Displaying publications 3521 - 3540 of 8213 in total

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  1. γ-aminobutyric acid treatment inhibits browning and promotes storage quality by regulating reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid metabolism in fresh-cut stem lettuce
    Ru X, You W, Zhang J, Xu F, Wu Z, Jin P, et al.
    Food Chem, 2024 Nov 30;459:140420.
    PMID: 39024869 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140420
    The effects of γ-aminobutyric (GABA) on enzymatic browning, storage quality, membrane and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in fresh-cut stem lettuce were investigated. The results illustrated that GABA treatment delayed browning degree, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and the expression of LsPPO. Meanwhile, higher chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents were exhibited in GABA-treated stem lettuce, as well as the slower microbial propagation. Further investigation revealed that exogenous GABA application declined malondialdehyde content, electrolyte leakage and the enzyme activities of membrane metabolism, and the expression levels of related genes were also downregulated. In addition, GABA treatment scavenged ROS and strengthened the enzyme activities of ROS metabolism, as well as the expression levels of corresponding genes. Taken together, these findings implied that the repressed enzymatic browning and microbial propagation in GABA-treated stem lettuce were due to the inhibition of ROS accumulation, enhancement of membrane stability and increased resistance to oxidation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Proteins/genetics
  2. Evaluating Bacillus flexus as bioremediators for ammonia removal in shrimp culture water and wastewater and characterizing microbial communities in shrimp pond sludge
    Jasmin MY, Isa NM, Kamarudin MS, Lim KC, Karim M
    Braz J Microbiol, 2024 Mar;55(1):529-536.
    PMID: 38280093 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01246-9
    The accumulation of nitrogen compounds in shrimp farming water and effluent presents a major challenge. Ammonia is a form of nitrogen that limits shrimp growth due to its potential toxicity and effects on shrimp health and water quality. This study is aimed at identifying promising bioremediators from shrimp pond sludge to mitigate ammonia levels in both culture water and wastewater and at determining major bacterial communities in sludge using metagenomic analysis. A sludge sample was collected from a shrimp pond in Selangor, Malaysia, to isolate potential ammonia-removing bacteria. Out of 64 isolated strains, Bacillus flexus SS2 showed the highest growth in synthetic basal media (SBM) containing ammonium sulfate at a concentration of 70 mg/L as the sole nitrogen source. The strain was then incubated in SBM with varying pH levels and showed optimal growth at pH 6.5-7. After 24 h of incubation, B. flexus SS2 reduced the ammonia concentration from an initial concentration of 5 to 0.01 mg/L, indicating a 99.61% reduction rate, which was highest in SBM at pH 7. Moreover, the strain showed ammonia removal ability at concentrations ranging from 5 to 70 mg/L. Metagenomic analysis revealed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in the sludge, followed by Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloraflexi, Firmicutes, and Campilobacterota. Bacillus flexus SS2 belongs to the Bacillota phylum and has the potential to serve as a bioremediator for removing ammonia from shrimp culture water and wastewater.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria/genetics
  3. Fulltext Epigenetic Biomarkers and the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Opisthorchis viverrini-associated Cholangiocarcinoma: A Scoping Review on Therapeutic Opportunities
    Kafle A, Suttiprapa S, Muhammad M, Tenorio JCB, Mahato RK, Sahimin N, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2024 Sep;18(9):e0012477.
    PMID: 39236081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012477
    BACKGROUND: Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are pivotal in regulating gene expression pathways related to inflammation and cancer. While there is substantial research on epigenetic markers in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), Opisthorchis viverrini-induced cholangiocarcinoma (Ov-CCA) is overlooked as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with limited representation in the literature. Considering the distinct etiological agent, pathogenic mechanisms, and pathological manifestations, epigenetic research plays a pivotal role in uncovering markers and potential targets related to the cancer-promoting and morbidity-inducing liver fluke parasite prevalent in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS). Emerging studies highlight a predominant hypermethylation phenotype in Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) tumor tissues, underscoring the significance of abnormal DNA methylation and histone modifications in genes and their promoters as reliable targets for Ov-CCA.

    PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Relevant published literature was identified by searching major electronic databases using targeted search queries. This process retrieved a total of 81 peer-reviewed research articles deemed eligible for inclusion, as they partially or fully met the pre-defined selection criteria. These eligible articles underwent a qualitative synthesis and were included in the scoping review. Within these, 11 studies specifically explored Ov-CCA tissues to investigate potential epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This subset of 11 articles provided a foundation for exploring the applications of epigenetics-based therapies and biomarkers for Ov-CCA. These articles delved into various epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, and examined genes with aberrant epigenetic changes linked to deregulated signalling pathways in Ov-CCA progression.

    CONCLUSIONS: This review identified epigenetic changes and Wnt/β-catenin pathway deregulation as key drivers in Ov-CCA pathogenesis. Promoter hypermethylation of specific genes suggests potential diagnostic biomarkers and dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin-modulating genes contributes to pathway activation in Ov-CCA progression. Reversible epigenetic changes offer opportunities for dynamic disease monitoring and targeted interventions. Therefore, this study underscores the importance of these epigenetic modifications in Ov-CCA development, suggesting novel therapeutic targets within disrupted signalling networks. However, additional validation is crucial for translating these novel insights into clinically applicable strategies, enhancing personalised Ov-CCA management approaches.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
  4. Targeted therapies in ameloblastomas and amelobastic carcinoma-A systematic review
    Bologna-Molina R, Schuch L, Magliocca K, van Heerden W, Robinson L, Bilodeau EA, et al.
    Oral Dis, 2024 Sep;30(6):3571-3581.
    PMID: 38693620 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14962
    Targeted therapy has the potential to be used in the neoadjuvant setting for odontogenic tumors, reducing the morbidities associated with major surgery. In this regard, the aim of this study was to summarize the current evidence on the different forms of targeted therapy, effectiveness, and drawbacks of this course of treatment. Four databases were searched electronically without regard to publication date or language. Grey literature searches and manual searches were also undertaken. Publications with sufficient clinical data on targeted therapy for odontogenic tumors were required to meet the criteria for eligibility. The analysis of the data was descriptive. A total of 15 papers comprising 17 cases (15 ameloblastomas and 2 ameloblastic carcinomas) were included. Numerous mutations were found, with BRAF V600E being most common. Dabrafenib was the most utilized drug in targeted therapy. Except for one case, the treatment reduced the size of the lesion (16/17 cases), showing promise. Most of the adverse events recorded were mild, such as skin issues, voice changes, abnormal hair texture, dry eyes, and systemic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, joint pain, and nausea). It is possible to reach the conclusion that targeted therapy for ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma may be a useful treatment strategy, based on the findings of the included studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics
  5. RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling of Nile rat livers reveals novel insights on the anti-diabetic mechanisms of Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract
    Leow SS, Khoo JS, Lee WK, Hoh CC, Fairus S, Sambanthamurthi R, et al.
    J Appl Genet, 2024 Dec;65(4):867-895.
    PMID: 38890243 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00880-1
    Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE) has been shown to confer anti-diabetic effects in the Nile rat (NR) (Arvicanthis niloticus). Liquid and powder WSPFE both deterred diabetes onset in NRs fed a high-carbohydrate (hiCHO) diet, but the liquid form provided better protection. In this study, NRs were fed either a hiCHO diet or the same diet added with liquid or powder WSPFE. Following feeding of the diets for 8 weeks, random blood glucose levels were measured to categorize NRs as either diabetes-resistant or diabetes-susceptible, based on a cut-off value of 75 mg/dL. Livers were then obtained for Illumina HiSeq 4000 paired end RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) and the data were mapped to the reference genome. Consistent with physiological and biochemical parameters, the gene expression data obtained indicated that WSPFE was associated with protection against diabetes. Among hepatic genes upregulated by WSPFE versus controls, were genes related to insulin-like growth factor binding protein, leptin receptor, and processes of hepatic metabolism maintenance, while those downregulated were related to antigen binding, immunoglobulin receptor, inflammation- and cancer-related processes. WSPFE supplementation thus helped inhibit diabetes progression in NRs by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing both the inflammatory effects of a hiCHO diet and the related DNA-damage compensatory mechanisms contributing to liver disease progression. In addition, the genetic permissiveness of susceptible NRs to develop diabetes was potentially associated with dysregulated compensatory mechanisms involving insulin signaling and oxidative stress over time. Further studies on other NR organs associated with diabetes and its complications are warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Insulin Resistance/genetics
  6. Genetic microdifferentiation in the Semai Senoi of Malaysia
    Fix AG, Lie-injo LE
    Am J Phys Anthropol, 1975 Jul;43(1):47-55.
    PMID: 1155591
    Blood samples, demographic and cultural data were collected from seven settlements of Semai Senoi, a swidden farming ethnic group of Malaysia. Three genetic loci (ABO blood group, hereditary ovalcytosis, and hemoglobin) were analyzed in a total sample of 546 individuals. These data indicate a considerable degree of genetic microdifferentiation in this area of the Semai distribution. Parent-offspring birthplace data (analyzed by means of a migration matrix) and settlement histories show that settlements are not strongly isolated. Genetic differences in the study area demonstrate a reasonable correspondence with migration and the history of the settlements. Genetic convergence also occurs through the addition of migrant groups to established populations leading to new patterns of marriage between donor and recipient groups. The genetic structure of the total Semai population through time thus comprises a mosaic of shifiting allele frequencies in a series of semi-isolated local populations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetics, Population*
  7. Genetic markers of an aboriginal Taiwanese population
    Chen KH, Cann H, Chen TC, Van West B, Cavalli-Sforza L
    Am J Phys Anthropol, 1985 Mar;66(3):327-37.
    PMID: 3857010
    A group of Taiwan aborigines, the Toroko, was typed for 21 classical genetic loci. This is part of an ongoing program aimed at a comprehensive study of Taiwan aborigines. In this first paper a short summary of historical, archeological, and anthropological data in the literature is made, and results of the present survey are compared with older results from other aborigine tribes. An analysis of other neighboring populations from southeast Asia has also been carried out in order to give a preliminary answer to the question of origin of Taiwanese aborigines. Fifteen populations were studied for 13 loci by tree analysis, principal components, and isolation by distance. Tree analysis and principal component analysis gave results in fairly good agreement and indicate three major population clusters: a northeast cluster (Ainu, Korea, Japan, and Ryukyu); a southeast cluster (south China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, and Toroko); and a third cluster including Malaya and Borneo. The positions of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia are somewhat peripheral. Analysis of the tree shows some potential cases of convergence, perhaps owing to admixture, and of divergence. The analysis of isolation by distance shows that geographic propinquity is a reasonably good predictor of general similarity in this area.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Group Antigens/genetics
  8. Black soybean extract inhibits rat mammary carcinogenesis through BRCA1 and TNF-α expression: In silico and in vivo study
    Pratama DAO, Fernanda A, Raissa R, Permata FS, Nordin ML
    Open Vet J, 2024 Oct;14(10):2678-2686.
    PMID: 39545186 DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i10.17
    BACKGROUND: Mammary gland carcinoma is a malignant type of cancer that occurs in mammae tissue. Dimethylbenzene (α) anthracene (DMBA) is a carcinogenic agent that causes mammary cancer by damaging cellular DNA. Flavonoids found in the black soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) exhibit anti-carcinogenic effects.

    AIM: This study evaluated the anticarcinogenic effects of black soybean extract.

    METHODS: The activity of flavonoid compounds in black soybean was determined in silico. Five groups of rats, four in each group, were established, consisting of a negative control, a positive control, and three treatment groups. Treatment included black soybean extract administration (i.e., T1 = 200, T2 = 400, and T3 = 800 mg of black soybean extract/kg body weight for 10 days). The observed parameters included the immunohistochemical analysis of Breast Cancer 1(BRCA1) and TNF-α.

    RESULTS: Based on an in silico study, compounds from black soybeans are non-toxic. Functional annotation analysis revealed that most of the target proteins have a role in biological processes associated with cancer development. An in vivo analysis using an animal mammae cancer model indicated that black soybean extracts inhibited mammae cancer progression by attenuating TNF-α and BRCA1 expression.

    CONCLUSION: The most effective dosage of black soybean extract was 200 mg/kg body weight. An increase in BRCA1 and TNF-α expression may be related to the effects of catechin, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein, which are present in black soybeans.

    Matched MeSH terms: BRCA1 Protein/genetics
  9. Possible polyphyletic origin of major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) alleles
    Choy MK, Phipps ME
    J Mol Evol, 2003 Jul;57(1):38-43.
    PMID: 12962304
    Phylogenetic relationships among 23 nonhuman primate (NHP) major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene (MIC) sequences, 54 confirmed human MICA alleles, and 16 human MICE alleles were constructed with methods of sequence analysis. Topology of the phylogenetic tree showed separation between NHP MICs and human MICs. For human MICs, the topology indicated monophyly for the MICB alleles, while MICA alleles were separated into two lineages, LI and LII. Of these, LI MICA alleles shared a common ancestry with gorilla (Ggo) MIC. One conservative amino acid difference and two nonconservative amino acid differences in the alpha3 domain were found between the MICA lineages. The nonconservative amino acid differences might imply structural and functional differences. Transmembrane (TM) trinucleotide-repeat variants were found to be specific to the MICA lineages such as A4, A9, and A10 to LI and A5 to LII. Variants such as A5.1 and A6 were commonly found in both MICA lineages. Based on these analyses, we postulate a polyphyletic origin for MICA alleles and their division into two lineages, LI and LII. As such, there would be 30 alleles in LI and 24 alleles in LII, thereby reducing the current level of polymorphism that exists, based on a presumed monophyletic origin. The lower degree of polymorphism in MICA would then be in line with the rest of the human major histocompatibility complex nonclassical class I genes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gorilla gorilla/genetics
  10. Polymerase chain reaction-based discrimination of viable from non-viable Mycoplasma gallisepticum
    Tan CG, Ideris A, Omar AR, Yii CP, Kleven SH
    Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 2014 09 02;81(1):e1-e7.
    PMID: 25686255 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v81i1.708
    The present study was based on the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the 16S ribosomal nucleic acid (rRNA) of Mycoplasma for detection of viable Mycoplasma gallisepticum. To determine the stability of M. gallisepticum 16S rRNA in vitro, three inactivation methods were used and the suspensions were stored at different temperatures. The 16S rRNA of M. gallisepticum was detected up to approximately 20-25 h at 37 °C, 22-25 h at 16 °C, and 23-27 h at 4 °C. The test, therefore, could detect viable or recently dead M. gallisepticum (< 20 h). The RT-PCR method was applied during an in vivo study of drug efficacy under experimental conditions, where commercial broiler-breeder eggs were inoculated with M. gallisepticum into the yolk. Hatched chicks that had been inoculated in ovo were treated with Macrolide 1. The method was then applied in a flock of day 0 chicks with naturally acquired vertical transmission of M. gallisepticum, treated with Macrolide 2. Swabs of the respiratory tract were obtained for PCR and RT-PCR evaluations to determine the viability of M. gallisepticum. This study proved that the combination of both PCR and RT-PCR enables detection and differentiation of viable from non-viable M. gallisepticum.
    Matched MeSH terms: DNA, Bacterial/genetics; RNA, Bacterial/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  11. Fulltext The involvement of microtubules and actin during the infection of Japanese encephalitis virus in neuroblastoma cell line, IMR32
    Henry Sum MS
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:695283.
    PMID: 25705678 DOI: 10.1155/2015/695283
    The role of the cytoskeleton, actin, and microtubules were examined during the process of Japanese encephalitis (JEV) infection in a human neuroblastoma cell line, IMR32. Cytochalasin D and nocodazole were used to depolymerise the cellular actin and microtubules, respectively, in order to study the effect of JEV infection in the cell. This study shows that depolymerisation of the actin cytoskeleton at early process of infection inhibits JEV infection in the cell; however infection was not inhibited when depolymerisation occurred at the later stage of infection. The microtubules, on the other hand, are required at 2 points in infection. The antigen production in the cells was inhibited when the infected cells were treated at time up to 2 hours after inoculation and there was no significant effect at later times, while the viable virus released continued to be affected until 10 hours after inoculation. In conclusion, infection of JEV in IMR32 cells required actin to facilitate early process in infection and the microtubular network is utilised as the transport system to the virus replication site and the release of mature virus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Encephalitis Virus, Japanese/genetics; Encephalitis, Japanese/genetics; Virus Replication/genetics*
  12. Fulltext Low prevalence of CHEK2 gene mutations in multiethnic cohorts of breast cancer patients in Malaysia
    Mohamad S, Isa NM, Muhammad R, Emran NA, Kitan NM, Kang P, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(1):e0117104.
    PMID: 25629968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117104
    CHEK2 is a protein kinase that is involved in cell-cycle checkpoint control after DNA damage. Germline mutations in CHEK2 gene have been associated with increase in breast cancer risk. The aim of this study is to identify the CHEK2 gene germline mutations among high-risk breast cancer patients and its contribution to the multiethnic population in Malaysia. We screened the entire coding region of CHEK2 gene on 59 high-risk breast cancer patients who tested negative for BRCA1/2 germline mutations from UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC), Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) and Hospital Putrajaya (HPJ). Sequence variants identified were screened further in case-control cohorts consisting of 878 unselected invasive breast cancer patients (180 Malays, 526 Chinese and 172 Indian) and 270 healthy individuals (90 Malays, 90 Chinese and 90 Indian). By screening the entire coding region of the CHEK2 gene, two missense mutations, c.480A>G (p.I160M) and c.538C>T (p.R180C) were identified in two unrelated patients (3.4%). Further screening of these missense mutations on the case-control cohorts unveiled the variant p.I160M in 2/172 (1.1%) Indian cases and 1/90 (1.1%) Indian control, variant p.R180C in 2/526 (0.38%) Chinese cases and 0/90 Chinese control, and in 2/180 (1.1%) of Malay cases and 1/90 (1.1%) of Malay control. The results of this study suggest that CHEK2 mutations are rare among high-risk breast cancer patients and may play a minor contributing role in breast carcinogenesis among Malaysian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/genetics*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics; Checkpoint Kinase 2/genetics*
  13. Fulltext Genome-wide association study of susceptibility to infection by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Holstein cattle
    Alpay F, Zare Y, Kamalludin MH, Huang X, Shi X, Shook GE, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(12):e111704.
    PMID: 25473852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111704
    Paratuberculosis, or Johne's disease, is a chronic, granulomatous, gastrointestinal tract disease of cattle and other ruminants caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium, subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Control of Johne's disease is based on programs of testing and culling animals positive for infection with MAP while concurrently modifying management to reduce the likelihood of infection. The current study is motivated by the hypothesis that genetic variation in host susceptibility to MAP infection can be dissected and quantifiable associations with genetic markers identified. For this purpose, a case-control, genome-wide association study was conducted using US Holstein cattle phenotyped for MAP infection using a serum ELISA and/or fecal culture test. Cases included cows positive for either serum ELISA, fecal culture or both. Controls consisted of animals negative for the serum ELISA test or both serum ELISA and fecal culture when both were available. Controls were matched by herd and proximal birth date with cases. A total of 856 cows (451 cases and 405 controls) were used in initial discovery analyses, and an additional 263 cows (159 cases and 104 controls) from the same herds were used as a validation data set. Data were analyzed in a single marker analysis controlling for relatedness of individuals (GRAMMAR-GC) and also in a Bayesian analysis in which multiple marker effects were estimated simultaneously (GenSel). For the latter, effects of non-overlapping 1 Mb marker windows across the genome were estimated. Results from the two discovery analyses were generally concordant; however, discovery results were generally not well supported in analysis of the validation data set. A combined analysis of discovery and validation data sets provided strongest support for SNPs and 1 Mb windows on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 7, 17 and 29.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculosis/genetics*; Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis/genetics*; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics
  14. Fulltext Acute phase proteins, interleukin 6, and heat shock protein 70 in broiler chickens administered with corticosterone
    Zulkifli I, Najafi P, Nurfarahin AJ, Soleimani AF, Kumari S, Aryani AA, et al.
    Poult Sci, 2014 Dec;93(12):3112-8.
    PMID: 25306460 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2014-04099
    An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of corticosterone (CORT) administration on serum ovotransferrin (OVT), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), ceruloplasmin (CPN), and IL-6 concentrations, and brain heat shock protein (HSP) 70 expression in broiler chickens. From 14 to 20 d of age, equal numbers of birds were subjected to either (i) daily intramuscular injection with CORT in ethanol:saline (1:1, vol/vol) at 6 mg/kg of BW, or (ii) daily intramuscular injection with 0.5 mL ethanol:saline (1:1, vol/vol; control). Blood samples were collected before CORT treatment (14 d old), 3 and 7 d after CORT injections, and 4 d after cessation of CORT administration for determination of serum levels of CORT, OVT, AGP, CPN, and IL-6. Brain samples (whole cerebrum) were collected to measure HSP 70 density. Although CORT administration significantly increased feed intake, weight gain was significantly depressed. Administration of CORT also increased CORT, OVT, CPN, AGP, IL-6, and HSP 70 expression. Four days following cessation of CORT administration, OVT declined to the basal level but not CPN and AGP. In conclusion, an elevation in CORT can induce an acute-phase response and HSP 70 expression. Thus, APP and HSP 70 may be of value as indicators of stress in poultry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acute-Phase Proteins/genetics; Interleukin-6/genetics; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics
  15. Fulltext Association between EGF and VEGF functional polymorphisms and sporadic colorectal cancer in the Malaysian population
    Lau TP, Roslani AC, Lian LH, Lee PC, Hilmi I, Goh KL, et al.
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2014;13(3):5555-61.
    PMID: 25117311 DOI: 10.4238/2014.July.25.9
    Growth factors are polypeptides that are critical for the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Most tumor cells are capable of synthesizing particular growth factors leading to constitutive pathway activation in these cells through autocrine signaling. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent mitogenic peptide that exerts direct effects on the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells in carcinogenesis. By contrast, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is vital for the invasion and metastasis of neoplasms through the formation of new blood vessels from mature endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated the association between functional polymorphisms of both the EGF and VEGF genes and colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility. A total of 130 CRC patients and 212 healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. Genotyping of genetic variants was conducted via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with allele-specific TaqMan probes. None of the genotypes of the EGF +61 A>G and VEGF +936 C>T variants was significantly associated with CRC susceptibility among the Malaysian subjects evaluated (P > 0.05). The observed frequency distributions of the EGF +61 A>G polymorphism genotypes showed ethnic heterogeneity, which was not the case for the VEGF +936 C>T genotypes. In conclusion, no positive correlation between these functional polymorphisms and CRC risk was found in this Malaysian population. Studies of the EGF and VEGF genes and CRC susceptibility are scarce, and the results reported thus far differ from one population to another. Hence, more replication studies are warranted before any firm conclusions can be made.
    Matched MeSH terms: Epidermal Growth Factor/genetics*; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics*; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics*
  16. Molecular characterization of anaerobic sulfur-oxidizing microbial communities in up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating municipal sewage
    Aida AA, Hatamoto M, Yamamoto M, Ono S, Nakamura A, Takahashi M, et al.
    J Biosci Bioeng, 2014 Nov;118(5):540-5.
    PMID: 24930844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.04.011
    A novel wastewater treatment system consisting of an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor with sulfur-redox reaction was developed for treatment of municipal sewage under low-temperature conditions. In the UASB reactor, a novel phenomenon of anaerobic sulfur oxidation occurred in the absence of oxygen, nitrite and nitrate as electron acceptors. The microorganisms involved in anaerobic sulfur oxidation have not been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we studied the microbial communities existing in the UASB reactor that probably enhanced anaerobic sulfur oxidation. Sludge samples collected from the UASB reactor before and after sulfur oxidation were used for cloning and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the 16S rRNA genes of the bacterial and archaeal domains. The microbial community structures of bacteria and archaea indicated that the genus Smithella and uncultured bacteria within the phylum Caldiserica were the dominant bacteria groups. Methanosaeta spp. was the dominant group of the domain archaea. The T-RFLP analysis, which was consistent with the cloning results, also yielded characteristic fingerprints for bacterial communities, whereas the archaeal community structure yielded stable microbial community. From these results, it can be presumed that these major bacteria groups, genus Smithella and uncultured bacteria within the phylum Caldiserica, probably play an important role in sulfur oxidation in UASB reactors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Archaea/genetics; Bacteria/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  17. Significant genotype difference in the CYP2E1 PstI polymorphism of indigenous groups in Sabah, Malaysia with Asian and non-Asian populations
    Goh LP, Chong ET, Chua KH, Chuah JA, Lee PC
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2014;15(17):7377-81.
    PMID: 25227845
    CYP2E1 PstI polymorphism G-1259C (rs3813867) genotype distributions vary significantly among different populations and are associated with both diseases, like cancer, and adverse drug effects. To date, there have been limited genotype distributions and allele frequencies of this polymorphism reported in the three major indigenous ethnic groups (KadazanDusun, Bajau, and Rungus) in Sabah, also known as North Borneo. The aim of this study was to investigate the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the CYP2E1 PstI polymorphism G-1259C in these three major indigenous peoples in Sabah. A total of 640 healthy individuals from the three dominant indigenous groups were recruited for this study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) at G-1259C polymorphic site of CYP2E1 gene was performed using the Pst I restriction enzyme. Fragments were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis and confirmed by direct sequencing. Overall, the allele frequencies were 90.3% for c1 allele and 9.7% for c2 allele. The genotype frequencies for c1/c1, c1/c2 and c2/c2 were observed as 80.9%, 18.8%, and 0.3%, respectively. A highly statistical significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in the genotype distributions between indigenous groups in Sabah with all Asian and non-Asian populations. However, among these three indigenous groups, there was no statistical significant difference (p>0.001) in their genotype distributions. The three major indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah show unique genotype distributions when compared with other populations. This finding indicates the importance of establishing the genotype distributions of CYP2E1 PstI polymorphism in the indigenous populations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1/genetics*; Population Groups/genetics; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics*
  18. Fulltext Genetic associations of the INSIG2 rs7566605 polymorphism with obesity-related metabolic traits in Malaysian Malays
    Apalasamy YD, Moy FM, Rampal S, Bulgiba A, Mohamed Z
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2014;13(3):4904-10.
    PMID: 25062423 DOI: 10.4238/2014.July.4.4
    A genome-wide association study showed that the tagging single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs7566605 in the insulin-induced gene 2 (INSIG2) was associated with obesity. Attempts to replicate this result in different populations have produced inconsistent findings. We aimed to study the association between the rs7566605 SNP with obesity and other metabolic parameters in Malaysian Malays. Anthropometric and obesity-related metabolic parameters and DNA samples were collected. We genotyped the rs7566605 polymorphism in 672 subjects using real-time polymerase chain reaction. No significant associations were found between the rs7566605 tagging SNP of INSIG2 with obesity or other metabolic parameters in the Malaysian Malay population. The INSIG2 rs7566605 SNP may not play a role in the development of obesity-related metabolic traits in Malaysian Malays.
    Matched MeSH terms: Membrane Proteins/genetics*; Obesity/genetics*; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics*
  19. Description of the tadpoles of three rare species of megophryid frogs (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Gunung Mulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
    Oberhummer E, Barten C, Schweizer M, Das I, Haas A, Hertwig ST
    Zootaxa, 2014;3835(1):59-79.
    PMID: 25081435 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3835.1.3
    The megophryid frogs Leptobrachella brevicrus, Leptolalax dringi and Megophrys dringi are species exclusively known  from highly localised areas in isolated mountain ranges on Borneo. The tadpoles and adults in this study were collected at the shared type locality for the three species in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo). The species identities of larvae were determined via comparison to syntopic adults using DNA barcoding techniques based on partial 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences. The genetic data supported the status of the three taxa as valid species. Descriptions of colouration in life and after preservation, external morphological features, morphometric measurements and ecological notes in comparison to congeneric species are supplied. The tadpoles of L. brevicrus and L. dringi show similar adaptations to a fossorial lifestyle. These include an elongated, vermiform body, a relatively long tail and small eyes. Both were found in the gravel beds of a small mountain stream. In contrast, the larvae of M. dringi are adapted to occupying and feeding at the surface of pools within the stream. 
    Matched MeSH terms: Anura/genetics; Larva/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  20. A human adenovirus species B subtype 21a associated with severe pneumonia
    Hage E, Huzly D, Ganzenmueller T, Beck R, Schulz TF, Heim A
    J Infect, 2014 Nov;69(5):490-9.
    PMID: 24975176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.06.015
    Between 2005 and 2013 six severe pneumonia cases (all requiring mechanical ventilation, two fatal outcomes) caused by human adenovirus type 21 (HAdV-B21) were observed in Germany. So far, HAdV-B21 was mainly associated with non-severe upper and lower respiratory tract infections. However, a few highly virulent HAdV types, e.g. HAdV-B14p1, were previously associated with severe, fatal pneumonia. Complete genomic sequences of the German HAdV-B21 pneumonia isolates formed a single phylogenetic cluster with very high sequence identity (≥ 99.897%). Compared to the HAdV-B21 prototype (only 99.319% identity), all isolates had a unique 15 amino acid deletion and a 2 amino acid insertion in the RGD loop of the penton base which may affect binding to the secondary receptor on the host cells. Moreover, a recombinant E4 gene region derived of HAdV-B3 was identified by bootscan analysis. Thus, the highly virulent, pneumotropic HAdV-B21 was denominated as subtype 21a. Surprisingly, there was 99.963% identity with agent Y/SIBU97 (only 13.4 kb available in GenBank of the 35.4 kb genome) which was associated with 10 fatalities due to cardiopulmonary failure in Sarawak, Malaysia, in 1997. In conclusion, a HAdV-B21 subtype (21a) associated with severe pneumonia in Germany was phylogenetically linked to an adenovirus isolated in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Adenoviruses, Human/genetics; DNA, Viral/genetics; Viral Proteins/genetics
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