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Fulltext Effect of dragon fruit extract on oxidative stress and aortic stiffness in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Anand Swarup KR, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Abdulla MH, Salman IM, Rathore HA, et al.

Pharmacognosy Res, 2010 Jan;2(1):31-5.
PMID: 21808536 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.60582

Cardiovascular complications are consistently observed in diabetic patients across all age groups. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Hylocereus undatus (DFE) on aortic stiffness and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Twenty-four male, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: I (control), II (diabetic), III (DFE, 250 mg/kg) and IV (DFE 500 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced in groups II, III and IV by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of STZ (40 mg/kg). After confirmation of diabetes, group III and IV received DFE for 5 weeks. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used as a marker of aortic stiffness and was determined at the end of 5 weeks. DFE significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, but not to normal levels. Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and PWV were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats at the end of 5 weeks in comparison with control group. DFE treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) these elevations. Oxidative damage was observed in group II after 5 weeks. Plasma malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity significantly increased (P < 0.05) with DFE treatment in comparison with group II. These data demonstrate that DFE treatment was effective in controlling oxidative damage and decreasing the aortic stiffness measured by PWV in STZ-induced diabetes in rats.
Inhibition of Ang II and renal sympathetic nerve influence dopamine-and isoprenaline-induced renal haemodynamic changes in normal Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abdulla MH, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Hazim AI, Anand Swarup KR, Rathore HA, et al.

Auton Autacoid Pharmacol, 2008 Oct;28(4):95-101.
PMID: 18778332 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-8673.2008.00422.x

1. This study was undertaken to elucidate the effects of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with losartan, and acute unilateral renal denervation on renal haemodynamic responses to intrarenal administration of vasoconstrictor doses of dopamine and vasodilator doses of isoprenaline in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). 2. Acute unilateral renal denervation of the left kidney in rats was confirmed by a drop in the renal vasoconstrictor response to renal nerve stimulation (P < 0.05) along with diuresis and natriuresis. Rats were pretreated with losartan for 7 days and thereafter animals fasted overnight were anaesthetized (sodium pentobarbitone, 60 mg/kg i.p.) and acute renal haemodynamic responses studied. 3. Dose-response curves were constructed for dopamine and isoprenaline that induced falls or increases in renal blood flow, respectively. It was observed that renal vascular responses were greater in the denervated as compared with rats with intact renal nerves (all P < 0.05). Dopamine-induced renal vasoconstrictor responses were markedly lower in losartan-treated denervated WKY and SHR compared with their untreated counterparts (all P < 0.05). It was also observed that in losartan-treated and denervated WKY rats the vasodilatory responses to isoprenaline were markedly lower compared with untreated rats (all P < 0.05). However, in SHR, under the same conditions, there was no difference in the renal response to isoprenaline whether or not rats were treated with losartan (P > 0.05). 4. The data obtained showed that the renal vasoconstrictor effect of dopamine depends on intact renal nerves and RAS in WKY and SHR. Isoprenaline responses were likewise sensitive to renal denervation and RAS inhibition in WKY rats but not SHRs. Our observations reveal a possible relationship between renal AT(1) receptors and alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in WKY and SHR. There is also evidence to suggest an interaction between renal beta-adrenoceptors and AT(1) receptors in WKY rats.
Fulltext Cystathione gamma lyase/Hydrogen Sulphide Pathway Up Regulation Enhances the Responsiveness of α1A and α1B-Adrenoreceptors in the Kidney of Rats with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Ahmad A, Sattar MA, Azam M, Abdulla MH, Khan SA, Hashmi F, et al.

PLoS One, 2016;11(5):e0154995.
PMID: 27191852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154995

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interaction between H2S and NO (nitric oxide) in the kidney and to evaluate its impact on the functional contribution of α1A and α1B-adrenoreceptors subtypes mediating the renal vasoconstriction in the kidney of rats with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In rats the LVH induction was by isoprenaline administration and caffeine in the drinking water together with intraperitoneal administration of H2S. The responsiveness of α1A and α1B to exogenous noradrenaline, phenylephrine and methoxaminein the absence and presence of 5-methylurapidil (5-MeU) and chloroethylclonidine (CEC) was studied. Cystathione gamma lyase (CSE), cystathione β synthase (CBS), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphar transferase (3-MST) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were quantified. There was significant up regulation of CSE and eNOS in the LVH-H2S compared to the LVH group (P<0.05). Baseline renal cortical blood perfusion (RCBP) was increased (P<0.05) in the LVH-H2S compared to the LVH group. The responsiveness of α1A-adrenergic receptors to adrenergic agonists was increased (P<0.05) after administration of low dose 5-Methylurapidil in the LVH-H2S group while α1B-adrenergic receptors responsiveness to adrenergic agonists were increased (P<0.05) by both low and high dose chloroethylclonidine in the LVH-H2S group. Treatment of LVH with H2S resulted in up-regulation of CSE/H2S, CBS, and 3-MST and eNOS/NO/cGMP pathways in the kidney. These up regulation of CSE/H2S, CBS, and 3-MST and eNOS/NO/cGMP pathways enhanced the responsiveness of α1A and α1B-adrenoreceptors subtypes to adrenergic agonists in LVH-H2S. These findings indicate an important role for H2S in modulating deranged signalling in the renal vasculature resulting from LVH development.
Fulltext Insect community in riparian zones of Sungai Sepetang, Sungai Rembau and Sungai Chukai of Peninsular Malaysia

Abdullah NA, Radzi SNF, Asri LN, Idris NS, Husin S, Sulaiman A, et al.

Biodivers Data J, 2019;7:e35679.
PMID: 31582889 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.7.e35679

Riparian areas hold vast number of flora and fauna with exceptional contributions to the ecosystem. A study was conducted in Sungai Sepetang, Sungai Rembau and Sungai Chukai to identify the insect community in a riparian zone of Peninsular Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in six consecutive months from December 2017 to May 2018 during both day and night using sweep nets. Twenty sampling stations (S1-S20) had been assembled along the riverbanks with an average distance of 200 m between each station. The 17,530 collected insects were from 11 orders and consisted of Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, Blattodea, Thysanoptera, Mantodea and Odonata. The three most abundant orders were Diptera (33.84%; 5933 individuals), Coleoptera (28.82%; 5053 individuals) and Hemiptera (25.62%: 4491 individuals). The collected insect community consisted of different guilds such as the scavenger, predator, herbivore, pollinator and parasitoid. Sungai Sepetang and Sungai Rembau were dominated by mangrove flora, Sonneratia caseolaris (Myrtales: Lythraceae), while Sungai Chukai was dominated by Barringtonia racemosa. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the composition of insects between the three rivers though clustering analysis showed that the insect communities in Sungai Sepetang and Sungai Rembau were 100% similar compared to Sungai Chukai which consisted of a totally different community. There is a significant negative correlation between abundance of insects with salinity and wind speed at Sungai Chukai and Sungai Sepetang.
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.
Functional contribution of α1D-adrenoceptors in the renal vasculature of left ventricular hypertrophy induced with isoprenaline and caffeine in Wistar-Kyoto rats

Ahmad A, Sattar MA, Rathore HA, Abdulla MH, Khan SA, Abdullah NA, et al.

Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 2014 Dec;92(12):1029-35.
PMID: 25403946 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0236

This study investigated the role of α1D-adrenoceptor in the modulation of renal haemodynamics in rats with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). LVH was established in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats with isoprenaline (5.0 mg · (kg body mass)(-1), by subcutaneous injection every 72 h) and caffeine (62 mg · L(-1) in drinking water, daily for 14 days). Renal vasoconstrictor responses were measured for noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE), and methoxamine (ME) before and immediately after low or high dose intrarenal infusions of BMY 7378, a selective α1D-adrenoceptor blocker. The rats with LVH had higher mean arterial blood pressure and circulating NA levels, but lower renal cortical blood perfusion compared with the control group (all P < 0.05). In the LVH group, the magnitude of the renal vasoconstrictor response to ME was blunted, but not the response to NA or PE (P < 0.05), compared with the control group (LVH vs. C, 38% vs. 50%). The magnitude of the drop in the vasoconstrictor responses to NA, PE, and ME in the presence of a higher dose of BMY 7378 was significantly greater in the LVH group compared with the control group (LVH vs. C, 45% vs. 25% for NA, 52% vs. 33% for PE, 66% vs. 53% for ME, all P < 0.05). These findings indicate an impaired renal vasoconstrictor response to adrenergic agonists during LVH. In addition, the α1D-adrenoceptor subtype plays a key role in the modulation of vascular responses in this diseased state.
Role of the renal sympathetic nervous system in mediating renal ischaemic injury-induced reductions in renal haemodynamic and excretory functions

Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Yam MF, Najim HS, et al.

Pathology, 2010 Apr;42(3):259-66.
PMID: 20350220 DOI: 10.3109/00313021003631304

We investigated the role of renal sympathetic innervation in the deterioration of renal haemodynamic and excretory functions during the early post-ischaemic phase of renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Optic Canal Analysis in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: Volumetric and Surface Area Validation Study Using Different Measurement Modalities

Hariri F, Zainudin NAA, Anuar AMS, Ibrahim N, Abdullah NA, Aziz IA, et al.

J Craniofac Surg, 2020 11 7;32(1):355-359.
PMID: 33156163 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006981

BACKGROUND: In syndromic craniosynostosis (SC), unlike persistent corneal irritation due to severe exophthalmos and increased intracranial pressure, optic canal (OC) stenosis has been scarcely reported to cause visual impairment. This study aimed to validate the OC volumetric and surface area measurement among SC patients.
METHODS: Sixteen computed tomography scan of SC patients (8 months-6 years old) were imported to Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) and Materialise 3-matics software. Three-dimensional (3D) OC models were fabricated, and linear measurements were obtained. Mathematical formulas were used for calculation of OC volume and surface area from the 3D model. The same measurements were obtained from the software and used as ground truth. Data normality was investigated before statistical analyses were performed. Wilcoxon test was used to validate differences of OC volume and surface area between 3D model and software.
RESULTS: The mean values for OC surface area for 3D model and MIMICS software were 103.19 mm2 and 31.27 mm2, respectively, whereas the mean for OC volume for 3D model and MIMICS software were 184.37 mm2 and 147.07 mm2, respectively. Significant difference was found between OC volume (P = 0.0681) and surface area (P = 0.0002) between 3D model and software.
CONCLUSION: Optic canal in SC is not a perfect conical frustum thus making 3D model measurement and mathematical formula for surface area and volume estimation not ideal. Computer software remains the best modality to gauge dimensional parameter and is useful to elucidates the relationship of OC and eye function as well as aiding intervention in SC patients.
Influence of physico-chemical characteristics of rembau river, peninsular Malaysia, on congregating Pteroptyx fireflies

Abdullah NA, Asri LN, Husin SM, Shukor AM, Darbis NDA, Ismail K, et al.

Environ Monit Assess, 2021 Sep 07;193(10):634.
PMID: 34491451 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09426-y

We studied the water quality of the riparian firefly sanctuary of Sungai Rembau, or Rembau River, in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, from January 2018 to November 2018 to determine the possible influence of the physico-chemical characteristics of the water on the firefly populations living within the sanctuary. We set up a total of five water quality sampling stations and 10 firefly sampling stations along the river. Dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in situ, while chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) were analysed in the laboratory. Firefly samples were collected using a sweep net at both day and night for 1 min. Sungai Rembau was categorized as Class II on the Malaysian water quality index (WQI), which indicates slight pollution. Except for EC and DO, the water quality parameter values were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the sampling stations. A total of 529 firefly individuals consisting of Pteroptyx tener (n = 525, 99.24%), P. malaccae (n = 3, 0.57%) and P. asymmetria (n = 1, 0.19%) were collected. There was significant correlation between firefly abundance and BOD (r = - 0.198, p
Renal sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity in early streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney disease

Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Yam MF, Abdullah GZ, et al.

Neurourol Urodyn, 2011 Mar;30(3):438-46.
PMID: 21284025 DOI: 10.1002/nau.21007

We assessed the role of renal sympathetic nervous system in the deterioration of renal hemodynamic and excretory functions in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Oral and Hand Hygiene Practices Among Adolescents in Malaysia: Findings From the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017

Che Salleh N, Mohamad Anuar MF, Abdullah NA, Yaw SL, Ibrahim Wong N, Teck Pei T, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 11;31(8_suppl):97S-104S.
PMID: 31640393 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519880998

This cross-sectional national survey aimed to determine the prevalence of oral and hand hygiene practices as well as associations between sociodemographic characteristics and oral and hygiene practice among adolescents aged 13 to 17 years during the past 30 days. A validated self-administered bilingual questionnaire adapted from the Malaysian Global School Health Survey with computer-scanable answer sheets was distributed to 30 823 adolescents attending government secondary schools in Malaysia; and 89.2% responded to the questionnaire given. More than 80% (87.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 86.24-87.96) of the adolescents reported that they had brushed their teeth at least twice daily and had always washed their hands after using the toilet (86.6%; 95% CI = 85.85-87.36). The odds of adolescents who brushed their teeth at least 2 times daily and washed their hands after using the toilet was significantly associated with sociodemographic characteristics. This study highlights the need to further improve the effectiveness of current oral health promotion programs with consideration for sociodemographic characteristics.
Criterion Validity and Psychometric Properties of a Malay Version of the Short Multidimensional Inventory Lifestyle Evaluation-Confinement (SMILE-C) in a Sample of University Staff with Weight Problems

Abdul Kadir NB, Ismail WNK, Abdullah NA, Helma R, Abdul Jalil SJ, Che Kasim A, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Oct 03;18(19).
PMID: 34639710 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910410

The aim of this study was to validate the Short Multidimensional Inventory Lifestyle Evaluation-Confinement (SMILE-C) in a Malaysian context. The SMILE-C, which is a respondent-generated instrument, was used to ask participants questions on their lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indices of seven sub-scores were then calculated. A total of 121 university staff members completed the Malay version of the SMILE-C as well as instruments for measuring well-being, family life satisfaction, mindfulness and awareness, work engagement, and quality of life. The Cronbach's alpha values and Pearson correlation coefficients were satisfactory in this initial validation of the instrument. The SMILE-C showed positive correlations with all the variables being studied. The results supported the criterion-related validity and psychometric properties of the Malay version of the SMILE-C as an instrument for assessing lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Optic canal characteristics in pediatric syndromic craniosynostosis

Hariri F, Farhana NA, Abdullah NA, Ibrahim N, Ramli NM, Mohd Abdullah AA, et al.

J Craniomaxillofac Surg, 2021 Dec;49(12):1175-1181.
PMID: 34247917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2021.06.017

The aim of this study was to compare optic canal parameters of syndromic craniosynostosis patients with those of normal patients to visit the possibility of optic nerve impingement as a cause of visual impairment. Computed tomography scan images were processed using the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) Research 21.0 software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). Eleven optic canal parameters were measured: 1) height of optic canal on the cranial side, 2) height of optic canal on the orbital side 3) length of the medial wall of the optic canal, 4) length of the lateral canal wall of the optic canal, 5) diameter of the optic canal at five points (Q1-Q4 and mid canal), and 6) area and perimeter of optic canal. These measurements were obtained for both the right and left optic canals. The study sample comprised four Crouzon syndrome, five Apert syndrome, and three Pfeiffer syndrome patients. The age of these syndromic craniosynostosis patients ranged from 2 to 63 months. The height of the optic canal on the orbital side (p = 0.041), diameter of the mid canal (p = 0.040), and diameter between the mid-canal and the cranial opening (Q3) (p = 0.079) for syndromic craniosynostosis patients were statistically narrower compared with those of normal patients when a significance level of 0.1 was considered. Scatter plots for the ages of patients versus the above parameters gave three separated clusters that suggested the arresting of optic canal development with age. The findings from this study demonstrated a narrowing of the optic canal in syndromic craniosynostosis patients, and indicate that optic canal anatomical characteristics may have an association with visual impairment among pediatric syndromic craniosynostosis patients.
Two New Species of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) (Diptera: Simuliidae) From Flores, Indonesia

Takaoka H, Sofian-Azirun M, Chen CD, Lau KW, Halim MRA, Low VL, et al.

J Med Entomol, 2017 May 01;54(3):576-586.
PMID: 27974360 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw208

Two new species, Simulium (Gomphostilbia) sunapii and S. (G.) rangatense, are described based on adults, pupae, and mature larvae from Flores, in the eastern part of the Sunda Archipelago, Indonesia. Simulium (G.) sunapii sp. nov. is placed in the S. asakoae species-group, representing the easternmost geographical record for the group in this archipelago. It is characterized by a small number of male upper-eye large facets in eight or nine vertical columns and 12 horizontal rows. Simulium (G.) rangatense sp. nov. is placed in the S. ceylonicum species-group and is characterized by the pupal gill with six filaments. This new species, together with two related species of the S. ceylonicum species-group in Flores, suggests the species radiation of this species-group might have been accompanied by a reduction of the number of pupal gill filaments from eight to four through six. Taxonomic notes are provided to distinguish these two new species from related species.
Chemopreventive Effect of Phaleria macrocarpa on Colorectal Cancer Aberrant Crypt Foci In vivo

Shwter AN, Abdullah NA, Alshawsh MA, El-Seedi HR, Al-Henhena NA, Khalifa SA, et al.

J Ethnopharmacol, 2016 Aug 1.
PMID: 27492327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.08.002

Natural products are important ingredients for pharmaceutical applications specifically new entities for treating cancer and other diseases. Phaleria macrocarpa is native of Indonesia and considered as a prolific source of bioactive substances useful for chemoprevention.
Fulltext Potential use of cord blood for Hb E hemoglobinopathy screening programme using capillary electrophoresis

Wan Mohd Saman WA, Hassan R, Mohd Yusoff S, Che Yaakob CA, Abdullah NA, Ghazali S, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2016 Dec;38(3):235-239.
PMID: 28028293 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies are inherited red blood cell disorders found worldwide. Hemoglobin (Hb) E disorder is one of the hemoglobinopathies known to have the high prevalence in South East Asia. Most of transfusion-dependent thalassemias were genotypically compound heterozygous Hb E/ β-thalassemia. In Malaysia, the national screening program for thalassemia was implemented for early pregnancy or secondary school girls; however many participants do not turn-up and missed the screening test. Screening for thalassemia using samples from cord blood is an alternative choice as it is a readily available source of blood and hence early detection of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential use of cord blood for the screening of HbE hemoglobinopathy by using capillary electrophoresis (CE).
METHODS: Cord blood samples were collected from 300 newborns of healthy mothers. Hematological parameters were determined and hemoglobin quantitation for all cord blood samples were performed using capillary electrophoresis system (CES) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
RESULTS: Majority of cord blood samples (63%) revealed Hb AF followed by Hb AFA2 (20%). Hb AFE was detected in 10.7% with the mean value of Hb E ranging from 2.3%-11.1%.
CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin E was detected in cord blood using capillary electrophoresis system. It can be recommended in areas where Hb E/β is prevalent. Implementation of a screening strategy using CE on cord blood sampling will identify the disease early. With regular follow-up on these patients, the status of their disease can be determined earlier and appropriate management implemented.
Simulium (Gomphostilbia) lemborense, a new black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Flores, Indonesia

Takaoka H, Sofian-Azirun M, Chen CD, Lau KW, Halim MR, Low VL, et al.

Zootaxa, 2017 Feb 21;4236(1):zootaxa.4236.1.8.
PMID: 28264343 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4236.1.8

Simulium (Gomphostilbia) lemborense sp. nov. is described based on adults, pupae and mature larvae from Flores, in the eastern part of the Sunda Archipelago, Indonesia. This new species is placed in the Simulium batoense species-group of the subgenus Gomphostilbia Enderlein, representing the most eastern distribution record for the group. This new species is characterized by a narrow female frons and pupal gill with eight filaments, of which two filaments of the ventral pair are three to four times as long as the six other filaments. Taxonomic notes are provided to distinguish this new species from related species.
Fulltext Burden and Risk Factors of Melioidosis in Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review

Selvam K, Ganapathy T, Najib MA, Khalid MF, Abdullah NA, Harun A, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 22;19(23).
PMID: 36497549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315475

This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of human melioidosis in Southeast Asia as well as to highlight knowledge gaps in the prevalence and risk factors of this life-threatening disease using available evidence-based data for better diagnosis and treatment. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used as the guideline for this review. The literature search was conducted on 23 March 2022 through two electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) using lists of keywords referring to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. A total of 38 articles related to human melioidosis were included from 645 screened articles. These studies were carried out between 1986 and 2019 in six Southeast Asian countries: Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam. Melioidosis has been reported with a high disease prevalence among high-risk populations. Studies in Thailand (48.0%) and Cambodia (74.4%) revealed disease prevalence in patients with septic arthritis and children with suppurative parotitis, respectively. Other studies in Thailand (63.5%) and Malaysia (54.4% and 65.7%) showed a high seroprevalence of melioidosis among Tsunami survivors and military personnel, respectively. Additionally, this review documented soil and water exposure, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, thalassemia, and children under the age of 15 as the main risk factors for melioidosis. Human melioidosis is currently under-reported in Southeast Asia and its true prevalence is unknown.
Silica exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing ACPA-positive rheumatoid arthritis in an Asian population: evidence from the Malaysian MyEIRA case-control study

Yahya A, Bengtsson C, Larsson P, Too CL, Mustafa AN, Abdullah NA, et al.

Mod Rheumatol, 2013 Apr 25.
PMID: 23615838

OBJECTIVES: Silica exposure has been associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially among smokers. In this study, we aimed at examining the association between silica exposure (and its interaction with smoking) and the risk of RA in the Malaysian population. METHODS: In total, 149 cases and 213 matched controls, all men, were included between August 2005 and December 2009. A case was defined as a person with early diagnosed RA using the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA. Controls were randomly selected matched on sex, age and residential area. Silica exposure was defined as exposure to stone dust, rock drilling or stone crushing, and smoking status was categorized as ever/never cigarette smoking. RESULTS: An increased risk of anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive RA (OR = 2.4, 95 % CI 1.0-5.6) was observed among those exposed to silica. Ever-smokers exposed to silica had a particularly high risk of developing ACPA-positive RA (OR = 7.5, 95 % CI 2.3-24.2), compared with never-smokers not exposed to silica. No association was found regarding ACPA-negative RA. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that exposure to both silica and cigarette smoke comprise risks for developing RA in the Malaysian genetic context. The findings expand a link between environmental lung exposures and ACPA-positive RA to Asian populations.
Fulltext Up Regulation of cystathione γ lyase and Hydrogen Sulphide in the Myocardium Inhibits the Progression of Isoproterenol-Caffeine Induced Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Wistar Kyoto Rats

Ahmad A, Sattar MA, Rathore HA, Abdulla MH, Khan SA, Azam M, et al.

PLoS One, 2016;11(3):e0150137.
PMID: 26963622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150137

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an emerging molecule in many cardiovascular complications but its role in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is unknown. The present study explored the effect of exogenous H2S administration in the regression of LVH by modulating oxidative stress, arterial stiffness and expression of cystathione γ lyase (CSE) in the myocardium. Animals were divided into four groups: Control, LVH, Control-H2S and LVH-H2S. LVH was induced by administering isoprenaline (5mg/kg, every 72 hours, S/C) and caffeine in drinking water (62mg/L) for 2 weeks. Intraperitoneal NaHS, 56μM/kg/day for 5 weeks, was given as an H2S donor. Myocardial expression of Cystathione γ lyase (CSE) mRNA was quantified using real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).There was a 3 fold reduction in the expression of myocardial CSE mRNA in LVH but it was up regulated by 7 and 4 fold in the Control-H2S and LVH-H2S myocardium, respectively. Systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse wave velocity were reduced (all P<0.05) in LVH-H2S when compared to the LVH group. Heart, LV weight, myocardial thickness were reduced while LV internal diameter was increased (all P<0.05) in the LVH-H2S when compared to the LVH group. Exogenous administration of H2S in LVH increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione and total antioxidant capacity but significantly reduced (all P<0.05) plasma malanodialdehyde in the LVH-H2S compared to the LVH group. The renal cortical blood perfusion increased by 40% in LVH-H2S as compared to the LVH group. Exogenous administration of H2S suppressed the progression of LVH which was associated with an up regulation of myocardial CSE mRNA/ H2S and a reduction in pulse wave velocity with a blunting of systemic hemodynamic. This CSE/H2S pathway exhibits an antihypertrophic role by antagonizing the hypertrophic actions of angiotensin II(Ang II) and noradrenaline (NA) but attenuates oxidative stress and improves pulse wave velocity which helps to suppress LVH. Exogenous administration of H2S augmented the reduced renal cortical blood perfusion in the LVH state.

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