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  1. Use of UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy to monitor label-free interaction between molecular recognition elements and erythropoietin on a gold-coated polycarbonate platform
    Citartan M, Gopinath SC, Tominaga J, Chen Y, Tang TH
    Talanta, 2014 Aug;126:103-9.
    PMID: 24881539 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.03.043
    Label-free-based detection is pivotal for real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions and to eliminate the need for labeling with tags that can occupy important binding sites of biomolecules. One simplest form of label-free-based detection is ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) spectroscopy, which measure changes in reflectivity as a means to monitor immobilization and interaction of biomolecules with their corresponding partners. In biosensor development, the platform used for the biomolecular interaction should be suitable for different molecular recognition elements. In this study, gold (Au)-coated polycarbonate was used as a platform and as a proof-of-concept, erythropoietin (EPO), a doping substance widely abused by the athletes was used as the target. The interaction of EPO with its corresponding molecular recognition elements (anti-EPO monoclonal antibody and anti-EPO DNA aptamer) is monitored by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Prior to this, to show that UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy is a suitable method for measuring biomolecular interaction, the interaction between biotin and streptavidin was demonstrated via this strategy and reflectivity of this interaction decreased by 25%. Subsequent to this, interaction of the EPO with anti-EPO monoclonal antibody and anti-EPO DNA aptamer resulted in the decrease of reflectivity by 5% and 10%, respectively. The results indicated that Au-coated polycarbonate could be an ideal biosensor platform for monitoring biomolecular interactions using UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. A smaller version of the Au-coated polycarbonate substrates can be derived from the recent set-up, to be applied towards detecting EPO abuse among atheletes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Doping in Sports/prevention & control
  2. Fulltext Does the duration of smoking cessation have an impact on hospital admission and health-related quality of life amongst COPD patients?
    Abu Hassan H, Abd Aziz N, Hassan Y, Hassan F
    Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis, 2014;9:493-8.
    PMID: 24868154 DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S56637
    BACKGROUND: Lack of awareness among ex-smokers on the benefits of sustaining smoking cessation may be the main cause of their smoking relapse. This study explored health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and hospital admission amongst chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients according to the duration of smoking cessation.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study recruited COPD patients from a chest clinic who agreed to participate in a medication therapy-adherence program from January to June 2013. They were interviewed during their visits to obtain information regarding their smoking history and HRQoL. They were divided into three groups according to smoking status (sustained quitters, quit ≥5 years; quitters, quit <5 years; and smokers, smoking at least one cigarette/day). The effects of the duration of cessation on HRQoL and hospital admission were analyzed using a multinomial logistic model.
    RESULTS: A total of 117 participants with moderate COPD met the inclusion criteria, who were comprised of 41 sustained quitters, 40 quitters, and 36 smokers. Several features were similar across the groups. Most of them were married elderly men (aged >64 years) with low-to-middle level of education, who smoked more than 33 cigarettes per day and had high levels of adherence to the medication regimen. The results showed that sustained quitters were less likely to have respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm and dyspnea) than smokers (odds ratio 0.02, confidence interval 0-0.12; P<0.001). The hospital admission rate per year was increased in quitters compared to smokers (odds ratio 4.5, confidence interval 1.91-10.59; P<0.005).
    CONCLUSION: A longer duration of quitting smoking will increase the benefits to COPD patients, even if they experience increased episodic respiratory symptoms in the early period of the cessation. Thus, the findings of this study show the benefits of early smoking cessation.
    KEYWORDS: HRQoL; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); hospital admission and hospital stay
    Study site: Chest Clinic, Hospital Melaka, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/prevention & control*
  3. Fulltext A workplace email-linked website intervention for modifying cancer-related dietary and lifestyle risk factors: rationale, design and baseline findings
    Ang YK, Mirnalini K, Zalilah MS
    Malays J Nutr, 2013 Apr;19(1):37-51.
    PMID: 24800383 MyJurnal
    Introduction: The use of email and website as channels for workplace health
    information delivery is not fully explored. This study aims to describe the
    rationale, design, and baseline findings of an email-linked website intervention
    to improve modifiable cancer risk factors. Methods: Employees of a Malaysian
    public university were recruited by systematic random sampling and randomised
    into an intervention (n=174) or control group (n=165). A website was developed
    for the intervention and educational modules were uploaded onto the website.
    The intervention group received ten consecutive weekly emails with hypertext
    links to the website for downloading the modules and two individual phone
    calls as motivational support whilst the control group received none. Diet,
    lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, psychosocial factors and stages of change
    related to dietary fat, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity were
    assessed. Results: Participants were predominantly female and in non-academic
    positions. Obesity was prevalent in 15% and 37% were at risk of co-morbidities.
    Mean intake of fats was 31%, fruit was ~1 serving/day and vegetable was <1
    serving/day. Less than 20% smoked and drank alcohol and about 40% were
    physically inactive. The majority of the participants fell into the Preparation
    stage for decreasing fat intake, eating more fruit and vegetables, and increasing
    physical activity. Self-efficacy and perceived benefits were lowest among participants in the Precontemplation/Contemplation stage compared to the Preparation
    and Action/Maintenance stages. Conclusion: Baseline data show that dietary and
    lifestyle practices among the employees did not meet the international guidelines
    for cancer prevention. Hence the findings warrant the intervention planned.
    Keywords: Cancer, risk factors, email, website, worksite
    Matched MeSH terms: Neoplasms/prevention & control*
  4. The impact of capsaicin intake on risk of developing gastric cancers: a meta-analysis
    Pabalan N, Jarjanazi H, Ozcelik H
    J Gastrointest Cancer, 2014 Sep;45(3):334-41.
    PMID: 24756832 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-014-9610-2
    BACKGROUND: Reported associations of capsaicin with gastric cancer development have been conflicting. Here, we examine 10 published articles that explore these associations using 2,452 cases and 3,996 controls.

    METHODS: We used multiple search strategies in MEDLINE through PubMed to seek for suitable articles that had case-control design with gastric cancer as outcome.

    RESULTS: The outcomes of our study shows protection (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, P = 0.003) and susceptibility (OR 1.94, P = 0.0004), both significant with low and medium-high intake of capsaicin, respectively, although under relatively heterogeneous conditions (P(heterogeneity) = <0.0001). Outlier analysis resulted in loss of overall heterogeneity (P = 0.14) without affecting the pooled ORs. Among the subgroups, low intake elicited protection in both Korean (OR 0.37) and Mexican (OR 0.63) populations while high intake rendered these subgroups susceptible (OR 2.96 and OR 1.57, respectively). These subgroup values were highly significant (P = 0.0001-0.01) obtained in heterogeneous conditions (P(heterogeneity) 

    Matched MeSH terms: Stomach Neoplasms/prevention & control
  5. Fulltext Lixisenatide treatment improves glycaemic control in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin with or without sulfonylurea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week trial (GetGoal-M-Asia)
    Yu Pan C, Han P, Liu X, Yan S, Feng P, Zhou Z, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Res Rev, 2014 Nov;30(8):726-35.
    PMID: 24639432 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.2541
    BACKGROUND: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the once-daily glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, lixisenatide, in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin ± sulfonylurea.
    METHODS: In this 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study, patients were randomized to lixisenatide 20 µg once daily or placebo. The primary endpoint was absolute change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ) from baseline to week 24.
    RESULTS: A total of 391 patients were randomized. Lixisenatide significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared with placebo (LS mean difference: -0.36%, p = 0.0004). A significantly higher proportion of lixisenatide-treated patients achieved HbA1c targets of <7% (p = 0.003) and ≤6.5% (p = 0.001) versus placebo. Lixisenatide was associated with a statistically significant reduction in 2-h postprandial plasma glucose after a standardized breakfast versus placebo (LS mean difference: -4.28 mmol/L, p controlled on metformin ± sulfonylurea, lixisenatide significantly improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated during the 24-week study.
    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01169779.
    KEYWORDS: Asia; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists; lixisenatide; type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
    Matched MeSH terms: Hyperglycemia/prevention & control*
  6. Fulltext Ardisia crispa roots inhibit cyclooxygenase and suppress angiogenesis
    Hamsin DE, Hamid RA, Yazan LS, Taib CN, Yeong LT
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2014;14:102.
    PMID: 24641961 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-102
    In our previous studies conducted on Ardisia crispa roots, it was shown that Ardisia crispa root inhibited inflammation-induced angiogenesis in vivo. The present study was conducted to identify whether the anti-angiogenic properties of Ardisia crispa roots was partly due to either cyclooxygenase (COX) or/and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity inhibition in separate in vitro studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neovascularization, Pathologic/prevention & control*
  7. Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction reduced plasma homocysteine and heart oxidative stress in rats fed with a high-methionine diet
    Norsidah KZ, Asmadi AY, Azizi A, Faizah O, Kamisah Y
    J Physiol Biochem, 2013 Sep;69(3):441-9.
    PMID: 23208529 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-012-0226-3
    Oxidative stress contributes to cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to study the effects of palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on plasma homocysteine and cardiac oxidative stress in rats fed with a high-methionine diet. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The first group was the control. Groups 2-6 were fed 1% methionine diet for 10 weeks. From week 6 onward, folate (8 mg/kg diet) or palm TRF (30, 60 and 150 mg/kg diet) was added into the diet of groups 3, 4, 5 and 6. The rats were then killed. Palm TRF at 150 mg/kg and folate supplementation prevented the increase in plasma total homocysteine (4.14 ± 0.33 and 4.30 ± 0.26 vs 5.49 ± 0.25 mmol/L, p < 0.05) induced by a high-methionine diet. The increased heart thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in rats fed with high-methionine diet was also prevented by the supplementations of palm TRF (60 and 150 mg/kg) and folate. The high-methionine group had a lower glutathione peroxidase activity (49 ± 3 vs 69 ± 4 pmol/mg protein/min) than the control group. This reduction was reversed by palm TRF at 60 and 150 mg/kg diet (p < 0.05), but not by folate. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were unaffected by both methionine and vitamin supplementations. In conclusion, palm TRF was comparable to folate in reducing high-methionine diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress in the rats' hearts. However, palm TRF was more effective than folate in preserving the heart glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hyperhomocysteinemia/prevention & control*
  8. Protective role of pectin against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress in rats
    Koriem KM, Fathi GE, Salem HA, Akram NH, Gamil SA
    Toxicol. Mech. Methods, 2013 May;23(4):263-72.
    PMID: 23193971 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2012.748857
    Cadmium has been classified as an environmental pollutant and human carcinogen. Pectin is a family of complex polysaccharides that function as hydrating agents and cementing materials for the cellulosic network. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of pectin against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. Groups 1 and 2 were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) saline (1 mg/kg) and pectin (50 mg/kg), respectively, two days/weeks over three weeks period. Groups 3-5 were injected i.p. with 1 mg/kg cadmium two days/week while groups 4 and 5 co-administrated i.p. with 25 and 50 mg/kg pectin, respectively, three days/week over three weeks period. The results of the present work revealed that cadmium-exposed rats showed decrease in serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and lactate dehydrogenase. Testicular cholesterol, total protein, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and reduced glutathione levels were also decreased while testicular malondialdehyde level was increased after cadmium injection. On the other hand, serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, sex hormone binding globulin and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were increased after cadmium exposure. Cadmium also induced sperms loss. Co-administration of pectin with cadmium restores all the above parameters and sperms to the normal levels where pectin at higher dose was more effective than lower one. These results were supported by histochemical investigations. In conclusion, pectin can counteract the testicular toxicity and oxidative stress induced by cadmium and the effect was dose-dependent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Testicular Diseases/prevention & control*
  9. Fulltext In vitro and in vivo effects of standardized extract and fractions of Phaleria macrocarpa fruits pericarp on lead carbohydrate digesting enzymes
    Ali RB, Atangwho IJ, Kuar N, Ahmad M, Mahmud R, Asmawi MZ
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013;13:39.
    PMID: 23425283 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-39
    One vital therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus is the use of agents that can decrease postprandial hyperglycaemia by inhibiting carbohydrate digesting enzymes. The present study investigated the effects of bioassay-guided extract and fractions of the dried fruit pericarp of Phaleria macrocarpa, a traditional anti-diabetic plant, on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, in a bid to understand their anti-diabetic mechanism, as well as their possible attenuation action on postprandial glucose increase.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hyperglycemia/prevention & control*
  10. Predictors of thickened carotid intima media thickness among well controlled lupus nephritis patients in a Malaysian tertiary centre
    Shaharir SS, Mohamed Said MS, Kong NC
    Reumatismo, 2012;64(6):341-9.
    PMID: 23285477 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2012.341
    OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of thickened carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and its associated risk factors in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) who were in remission.
    METHODS: This was a cross sectional study in which consecutive LN patients who were in remission and attending our Nephrology/SLE Clinic were included. Their demographic profile, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and treatment medications were evaluated by clinical interview and review of medical records. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was measured using B Mode carotid ultrasonography. CIMT was considered to be abnormally thickened if it exceeded the 75th percentile matched for age-and sex-matched normal controls. The associated factors for thickened CIMT were examined.
    RESULTS: A total of 39 patients with a mean remission duration of 29 ± 24.3 months and on a mean prednisolone dose of 9.10 ± 7.83 mg daily completed the study. Six patients (15.4%) had thickened CIMT. On univariate analysis, male gender, patient age, older age at diagnosis, higher serum CRP levels, greater proteinuria and higher mean cumulative azathioprine dose were associated with thickened CIMT (P<0.05). Lower mean cumulative doses of cyclosporine A (CyA) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) (P<0.05) each were associated with thickened CIMT. Using regression analysis, the associated factors of CIMT were older age at diagnosis and proteinuria.
    CONCLUSIONS: Lupus factors particularly age at diagnosis and proteinuria were the associated factors of thickened CIMT. Larger prospective trials are indicated to confirm our findings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Atherosclerosis/prevention & control
  11. Pre-emptive intraperitoneal local anaesthesia: an effective method in immediate post-operative pain management and metabolic stress response in laparoscopic appendicectomy, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
    Thanapal MR, Tata MD, Tan AJ, Subramaniam T, Tong JM, Palayan K, et al.
    ANZ J Surg, 2014 Jan-Feb;84(1-2):47-51.
    PMID: 23057502 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2012.06210.x
    Although laparoscopic surgeries are associated with reduced surgical stress response and shortened post-operative recovery, intense pain and high analgesia requirements in the immediate post-operative period are often the chief complaints.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control*
  12. Therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
    Sharifudin SA, Fakurazi S, Hidayat MT, Hairuszah I, Moklas MA, Arulselvan P
    Pharm Biol, 2013 Mar;51(3):279-88.
    PMID: 23043505 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2012.720993
    Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a rich source of essential minerals and antioxidants; it has been used in human and animal nutrition. The leaves and flowers are being used by the population with great dietary importance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Drug-Induced Liver Injury/prevention & control*
  13. Fulltext Glucan-rich polysaccharides from Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer prevents glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and inflammation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet
    Kanagasabapathy G, Kuppusamy UR, Abd Malek SN, Abdulla MA, Chua KH, Sabaratnam V
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2012;12:261.
    PMID: 23259700 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-261
    BACKGROUND: Pleurotus sajor-caju (P. sajor-caju) has been extremely useful in the prevention of diabetes mellitus due to its low fat and high soluble fiber content for thousands of years. Insulin resistance is a key component in the development of diabetes mellitus which is caused by inflammation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vivo efficacy of glucan-rich polysaccharide of P. sajor-caju (GE) against diabetes mellitus and inflammation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet.
    METHODS: Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6J mice by feeding a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly assigned to 7 groups (n=6 per group). The control groups in this study were ND (for normal diet) and HFD (for high-fat diet). The treated groups were ND240 (for normal diet) (240 mg/kg b.w) and HFD60, HFD120 and HFD240 (for high-fat), where the mice were administrated with three dosages of GE (60, 120, 240 mg GE/kg b.w respectively). Metformin (2 mg/kg b.w) served as positive control. The glucose tolerance test, glucose and insulin levels were measured at the end of 16 weeks. Expressions of genes for inflammatory markers, GLUT-4 and adiponectin in the adipose tissue of the mice were assessed. One-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests (DMRT) were used to determine the significant differences between groups.
    RESULTS: GE treated groups improved the glucose tolerance, attenuated hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in the mice by up-regulating the adiponectin and GLUT-4 gene expressions. The mice in GE treated groups did not develop insulin resistance. GE also down-regulated the expression of inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, SAA2, CRP and MCP-1) via attenuation of nuclear transcription factors (NF-κB).
    CONCLUSION: Glucan-rich polysaccharide of P. sajor-caju can serve as a potential agent for prevention of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and inflammation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Glucose Intolerance/prevention & control*
  14. Anti-obesity effects of galangin, a pancreatic lipase inhibitor in cafeteria diet fed female rats
    Kumar S, Alagawadi KR
    Pharm Biol, 2013 May;51(5):607-13.
    PMID: 23363068 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2012.757327
    Context: Alpinia galanga Willd (Zingiberaceae) (AG) is a rhizomatous herb widely cultivated in shady regions of Malaysia, India, Indochina and Indonesia. It is used in southern India as a domestic remedy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, cough, asthma, obesity, diabetes, etc. It was reported to have anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties.

    Objective: A flavonol glycoside, galangin, was isolated from AG rhizomes. Based on its in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect, the study was further aimed to clarify whether galangin prevented obesity induced in female rats by feeding cafeteria diet (CD) for 6 weeks.

    Materials and methods: The in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect of galangin was determined by measuring the release of oleic acid from triolein. For in vivo experiments, female albino rats were fed CD with or without 50 mg/kg galangin for 6 weeks. Body weight and food intake was measured at weekly intervals. On day 42, serum lipids levels were estimated and then the weight of liver and parametrial adipose tissue (PAT) was determined. The liver lipid peroxidation and triglyceride (TG) content was also estimated.

    Results: The IC50 value of galangin for pancreatic lipase was 48.20 mg/mL. Galangin produced inhibition of increased body weight, energy intake and PAT weight induced by CD. In addition, galangin produced a significant decrease in serum lipids, liver weight, lipid peroxidation and accumulation of hepatic TGs.

    Conclusion: Galangin present in AG rhizomes produces anti-obesity effects in CD-fed rats; this may be mediated through its pancreatic lipase inhibitory, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/prevention & control*
  15. Early detection and prevention of domestic violence using the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) in primary health care clinics in Malaysia
    Wong YL, Othman S
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2008;20(2):102-16.
    PMID: 19124304 DOI: 10.1177/1010539507311899
    Despite being an emergent major public health problem, little research has been done on domestic violence from the perspectives of early detection and prevention. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to identify domestic violence among female adult patients attending health centers at the primary care level and to determine the relationship between social correlates of adult patients and domestic violence screening and subsequent help/health-seeking behavior if abused. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 710 female adult patients from 8 health centers in Selangor who matched the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study, using a structured questionnaire that included adaptation of a validated 8-item Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). Statistical tests showed significant differences in ethnicity, income, and education between those screened positive and those screened negative for domestic violence. Of the participants, 92.4% reported that during consultations, doctors had never asked them whether they were abused by their husband/partner. Yet, 67.3% said they would voluntarily tell the doctor if they were abused by their husband/partner. The findings indicate that primary care has an important role in identifying domestic violence by applying the WAST screening tool, or an appropriate adaptation, with women patients during routine visits to the various health centers. Such assessment for abuse could be secondary prevention for the abused women, but more important, it will serve as primary prevention for nonabused women. This approach not only will complement the existing 1-stop crisis center policy by the Ministry of Health that copes with crisis intervention but also will spearhead efforts toward prevention of domestic violence in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spouse Abuse/prevention & control*
  16. Non-cardiac chest pain: prevalence of reflux disease and response to acid suppression in an Asian population
    Mohd H, Qua CS, Wong CH, Azman W, Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2009 Feb;24(2):288-93.
    PMID: 19054255 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05702.x
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease is thought to be the commonest cause of 'non-cardiac chest pain'. The use of proton-pump inhibitors resulting in improvement in the chest pain symptom would support this causal association.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chest Pain/prevention & control*
  17. User-driven health care: answering multidimensional information needs in individual patients utilizing post-EBM approaches: an operational model
    Biswas R, Maniam J, Lee EW, Gopal P, Umakanth S, Dahiya S, et al.
    J Eval Clin Pract, 2008 Oct;14(5):750-60.
    PMID: 19018906 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2008.00997.x
    The hypothesis in the conceptual model was that a user-driven innovation in presently available information and communication technology infrastructure would be able to meet patient and health professional users information needs and help them attain better health outcomes. An operational model was created to plan a trial on a sample diabetic population utilizing a randomized control trial design, assigning one randomly selected group of diabetics to receive electronic information intervention and analyse if it would improve their health outcomes in comparison with a matched diabetic population who would only receive regular medical intervention. Diabetes was chosen for this particular trial, as it is a major chronic illness in Malaysia as elsewhere in the world. It is in essence a position paper for how the study concept should be organized to stimulate wider discussion prior to beginning the study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/prevention & control
  18. Short-term effect of atorvastatin on endothelial function in healthy offspring of parents with type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Amudha K, Choy AM, Mustafa MR, Lang CC
    Cardiovasc Ther, 2008;26(4):253-61.
    PMID: 19035876 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5922.2008.00064.x
    Endothelial function is impaired in healthy subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We investigated whether endothelial dysfunction can be normalized by statin therapy in this potentially predisposed population. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured in 56 first-degree relatives (FDRs) (normotensive, normal glucose tolerance) and 20 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched controls with no family history of DM. Other measurements included insulin resistance index using the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)), plasma lipids, and markers of inflammation. The FDRs were then randomized and treated with atorvastatin (80 mg) or placebo daily in a 4-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The FDRs had significantly impaired FMD (4.4 +/- 8.1% vs. 13.0 +/- 4.2%; P < 0.001), higher HOMA(IR) (1.72 +/- 1.45 vs. 1.25 +/- 0.43; P = 0.002), and elevated levels of plasma markers of inflammation-highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (2.6 +/- 3.8 mg/L vs. 0.7 +/- 1.0 mg/L; P = 0.06), interleukin (IL)-6 (0.07 +/- 0.13 ng/mL vs. 0.03 +/- 0.01 ng/mL; P < 0.001), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) (267.7 +/- 30.7 ng/mL vs. 238.2 +/- 20.4 ng/mL; P < 0.001). FMD improved in the atorvastatin-treated subjects when compared with the placebo-treated subjects (atorvastatin, from 3.7 +/- 8.5% to 9.8 +/- 7.3%; placebo, from 3.9 +/- 5.6% to 4.7 +/- 4.2%; P = 0.001). There were also reductions in the levels of IL-6 (0.08 +/- 0.02 ng/mL vs. 0.04 +/- 0.01 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and hsCRP (3.0 +/- 3.9 mg/L vs. 1.0 +/- 1.3 mg/L; P = 0.006). Our study suggests that treatment with atorvastatin may improve endothelial function and decrease levels of inflammatory markers in FDRs of type 2 DM patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/prevention & control*
  19. Moringa oleifera Lam prevents acetaminophen induced liver injury through restoration of glutathione level
    Fakurazi S, Hairuszah I, Nanthini U
    Food Chem Toxicol, 2008 Aug;46(8):2611-5.
    PMID: 18514995 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.04.018
    Initiation of acetaminophen (APAP) toxicities is believed to be promoted by oxidative stress during the event of overdosage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective action of Moringa oleifera Lam (MO), an Asian plant of high medicinal value, against a single high dose of APAP. Groups of five male Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-administered with MO (200 and 800 mg/kg) prior to a single dose of APAP (3g/kg body weight; p.o). Silymarin was used as an established hepatoprotective drug against APAP induced liver injury. The hepatoprotective activity of MO extract was observed following significant histopathological analysis and reduction of the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in groups pretreated with MO compared to those treated with APAP alone. Meanwhile, the level of glutathione (GSH) was found to be restored in MO-treated animals compared to the groups treated with APAP alone. These observations were comparable to the group pretreated with silymarin prior to APAP administration. Group that was treated with APAP alone exhibited high level of transaminases and ALP activities besides reduction in the GSH level. The histological hepatocellular deterioration was also evidenced. The results from the present study suggested that the leaves of MO can prevent hepatic injuries from APAP induced through preventing the decline of glutathione level.
    Matched MeSH terms: Drug-Induced Liver Injury/prevention & control*
  20. Toxoplasma gondii: serological characterization and immunogenicity of recombinant surface antigen 2 (SAG2) expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris
    Lau YL, Fong MY
    Exp Parasitol, 2008 Jul;119(3):373-8.
    PMID: 18457835 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.03.016
    The full length surface antigen 2 (SAG2) gene of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was cloned and intracellularly expressed in the Pichia pastoris expression system. The molecular weight of the expressed recombinant SAG2 (36 kDa) was much larger than the native SAG2 (22 kDa). This discrepancy in size was due to hyperglycosylation, as deglycosylation assay reduced the size of the recombinant SAG2 to 22 kDa. Despite being hyperglycosylated, the recombinant SAG2 reacted strongly with pooled anti-Toxoplasma human serum, pooled anti-Toxoplasma mouse serum and a SAG2-specific monoclonal antibody. The glycosylated recombinant SAG2 was further evaluated in Western blot and in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using 80 human serum samples, including confirmed early acute (IgM positive, IgG negative; n=20), acute (IgM positive, IgG positive; n=20) and chronic (IgM negative, IgG positive; n=20) toxoplasmosis patients, and toxoplasmosis negative control patients (n=20). Results of the Western blot showed that the recombinant SAG2 reacted with all 60 samples of the toxoplasmosis cases but not with the Toxoplasma-negative samples. The sensitivity of in-house ELISA was 80%, 95% and 100% for early acute, acute and chronic patients' serum samples, respectively. Vaccination study showed that serum from mice immunised with the glycosylated recombinant SAG2 reacted specifically with the native SAG2 of T. gondii. The mice were significantly protected against lethal challenge with live T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites (P<0.01) and their survival time was increased compared to controls. Therefore, the present study shows that the P. pastoris-derived recombinant SAG2 was specific and suitable for use as antigen for detecting anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. The vaccination study showed that recombinant SAG2 protein was immunoprotective in mice against lethal challenge.
    Matched MeSH terms: Toxoplasmosis, Animal/prevention & control
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