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Functional properties and utilization of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam seed starch from new species in China

Zhang Y, Hu M, Zhu K, Wu G, Tan L

Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Feb;107(Pt B):1395-1405.
PMID: 29017887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.10.001

Jackfruit is now receiving extensive attention as a new source of starch. However, jackfruit seeds are discarded as waste, although they are rich in starch. The functional properties of the starches were investigated from new Chinese jackfruit species. All the starches have a high amylose (26.56-38.34%) with a potential to become functional foods rich in resistant starch. The jackfruit starches varied from trigonal and tetragonal, round to semi-oval/bell shapes and showed significant variations in particle sizes (5.53-14.46μm). These variations led to significant differences in their functional properties, and significant correlations were found in their pasting, thermal, crystal and texture parameters. Hierarchical cluster analysis sorted the samples into three groups of 1) Malaysia 8 (M8) and ZhenZhu (ZZ); 2) Malaysia 2, Malaysia 3 and Malaysia 4, (M2, M3, M4); and 3) Xiangyinsuo 11, Xiangyinsuo 4, Xiangyinsuo 3 and Xiangyinsuo 2 (X11, X4, X3, X2). The first group could be used as food thickening or gelling agents. The second group could be applied in glutinous foods. The third group make them suitable for fillings in confectionery or weaning foods.
Transformational leadership, empowerment, and job satisfaction: the mediating role of employee empowerment

Choi SL, Goh CF, Adam MB, Tan OK

Hum Resour Health, 2016 Dec 01;14(1):73.
PMID: 27903294

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have revealed that nursing staff turnover remains a major problem in emerging economies. In particular, nursing staff turnover in Malaysia remains high due to a lack of job satisfaction. Despite a shortage of healthcare staff, the Malaysian government plans to create 181 000 new healthcare jobs by 2020 through the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). This study investigated the causal relationships among perceived transformational leadership, empowerment, and job satisfaction among nurses and medical assistants in two selected large private and public hospitals in Malaysia. This study also explored the mediating effect of empowerment between transformational leadership and job satisfaction.
METHODS: This study used a survey to collect data from 200 nursing staff, i.e., nurses and medical assistants, employed by a large private hospital and a public hospital in Malaysia. Respondents were asked to answer 5-point Likert scale questions regarding transformational leadership, employee empowerment, and job satisfaction. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the measurement models and to estimate parameters in a path model. Statistical analysis was performed to examine whether empowerment mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and job satisfaction.
RESULTS: This analysis showed that empowerment mediated the effect of transformational leadership on the job satisfaction in nursing staff. Employee empowerment not only is indispensable for enhancing job satisfaction but also mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and job satisfaction among nursing staff.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research contribute to the literature on job satisfaction in healthcare industries by enhancing the understanding of the influences of empowerment and transformational leadership on job satisfaction among nursing staff. This study offers important policy insight for healthcare managers who seek to increase job satisfaction among their nursing staff.
Fulltext Optimization of enzymatic esterification of dihydrocaffeic acid with hexanol in ionic liquid using response surface methodology

Gholivand S, Lasekan O, Tan CP, Abas F, Wei LS

Chem Cent J, 2017 May 26;11(1):44.
PMID: 29086827 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-017-0276-2

BACKGROUND: Developing an efficient lipophilization reaction system for phenolic derivatives could enhance their applications in food processing. Low solubility of phenolic acids reduces the efficiency of phenolic derivatives in most benign enzyme solvents. The conversion of phenolic acids through esterification alters their solubility and enhances their use as food antioxidant additives as well as their application in cosmetics.
RESULTS: This study has shown that lipase-catalyzed esterification of dihydrocaffeic acid with hexanol in ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide) was the best approach for esterification reaction. In order to achieve the maximum yield, the process was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on a five-level and four independent variables such as: dosage of enzyme; hexanol/dihydrocaffeic acid mole ratio; temperature and reaction time. The optimum esterification condition (Y = 84.4%) was predicted to be obtained at temperature of 39.4 °C, time of 77.5 h dosage of enzyme at 41.6% and hexanol/dihydrocaffeic acid mole ratio of 2.1.
CONCLUSION: Finally, this study has produced an efficient enzymatic esterification method for the preparation of hexyl dihydrocaffeate in vitro using a lipase in an ionic liquid system. Concentration of hexanol was the most significant (p
Behavioural modification framework to address wastage in household electricity consumption

Cheah SKA, Yeow PHP, Nair SR, Tan FB

Ergonomics, 2018 May;61(5):627-643.
PMID: 29092687 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1397200

Household electricity wastage poses a sustainability issue. Ergonomic interventions that prevent wastage through technological innovations are expensive and complex, making consumers unwilling to adopt them. The study aimed to investigate the motivations and impediments in avoiding electricity wastage. Thirteen Repertory Grid interviews were conducted on household electricity users relating to the behaviour of those living with them. The key motivational themes found were altruistic and egoistic reasons while the impediments were perceived behavioural control, hedonism and self-efficacy. Based on the research findings, a behavioural modification framework was developed to encourage consumers to adopt a higher level of responsible electricity practice through the following suggested interventions - (1) reframing sustainability from 'future-for-others' to 'present-for-us', (2) clarifying responsible consumption and (3) performance feedback. The research identified the key motivations and impediments of being a responsible household electricity user and provided a framework to encourage a higher responsibility level. Practitioner Summary: Household electricity wastage poses sustainability issue: excess CO2 & high costs. We developed a mindset changing behavioural modification framework. We investigated HFE issues: motivations & impediments of avoiding the wastage, i.e. altruistic, egoistic, behavioural control, hedonism & self-efficacy. The framework provides governments insights into strategies to address the wastage.
In Vitro Biodegradation of Hepatotoxic Indospicine in Indigofera spicata and Its Degradation Derivatives by Camel Foregut and Cattle Rumen Fluids

Tan ETT, Al Jassim R, D'Arcy BR, Fletcher MT

J Agric Food Chem, 2017 Aug 30;65(34):7528-7534.
PMID: 28787565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b02492

The known accumulation of the hepatotoxin indospicine in tissues of camels and cattle grazing Indigofera pasture plants is unusual in that free amino acids would normally be expected to be degraded during the fermentation processes in these foregut fermenters. In this study, in vitro experiments were carried out to examine the degradability of indospicine of Indigofera spicata by camel and cattle foregut microbiota. In the first experiment, a 48 h in vitro incubation was carried out using foregut fluid samples that were collected from 15 feral camels and also a fistulated cow. Degradability of indospicine ranged between 97% and 99%, with the higher value of 99% for camels. A pooled sample of foregut fluids from three camels that were on a roughage diet was used in a second experiment to examine the time-dependent degradation of indospicine present in the plant materials. Results indicated that camels' foregut fluids have the ability to biodegrade ∼99% of the indospicine in I. spicata within 48 h of incubation and produced 2-aminopimelamic acid and 2-aminopimelic acid. The time-dependent degradation analysis showed rapid indospicine degradation (65 nmol/h) during the first 8-18 h of incubation followed by a slower degradation rate (12 nmol/h) between 18 and 48 h. Indospicine degradation products were also degraded toward the end of the experiment. The results of these in vitro degradation studies suggest that dietary indospicine may undergo extensive degradation in the foregut of the camel, resulting in trace levels after 48 h. The retention time for plant material in the camel foregut varies depending on feed quality, and the results of this study together with the observed accumulation of indospicine in camel tissues suggest that, although indospicine can be degraded by foregut fermentation, this degradation is not complete before the passage of the digesta into the intestine.
Fulltext The Ameliorative Effects of a Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction on the AGE-RAGE Axis and Hypertension in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

Cheng HS, Ton SH, Tan JBL, Abdul Kadir K

Nutrients, 2017 Sep 07;9(9).
PMID: 28880217 DOI: 10.3390/nu9090984

The clinical value of tocotrienols is increasingly appreciated because of the unique therapeutic effects that are not shared by tocopherols. However, their effect on metabolic syndrome is not well-established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil in high-fat-diet-treated rats. Male, post-weaning Sprague Dawley rats were provided high-fat (60% kcal) diet for eight weeks followed by a TRF (60 mg/kg) treatment for another four weeks. Physical, metabolic, and histological changes were compared to those on control and high-fat diets respectively. High-fat feeding for eight weeks induced all hallmarks of metabolic syndrome. The TRF reversed systolic and diastolic hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hepatic steatosis, impaired antioxidant defense, and myeloperoxidase hyperactivity triggered by the high-fat diet. It also conferred an inhibitory effect on protein glycation to reduce glycated hemoglobin A1c and advanced glycation end products (AGE). This was accompanied by the suppression of the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) expression in the liver. The treatment effects on visceral adiposity, glycemic control, triglyceride level, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ expression were negligible. To conclude, treatment with a TRF exhibited protective effects on the cardiovascular and liver health in addition to the amelioration of plasma redox imbalance and AGE-RAGE activation. Further investigation as a therapy for metabolic syndrome is therefore worthwhile.
Fulltext Cardiac Stem Cells for Myocardial Regeneration: They Are Not Alone

Leong YY, Ng WH, Ellison-Hughes GM, Tan JJ

Front Cardiovasc Med, 2017;4:47.
PMID: 28770214 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2017.00047

Heart failure is the number one killer worldwide with ~50% of patients dying within 5 years of prognosis. The discovery of stem cells, which are capable of repairing the damaged portion of the heart, has created a field of cardiac regenerative medicine, which explores various types of stem cells, either autologous or endogenous, in the hope of finding the "holy grail" stem cell candidate to slow down and reverse the disease progression. However, there are many challenges that need to be overcome in the search of such a cell candidate. The ideal cells have to survive the harsh infarcted environment, retain their phenotype upon administration, and engraft and be activated to initiate repair and regeneration in vivo. Early bench and bedside experiments mostly focused on bone marrow-derived cells; however, heart regeneration requires multiple coordinations and interactions between various cell types and the extracellular matrix to form new cardiomyocytes and vasculature. There is an observed trend that when more than one cell is coadministered and cotransplanted into infarcted animal models the degree of regeneration is enhanced, when compared to single-cell administration. This review focuses on stem cell candidates, which have also been tested in human trials, and summarizes findings that explore the interactions between various stem cells in heart regenerative therapy.
Identification of molecular determinants of cell culture growth characteristics of Enterovirus 71

Yee PT, Tan KO, Othman I, Poh CL

Virol J, 2016 11 28;13(1):194.
PMID: 27894305

BACKGROUND: Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) and Coxsackieviruses. EV-A71 infection is associated with high fever, rashes and ulcers but more severe symptoms such as cardiopulmonary failure and death have been reported. The lack of vaccines highlighted the urgency of developing preventive agents against EV-A71. The molecular determinants of virulent phenotypes of EV-A71 is unclear. It remains to be investigated if specific molecular determinants would affect the cell culture growth characteristics of the EV-A71 fatal strain in Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells.
RESULTS: In this study, several genetically modified sub-genotype B4 EV-A71 mutants were constructed by site-directed mutations at positions 158, 475, 486, 487 and 5262 or through partial deletion of the 5'-NTR region (∆ 11 bp from nt 475 to 486) to generate a deletion mutant (PD). EV-A71 mutants 475 and PD caused minimal cytopathic effects, produced lowest viral RNA copy number, viral particles as well as minimal amount of viral protein (VP1) in RD cells when compared to mutants 158, 486, 487 and 5262.
CONCLUSIONS: The molecular determinants of virulent phenotypes of EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 (5865/Sin/000009) were found to differ from the C158 molecular determinant reported for the fatal EV-A71 sub-genotype B1 strain (clinical isolate 237). The site-directed mutations (SDM) introduced at various sites of the cDNA affected growth of the various mutants when compared to the wild type. Lowest viral RNA copy number, minimal number of plaques formed, higher infectious doses required for 50% lethality of RD cells and much reduced VP1 of the EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 genome was attained in mutants carrying SDM at position 475 and through partial deletion of 11 bp at the 5'-NTR region.
Accuracy of Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in detecting autism and other developmental disorders in community clinics

Toh TH, Tan VW, Lau PS, Kiyu A

J Autism Dev Disord, 2018 01;48(1):28-35.
PMID: 28866856 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3287-x

This study determined the accuracy of Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in detecting toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders (DD) in community mother and child health clinics. We analysed 19,297 eligible toddlers (15-36 months) who had M-CHAT performed in 2006-2011. Overall sensitivities for detecting ASD and all DD were poor but better in the 21 to <27 months and 27-36-month age cohorts (54.5-64.3%). Although positive predictive value (PPV) was poor for ASD, especially the younger cohort, positive M-CHAT helped in detecting all DD (PPV = 81.6%). This suggested M-CHAT for screening ASD was accurate for older cohorts (>21 months) and a useful screening tool for all DD.
Safety Evaluation of Sclerotium from a Medicinal Mushroom, Lignosus cameronensis (Cultivar): Preclinical Toxicology Studies

Lee SS, Tan NH, Pailoor J, Fung SY

Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:594.
PMID: 28919858 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00594

Twenty-eight days subacute toxicity studies performed in rats using sclerotial powder of Lignosus cameronensis cultivar was conducted to assess its safety for consumption prior to other scientific investigations on its medicinal benefits, nutraceutical or pharmaceutical application of the mushroom. The study was conducted at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg sclerotial powder of L. cameronensis cultivar (n = 5 for each respective dose, on both male and female groups) while control groups received only distilled water. At the end of the study (29th day), the animals were sacrificed followed by blood and organs collection for analysis. Subacute toxicity studies done shows that sclerotial powder of L. cameronensis cultivar at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg did not induce treatment related changes on behavioral patterns, gross physical appearance, growth pattern, body weight gain, values of hematological and clinical biochemical panels as well as histopathological findings on kidney, spleen, heart, lung and liver of the experimental rats. The no-observed-adverse-effect level dose for sclerotial powder of L. cameronensis cultivar in 28-days sub-acute toxicity study is determined to be 1000 mg/kg.
Fulltext Metastasis within a metastasis to the thyroid: A rare phenomenon

Wong YP, Affandi KA, Tan GC, Muhammad R

Indian J Pathol Microbiol, 2017 9 25;60(3):430-432.
PMID: 28937391 DOI: 10.4103/IJPM.IJPM_287_16

Metastatic disease involving the thyroid gland is uncommon. Solitary thyroid metastases from various primary sites particularly kidney, lung, and breast had been previously described. To the best of our knowledge, metastases from two topographically separate primary malignancies to the thyroid have never been documented hitherto. This is the first reported case of cancer-to-cancer metastasis involving an invasive breast carcinoma metastasized within a metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the nonneoplastic thyroid in a 58-year-old woman. Distinguishing a secondary thyroid metastases from a primary thyroid malignancy is utmost crucial as treatment differs. The possibility of tumor metastases from two separated primaries should always be considered in a tumor exhibiting malignant cell populations with two distinctive histomorphological appearances. The role of immunohistochemistry stains in equivocal cases cannot be overemphasized.
Devosia elaeis sp. nov., isolated from oil palm rhizospheric soil

Mohd Nor MN, Sabaratnam V, Tan GYA

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2017 Apr;67(4):851-855.
PMID: 27902276 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001683

A bacterial isolate, designated strain S37T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). Strain S37T was found to be Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod shaped. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain S37T was most closely related to Devosia albogilva IPL15T (97.3 %), Devosia chinhatensis IPL18T (96.8 %) and Devosia subaequoris HST3-14T (96.5 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 63.0 mol%, and dominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10), and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, glycolipid and phospholipids. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, it is clear that strain S37T represents a novel species of the genus Devosia within the family Hyphomicrobiaceae, for which we propose the name Devosia elaeis sp. nov., with strain S37T (=TBRC 5145T=LMG 29420T) as the type strain.
Corneal Hysteresis Is Reduced in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Nadarajah S, Samsudin A, Ramli N, Tan CT, Mimiwati Z

Optom Vis Sci, 2017 10;94(10):981-985.
PMID: 28858045 DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001117

SIGNIFICANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first time a study looking at the association between corneal hysteresis (CH) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity has been reported. We provide evidence that CH is lower in OSAS and speculate on the possible causes.
PURPOSE: The present study aims to look at the association between CH and severity of OSAS, and whether CH could be another link between OSAS and the development of glaucoma.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study at the University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Patients undergoing polysomnography for assessment of OSAS were recruited. We measured central corneal thickness (CCT) using optical biometry, and CH using ocular response analysis. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and Humphrey visual field (HVF) indices were also measured. The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) divided patients into normal, mild, moderate, and severe OSAS categories. The normal and mild categories (47.9%) were then collectively called group 1, and the moderate and severe categories (52.1%) were called group 2. T tests, Pearson correlation tests, and general linear model analysis were performed, with P .05). CH correlated negatively with AHI (r = -0.229, P = .013) and positively with lowest oxygen saturation (r = 0.213, P = .022).
CONCLUSIONS: CH is lower in moderate/severe OSAS than in normal/mild cases. This may be another link between OSAS and the development of glaucoma; further studies are indicated to determine the significance of this connection.
Fulltext The Impact of Self-Reported Sleep on Caesarean Delivery in Women Undergoing Induction of Labour: A Prospective Study

Teong ACA, Diong AX, Omar SZ, Tan PC

Sci Rep, 2017 09 26;7(1):12339.
PMID: 28951578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12410-7

216 women admitted for labour induction were recruited to evaluate sleep duration and other sleep measures on Caesarean delivery risk. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, International Restless Leg Syndrome, Insomnia Symptom Questionnaires were applied. Short sleep duration was defined as reported night sleep length in the previous month below the study population median of 6 hours. After binomial analysis, Caesarean delivery after labour induction is associated with short sleep duration (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9, P = 0.018), nulliparity, Bishop Score, prepregnant BMI and birth weight at P
Fulltext Improved Range Estimation Model for Three-Dimensional (3D) Range Gated Reconstruction

Chua SY, Guo N, Tan CS, Wang X

Sensors (Basel), 2017 Sep 05;17(9).
PMID: 28872589 DOI: 10.3390/s17092031

Accuracy is an important measure of system performance and remains a challenge in 3D range gated reconstruction despite the advancement in laser and sensor technology. The weighted average model that is commonly used for range estimation is heavily influenced by the intensity variation due to various factors. Accuracy improvement in term of range estimation is therefore important to fully optimise the system performance. In this paper, a 3D range gated reconstruction model is derived based on the operating principles of range gated imaging and time slicing reconstruction, fundamental of radiant energy, Laser Detection And Ranging (LADAR), and Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF). Accordingly, a new range estimation model is proposed to alleviate the effects induced by distance, target reflection, and range distortion. From the experimental results, the proposed model outperforms the conventional weighted average model to improve the range estimation for better 3D reconstruction. The outcome demonstrated is of interest to various laser ranging applications and can be a reference for future works.
Fulltext Advances in the study of nodavirus

Yong CY, Yeap SK, Omar AR, Tan WS

PeerJ, 2017;5:e3841.
PMID: 28970971 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3841

Nodaviruses are small bipartite RNA viruses which belong to the family of Nodaviridae. They are categorized into alpha-nodavirus, which infects insects, and beta-nodavirus, which infects fishes. Another distinct group of nodavirus infects shrimps and prawns, which has been proposed to be categorized as gamma-nodavirus. Our current review focuses mainly on recent studies performed on nodaviruses. Nodavirus can be transmitted vertically and horizontally. Recent outbreaks have been reported in China, Indonesia, Singapore and India, affecting the aquaculture industry. It also decreased mullet stock in the Caspian Sea. Histopathology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to examine the presence of nodaviruses in infected fishes and prawns. For classification, virus isolation followed by nucleotide sequencing are required. In contrast to partial sequence identification, profiling the whole transcriptome using next generation sequencing (NGS) offers a more comprehensive comparison and characterization of the virus. For rapid diagnosis of nodavirus, assays targeting the viral RNA based on reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) such as microfluidic chips, reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and RT-LAMP coupled with lateral flow dipstick (RT-LAMP-LFD) have been developed. Besides viral RNA detections, diagnosis based on immunological assays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunodot and Western blotting have also been reported. In addition, immune responses of fish and prawn are also discussed. Overall, in fish, innate immunity, cellular type I interferon immunity and humoral immunity cooperatively prevent nodavirus infections, whereas prawns and shrimps adopt different immune mechanisms against nodavirus infections, through upregulation of superoxide anion, prophenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), crustin, peroxinectin, anti-lipopolysaccharides and heat shock proteins (HSP). Potential vaccines for fishes and prawns based on inactivated viruses, recombinant proteins or DNA, either delivered through injection, oral feeding or immersion, are also discussed in detail. Lastly, a comprehensive review on nodavirus virus-like particles (VLPs) is presented. In recent years, studies on prawn nodavirus are mainly focused on Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV). Recombinant MrNV VLPs have been produced in prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems. Their roles as a nucleic acid delivery vehicle, a platform for vaccine development, a molecular tool for mechanism study and in solving the structures of MrNV are intensively discussed.
Fulltext JMJD8 is a novel endoplasmic reticulum protein with a JmjC domain

Yeo KS, Tan MC, Lim YY, Ea CK

Sci Rep, 2017 11 13;7(1):15407.
PMID: 29133832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15676-z

Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing proteins have been shown to regulate cellular processes by hydroxylating or demethylating histone and non-histone targets. JMJD8 belongs to the JmjC domain-only family that was recently shown to be involved in angiogenesis and TNF-induced NF-κB signaling. Here, we employed bioinformatic analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy to examine the physiological properties of JMJD8. We demonstrated that JMJD8 localizes to the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum and that JMJD8 forms dimers or oligomers in vivo. Furthermore, we identified potential JMJD8-interacting proteins that are known to regulate protein complex assembly and protein folding. Taken together, this work demonstrates that JMJD8 is the first JmjC domain-containing protein found in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum that may function in protein complex assembly and protein folding.
Reduced bone mineral density in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals: a meta-analysis of its prevalence and risk factors

Goh SSL, Lai PSM, Tan ATB, Ponnampalavanar S

Osteoporos Int, 2018 03;29(3):595-613.
PMID: 29159533 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-017-4305-8

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in HIV-infected and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated individuals was significantly higher than respective controls. Evidence regarding bone loss within first year of HIV infection or ART initiation was preliminary.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to systematically review published literature on the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and its associated risk factors in HIV-infected individuals.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted from 1989 to 2015 in six databases. Full text, English articles on HIV-infected individuals ≥ 18 years, which used dual X-ray absorptiometry to measure BMD, were included. Studies were excluded if the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis was without a comparison group, and the BMD/T-score were not reported.

RESULTS: Twenty-one cross sectional and eight longitudinal studies were included. The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis was significantly higher in both HIV-infected [odds ratio (OR) = 2.4 (95%Cl: 2.0, 2.8) at lumbar spine, 2.6 (95%Cl: 2.2, 3.0) at hip] and ART-treated individuals [OR = 2.8 (95%Cl: 2.0, 3.8) at lumbar spine, 3.4 (95%Cl: 2.5, 4.7) at hip] when compared to controls. PI-treated individuals had an OR of 1.3 (95%Cl: 1.0, 1.7) of developing osteopenia/osteoporosis compared to controls. A higher proportion of tenofovir-treated individuals (52.6%) had lower BMD compared to controls (42.7%), but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.248). No significant difference was found in the percent change of BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, or total hip from baseline to follow-up between HIV-infected, PI-treated, tenofovir-treated, and controls. Older age, history of bone fracture, low BMI, low body weight, being Hispanic or Caucasian, low testosterone level, smoking, low CD4 cell count, lipodystrophy, low fat mass, and low lean body mass were associated with low BMD.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in HIV-infected and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated individuals was two times more compared to controls. However, evidence concerning bone loss within the first year of HIV infection and ART initiation was preliminary.
Cochlear duct length-one size fits all?

Thong JF, Low D, Tham A, Liew C, Tan TY, Yuen HW

Am J Otolaryngol, 2017 Mar-Apr;38(2):218-221.
PMID: 28139318 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.01.015

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies demonstrated the utility of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans in measuring basal cochlear length and cochlear insertion depths. These studies showed significant variations in the anatomy of the cochlea amongst humans. The aim of our study was to investigate for gender and racial variations in the basal turn length of the human cochlea in an Asian population.

METHOD: HRCT temporal bone data from year 1997 till 2012 of patients with normally developed cochleae who reported with otologic disease was obtained. Reconstruction of the full basal turn was performed for both ears. The largest distance from the midpoint of the round window, through the midmodiolar axis, to the lateral wall was measured (distance A). Length of the lateral wall of the cochlea to the first turn (360°) was calculated and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: HRCT temporal bone data from 161 patients was initially obtained. Four patients were subsequently excluded from the study as they were of various other racial groups. Study group therefore comprised of 157 patients (314 cochleae). Mean distance A was statistically different between the two sides of the ear (right 9.09mm; left 9.06mm; p=0.0069). Significant gender and racial differences were also found. Mean distance A was 9.17mm in males and 8.97mm in females (p=0.0016). The racial groups were Chinese (39%), Malay (38%) and Indian (22%). Between racial groups, mean distance A was 9.11mm (Chinese), 9.11mm (Malays) and 8.99mm (Indians). The mean basal turn lengths ranged from 19.71mm to 25.09mm. With gender factored in, significant variation in mean basal turn lengths was found across all three racial groups (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION: The view of the basal turn of the cochlea from HRCT is simple to obtain and reproducible. This study found significant differences in basal cochlear length amongst male and female Asian patients, as well as amongst various racial groups. This has implications for cochlear electrode insertion as well as electrode array design.
Antidiabetic Properties of the Tiger's Milk Medicinal Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Agaricomycetes), in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Nyam KL, Chow CF, Tan CS, Ng ST

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2017;19(7):607-617.
PMID: 29199582 DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2017021186

Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic efficacy is lacking, the use of the tiger's milk mushroom (TGM; Lignosus rhinocerotis), which is native to tropical areas such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, has been found to contain a very large amount of potential antioxidants. In this study, rats were weighed and then intravenously injected with 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Rats were left for 1 week before blood glucose concentrations were measured to determine the onset of diabetes before the next procedure was conducted. Rats with blood glucose exceeding 7.0 mmol/L were considered diabetic and were included in the experiment. All groups were fed their respective treatments twice daily for 2 months throughout the experiment. Antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of freeze-dried TGM powder, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and catalase (CAT) activities, were investigated in liver samples. The biological compounds present in the freeze-dried TGM powder was found to exhibit antidiabetic properties by significantly reducing elevated blood glucose concentrations to a normal range (3.0-7.0 mmol/L) in Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and increasing the body weight of the rats. Freeze-dried TGM powder was also found to possess antioxidant activity by significantly increasing GSH, CAT, and SOD activities while reducing LPO (P < 0.05). THis study shows that freeze-dried TGM powder exhibits significant antidiabetic properties and may be a potential supplement in ameliorating diabetic complications.

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