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Using stochastic resonance and strength training as part of a rehabilitation programme for recurrent low back pain treatment: a case study

Washif JA, Teichmann J, Kok LY, Schmidtbleicher D

J Exerc Rehabil, 2019 Feb;15(1):139-147.
PMID: 30899750 DOI: 10.12965/jer.1836532.266

Low back pain (LBP) is a common disabling health problem that can cause decreased spine proprioception. Stochastic resonance (SR) can influence detection performance, besides improving patients with significant sensory deficits, but have not been thoroughly tested for LBP. This study aimed to examine the application of SR therapy (SRT) and strength training for LBP treatment. The subject was a resistance-trained male in his early thirties. His back pain was unbearable after a strength training session. Standard pain relief alleviated the pain but the LBP developed at a similar intensity after 4 weeks. SRT (4-5 sets ×90 sec, 30-sec rest interval, supine position) was prescribed along with other exercises for 3 weeks (phase 1), and followed by tailor-made strength training for 16 weeks (phase 2). The Oswestry Disability Index was 66.7% (interpreted as "crippled") prior to first SRT, and reduced to minimal levels of 15.6% and 6.7% after four and seven SRT sessions, respectively. Similarly, pain intensity was ranging from 5 to 9 (distracting-severe) of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) prior to the first session but this was reduced considerably after four sessions (NRS-11: 0-1). During phase 2, the patient performed without complaining of LBP, two repetitions of bench press exercise at a load intensity of 1.2 his body weight and attained 4 min of plank stabilisation. This LBP management strategy has a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity, disability, and functional mobility, by receding the recurrent distracting to severe LBP.
Fulltext The efficiency of universal mitochondrial DNA barcodes for species discrimination of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata

Kannan A, Rama Rao S, Ratnayeke S, Yow YY

PeerJ, 2020;8:e8755.
PMID: 32274263 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8755

Invasive apple snails, Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata, have a widespread distribution globally and are regarded as devastating pests of agricultural wetlands. The two species are morphologically similar, which hinders species identification via morphological approaches and species-specific management efforts. Advances in molecular genetics may contribute effective diagnostic tools to potentially resolve morphological ambiguity. DNA barcoding has revolutionized the field of taxonomy by providing an alternative, simple approach for species discrimination, where short sections of DNA, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in particular, are used as 'barcodes' to delineate species boundaries. In our study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of two mitochondrial markers, the COI and 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (16S rDNA) markers for DNA barcoding of P. canaliculata and P. maculata. The COI and 16S rDNA sequences of 40 Pomacea specimens collected from six localities in Peninsular Malaysia were analyzed to assess their barcoding performance using phylogenetic methods and distance-based assessments. The results confirmed both markers were suitable for barcoding P. canaliculata and P. maculata. The phylogenies of the COI and 16S rDNA markers demonstrated species-specific monophyly and were largely congruent with the exception of one individual. The COI marker exhibited a larger barcoding gap (6.06-6.58%) than the 16S rDNA marker (1.54%); however, the magnitude of barcoding gap generated within the barcoding region of the 16S rDNA marker (12-fold) was bigger than the COI counterpart (approximately 9-fold). Both markers were generally successful in identifying P. canaliculata and P. maculata in the similarity-based DNA identifications. The COI + 16S rDNA concatenated dataset successfully recovered monophylies of P. canaliculata and P. maculata but concatenation did not improve individual datasets in distance-based analyses. Overall, although both markers were successful for the identification of apple snails, the COI molecular marker is a better barcoding marker and could be utilized in various population genetic studies of P. canaliculata and P. maculata.
Fulltext The impact of the haze on children with chronic asthma

Chan PWK, DeBruyne JA, Chan TL, Goh AYT

JUMMEC, 1997;2(2):99-102.

To determine the impact of the haze on asthma symptomatology in children with chronic asthma on inhaled prophylaxis. The study was prospective and collected information on asthma symptoms from children attending the asthma clinic. A comparison of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements before and during the haze was performed for children above 7 years. A total of 97 children were included into the study. Forty (41%) children complained of an increase in nocturnal cough (55%) followed by nasal symptoms (40%), daytime cough (40%), nocturnal wheeze (25%) and daytime wheeze (18%). About half of the children who had increased symptomatology during the haze had to limit outdoor activities. In the 43 children in whom PEFR studies were available, 29 (67%) of them had a fall in the PEFR. However, children with no increase in asthma symptomatology showed a similar fall in PEFR measurement when compared to children with increased asthma symptomatology. The haze appeared to be detrimental to the well being of some children with chronic asthma despite being on inhaled prophylaxis.
Study site: Asthma clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Blockchain as a frontier in biotechnology and bioenergy applications

Loy ACM, Lim JY, How BS, Yoo CK

Trends Biotechnol, 2022 Mar;40(3):255-258.
PMID: 34629171 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.09.006

The fourth Industrial Revolution is stimulating a fast-paced and resilient industrial internet of things (IIoT) ecosystem. Blockchain, a decentralized digital ledger technology, plays a crucial role in improvising, securing, and streamlining traditional biotechnology-related industrial processes with IoT and creates a sustainable nexus between social, economic, and environmental aspects.
A national survey on the teaching provision of undergraduate geriatric medicine in Malaysia

Sallehuddin H, Tan MP, Blundell A, Gordon A, Masud T

Gerontol Geriatr Educ, 2021 04 26;43(4):456-467.
PMID: 33899702 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2021.1914027

Malaysia is becoming an aging nation, with 32 medical schools providing 5,000 graduates every year. The extent these graduates have been trained in core concepts in geriatric medicine remains unclear. This work aims to describe the current state of teaching provision on aging and geriatric medicine to the medical undergraduates in Malaysia. A survey was developed by geriatric medicine experts from the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine (MSGM) to review the teaching provision based on the recommended MSGM Undergraduate Geriatric Medicine Curriculum and was sent to all medical schools across the country. The response rate was 50% (16 out of 32 medical schools). Among 16 medical schools, 10 (62.5%) delivered the learning outcomes as part of an integrated curriculum, and five via a mixed geriatric and integrated curriculum at varying degrees of completeness, ranging from 19% to 94%. One particular medical school did not deliver any of the core topics as part of its undergraduate curriculum. It has been identified that the strongest barrier to delivery was lack of expertise, followed by the fact that the topics were not included in the current curriculum. Improvement in teaching provision should be implemented through a concerted effort to adopt a geriatric medical curriculum nationwide, while future research should aim at the interventions taken to address the barriers in its provision.
Fulltext Associations of motor neuron disease research productivity and socioeconomic factors in Southeast Asia: a bibliometric analysis

Turalde CWR, Espiritu AI, Jamora RDG

Arq Neuropsiquiatr, 2021 11;79(11):1002-1011.
PMID: 34816988 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282X-ANP-2019-0464

BACKGROUND: Scientific productivity on motor neuron disease (MND) research has been hypothesized to be low in Southeast Asia (SEA).
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the scientific productivity of SEA countries on MND and the associations between research metric indices and various country-specific socioeconomic parameters.
METHODS: We searched electronic databases for relevant articles from SEA on MND from the earliest indexed record to June 30, 2020. We obtained the following research productivity indices: bibliometric (number of publications in journals with impact factor (IF) and Scopus citations) and altmetric indices (PlumX metrics). We also collected data from published literature and reliable sources on the following socioeconomic variables: population, gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, %GDP allocated for research and development (R&D) and the number of neurologists per country.
RESULTS: We included 196 articles that satisfied our inclusion criteria. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis studies comprised the majority of the articles (n = 112; 57.1%). The top three countries in terms of the numbers of publications in journals with IF and in PlumX metrics were Singapore (n = 129), Malaysia (n = 26), and Thailand (n = 18). GDP per capita, %GDP for R&D and number of neurologists per one million population had strong positive correlations with the bibliometric and altmetric indices.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that although the scientific productivity of MND research in SEA has been low, it is continuously growing. This also emphasizes the imperative to improve economic indices and the number of neurologists in SEA to enhance scientific output on MND.
Fulltext Infection of army ant pupae by two new parasitoid mites (Mesostigmata: Uropodina)

Brückner A, Klompen H, Bruce AI, Hashim R, von Beeren C

PeerJ, 2017;5:e3870.
PMID: 29038753 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3870

A great variety of parasites and parasitoids exploit ant societies. Among them are the Mesostigmata mites, a particularly common and diverse group of ant-associated arthropods. While parasitism is ubiquitous in Mesostigmata, parasitoidism has only been described in the genus Macrodinychus. Yet information about the basic biology of most Macrodinychus species is lacking. Out of 24 formally described species, information about basic life-history traits is only available for three species. Here we formally describe two new Macrodinychus species, i.e. Macrodinychus hilpertae and Macrodinychus derbyensis. In both species, immature stages developed as ecto-parasitoids on ant pupae of the South-East Asian army ant Leptogenys distinguenda. By piercing the developing ant with their chelicera, the mites apparently suck ant hemolymph, ultimately killing host individuals. We compare infection rates among all studied Macrodinychus species and discuss possible host countermeasures against parasitoidism. The cryptic lifestyle of living inside ant nests has certainly hampered the scientific discovery of Macrodinychus mites and we expect that many more macrodinychid species await scientific discovery and description.
Fulltext Evoked K-complexes and altered interaction between the central and autonomic nervous systems during sleep in alcohol use disorder

Willoughby AR, de Zambotti M, Baker FC, Colrain IM

Alcohol, 2020 May;84:1-7.
PMID: 31539623 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.09.005

There is evidence for impairment in both central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) function with prolonged alcohol use. While these impairments persist into abstinence, partial recovery of function has been demonstrated in both systems during sleep. To investigate potential ANS dysfunction associated with cortical CNS responses (impairment in CNS-ANS coupling), we assessed phasic heart rate (HR) fluctuation associated with tones that did and those that did not elicit a K-complex (KC) during stable N2 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in a group of 16 recently abstinent alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients (41.6 ± 8.5 years) and a group of 13 sex- and age-matched control participants (46.6 ± 9.3 years). Electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) data were recorded throughout the night. Alcohol consumption questionnaires were also administered to the AUD patients. AUD patients had elevated HR compared to controls at baseline prior to tone presentation. The HR fluctuation associated with KCs elicited by tone presentation was significantly smaller in amplitude, and tended to be delayed in time, in the AUD group compared with the control group, and the subsequent deceleration was also smaller in AUD patients. In both groups, the increase in HR was larger and occurred earlier when KCs were produced than when they were not, and there was no difference in the magnitude of the KC effect between groups. Phasic HR changes associated with KCs elicited by tones are impaired in AUD participants, reflecting ANS dysfunction possibly caused by an alteration of cardiac vagal trafficking. However, only the timing of the HR response was found to relate to estimated lifetime alcohol consumption in AUD. The clinical meaning and implications of these novel findings need to be determined.
Soccer Players' Sleep Quality and Training Load Were Affected by the COVID-19 Lockdown: An International Survey

Romdhani M, Washif JA, Taylor L, Chamari K, “Athletes’ Sleep During the Lockdown International Survey” Group Members

Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2023 Apr 08.
PMID: 37030665 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0187

BACKGROUND: The effect of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown on athlete sleep and training behavior is documented, albeit without a worldwide soccer-specific focus.
METHOD: Soccer (football) players (N = 1639; 30 countries; age 22.5 [5.7] y; 81% ≤25 y; 56% male; 30% elite; 66% Muslim) answered a retrospective, cross-sectional questionnaire related to their behavioral habits before and during COVID-19 lockdown (survey period July to September 2020), including (1) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI, (2) Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), (3) bespoke questions about training behaviors, and (4) Muslim player focused sleep and training behavior questions.
RESULTS: During lockdown (compared to prelockdown), PSQI (P < .001; moderate effect size [ES]) and ISI (P < .001; moderate ES) scores were higher in the overall sample and in elite versus nonelite (PSQI: P < .05; small ES and ISI: P < .001; small ES), >25 years versus ≤25 years (PSQI: P < .01; small ES and ISI: P < .001; moderate ES), females versus males (PSQI: P < .001; small ES), <1 month versus >1 month lockdown (PSQI: P < .05; small ES and ISI: P < .05; small ES), and players maintaining versus reducing training intensity (PSQI: P < .001; moderate ES and ISI: P < .001; small ES). Muslim players (41%) reported unfavorable sleep and/or training behaviors during Ramadan in lockdown compared to lockdown outside of Ramadan.
CONCLUSIONS: Specific subgroups appear more vulnerable to lockdown effects, with training-intensity maintenance moderating negative effects relative to sleep. Policy and support (respectful of subgroup nuances) during lockdown-like challenges that facilitate training (including intensity) appear prudent, given their favorable relationship with sleep, mental health, and physical health, in the present data and elsewhere.
Fulltext Acute Effects of Loaded and Unloaded Whole-Body Vibration on Vertical Jump Performance in Karate Athletes

Pojskic H, Zombra Ž, Washif JA, Pagaduan J

J Hum Kinet, 2024 Apr;92:203-212.
PMID: 38736596 DOI: 10.5114/jhk/172637

We investigated the acute effects of different whole-body vibration (WBV) interventions on the jump height of highly trained karate practitioners. Fifteen male karate club athletes (age: 20.0 ± 3.8 years; stature: 177.3 ± 4.7 cm; body mass: 76.9 ± 11.2 kg; % body fat: 9.2 ± 4.3) performed six randomized interventions: [a] static half-squat (SHS); [b] SHS with external loads at 30% of the body weight (SHS + 30%BW); [c] WBV at frequency (f) 25 Hz, and 2 mm amplitude (A) (WBV 25/2); [d] WBV 25/2 with external loads of 30% of the body weight (WBV 25/2 + 30% BW); [e] WBV at f = 50 Hz, and A = 4 mm (WBV 50/4), and [f] WBV 50/4 with external loads of 30% of the body weight (WBV 50/4 + 30% BW). Each intervention was performed for 5 sets at 60 s/set, with a rest interval of 30 s between sets. Countermovement jump (CMJ) data were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min after each preconditioning intervention. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a non-significant main effect of intervention [F(5, 10) = 1.44, η2 = 0.42, p = 0.29)] and a significant main effect of the rest interval [F(4, 11) = 3.51, η2 = 0.56, p = 0.04)] on CMJ height. A rest interval of 4 min resulted in significantly higher CMJ values than a rest interval of 2 min (p = 0.031). In conclusion, utilizing a 4-min rest interval irrespective of the intervention schemes may have potential for enhancing jumping performance among highly trained karate athletes.
Fulltext Impact of dietary solvents on flexural properties of bulk-fill composites

Eweis AH, Yap AU, Yahya NA

Saudi Dent J, 2018 Jul;30(3):232-239.
PMID: 29942108 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2018.04.002

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of dietary solvents on flexural strength and modulus of bulk-fill composites.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: One conventional composite (Filtek Z350 [FZ]), two bulk-fill composites (Filtek Bulk-fill [FB] and Tetric N Ceram [TN]) and a bulk-fill giomer (Beautifil-Bulk Restorative [BB]) were evaluated. Specimens (12 × 2 × 2 mm) were fabricated using customized stainless steel molds. Specimens were light-cured, removed from their molds, finished, measured and randomly divided into six groups. The groups (n = 10) were conditioned in the following mediums for 7 days at 37 °C: air (control), artificial saliva (SAGF), distilled water, 0.02 N citric acid, heptane, 50% ethanol-water solution. After conditioning, the specimens were rinsed, blotted dry, measured and subjected to flexural testing using a universal testing machine. Representative SEM images of the intact surfaces were obtained to appraise the degradation mechanism by dietary solvents. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA/Tukey's tests at significance level p 
Fulltext Artificial intelligence in sport: Exploring the potential of using ChatGPT in resistance training prescription

Washif JA, Pagaduan J, James C, Dergaa I, Beaven CM

Biol Sport, 2024 Mar;41(2):209-220.
PMID: 38524820 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.132987

OpenAI's Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) technology enables conversational interactions with applications across various fields, including sport. Here, ChatGPT's proficiency in designing a 12-week resistance training programme, following specific prompts, was investigated. GPT3.5 and GPT4.0 versions were requested to design 12-week resistance training programmes for male and female hypothetical subjects (20-years-old, no injury, and 'intermediate' resistance training experience). Subsequently, GPT4.0 was requested to design an 'advanced' training programme for the same profiles. The proposed training programmes were compared with established guidelines and literature (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association textbook), and discussed. ChatGPT suggested 12-week training programmes comprising three, 4-week phases, each with different objectives (e.g., hypertrophy/strength). GPT3.5 proposed a weekly frequency of ~3 sessions, load intensity of 70-85% of one repetition-maximum, repetition range of 4-8 (2-4 sets), and tempo of 2/0/2 (eccentric/pause/concentric/'pause'). GPT4.0 proposed intermediate- and advanced programme, with a frequency of 5 or 4 sessions, 60-90% or 70-95% intensity, 3-5 sets or 3-6 sets, 5-12 or 3-12 repetitions, respectively. GPT3.5 proposed rest intervals of 90-120 s, and exercise tempo of 2/0/2. GPT4.0 proposed 60-180 (intermediate) or 60-300 s (advanced), with exercise tempo of 2/1/2 for intermediates, and 3/0/1/0, 2/0/1/0, and 1/0/1/0 for advanced programmes. All derived programmes were objectively similar regardless of sex. ChatGPT generated training programmes which likely require additional fine-tuning before application. GPT4.0 synthesised more information than GPT3.5 in response to the prompt, and demonstrated recognition awareness of training experience (intermediate vs advanced). ChatGPT may serve as a complementary tool for writing 'draft' programme, but likely requires human expertise to maximise training programme effectiveness.
Fulltext Nature exposure and positive body image: (Re-)examining the mediating roles of connectedness to nature and trait mindfulness

Swami V, Barron D, Todd J, Horne G, Furnham A

Body Image, 2020 Sep;34:201-208.
PMID: 32604023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.06.004

Previous studies have reported a significant association between nature exposure and positive body image, but understandings of the mechanisms that help to explain this link remain nascent. Here, we considered the extent to which trait mindfulness and connectedness to nature, respectively, mediate the aforementioned relationship both in parallel and serially. An online sample of 398 participants (199 women, 196 men, 3 other; age M = 28.1 years) from the United Kingdom completed measures of self-reported nature exposure, mindful awareness and acceptance, connectedness to nature, and body appreciation. Results indicated that inter-correlations between scores on all measures were significant and positive. Following the elimination of non-significant pathways, path analysis resulted in an adequately-fitting model in which the direct relationship between nature exposure and body appreciation was significant. In addition, connectedness to nature - but not trait mindfulness - significantly mediated the direct relationship. Finally, we also found evidence of a serial mediation, where the association between nature exposure and body appreciation was mediated by mindful awareness followed by connectedness to nature. The implications of these results for scholarly and practitioner understanding of the impact of nature exposure on positive body image are discussed in conclusion.
Fulltext Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack supplementation on eccentric leg press exercise-induced muscle damage in rugby players

Zakaria AZ, Washif JA, Lim BH, Nosaka K

Biol Sport, 2023 Jul;40(3):691-697.
PMID: 37398958 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2023.119290

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ELJ) is a herbal plant that has androgenic and antioxidant effects. We investigated the short-term effect of ELJ supplementation on muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise. Eighteen young (19-25 years), well-trained rugby 7s players were assigned to an ELJ or a placebo (PLA) group (n = 9/group). Each participant took four 100-mg capsules a day for seven days prior to performing a leg press eccentric exercise to failure in a double-blind fashion. Peak force, peak power and jump height in countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump reactive strength index (RSI), muscle soreness assessed by a 100-mm visual analogue scale, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, and salivary hormones were measured at 24 h before and 0.5, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the exercise. Changes in the variables over time were compared between the groups by two-factor mixed-design ANOVA. The number of eccentric contractions performed was similar (P = 0.984) between the ELJ (21 ± 5) and PLA groups (21 ± 5). Salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations did not change (P > 0.05) after the supplementation for both groups. CMJ peak power (-9.4 ± 5.6%) and height (-10.6 ± 4.9%), and RSI (-15.2 ± 16.2%) decreased at 24 h after exercise (P < 0.05), and muscle soreness (peak: 89 ±10 mm) and plasma CK activity (peak: 739 ± 420 IU/L) increased after exercise (P < 0.05) without significant differences between groups. These results showed that 7-day ELJ supplementation prior to the leg press eccentric exercise had no significant effects on hormones, performance and muscle damage markers for the athletes.
Support for weight-related anti-discrimination laws and policies: Modelling the role of attitudes toward poverty alongside weight stigma, causal attributions about weight, and prejudice

Swami V, Voracek M, Furnham A, Robinson C, Tran US

Body Image, 2023 Jun;45:391-400.
PMID: 37116305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.005

In the present study, we sought to position support for weight-related anti-discrimination laws and policies within a broader political and socioeconomic context. Specifically, we hypothesised that individualistic (rather than structural) anti-poverty attitudes would provide the basis for negative weight-related dispositions. To test this hypothesis, we asked 392 respondents from the United Kingdom to complete measures of support for weight-related anti-discrimination laws and policies, attributions about the causes of being larger-bodied, and weight-related stigma and prejudice. Path analysis with robust maximum likelihood estimation indicated that greater individualistic anti-poverty attitudes were significantly and directly associated with lower support for weight-related anti-discrimination laws and policies. This direct association was also significantly mediated by weight-related stigma and via a serial mediation involving both weight-related stigma and prejudice. Although greater individualistic anti-poverty attitudes were significantly associated with greater personal attributions for being larger-bodied, the latter did not emerge as a significant mediation pathway. The present findings highlight the importance of considering broader political and socioeconomic contextual factors that may provide a basis for the development, maintenance, and manifestation of negative weight-related dispositions.
Fulltext Role of Delta-like 4 in Jagged1-induced tumour angiogenesis and tumour growth

Oon CE, Bridges E, Sheldon H, Sainson RCA, Jubb A, Turley H, et al.

Oncotarget, 2017 Jun 20;8(25):40115-40131.
PMID: 28445154 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16969

Delta-like 4 (DLL4) and Jagged1 (JAG1) are two key Notch ligands implicated in tumour angiogenesis. They were shown to have opposite effects on mouse retinal and adult regenerative angiogenesis. In tumours, both ligands are upregulated but their relative effects and interactions in tumour biology, particularly in tumour response to therapeutic intervention are unclear. Here we demonstrate that DLL4 and JAG1 displayed equal potency in stimulating Notch target genes in HMEC-1 endothelial cells but had opposing effects on sprouting angiogenesis in vitro. Mouse DLL4 or JAG1 expressed in glioblastoma cells decreased tumour cell proliferation in vitro but promoted tumour growth in vivo. mDLL4-expressing tumours showed fewer but larger vessels whereas mJAG1-tumours produced more vessels. In both tumour types pericyte coverage was decreased but the vessels were more perfused. Both ligands increased tumour resistance towards anti-VEGF therapy but the resistance was higher in mDLL4-tumours versus mJAG1-tumours. However, their sensitivity to the therapy was restored by blocking Notch signalling with dibenzazepine. Importantly, anti-DLL4 antibody blocked the effect of JAG1 on tumour growth and increased vessel branching in vivo. The mechanism behind the differential responsiveness was due to a positive feedback loop for DLL4-Notch signalling, rendering DLL4 more dominant in activating Notch signalling in the tumour microenvironment. We concluded that DLL4 and JAG1 promote tumour growth by modulating tumour angiogenesis via different mechanisms. JAG1 is not antagonistic but utilises DLL4 in tumour angiogenesis. The results suggest that anti-JAG1 therapy should be explored in conjunction with anti-DLL4 treatment in developing anti-Notch therapies in clinics.
Malaysian herbs as feeding attractants and enhancers for the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Gunzo, Kawamura, Seok, Annita Kian Yong, Hsein, Loong Au, Adrian Doison, Shing, Yau Ooi, Lim, Leong-Seng

Borneo Journal of Marine Science and Aquaculture, 2019;3(2):57-67.
MyJurnal

Feeding attractiveness of 21 fresh herbs was examined for the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at different growth stages in tanks. The feeding attractant and enhancement were assessed by behavioural observations of the test animals in response to pelleted feeds incorporated with the herbal extracts in different concentrations. For M. rosenbergii, peppermint (Mentha piperita) and dokudami (Houttuynia cordata) were the most attractive herbs at all stages, and garlic (Allium sativum) strongly attracting to the juveniles but only weekly to the adults, postlarvae and larvae. Peppermint significantly enhanced feeding of M. rosenbergii at all stages except for the larvae. Garlic was a significant feeding enhancer for M. rosenbergii juveniles and postlarvae. The inclusion of the herbal extract at high concentrations had a negative effect on the feeding. As far as L. vannamei is concerned, the red chilli (Capsicum annuum) was the best feeding attractant and ginger (Zingiber officinale) and peppermint were moderate attractants for adults and juveniles. While galangal (Alpinia galangal), ginger and yellow onion (Allium cepa sp.) enhanced feeding in L. vannamei adults, but red chilli, garlic and peppermint did not enhance feeding. Evidently, the strong feeding attractants were not necessarily effective feeding enhancers. The incorporation of several herb extracts at higher concentrations caused a negative effect on the feeding of the test animals. This could be due to the presence of feeding deterrents in the herb such as saponins which are known to lower food palatability in insect, decapod crustaceans and fishes. More long-term work is warranted to determine if inclusion of feeding enhancing herbs in artificial feed promotes growth performance of the shrimp.
Fulltext Draft Genome Sequence of Kocuria rhizophila strain TPW45, an Actinobacterium Isolated from Freshwater

Adrian TG, Tan PW, Chen JW, Yin WF, Chan KG

J Genomics, 2016;4:16-8.
PMID: 27326264 DOI: 10.7150/jgen.15063

Kocuria rhizophila is a ubiquitous bacterium which is well known for its industrial value. Here, we present the draft genome of Kocuria rhizophila strain TPW45 which was isolated from Sungai Gabai, Selangor, Malaysia. The assembled genome comprised of 46 contigs and the estimated genome size is 2.7 Mb. Based on the RAST annotation, a gene cluster responsible for aromatic compound degradation was identified in this strain.
Fulltext Whole-Genome Sequence and Fosfomycin Resistance of Bacillus sp. Strain G3(2015) Isolated from Seawater off the Coast of Malaysia

Chan XY, Chen JW, Adrian TG, Hong KW, Chang CY, Yin WF, et al.

Genome Announc, 2017 Mar 30;5(13).
PMID: 28360153 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00067-17

Bacillus sp. is a Gram-positive bacterium that is commonly found in seawater. In this study, the genome of marine Bacillus sp. strain G3(2015) was sequenced using MiSeq. The fosfomycin resistant gene fosB was identified upon bacterial genome annotation.
Fulltext Exploring the potential of black fungus, Auricularia auricula, as a feed additive in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, farming

Wei LS, Adrian Susin AA, Tahiluddin AB, Kien LV, Wee W

Heliyon, 2024 Jul 15;10(13):e33810.
PMID: 39071570 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33810

This study explores the beneficial effects of Auricularia auricula (AA) as a feed additive in promoting growth, digestive enzyme activities, antioxidative responses, heat tolerance, and disease resistance against Edwardsiella tarda in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) farming. The application of feed additives is a hot topic in recent aquaculture studies aimed at promoting the growth and health of aquaculture species. After 8 weeks of feeding trial, the results of the present study revealed that fish-fed AA diets performed significantly better (p

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