Displaying publications 1461 - 1480 of 1902 in total

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  1. Fulltext Brain area-specific diurnal and photic regulation of val-opsinA and val-opsinB genes in the zebrafish
    Hang CY, Kitahashi T, Parhar IS
    J Neurochem, 2015 May;133(4):501-10.
    PMID: 25727787 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13084
    Zebrafish possess two isoforms of vertebrate ancient long (VAL)-opsin, val-opsinA (valopa) and val-opsinB (valopb), which probably mediate non-visual responses to light. To understand the diurnal and light-sensitive regulation of the valop genes in different cell groups, the current study used real-time quantitative PCR to examine the diurnal changes of valopa and b mRNA levels in different brain areas of adult male zebrafish. Furthermore, effects of the extended exposure to light or dark condition, luminous levels and the treatment with a melatonin receptor agonist or antagonist on valop transcription were examined. In the thalamus, valop mRNA levels showed significant diurnal changes; valopa peaked in the evening, while valopb peaked in the morning. The diurnal change of valopa mRNA levels occurred independent of light conditions, whereas that of valopb mRNA levels were regulated by light. A melatonin receptor agonist or antagonist did not affect the changes of valop mRNA levels. In contrast, the midbrain and hindbrain showed arrhythmic valop mRNA levels under light and dark cycles. The differential diurnal regulation of the valopa and b genes in the thalamus and the arrhythmic expression in the midbrain and hindbrain suggest involvement of deep brain VAL-opsin in time- and light-dependent physiology. We show diurnal expression changes of vertebrate ancient long (VAL) opsin genes (valopa and valopb), depending on brain area, time of day and light condition, in the adult male zebrafish. Differential regulation of the valop genes in the thalamus and arrhythmic expression in the midbrain and hindbrain suggest their involvement in time- and light-dependent physiology to adjust to environmental changes.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Messenger/metabolism
  2. Fulltext Isolation of Pediococcus acidilactici Kp10 with ability to secrete bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance from milk products for applications in food industry
    Abbasiliasi S, Tan JS, Ibrahim TA, Ramanan RN, Vakhshiteh F, Mustafa S, et al.
    BMC Microbiol, 2012;12:260.
    PMID: 23153191 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-260
    Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can be isolated from traditional milk products. LAB that secrete substances that inhibit pathogenic bacteria and are resistant to acid, bile, and pepsin but not vancomycin may have potential in food applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  3. Upregulation of catalase and downregulation of glutathione peroxidase activity in the kidney precede the development of hypertension in pre-hypertensive SHR
    Sundaram A, Siew Keah L, Sirajudeen KN, Singh HJ
    Hypertens Res, 2013 Mar;36(3):213-8.
    PMID: 23096233 DOI: 10.1038/hr.2012.163
    Although oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), there is little information on the levels of primary antioxidant enzymes status (AOEs) in pre-hypertensive SHR. This study therefore determined the activities of primary AOEs and their mRNA levels, levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in whole kidneys of SHR and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats aged between 2 and 16 weeks. Compared with age-matched WKY rats, catalase (CAT) activity was significantly higher from the age of 2 weeks (P<0.001) and glutathione peroxide (GPx) activity was lower from the age of 3 weeks (P<0.001) in SHR. CAT mRNA levels were significantly higher in SHR aged 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks. GPx mRNA levels were significantly lower in SHR at 8 and 12 weeks. Superoxide dismutase activity or its mRNA levels were not different between the two strains. H2O2 levels were significantly lower in SHR from the age of 8 weeks (P<0.01). TAS was significantly higher in SHR from the age of 3 weeks (P<0.05). MDA levels were only significantly higher at 16 weeks of age in the SHR (P<0.05). The data suggest that altered renal CAT and GPx mRNA expression and activity precede the development of hypertension in SHR. The raised CAT activity perhaps contributes to the higher TAS and lower H2O2 levels in SHR. In view of these findings, the precise role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hypertension in SHR needs to be investigated further.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Messenger/metabolism
  4. Fulltext Sexual Dimorphic Distribution of Hypothalamic Tachykinin1 Cells and Their Innervations to GnRH Neurons in the Zebrafish
    Ogawa S, Ramadasan PN, Anthonysamy R, Parhar IS
    Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2020;11:534343.
    PMID: 33763023 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.534343
    Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), encoded by TAC1/Tac1 gene are members of the tachykinin family, which exert their neuromodulatory roles in vertebrate reproduction. In mammals, SP and NKA have been shown to regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion via kisspeptin neurons. On the other hand, the role of SP/NKA in the regulation of reproduction in non-mammalian vertebrates is not well known. In the present study, we first localized expression of tac1 mRNA in the brain of male and female zebrafish, Danio rerio. Next, using an antibody against zebrafish tachykinin1 (Tac1), we examined the neural association of SP/NKA neural processes with GnRH3 neurons, and with kisspeptin (kiss2) neurons, in the brains of male and female zebrafish. In situ hybridization showed an apparent male-dominant tac1 expression in the ventral telencephalic area, the anterior and posterior parts of the parvocellular preoptic nucleus, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus. On the other hand, there was female-dominant tac1 expression in the ventral periventricular hypothalamus. Confocal images of double-labeled zebrafish Tac1 and GnRH3 showed associations between Tac1-immunoreactive processes and GnRH3 neurons in the ventral telencephalic area. In contrast, there was no apparent proximity of Tac1 processes to kiss2 mRNA-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus. Lastly, to elucidate possible direct action of SP/NKA on GnRH3 or Kiss2 neurons, expression of SP/NKA receptor, tacr1a mRNA was examined in regions containing GnRH3 or Kiss2 neurons by in situ hybridization. Expression of tacr1a mRNA was seen in several brain regions including the olfactory bulb, preoptic area and hypothalamus, where GnRH3 and Kiss2 cells are present. These results suggest that unlike in mammals, Tac1 may be involved in male reproductive functions via direct action on GnRH3 neurons but independent of kisspeptin in the zebrafish.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Messenger/metabolism
  5. Combinatorial effect of genistein and female sex-steroids on uterine fluid volume and secretion rate and aquaporin (AQP)-1, 2, 5, and 7 expression in the uterus in rats
    Chinigarzadeh A, Muniandy S, Salleh N
    Environ Toxicol, 2017 Mar;32(3):832-844.
    PMID: 27235753 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22283
    We hypothesized that genistein can interfere with the regulation of uterine fluid volume, secretion rate and expression of aquaporin in the uterus by female sex-steroids, i.e., estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate changes in these parameters in the presence of genistein and female sex-steroids.

    METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and received 3-days estradiol-17β benzoate (E2) plus genistein (25, 50, or 100 mg kg(-1)  day(-1) ) or 3-days E2 followed by 3-days E2 plus progesterone with genistein (25, 50, or 100 mg kg(-1)  day(-1) ). A day after last treatment, uterine fluid secretion rate was determined by in vivo uterine perfusion with rats under anesthesia. Animals were sacrificed and uteri were harvested and subjected for histological analyses. Luminal/outer uterine circumference was determined and distribution of AQP-1, 2, 5, and 7 in endometrium was visualized by immunofluorescence. Expression of AQP-1, 2, 5, and 7 proteins and mRNAs were determined by Western blotting and Real-time PCR respectively.

    RESULTS: Combined treatment of E2 with high dose genistein (50 and 100 mg kg(-1)  day(-1) ) resulted in significant decrease in uterine fluid volume, secretion rate and expression of AQP-1, 2, 5, and 7 proteins and mRNAs in uterus (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Messenger/metabolism
  6. High-Throughput Screening Assays for Dengue Antiviral Drug Development
    Jabanathan SG, Xuan LZ, Ramanathan B
    Methods Mol Biol, 2021;2296:279-302.
    PMID: 33977455 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1358-0_17
    Dengue is an arthropod-borne viral disease that has become endemic and a global threat in over 100 countries. The increase in prevalence would require a long-term measure to control outbreaks. Sanofi Pasteur has licensed the tetravalent dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) in certain dengue endemic countries. However, the efficacy of the vaccine is limited against certain dengue serotypes and can only be used for individuals from the age from 9 to 45 years old. Over the years, there has been intense research conducted on the development of antivirals against dengue virus (DENV) through either inhibiting the virus replication or targeting the host cell mechanism to block the virus entry. However, no approved antiviral drug against dengue is yet available. In this chapter, we describe the dengue antiviral development workflow including (i) prophylactic, (ii) virucidal, and (iii) postinfection assays that are employed in the antiviral drug screening process against DENV. Further, we demonstrate different methods that can be used to enumerate the reduction in virus foci number including foci-forming unit reduction assay (FFURA), estimation of viral RNA copy number through quantitative real-time PCR, and a high-throughput enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based quantification of virus particles.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Viral/genetics
  7. MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN DOGS
    Ghauri HN, Ijaz M, Ahmed A, Muhammad Naveed MUA, Nawab Y, Javed MU, et al.
    J Parasitol, 2021 03 01;107(2):295-303.
    PMID: 33844841 DOI: 10.1645/20-50
    Anaplasmosis is a widespread vector-borne disease affecting dogs, and Anaplasma platys is the major etiological agent of the disease. The study examines anaplasmosis molecular prevalence, related risk factors, and alteration of hematological variables in Anaplasma-affected dogs. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from dogs in the district of Lahore, Pakistan. The samples were screened with PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma. Sequencing of samples that were found positive after performing PCR was conducted. A questionnaire was developed to collect epidemiological data on subject dogs, and the information was analyzed with a logistic regression model using SPSS. The current study revealed an 11.34% (17/150) prevalence of anaplasmosis in dogs based on PCR detection. Tick infestation, previous tick history, house hygiene, and tick control status were major risk factors linked with disease occurrence. Red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and platelet count were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Anaplasma-infected dogs. Phylogenetically, the 2 isolates of the current study clustered together, and that cluster was very similar to A. platys isolates from India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  8. Silencing of ZFP36L2 increases sensitivity to temozolomide through G2/M cell cycle arrest and BAX mediated apoptosis in GBM cells
    Che Mat MF, Mohamad Hanif EA, Abdul Murad NA, Ibrahim K, Harun R, Jamal R
    Mol Biol Rep, 2021 Feb;48(2):1493-1503.
    PMID: 33590411 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06144-z
    Despite the advancements in primary brain tumour diagnoses and treatments, the mortality rate remains high, particularly in glioblastoma (GBM). Chemoresistance, predominantly in recurrent cases, results in decreased mean survival of patients with GBM. We aimed to determine the chemosensitisation and oncogenic characteristics of zinc finger protein 36-like 2 (ZFP36L2) in LN18 GBM cells via RNA interference (RNAi) delivery. We conducted a meta-analysis of microarray datasets and RNAi screening using pooled small interference RNA (siRNA) to identify the druggable genes responsive to GBM chemosensitivity. Temozolomide-resistant LN18 cells were used to evaluate the effects of gene silencing on chemosensitisation to the sub-lethal dose (1/10 of the median inhibitory concentration [IC50]) of temozolomide. ZFP36L2 protein expression was detected by western blotting. Cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were carried out using commercial kits. A human apoptosis array kit was used to determine the apoptosis pathway underlying chemosensitisation by siRNA against ZFP36L2 (siZFP36L2). Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance; p > 0.05 was considered significant. The meta-analysis and RNAi screening identified ZFP36L2 as a potential marker of GBM. ZFP36L2 knockdown significantly induced apoptosis (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
  9. Identification of a molecular marker for the Y chromosome of Brugia malayi
    Underwood AP, Bianco AE
    Mol Biochem Parasitol, 1999 Mar 15;99(1):1-10.
    PMID: 10215019
    Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to analyse genomic DNA from virgin females and males of Brugia malayi, with a view to identifying sex-specific differences predicted by an XX/XY system of chromosomal sex determination. A product of 2338 bp, amplified with the arbitrary primer 5' GTTGCGATCC 3', was obtained exclusively from males. Primers based on the sequence of this product amplified a DNA fragment of the expected size from each of two independent isolates of B. malayi (from Malaysia and Indonesia) by PCR. No reaction product was obtained from the closely related species Brugia pahangi. In a genetic cross between B. malayi males and B. pahangi females, F1 hybrid microfilariae were PCR-positive, indicating that the locus is paternally-inherited. Southern blotting demonstrated that the target sequence resides in the high molecular weight fraction of genomic DNA, confirming that it is of chromosomal, rather than mitochondrial, origin. Sequencing of the locus revealed significant similarity with members of a family of reverse transcriptase-like genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. In-frame stops indicate that the gene is non-functional, but multiple bands of hybridisation in Southern blots suggest that the RT sequence may be the relic of a transposable element. Multiple repeats of the dinucleotide AT occurred in another region of the sequence. These varied in number between the two isolates of B. malayi in the manner of a microsatellite, surprisingly the first to be described from the B. malayi genome. Because of its association with the Y chromosome, we have given the locus the acronym TOY (Tag On Y). Identification of this chromosome-specific marker confirms the XX/XY heterogametic karyotype in B. malayi and opens the way to elucidation of the role of Y in sex determination.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/genetics
  10. Relative quantification of human β‑defensins gene expression in pterygium and normal conjunctiva samples
    Abubakar SA, Isa MM, Omar N, Tan SW
    Mol Med Rep, 2020 Dec;22(6):4931-4937.
    PMID: 33174018 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11560
    The human ocular surface produces highly conserved cationic peptides. Human β‑defensins (HBDs) serve an important role in innate and adaptive immunity. They are primarily expressed in epithelial cells in response to infection and provide the first line of defence against invading microbes. Defensin β1 (DEFB1) is constitutively expressed and regulated by inflammatory mediators including interferon‑γ, lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycans. DEFB4A is locally induced in response to microbial infection while DEFB109 is induced via Toll‑like receptor 2. The present study examined the expression of the HBD DEFB1, DEFB4A and DEFB109 genes in pterygium. The pterygium tissues and normal conjunctiva samples were obtained from 18 patients undergoing pterygium surgery. The reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was employed to determine the expression of DEFB1, DEFB4A and DEFB109 genes. The results revealed that the expression of DEFB1 and DEFB4A was significantly higher and upregulated in pterygium samples when compared with normal conjunctiva samples from each patient (P<0.05), while the expression of DEFB109 was observed to be lower in pterygium samples when compared with normal samples from the same patient. Previous studies have revealed that DEFB1 and DEFB4A genes are present in low concentrations inside the human eye, and they are upregulated during the maturation of keratinocytes, suggesting a possible role in cell differentiation. The DEFB109 gene is present in higher concentrations inside the human eye, though it is newly discovered. It has also been reported that DEFB1 may be involved in carcinogenesis epithelial tumours. Collectively, the current data suggests that HBDs may serve a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of pterygia, and thus may be considered as novel molecular targets in understanding pterygia development.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Messenger/genetics
  11. Three stage cultivation process of facultative strain of Chlorella sorokiniana for treating dairy farm effluent and lipid enhancement
    Hena S, Fatihah N, Tabassum S, Ismail N
    Water Res, 2015 Sep 1;80:346-56.
    PMID: 26043271 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.05.001
    Reserve lipids of microalgae are promising for biodiesel production. However, economically feasible and sustainable energy production from microalgae requires optimization of cultivation conditions for both biomass yield and lipid production of microalgae. Biomass yield and lipid production in microalgae are a contradictory problem because required conditions for both targets are different. Simultaneously, the mass cultivation of microalgae for biofuel production also depends extremely on the performance of the microalgae strains used. In this study a green unicellular microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana (DS6) isolated from the holding tanks of farm wastewater treatment plant using multi-step screening and acclimation procedures was found high-lipid producing facultative heterotrophic microalgae strain capable of growing on dairy farm effluent (DFE) for biodiesel feedstock and wastewater treatment. Morphological features and the phylogenetic analysis for the 18S rRNA identified the isolated strains. A novel three stage cultivation process of facultative strain of C. sorokiniana was examined for lipid production.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
  12. Bacterial microbiome of Coptotermes curvignathus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) reflects the coevolution of species and dietary pattern
    King JH, Mahadi NM, Bong CF, Ong KH, Hassan O
    Insect Sci, 2014 Oct;21(5):584-96.
    PMID: 24123989 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12061
    Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren is capable of feeding on living trees. This ability is attributed to their effective digestive system that is furnished by the termite's own cellulolytic enzymes and cooperative enzymes produced by their gut microbes. In this study, the identity of an array of diverse microbes residing in the gut of C. curvignathus was revealed by sequencing the near-full-length 16S rRNA genes. A total of 154 bacterial phylotypes were found. The Bacteroidetes was the most abundant phylum and accounted for about 65% of the gut microbial profile. This is followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Spirochetes, Proteobacteria, TM7, Deferribacteres, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Termite Group 1. Based on the phylogenetic study, this symbiosis can be a result of long coevolution of gut enterotypes with the phylogenic distribution, strong selection pressure in the gut, and other speculative pressures that determine bacterial biome to follow. The phylogenetic distribution of cloned rRNA genes in the bacterial domain that was considerably different from other termite reflects the strong selection pressures in the gut where a proportional composition of gut microbiome of C. curvignathus has established. The selection pressures could be linked to the unique diet preference of C. curvignathus that profoundly feeds on living trees. The delicate gut microbiome composition may provide available nutrients to the host as well as potential protection against opportunistic pathogen.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  13. Elucidating the roles of miR-372 in cell proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma TW01 cells
    Tan JK, Tan EL, Gan SY
    Exp Oncol, 2014 Sep;36(3):170-3.
    PMID: 25265349
    Deregulation of microRNA has been associated with cancer progression and the modification of cancer phenotypes could be achieved by targeting microRNA expression. This study aimed to determine the effects of miR-372 on cell progression and gene expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, TW01.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Messenger/genetics
  14. Oecophyllibacter saccharovorans gen. nov. sp. nov., a bacterial symbiont of the weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina
    Chua KO, See-Too WS, Tan JY, Song SL, Yong HS, Yin WF, et al.
    J Microbiol, 2020 Dec;58(12):988-997.
    PMID: 33095388 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-020-0325-8
    In this study, bacterial strains Ha5T, Ta1, and Jb2 were isolated from different colonies of weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina. They were identified as bacterial symbionts of the ant belonging to family Acetobacteraceae and were distinguished as different strains based on distinctive random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints. Cells of these bacterial strains were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. They were able to grow at 15-37°C (optimum, 28-30°C) and in the presence of 0-1.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0%). Their predominant cellular fatty acids were C18:1ω7c, C16:0, C19:0ω8c cyclo, C14:0, and C16:0 2-OH. Strains Ha5T, Ta1, and Jb2 shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (94.56-94.63%) with Neokomagataea tanensis NBRC106556T of family Acetobacteraceae. Both 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis and core gene-based phylogenomic analysis placed them in a distinct lineage in family Acetobacteraceae. These bacterial strains shared higher than species level thresholds in multiple overall genome-relatedness indices which indicated that they belonged to the same species. In addition, they did not belong to any of the current taxa of Acetobacteraceae as they had low pairwise average nucleotide identity (< 71%), in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (< 38%) and average amino acid identity (< 67%) values with all the type members of the family. Based on these results, bacterial strains Ha5T, Ta1, and Jb2 represent a novel species of a novel genus in family Acetobacteaceae, for which we propose the name Oecophyllibacter saccharovorans gen. nov. sp. nov., and strain Ha5T as the type strain.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  15. Analysis of fliC variation among clinical isolates of Burkholderia cepacia
    Winstanley C, Hales BA, Morgan JAW, Gallagher MJ, Puthucheary SD, CISSé MF, et al.
    J Med Microbiol, 1999 Jul;48(7):657-662.
    PMID: 10403416 DOI: 10.1099/00222615-48-7-657
    PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing of flagellin genes (fliC) from 57 clinical isolates of Burkholderia cepacia indicated that only type 11 flagellins were present. Twenty-two isolates previously identified as the epidemic UK cystic fibrosis strain were indistinguishable by this method, as were 11 isolates from a pseudo-outbreak in Senegal. Other clinical isolates, including 19 from disparate sources in Malaysia, were separated into nine fliC RFLP groups, exhibiting a large degree of divergence. When isolates were indistinguishable by fliC genotyping, their similarity was confirmed by whole genome macro-restriction analysis with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis following XbaI digestion. The variation in fliC sequences of B. cepacia was far greater than that with B. pseudomallei, supporting the view that 'B. cepacia', as currently defined, may comprise several different genomic species.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Bacterial/chemistry
  16. High resolution melting analysis for the differentiation of Mycobacterium species
    Issa R, Abdul H, Hashim SH, Seradja VH, Shaili N', Hassan NAM
    J Med Microbiol, 2014 Oct;63(Pt 10):1284-1287.
    PMID: 25038139 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.072611-0
    A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) followed by high resolution melting (HRM) analysis was developed for the differentiation of Mycobacterium species. Rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium species is necessary for the effective diagnosis and management of tuberculosis. In this study, the 16S rRNA gene was tested as the target since this has been identified as a suitable target for the identification of mycobacteria species. During the temperature gradient and primer optimization process, the melting peak (Tm) analysis was determined at a concentration of 50 ng DNA template and 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 µM primer. The qPCR assay for the detection of other mycobacterial species was done at the Tm and primer concentration of 62 °C and 0.4 µM, respectively. The HRM analysis generated cluster patterns that were specific and sensitive to distinguished small sequence differences of the Mycobacterium species. This study suggests that the 16S rRNA-based real-time PCR followed by HRM analysis produced unique cluster patterns for species of Mycobacterium and could differentiate the closely related mycobacteria species.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  17. Fulltext Phylogenetic analysis of human metapneumovirus among children with acute respiratory infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Nor'e SS, Sam IC, Mohamad Fakri EF, Hooi PS, Nathan AM, de Bruyne JA, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2014 Sep;31(3):562-6.
    PMID: 25382484 MyJurnal
    Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a recently discovered cause of viral respiratory infections. We describe clinical and molecular epidemiology of HMPV cases diagnosed in children with respiratory infection at University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The prevalence rate of HMPV between 2010 and 2012 was 1.1%, and HMPV contributed 6.5% of confirmed viral respiratory infections. The HMPV patients had a median age of 1.6 years, and a median hospital admission of 4 days. The most common clinical presentations were fever, rhinitis, pneumonia, vomiting/diarrhoea, and bronchiolitis. Based on the partial sequences of F fusion gene from 26 HMPV strains, 14 (54%) were subgenotype A2b, which was predominant in 2010; 11 (42%) were subgenotype B1, which was predominant in 2012; and 1 (4%) was subgenotype A2a. Knowledge of the circulating subgenotypes in Malaysia, and the displacement of predominant subgenotypes within 3 years, is useful data for future vaccine planning.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Viral/genetics
  18. Fulltext Molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in HIV/AIDS patients in Malaysia
    Asma I, Sim BL, Brent RD, Johari S, Yvonne Lim AL
    Trop Biomed, 2015 Jun;32(2):310-22.
    PMID: 26691260 MyJurnal
    Cryptosporidiosis is a particular concern in immunocompromised individuals where symptoms may be severe. The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium infections in HIV/AIDS patients in Malaysia in order to identify risk factors and facilitate control measures. A modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast staining method was used to test for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in the stools of 346 HIV/AIDS patients in Malaysia. Standard coproscopical methods were used to identify infections with other protozoan or helminths parasites. To identify the species of Cryptosporidium, DNA was extracted and nested-PCR was used to amplify a portion of the SSU rRNA gene. A total of 43 (12.4%) HIV-infected patients were found to be infected with Cryptosporidium spp. Of the 43 Cryptosporidium-positive HIV patients, 10 (23.3%) also harboured other protozoa, and 15 (34.9%) had both protozoa and helminths. The highest rates of cryptosporidiosis were found in adult males of Malay background, intravenous drug users, and those with low CD4 T cell counts (i.e., < 200 cells/mm3). Most were asymptomatic and had concurrent opportunistic infections mainly with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. DNA sequence analysis of 32 Cryptosporidium isolates identified C. parvum (84.3%), C. hominis (6.3%), C. meleagridis (6.3%), and C. felis (3.1%). The results of the present study revealed a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in hospitalized HIV/AIDS patients. The results also confirmed the potential significance of zoonotic transmission of C. parvum in HIV infected patients, as it was the predominant species found in this study. However, these patients were found to be susceptible to a wide range of Cryptosporidium species. Epidemiological and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates provides clinicians and researchers with further information regarding the origin of the infection, and may enhance treatment and control strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
  19. Fulltext Study the antiviral activity of some derivatives of tetracycline and non-steroid anti inflammatory drugs towards dengue virus
    Rothan HA, Buckle MJ, Ammar YA, Mohammadjavad P, Shatrah O, Noorsaadah AR, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2013 Dec;30(4):681-90.
    PMID: 24522138
    Various clinical symptoms are caused by dengue virus ranging from mild fever to severe hemorrhagic fever while there is no successful anti-dengue therapeutics available. Among different strategies towards identifying and developing anti-dengue therapeutics, testing anti-dengue properties of known drugs could represent an efficient strategy for which information of its medical approval, toxicity and side effects is readily available. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of some medical compounds towards dengue NS2B-NS3 protease (DENV2 NS2B-NS3pro) as a target to inhibit dengue virus replication. Mefenamic acid, a non-steroid anti inflammatory drug and doxycycline, a derivative antibiotic of tetracycline both showed significant inhibition potential against DENV2 NS2B-NS3pro Ki values 32 ± 2 μM and 55 ± 5 μM respectively. The effective cytotoxic concentrations of 50% (CC50) against Vero cells were evaluated for mefenamic acid (150 ± 5 μM) and doxycycline (125 ± 4 μM). Concentrations lower than CC50 were used to test the inhibition potential of these compounds against DENV2 replication in Vero cells. The results showed significant reduction in viral load after applying mefenamic acid and doxycyline in concentration dependent manner. Mefenamic acid reduced viral RNA at EC50 of 32 ± 4 μM whilst doxycycline EC50 was 40 ± 3 μM. Mefenamic acid showed higher selectivity against dengue virus replication in vitro compared to doxycycline. These findings underline the need for further experimental and clinical studies on these drugs utilizing its anti-dengue and anti-inflammatory activities to attenuate the clinical symptoms of dengue infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA Helicases/antagonists & inhibitors
  20. Fulltext Characterization and antimicrobial activities of two Streptomyces isolates from soil in the periphery of Universiti Putra Malaysia
    Zin NZ, Tasrip NA, Desa MN, Kqueen CY, Zakaria ZA, Hamat RA, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2011 Dec;28(3):651-60.
    PMID: 22433896 MyJurnal
    This study was to assess the identification and antimicrobial activities of two actinomycete isolates. The two isolates designated as B8 and C2, were isolated from a patch of soil in the peripheral area of Universiti Putra Malaysia by streaking on starch casein agar after standard serial dilution procedures. Their antimicrobial activities were first evaluated against eight clinical laboratory strains namely Bacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis by perpendicular streak method on Mueller Hinton and Tryptic Soy agar. In both media, a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity was observed for both isolates, with B8 against all the test bacteria and C2 against five of them (Bacillus sp., E. coli, Pseudomonas sp., S. aureus and S. epidermidis). Re-assessment against E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 25923 strains by similar method showed antibacterial activities by isolate B8 against both ATTC strains while C2 only against S. aureus ATCC 25923. Streptomyces griseus ATCC 10137 was included in the later experiment and showed antibacterial activity against both ATCC strains. Subsequently, the two isolates were identified by PCR/sequencing techniques and phylogenetic analysis to be Streptomyces species (>93% homology based on 16S rRNA and rpoB genes). Characterization on cultural characteristic and viable count at different temperatures (37ºC and 28ºC), on different microbiological media (AIA, ISP-2, MHA, NA, PDA and TSA), were performed. More morphological features were observed on ISP-2 for both isolates. A higher growth yield was also observed at 28ºC in all media but in comparing that between the two isolates, isolate B8 outnumbered C2 at all experimental conditions. The observed variation in cultural traits and growth yield indicate unique properties between the two antibiotic-producing isolates.
    Matched MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
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