Displaying publications 4201 - 4220 of 5566 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. One-step differential detection of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, serovar Paratyphi A and other Salmonella spp. by using a quadruplex real-time PCR assay
    Teh CSJ, Lau MY, Chong CW, Ngoi ST, Chua KH, Lee WS, et al.
    J Microbiol Methods, 2021 04;183:106184.
    PMID: 33662480 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106184
    Diseases caused by typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella remain a considerable threat to both developed and developing countries. Based on the clinical symptoms and serological tests, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate the Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A (S. enterica serovar Paratyphi A) from serovar Typhi (S. enterica serovar Typhi). In this study, we developed a quadruplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with an internal amplification control (IAC), to simultaneously differentiate S. enterica serovar Paratyphi A from serovar Typhi and to detect other Salmonella serovars which cause salmonellosis in humans. This assay was evaluated on 155 salmonellae and non-salmonellae strains and demonstrated 100% specificity in species differentiation. Inclusion of an IAC did not affect the efficiency of the assay. Further evaluation using a blind test on spiked stool, blood and food specimens showed that the detection limit was at 103 -104 CFU/mL (or g) and a high PCR efficiency with different targets (R2 > 0.99), except for S. enterica serovar Paratyphi A in blood. This assay has been applied to clinical specimens to detect the causative agents of gastrointestinal infections and has successfully identified 6 salmonellosis patients from the 50 diarrhoea patients. The quadruplex real-time PCR developed in this study could enhance the detection and differentiation of salmonellae. This assay could be applied to stools, blood and food based on the notable performance in the simulation tests and field evaluation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Salmonella Infections/blood
  2. Fulltext Clinical profile and outcomes of asymptomatic vs. symptomatic travellers diagnosed with COVID-19: An observational study from a coastal town in South India
    Gupta N, John A, Kokkottil MS, Varma M, Umakanth S, Saravu K
    Drug Discov Ther, 2021 Mar 10;15(1):1-8.
    PMID: 33642450 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2020.03068
    Despite the high number of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) cases from India, there are few reports from India describing the clinical epidemiology of COVID-19. This study aimed to describe the clinical/epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of asymptomatic vs. symptomatic COVID-19 patients. This was a retrospective chart review of all admitted patients with COVID-19 above 18 years with a history of travel within one month of the admission. The patients were categorized into asymptomatic and symptomatic. The symptomatic patients were further classified into mild, moderate and severe. The demographic profile, risk factors, clinical features, laboratory parameters, treatment details and outcome of all patients were recorded. The clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between symptomatic patients and asymptomatic patients. Of the 127 recruited patients, 75 were asymptomatic. Of the 52 symptomatic patients, 41 patients were classified as a mild illness. The mean age of the patients was 44.5 ± 15 years. A total of 73 patients had one or more risk factors. The male patients were more commonly found to be symptomatic compared to female patients. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in symptomatic patients. A total of five individuals required supplemental oxygen therapy, and one of them required mechanical ventilation. All the patients had favourable outcomes. Asymptomatic and mild illness form a significant proportion of positive patients and have excellent outcomes without therapeutic interventions.
    Matched MeSH terms: L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/blood
  3. Fulltext Reduced circulating dendritic cells in acute Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium falciparum malaria despite elevated plasma Flt3 ligand levels
    Loughland JR, Woodberry T, Oyong D, Piera KA, Amante FH, Barber BE, et al.
    Malar J, 2021 Feb 16;20(1):97.
    PMID: 33593383 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03642-0
    BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum malaria increases plasma levels of the cytokine Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), a haematopoietic factor associated with dendritic cell (DC) expansion. It is unknown if the zoonotic parasite Plasmodium knowlesi impacts Flt3L or DC in human malaria. This study investigated circulating DC and Flt3L associations in adult malaria and in submicroscopic experimental infection.

    METHODS: Plasma Flt3L concentration and blood CD141+ DC, CD1c+ DC and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) numbers were assessed in (i) volunteers experimentally infected with P. falciparum and in Malaysian patients with uncomplicated (ii) P. falciparum or (iii) P. knowlesi malaria.

    RESULTS: Plasmodium knowlesi caused a decline in all circulating DC subsets in adults with malaria. Plasma Flt3L was elevated in acute P. falciparum and P. knowlesi malaria with no increase in a subclinical experimental infection. Circulating CD141+ DCs, CD1c+ DCs and pDCs declined in all adults tested, for the first time extending the finding of DC subset decline in acute malaria to the zoonotic parasite P. knowlesi.

    CONCLUSIONS: In adults, submicroscopic Plasmodium infection causes no change in plasma Flt3L but does reduce circulating DCs. Plasma Flt3L concentrations increase in acute malaria, yet this increase is insufficient to restore or expand circulating CD141+ DCs, CD1c+ DCs or pDCs. These data imply that haematopoietic factors, yet to be identified and not Flt3L, involved in the sensing/maintenance of circulating DC are impacted by malaria and a submicroscopic infection. The zoonotic P. knowlesi is similar to other Plasmodium spp in compromising DC in adult malaria.

    Matched MeSH terms: Membrane Proteins/blood*
  4. Fulltext Exposure to High-Fat Style Diet Induced Renal and Liver Structural Changes, Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Intact and Ovariectomized Female Rats
    Sucedaram Y, Johns EJ, Husain R, Abdul Sattar M, H Abdulla M, Nelli G, et al.
    J Inflamm Res, 2021;14:689-710.
    PMID: 33716510 DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S299083
    Purpose: We hypothesized that low estrogen levels aggravate obesity-related complications. Diet-induced obesity can cause distinct pathologies, including impaired glucose tolerance, inflammation, and organ injury that leads to fatty liver and chronic kidney diseases. To test this hypothesis, ovariectomized (OVX) rats were fed a high-fat style diet (HFSD), and we examined structural changes and inflammatory response in the kidney and liver.

    Methods: Sprague-Dawley female rats were ovariectomized or sham-operated and divided into four groups: sham-operated rats fed a normal diet (ND); ovariectomized rats fed a normal diet (OVX-ND); sham-operated rats fed a HFSD; ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat style diet (OVX-HFSD). Mean blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were measured on weeks 0 and 10. The rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after initiation of ND or HFSD, the kidney and liver were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence studies.

    Results: HFSD-fed rats presented a significantly greater adiposity index compared to their ND counterparts. Liver index, fasting blood glucose and mean blood pressure was increased in OVX-HFSD rats compared to HFSD rats at study terminal. Histological and morphometric studies showed focal interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration in the kidney of HFSD rats with mesangial expansion being greater in the OVX-HFSD rats. Both HFSD fed groups showed increased expressions of renal inflammatory markers, namely TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MCP-1, and infiltrating M1 macrophages with some influence of ovarian hormonal status. HFSD-feeding also caused hepatocellular steatosis which was aggravated in ovariectomized rats fed the same diet. Furthermore, hepatocellular ballooning was observed only in the OVX-HFSD rats. Similarly, HFSD-fed rats showed increased expressions of the inflammatory markers and M1 macrophage infiltration in the liver; however, only IL-6 expression was magnified in the OVX-HFSD.

    Conclusion: Our data suggest that some of the structural changes and inflammatory response in the kidney and liver of rats fed a HFSD are exacerbated by ovariectomy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure
  5. Fulltext Persistent Brainstem Dysfunction in Long-COVID: A Hypothesis
    Yong SJ
    ACS Chem Neurosci, 2021 Feb 17;12(4):573-580.
    PMID: 33538586 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00793
    Long-COVID is a postviral illness that can affect survivors of COVID-19, regardless of initial disease severity or age. Symptoms of long-COVID include fatigue, dyspnea, gastrointestinal and cardiac problems, cognitive impairments, myalgia, and others. While the possible causes of long-COVID include long-term tissue damage, viral persistence, and chronic inflammation, the review proposes, perhaps for the first time, that persistent brainstem dysfunction may also be involved. This hypothesis can be split into two parts. The first is the brainstem tropism and damage in COVID-19. As the brainstem has a relatively high expression of ACE2 receptor compared with other brain regions, SARS-CoV-2 may exhibit tropism therein. Evidence also exists that neuropilin-1, a co-receptor of SARS-CoV-2, may be expressed in the brainstem. Indeed, autopsy studies have found SARS-CoV-2 RNA and proteins in the brainstem. The brainstem is also highly prone to damage from pathological immune or vascular activation, which has also been observed in autopsy of COVID-19 cases. The second part concerns functions of the brainstem that overlap with symptoms of long-COVID. The brainstem contains numerous distinct nuclei and subparts that regulate the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological processes, which can be linked to long-COVID. As neurons do not readily regenerate, brainstem dysfunction may be long-lasting and, thus, is long-COVID. Indeed, brainstem dysfunction has been implicated in other similar disorders, such as chronic pain and migraine and myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome.
    Matched MeSH terms: Brain Stem/blood supply
  6. GSK3β: A plausible molecular target in the cytokinemodulating effect of exogenous insulin in a murine model of malarial infection
    Aizuddin NNF, Ganesan N, Ng WC, Ali AH, Ibrahim I, Basir R, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):1105-1116.
    PMID: 33612762 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.1105
    Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium sp. parasite. Infection results in heightened pro-inflammatory response which contributes to the pathophysiology of the disease. To mitigate the overwhelming cytokine response, host-directed therapy is a plausible approach. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), a serine/threonine kinase plays a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammatory response during pathogenic infections. The present study was conducted to investigate the chemo-suppressive and cytokine-modulating effects of insulin administration in malaria-infected mice and the involvement of GSK3β. Intraperitoneal administrations of 0.3 and 0.5 U/kg body weight insulin each for four consecutive days into Plasmodium berghei NK65 (PbN)-infected mice resulted in chemo-suppression exceeding 60% and improved median survival time of infected mice (20.5 days and 19 days respectively compared to 15.5 days for non-treated control). Western analysis revealed that pGSK3β (Ser9) intensity in brain samples from insulin-treated (0.3 and 0.5 U/kg body weight) infected mice each were 0.6 and 2.2 times respectively than that in control. In liver samples, pGSK3β (Ser9) intensity from insulin-treated infected mice were significantly higher (4.8 and 16.1 fold for 0.3 and 0.5 U/kg bw respectively) than that in control. Insulin administration decreased both brain and liver pNF-κB p65 (Ser536) intensities (to 0.8 and 0.6 times for 0.3 U/kg bw insulin; and to 0.2 and 0.1 times for 0.5 U/kg bw insulin respectively compared to control). Insulin treatment (0.5 U/kg bw) also significantly decreased the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α (3.3 times) and IFN-γ (4.9 times)) whilst significantly increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 (4.9 fold) and IL-10 (2.1 fold)) in PbN-infected mice. Results from this study demonstrated that the cytokinemodulating effects of insulin at least in part involve inhibition of GSK3β and consequent inhibition of the activation of NF-κB p65 suggesting insulin as a potential adjunctive therapeutic for malaria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cytokines/blood*
  7. Detection and distribution of anti-leptospiral antibody among dogs and their handlers
    Goh SH, Khor KH, Ismail R, Megat Abdul Rani PA, Mohd Mohidin TB, Bahaman AR, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):1074-1082.
    PMID: 33612759 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.1074
    The incidence of leptospirosis seems to be on the rise and could be an alarming indirect indication of a global re-emergence. It is a potential public health threat when dogs are speculated to be involved in the transmission of leptospirosis through possible subclinical harbouring of Leptospira spp. and subsequent shedding into the environment. This study aimed to detect anti-leptospiral antibodies among dogs and their handlers using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Blood samples from 266 apparently healthy dogs and 194 dog handlers were collected at four working dog organisations and four dog shelters. Serum samples were tested using MAT against 20 leptospiral serovars with a cut-off titre >=1:100 (dog) and >=1:50 (dog handlers). Seventy dogs (70/266; 26.3%) were seropositive mainly against serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Ballum, Bataviae and Javanica (titres ranged: 1:100-1:800). Sixty-seven dog handlers (67/194; 34.5%) were seropositive mainly against serovars Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Malaysia (titres ranged: 1:50-1:200). Dogs were seropositive due to exposure, vaccination or active infection. Seropositive dog handlers could indicate exposure or active infection. This shows the potential of dogs in maintaining and spreading the infection in Malaysia. Due to the occupational risk as a result of frequent contact with dogs and exposure to contaminated environments, dog handlers should be made aware of the presence of this zoonotic disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antibodies, Bacterial/blood*
  8. Fulltext A Case Series of Malignant Otitis Externa Mimicking Malignancy
    Selvamalar V, Othman NAN, Daud MK
    Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2021;64(1):36-41.
    PMID: 33855957 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2021.6
    Malignant otitis externa is an inflammation of the external auditory canal with preceding osteomyelitis of the temporal bone and the adjacent structures that could be potentially lethal. Malignant otitis externa may present with cranial nerve involvements and massive spread of disease mimicking nasopharyngeal carcinoma or any other malignancies on imaging. Two elderly patients who presented with severe otalgia and significant facial nerve palsy and lower cranial nerve palsies showing extensive spread of disease are reported in this case series. They both had resolution of disease after a prolonged course of antibiotics and cortical mastoidectomy for disease clearance in one of them.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  9. Fulltext Rate and associated factors of refusal to perform immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT) among semi-urban communities
    Syed Soffian SS, Safian N, Nawi AM, Ahmad SB, Chan HK, Abu Hassan MR
    PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0258129.
    PMID: 34618854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258129
    The uptake of the immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) in many countries with an opportunistic colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme remains suboptimal. This study aimed to determine the rate, associated factors and reasons of refusal to perform the iFOBT test offered under an opportunistic CRC screening programme in semi-urban communities. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the average-risk individuals living in semi-urban areas, who sought care from public primary care centres across Kedah state, Malaysia. The information regarding the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who were offered the iFOBT between January and April 2019, along with their willingness to perform the test, was gathered. The factors associated with the refusal were further explored using the logistic regression analysis. The individuals offered the iFOBT (n = 920) were mainly female (52.4%) and had a mean age of 58.7±10.6 years. The refusal rate of the iFOBT was 32.2%. Patients who did not have hypertension (adjusted OR: 3.33; 95% CI: 2.44, 4.54), did not have CRC symptoms (adjusted OR: 3.15; 95% CI:1.26, 7.89), had the test offered by either medical assistants (adjusted OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.71, 3.49) or nurses (adjusted OR: 2.41; 95% CI 1.65, 3.51), did not have diabetes (adjusted OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.42, 2.77),and were not active smokers (adjusted OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.47), were more likely to refuse the iFOBT. The common reasons of refusing the test included "feeling not ready for the test" (21.6%) and "feeling healthy" (14.9%). The iFOBT was refused by one-third of the average-risk individuals from semi-urban communities. The associated factors and reasons of refusal found in this study could guide policymakers in developing targeted interventions to boost the uptake of CRC screening in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occult Blood*
  10. Fulltext Effect of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) supplementation on respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status: an open-label prospective study
    Tan ESS, Leo TK, Tan CK
    Sci Rep, 2021 06 03;11(1):11781.
    PMID: 34083710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91256-6
    Tiger milk mushroom (TMM; Lignosus rhinocerus) have been used for a long time by indigenous communities in South East Asia regions as traditional medicine for different ailments, including respiratory disorders. The beneficial effects of TMM have been proven through in vivo and in vitro models, but these effects have yet to be validated in a clinical study. In this study, the beneficial effects of TMM supplementation were investigated in 50 voluntary participants. Participants were required to take 300 mg of TMM twice daily for three months. Level of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 8 (IL-8), immunoglobulin A (IgA), total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms were assessed during baseline and monthly follow-up visits. Results demonstrated that supplementation of TMM significantly (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Pressure/drug effects
  11. Fulltext Cardiovascular activity of labdane diterpenes from Andrographis paniculata in isolated rat hearts
    Awang K, Abdullah NH, Hadi AH, Fong YS
    J Biomed Biotechnol, 2012;2012:876458.
    PMID: 22536026 DOI: 10.1155/2012/876458
    The dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees was tested for cardiovascular activity. The extract significantly reduced coronary perfusion pressure by up to 24.5 ± 3.0 mm Hg at a 3 mg dose and also reduced heart rate by up to 49.5 ± 11.4 beats/minute at this dose. Five labdane diterpenes, 14-deoxy-12-hydroxyandrographolide (1), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (2), 14-deoxyandrographolide (3), andrographolide (4), and neoandrographolide (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of this medicinal plant. Bioassay-guided studies using animal model showed that compounds, (2) and (3) were responsible for the coronary vasodilatation. This study also showed that andrographolide (4), the major labdane diterpene in this plant, has minimal effects on the heart.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Pressure/drug effects
  12. A novel pathogenic variant of the LDLR gene in the Asian population and its clinical correlation with familial hypercholesterolemia
    Chahil JK, Lye SH, Bagali PG, Alex L
    Mol Biol Rep, 2012 Jul;39(7):7831-8.
    PMID: 22544571 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-1626-8
    Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a disease implicated with defects in either, Low density lipoprotein receptor gene (LDLR), Apolipoprotein B-100 gene (APOB), the Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 gene (PCSK9) or other related genes of the lipid metabolism pathway. The general characterization of heterozygous FH is by elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and early-onset cardiovascular diseases, while the more severe type, the homozygous FH results in extreme elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and usually death of an affected individual by early twenties. We present here a novel non-synonymous, missense mutation in exon 14 of the LDLR gene in two siblings of the Malay ethnicity discovered during an in-house genetic test. We postulate that their elevated cholesterol is due to this novel mutation and they are positive for homozygous FH. This is the first report of a C711Y mutation in patients with elevated cholesterol in Asia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cholesterol, LDL/blood
  13. Exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reduces blood pressure and prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy in spontaneously hypertensive rats
    Ahmad FU, Sattar MA, Rathore HA, Abdullah MH, Tan S, Abdullah NA, et al.
    Ren Fail, 2012;34(2):203-10.
    PMID: 22229751 DOI: 10.3109/0886022X.2011.643365
    The coexistence of hypertension and diabetes results in the rapid development of nephropathy. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is claimed to control the vascular and renal functions. This study tested the hypothesis that exogenous H2S lowers the blood pressure and decreases the progression of nephropathy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) that were diabetic. Eighteen SHR were divided into three groups: SHR, SHR diabetic, and SHR diabetic treated with a group of Wistar-Kyoto rats serving as normotensive nondiabetic control. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) in two groups and one diabetic group received sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H2S donor for 5 weeks. Blood pressure was measured in conscious and anesthetized states and renal cortical blood perfusion in acute studies. Plasma and urinary H2S levels, creatinine concentrations, and electrolytes were measured on three different occasions throughout the 35-day period. Diabetic SHR had higher blood pressure, lower plasma and urinary H2S levels, and renal dysfunction as evidenced by increased plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance, and decreased urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio and renal cortical blood perfusion. NaHS reduced blood pressure, increased H2S levels in plasma and urinary excretion, and reversed the STZ-induced renal dysfunction. The findings of this study suggest that the administration of exogenous H2S lowers the blood pressure and confers protection against the progression of STZ-induced nephropathy in SHR.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Pressure/drug effects*
  14. Fulltext A multi-ethnic study of a PNPLA3 gene variant and its association with disease severity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
    Zain SM, Mohamed R, Mahadeva S, Cheah PL, Rampal S, Basu RC, et al.
    Hum Genet, 2012 Jul;131(7):1145-52.
    PMID: 22258181 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-012-1141-y
    The adiponutrin (PNPLA3) rs738409 polymorphism has been found to be associated with susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in various cohorts. We further investigated the association of this polymorphism with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) severity and with histological features of NAFLD. A total of 144 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and 198 controls were genotyped for PNPLA3 gene polymorphism (rs738409 C>G). The biopsy specimens were histologically graded by a qualified pathologist. We observed an association of G allele with susceptibility to NAFLD in the pooled subjects (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.69-3.24, p < 0.0001), and following stratification, in each of the three ethnic subgroups, namely Chinese, Indian and Malay (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.12-3.37, p = 0.018; OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.69-7.26, p = 0.001 and OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.25-3.35, p = 0.005, respectively). The G allele is associated with susceptibility to NASH (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.85-3.75, p < 0.0001), with NASH severity (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.05-3.26, p = 0.035) and with presence of fibrosis (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.17-3.26, p = 0.013) but not with simple steatosis nor with other histological parameters. Although the serum triglyceride level is significantly higher in NAFLD patients compared to controls, the G allele is associated with decreased level of triglycerides (p = 0.029) in the NAFLD patients. Overall, the rs738409 G allele is associated with severity of NASH and occurrence of fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
    Matched MeSH terms: Triglycerides/blood
  15. Fulltext The role of repeatedly heated soybean oil in the development of hypertension in rats: association with vascular inflammation
    Ng CY, Kamisah Y, Faizah O, Jaarin K
    Int J Exp Pathol, 2012 Oct;93(5):377-87.
    PMID: 22974219 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2012.00839.x
    Thermally oxidized oil generates reactive oxygen species that have been implicated in several pathological processes including hypertension. This study was to ascertain the role of inflammation in the blood pressure raising effect of heated soybean oil in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and were fed with the following diets, respectively, for 6 months: basal diet (control); fresh soybean oil (FSO); five-time-heated soybean oil (5HSO); or 10-time-heated soybean oil (10HSO). Blood pressure was measured at baseline and monthly using tail-cuff method. Plasma prostacyclin (PGI(2) ) and thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2) ) were measured prior to treatment and at the end of the study. After six months, the rats were sacrificed, and the aortic arches were dissected for morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Blood pressure was increased significantly in the 5HSO and 10HSO groups. The blood pressure was maintained throughout the study in rats fed FSO. The aortae in the 5HSO and 10HSO groups showed significantly increased aortic wall thickness, area and circumferential wall tension. 5HSO and 10HSO diets significantly increased plasma TXA(2) /PGI(2) ratio. Endothelial VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were significantly increased in 5HSO, as well as LOX-1 in 10HSO groups. In conclusion, prolonged consumption of repeatedly heated soybean oil causes blood pressure elevation, which may be attributed to inflammation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Pressure/drug effects*
  16. Fulltext Bone health status and lipid profile among post-menopausal malay women in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
    Hasnah H, Amin I, Suzana S
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Aug;18(2):161-71.
    PMID: 24575664 MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine bone health status and nutrient intakes among post-menopausal women residing in low cost houses in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
    Matched MeSH terms: Lipids/blood*
  17. Fulltext An eight-year review of blood culture and susceptibility among sepsis cases in an emergency department in Northeastern Malaysia
    Hashairi F, Hasan H, Azlan K, Deris ZZ
    Trop Biomed, 2011 Dec;28(3):599-605.
    PMID: 22433889 MyJurnal
    An understanding of common pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns is critical for proper management of sepsis in Emergency Department (ED). The goal of the study was to identify common organisms isolated from blood cultures of patients attended to ED and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Beginning from 2002, all cases of positive blood culture collected by the ED, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) were recorded and analysed. Over the period of eight years, we documented 995 cases of positive blood cultures. Of these samples, 549 (55.2%) were Gram-negative bacteria; 419 (42.1%) were Gram-positive bacteria; 10 (1.0%) were anaerobic organisms; 10 (1.0%) were fungus; and 7 (0.7%) cases were mixed organisms. Gram-negative bacteria were observed to develop more resistance to antimicrobial agents, especially those commonly used in an outpatient setting with less than 80% sensitivity to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin. By contrast, there has been no marked change in the sensitivity trends of Gram-positive bacteria over the same period. In conclusion, ED physicians are more equipped to initiate empirical antimicrobial therapy especially when dealing with possibility of Gram-negative sepsis.
    Study site: Emergency department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood/microbiology*
  18. Fulltext Rapid detection of pathogenic leptospires by lyophilized reagent-based polymerase chain reaction
    Lee SV, Tai ES, Mutalib AR, Khairani-Bejo S, Bahaman AR
    Trop Biomed, 2011 Dec;28(3):497-505.
    PMID: 22433877 MyJurnal
    A simple and reliable tool for the early diagnosis of leptospirosis is urgently needed. We report the development of a lyophilized reagent-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting lipL32 gene, which is present only in pathogenic leptospires. To determine the effectiveness of the newly developed assay in the early diagnosis of leptospirosis, the sensitivity and specificity was evaluated. In simulated clinical samples, the assay was able to detect 10² and 10³ leptospires/ml in spiked urine and blood samples, respectively. In experimentally infected animals, leptospiral DNA could be detected in blood and lung samples as early as Day 1 post infection. This assay was also shown to be stable and remained sensitive for up to five months at ambient temperature. Hence, this lyophilized reagent-based PCR assay with high specificity, sensitivity and stability would provide a simple, rapid and reliable method in diagnosing acute leptospirosis, especially in the field of veterinary medicine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood/microbiology
  19. Gender effect on in vitro lymphocyte subset levels of healthy individuals
    Abdullah M, Chai PS, Chong MY, Tohit ER, Ramasamy R, Pei CP, et al.
    Cell Immunol, 2012;272(2):214-9.
    PMID: 22078320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2011.10.009
    Differences in gender immune response have resulted in differences in immune protection and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. Cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are widely used in immunomodulation studies, yet the influence of gender is usually not considered. We examined the effect of in vitro culture and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation on PBMC lymphocyte subsets using flowcytometry. Full blood counts of whole blood showed higher levels of lymphocyte in male subjects. Lymphocyte subsets enumeration revealed higher NK cell counts in males and higher B cells in females. Cultured PBMC resulted in significant increases in B and total T cell percentages among females and NK cells among males. PHA stimulated significantly increased percentages of NK and total T cells in males and total activated T cells (CD69+) in females. Our results showed significant gender differences in lymphocyte subsets in cultured conditions. This may affect experimental outcome.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Cell Count/methods
  20. Fulltext Effects of acute supplementation of caffeine and Panax ginseng on endurance running performance in a hot and humid environment
    Bandyopadhyay A, Ping FW, Keong CC
    J Hum Ergol (Tokyo), 2011 Dec;40(1-2):63-72.
    PMID: 25665208 DOI: 10.11183/jhe.40.63
    Acute supplementation of Panax ginseng (PG) is known not to impose any significant effect on endurance performance of recreational Malaysian runners, while caffeine augments the ergogenic property of some herbs. The present study was aimed to examine the effects of acute supplementation of caffeine and PG on endurance running performance in a hot and humid condition. Nine heat adapted Malaysian recreational runners (age : 25.4 ± 6.9 years, body mass : 57.6 ± 8.4 kg; body height : 168.3 ± 7.6 cm) ingested either placebo or combined dose of 5 mg x kg(-1) of body weight of caffeine and 200 mg of PG one hour before the running on treadmill at 70% of VO2(max) in this placebo-controlled double blind randomised study in a laboratory environment of 31 degrees C and 70% relative humidity. They drank 3 ml x kg(-1) of body weight of cool water every 20 minutes during the exercise to prevent dehydration. Blood samples were withdrawn and oxygen uptake was recorded every 20 minutes while heart rate, core body temperature, skin temperature and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every 10 minutes during the trials. Endurance time was significantly different (P < 0.05) between experimental and placebo trials. Heart rate, skin temperature, core body temperature, oxygen uptake, RPE, plasma insulin, glucose, free fatty acid and lactate levels during the endurance exercise did not show any significant difference between the trials. Thus, we conclude that combined and acute supplementation of caffeine and PG in the said doses improved the endurance running performance of the heat-adapted male recreational runners.
    Matched MeSH terms: Oxygen/blood
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links