MyMedR

Molecular evolutionary and 3D protein structural analyses of Lactobacillus fermentum elongation factor Tu, a novel brain health promoting factor

Ong JS, Liu YW, Liong MT, Choi SB, Tsai YC, Low WY

Genomics, 2020 11;112(6):3915-3924.

PMID: 32629096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.06.052

The role of microbiota in gut-brain communication has led to the development of probiotics promoting brain health. Here we report a genomic study of a Lactobacillus fermentum PS150 and its patented bioactive protein, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), which is associated with cognitive improvement in rats. The L. fermentum PS150 circular chromosome is 2,238,401 bp and it consists of 2281 genes. Chromosome comparisons with other L. fermentum strains highlighted a cluster of glycosyltransferases as potential candidate probiotic factors besides EF-Tu. Molecular evolutionary analyses on EF-Tu genes (tuf) in 235 bacteria species revealed one to three copies of the gene per genome. Seven tuf pseudogenes were found and three species only possessed pseudogenes, which is an unprecedented finding. Protein variability analysis of EF-Tu showed five highly variable residues (40 K, 41G, 42 L, 44 K, and 46E) on the protein surface, which warrant further investigation regarding their potential roles as binding sites.

World Patient Safety Day

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 9 24;32(6-7):300-301.

PMID: 32964740 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520950576

Eating Disorder Among Malaysian University Students and Its Associated Factors

Chan YL, Samy AL, Tong WT, Islam MA, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 08 13;32(6-7):334-339.

PMID: 32787612 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520947879

Eating disorder is highly prevalent among university students worldwide. However, in Malaysia, studies on eating disorder is scanty and were mostly conducted among medical students. A stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit participants in a university based in Kuala Lumpur. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1017/1132 students (response rate: 89.8%). The questionnaires administered was a combination of the Eating Attitude Test-26 and items related to perceived body weight, body mass index, trying to weight loss, tobacco use, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. Descriptive analyses were performed to provide background information of at-risk students by gender. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors of eating disorder. The results showed that 13.9% of the university students were at risk of eating disorder. Students who were trying to lose weight and had posttraumatic stress disorder predicted eating disorder. Hence, eating disorder among university students merits attention and requires implementations of public health policies.

Alcohol consumption and attributable harm in middle-income South-East Asian countries: Epidemiology and policy options

Sornpaisarn B, Shield K, Manthey J, Limmade Y, Low WY, Van Thang V, et al.

Int J Drug Policy, 2020 Jul 22;83:102856.

PMID: 32711336 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102856

Background Factors and policies which potentially explain the changes in alcohol consumption and related harms from 2010 to 2017 in 11 middle-income countries in the South-East Asian region (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam) were examined. Methods Using secondary data from UN agencies, we analyzed trends in alcohol consumption, alcohol-attributable deaths and the burden of disease. Results Starting from a level of consumption significantly below the global average-especially among the Muslim-majority countries (Maldives, Indonesia, and Malaysia)-the majority of the countries in this region had markedly increased their alcohol consumption along with the economic development they experienced between 2010 and 2017. In fact, five middle-income countries in this region (Vietnam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste) were in the top 12 countries globally based on absolute increases in adult alcohol per capita consumption (APC). The Philippines and Malaysia were the exceptions, as they had reduced their APC over this period. The majority of South-East Asian countries had parallel increasing trends in the age-standardized alcohol-attributable deaths and DALYs since 2010, in contrast to global trends. While all countries put some alcohol control policies in place, there were differences in the number and strength of the policies applied, commensurate with trends in consumption. In particular, three of the countries which were most successful in reducing consumption and harm (Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka) applied more effective tax methods based on specific taxation alone or in combination with another taxation method, applying higher taxation rates and regularly increasing them over time. Conclusion To achieve the global target and the Sustainable Development Goal in reducing alcohol consumption worldwide, middle-income countries, especially lower-middle-income countries, should employ stricter alcohol control policies, and apply an appropriate excise tax on alcohol products with regular increases to reflect inflation.

Hearing Loss in the 21st Century and the Legacy of Beethoven

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 07;32(5):224-225.

PMID: 32779532 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520942331

Fulltext Transcriptomic analysis of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli K-12 strain in response to Lavandula angustifolia essential oil

Lai PJ, Ng EV, Yang SK, Moo CL, Low WY, Yap PS, et al.

3 Biotech, 2020 Jul;10(7):313.

PMID: 32596098 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02304-3

To better understand the synergistic antibacterial activity between piperacillin and Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LEO) against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, we performed microarray transcriptomic analysis of LEO when used alone and in combination with piperacillin against the non-treated control. In total, 90 genes were differentially expressed after the combination of LEO and piperacillin treatment. Among the up-regulated genes, nfsB, nemA, fruA, nfsB, nemA are known to control microbial metabolism and nitrotoluene degradation, which were observed only in the LEO-piperacillin combinatory treatment. Four candidate genes from the microarray result, srIA, srID, waaR and nfsB, were validated by qRT-PCR as these genes showed differential expression consistently in the two methods. Biochemical pathway analysis showed that there was upregulation of genes involved in several biological processes including fructose and mannose metabolism, phosphotransferase system (PTS), lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and nitrotoluene degradation. Genes involved in microbial metabolism in diverse environments were found both up- and down-regulated in LEO-piperacillin combinatory treatment. Our study provides new information concerning the transcriptional changes that occur during the LEO and piperacillin interaction against the multidrug-resistant bacteria and contributes to unravel the mechanisms underlying this synergism.

Vale Professor Xiaoxian Liu

Xu F, Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 5 16;32(2-3):134-135.

PMID: 32410510 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520915009

Fulltext The COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Health and Epidemiology

Binns C, Low WY, Kyung LM

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 May;32(4):140-144.

PMID: 32429675 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520929223

Our Journal in the Past Decade and Our Dreams for the Next

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 03 23;32(2-3):68-70.

PMID: 32204601 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520913189

The Year of the Rat and Public Health

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 01;32(1):6-7.

PMID: 32019316 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520903550

Fulltext Association of antimicrobial resistance and gut microbiota composition in human and non-human primates at an urban ecotourism site

Chong CW, Alkatheeri AHS, Ali N, Tay ZH, Lee YL, Paramasivam SJ, et al.

Gut Pathog, 2020;12:14.

PMID: 32175011 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-020-00352-x

Background: The rise of nature-based ecotourism in the past decade has introduced unprecedented challenges in managing the increasing interaction between humans and animals. The potential transmission of antibiotic resistant microbes between humans and non-human primate populations is a concern due to their genetic similarity. Malaysia is well known for hotspots of wildlife diversity where non-human primates like monkeys and orangutans have become popular tourist attractions. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, and other Enterobacteriaceae in the faeces of human (HS) and two non-human primates (NHP) in Malaysia, the Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis, MF) and Silvered leaf monkey (Trachypithecus cristatus, TC). In addition, the faecal bacterial composition was profiled to evaluate the potential association between antibiotic resistant profiles and composition of gut microbiota.

Results: We tested the isolated bacteria using a selection of antibiotics. The results showed that both the number of antibiotic resistant strains and resistance level were higher in humans than NHPs. Overall, the composition of gut microbiome and pattern of antibiotic resistance showed that there was higher similarity between MF and TC, the two NHPs, than with HS. In addition, samples with higher levels of antibiotic resistance showed lower bacterial richness. Homo sapiens had the lowest bacterial diversity and yet it had higher abundance of Bacteroides. In contrast, NHPs displayed higher bacterial richness and greater prevalence of Firmicutes such as Ruminococceae and Oscillospira.

Conclusion: Higher antibiotic susceptibility in NHPs is likely related to low direct exposure to antibiotics. The lack of resistance may also suggest limited antimicrobial resistance transmission between humans and NHP. Nonetheless, continued monitoring over a long period will help mitigate the risk of anthropozoonosis and zooanthroponosis.

The In-Between Age: Adolescent Health

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 11;31(8_suppl):4S-5S.

PMID: 31646880 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519882799

Public Health Implications of African Swine Fever in Asia

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 11;31(8):677-678.

PMID: 31762300 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519889539

Electronic Cigarettes Use Among Adults and Adolescents in Malaysia: A Public Health Concern?

Hiong Tee G, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 10;31(7_suppl):4S-5S.

PMID: 31595768 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519878329

Time to Get on With It: Climate Change Needs Public Health Action Now

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 10;31(7):581-583.

PMID: 31801371 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519884472

The Parachute Paradox: What Works in Public Health and Continual Improvement in the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 Jul;31(5):381-383.

PMID: 31189331 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519853889

Publish or the Population Perishes: The Challenges of Regional Publishing in Public Health

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 07;31(5):396-403.

PMID: 31142125 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519849966

The publication of information is essential for expanding the benefits of public health throughout the Asia-Pacific region. All academics are familiar with the adage "Publish or perish," but for public health, this should be rewritten as "Publish or the population perishes." Publication and communication in public health continues to undergo rapid change. There are many challenges that a regional journal faces. The number of printed journals is beginning to decline. Digital publishing and extensive databases and search engines have become the only practical way to access data. But the advent of digital publishing has seen the arrival of profit-making entrepreneurs. Whether a Journal is in the printed form or digital, it remains the key communication in public health and ultimately improve the health of the people. The Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health (APJPH), which is owned by Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) and published by Sage ensures that your data gets maximum digital exposure in the region where it can make a difference. Over the years, APJPH has increased its impact factor and gained in prestige. Although impact factor of a journal is important in documenting the recognition of work by academics, it does not necessarily reflect importance to our region. There needs to be a re-evaluation of publication and communication strategies so that all citizens of the Asia-Pacific region benefit.

Predictors of Quality of Life among Older People with Mild Cognitive Impairment Attending Urban Primary Care Clinics

Samy AL, Kamaruzzaman SB, Krishnaswamy S, Low WY

Clin Gerontol, 2019 05 20;43(4):441-454.

PMID: 31107185 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2019.1608611

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) among older people attending primary care clinics and its predictors of QOL.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two primary care clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, recruiting 271 participants by utilizing the universal sampling method. Every patient who attended both the clinics during the study period and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were approached and briefed about the study. Patients who gave consent were recruited as study participants. Information on sociodemographic, medical condition, and lifestyle behaviors were obtained. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to screen for MCI at a score < 23. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to evaluate QOL.

RESULTS: Prevalence of MCI was 27.3%. Lower QOL scores were found in the physical (67.3 ± 1.4), psychological (67.3 ± 1.4), social (66.9 ± 1.6) and environmental (71.3 ± 1.3) domains among participants with MCI. Among them, predictors of QOL were depression in the physical domain, age and stroke in the psychological domain, presence of other types of disorders in the social domain and diabetes and stroke in the environmental domain.

CONCLUSIONS: MCI was prevalent among study participants and were associated with poorer QOL in all domains of QOL. A better understanding of predictors of QOL in older people with MCI is deemed important.

CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Routine cognitive screening at primary care clinics will facilitate early recognition of MCI and facilitates referral to memory clinics for further assessment and treatment.

Zika: Where Are You?

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 May;31(4):272-274.

PMID: 31307217 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519849976

The Effectiveness of Hypnosis Intervention in Alleviating Postpartum Psychological Symptoms

Beevi Z, Low WY, Hassan J

Am J Clin Hypn, 2019 Apr;61(4):409-425.

PMID: 31017553 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2018.1538870

Psychological symptoms, particularly postpartum depression, may impair women's well-being after childbirth. Mind-body treatments such as hypnosis are available to help prepare women to maintain or improve their well-being postpartum. The aims of the present study are to determine the effectiveness of a hypnosis intervention in alleviating psychological symptoms (stress, anxiety, and depression) and the symptoms of postpartum depression. A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. The experimental group participants (n = 28) received a hypnosis intervention at weeks 16, 20, 28, and 36 of their pregnancies. Participants in the control group (n = 28) received routine prenatal care. The final data collection, occurring at two months postpartum, included 16 women from the experimental group and 11 women from the control group. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure psychological symptoms, and postpartum depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The results at two months postpartum showed that the experimental group had significantly lower postpartum anxiety than the control group (M = 2.88 versus M = 38.36, p = .023). Similarly, the experimental group had significantly lower postpartum depressive symptoms than the control group (M = 1.25 versus M = 6.73, p

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 238 in total