was based on a negative response to question 3 in UDI-6. Paired-samples t test, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests were applied; p

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