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Fulltext Gene co-expression networks from RNA sequencing of dairy cattle identifies genes and pathways affecting feed efficiency

Salleh SM, Mazzoni G, Løvendahl P, Kadarmideen HN

BMC Bioinformatics, 2018 Dec 17;19(1):513.
PMID: 30558534 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-018-2553-z

BACKGROUND: Selection for feed efficiency is crucial for overall profitability and sustainability in dairy cattle production. Key regulator genes and genetic markers derived from co-expression networks underlying feed efficiency could be included in the genomic selection of the best cows. The present study identified co-expression networks associated with high and low feed efficiency and their regulator genes in Danish Holstein and Jersey cows. RNA-sequencing data from Holstein and Jersey cows with high and low residual feed intake (RFI) and treated with two diets (low and high concentrate) were used. Approximately 26 million and 25 million pair reads were mapped to bovine reference genome for Jersey and Holstein breed, respectively. Subsequently, the gene count expressions data were analysed using a Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) approach. Functional enrichment analysis from Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA®), ClueGO application and STRING of these modules was performed to identify relevant biological pathways and regulatory genes.
RESULTS: WGCNA identified two groups of co-expressed genes (modules) significantly associated with RFI and one module significantly associated with diet. In Holstein cows, the salmon module with module trait relationship (MTR) = 0.7 and the top upstream regulators ATP7B were involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. The magenta module has been significantly associated (MTR = 0.51) with the treatment diet involved in the triglyceride homeostasis. In Jersey cows, the lightsteelblue1 (MTR = - 0.57) module controlled by IFNG and IL10RA was involved in the positive regulation of interferon-gamma production, lymphocyte differentiation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity and primary immunodeficiency.
CONCLUSION: The present study provides new information on the biological functions in liver that are potentially involved in controlling feed efficiency. The hub genes and upstream regulators (ATP7b, IFNG and IL10RA) involved in these functions are potential candidate genes for the development of new biomarkers. However, the hub genes, upstream regulators and pathways involved in the co-expressed networks were different in both breeds. Hence, additional studies are required to investigate and confirm these findings prior to their use as candidate genes.
When polymyositis meets Graves' disease: A rare case report

Chai ST, Lim YS, Achok HN

Med J Malaysia, 2021 Nov;76(6):937-940.
PMID: 34806691

Polymyositis is rarely associated with Graves' disease. A 22- year-old woman was admitted for progressively worsening proximal muscle weakness of both upper and lower extremities. One month prior to admission, she was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis and prescribed carbimazole 10mg twice daily. Neurological examination confirmed proximal myopathy and blood investigations revealed marked elevation of muscle enzymes, particularly creatine kinase. Electromyography demonstrated myopathic changes while right quadriceps muscle biopsy showed only traces of inflammatory myopathy. She was treated with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone followed by tapering doses of oral prednisolone, which was eventually down-titrated to 5mg daily during subsequent clinic visits. The initial clinical improvement that she exhibited did not persist despite being rendered euthyroid. She was readmitted approximately one year later with the same complaint. A second course of intravenous methylprednisolone brought about clinical improvement as well as reduction of creatine kinase levels. A diagnosis of polymyositis was then made, for which she was managed with oral prednisolone 20mg daily in combination with gradual up-titration of azathioprine. She continued to show clinical and biochemical improvements during follow-ups. Polymyositis should be considered in the diagnostic workup of proximal myopathy in a patient with Graves' disease, especially in the setting of markedly raised muscle enzymes.
Fulltext Time trends and inequalities of under-five mortality in Nepal: a secondary data analysis of four demographic and health surveys between 1996 and 2011

Sreeramareddy CT, Harsha Kumar HN, Sathian B

PLoS One, 2013;8(11):e79818.
PMID: 24224010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079818

BACKGROUND: Inequalities in progress towards achievement of Millennium Development Goal four (MDG-4) reflect unequal access to child health services.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the time trends, socio-economic and regional inequalities of under-five mortality rate (U5MR) in Nepal.
METHODS: We analyzed the data from complete birth histories of four Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) done in the years 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011. For each livebirth, we computed survival period from birth until either fifth birthday or the survey date. Using direct methods i.e. by constructing life tables, we calculated yearly U5MRs from 1991 to 2010. Projections were made for the years 2011 to 2015. For each NDHS, U5MRs were calculated according to child's sex, mother's education, household wealth index, rural/urban residence, development regions and ecological zones. Inequalities were calculated as rate difference, rate ratio, population attributable risk and hazard ratio.
RESULTS: Yearly U5MR (per 1000 live births) had decreased from 157.3 (95% CIs 178.0-138.9) in 1991 to 43.2 (95% CIs 59.1-31.5) in 2010 i.e. 114.1 reduction in absolute risk. Projected U5MR for the year 2015 was 54.33. U5MRs had decreased in absolute terms in all sub groups but relative inequalities had reduced for gender and rural/urban residence only. Wide inequalities existed by wealth and education and increased between 1996 and 2011. For lowest wealth quintile (as compared to highest quintile) hazard ratio (HR) increased from 1.37 (95% CIs 1.27, 1.49) to 2.54 ( 95% CIs 2.25, 2.86) and for mothers having no education (as compared to higher education) HR increased from 2.55 (95% CIs 1.95, 3.33) to 3.75 (95% CIs 3.17, 4.44). Changes in regional inequities were marginal and irregular.
CONCLUSIONS: Nepal is most likely to achieve MDG-4 but eductional and wealth inequalities may widen further. National health policies should address to reduce inequalities in U5MR through 'inclusive policies'.
Effect of nifedipine and amlodipine on dead space wound healing in rats

Bhaskar HN, Udupa SL, Udupa AL

Indian J Exp Biol, 2005 Mar;43(3):294-6.
PMID: 15816421

Effect of two calcium channel blockers (CCBs) nifedipine and amlodipine, was studied on normal and steroid depressed wound healing in albino rats, using the dead space wound model. The drugs enhanced normal healing as evidenced by increase in tensile strength of 10 days old granulation tissue. There was neither a significant change in the hydroxyproline level (or collagen) nor a change in the glycosaminoglycan content in granulation tissue. However, lysyloxidase level was increased significantly. The increase in tensile strength could thus be attributed to better cross-linking and maturation of collagen rather than collagen synthesis per se. The drugs were also able to overcome steroid depressed wound healing. It is likely that the prohealing effects may be related to the improved antioxidant status too, since superoxide dismutase levels were observed to be higher in the CCB- treated animals.
Fulltext The efficacy of flavonoid antioxidant from chocolate: bean extract: prevention of myocyte damage caused by reperfusion injury in predominantly anaerobic sports

Rasyid HN, Ismiarto YD, Prasetia R

Malays Orthop J, 2012 Nov;6(3):3-6.
PMID: 25279047 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1207.012

ABSTRACT: Background : Use of predominantly anaerobic energy systems such as that seen in 800-meter athlete runners disrupts mitochondrial function as an energy source. Furthermore, it produces free radical substances and causes myocyte damage. Malondialdehyde (MDA) plasma concentrations correlate with free radical levels and are therefore predictive of cell damage.
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of flavonoid antioxidant from chocolate bean extract for prevention of lipid peroxidation of myocyte membranes caused by free radical substances in athletes partaking in predominantly anaerobic sports.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study of population consisted of 16 junior athletes who compete in 800-meter races. This was a randomized experimental study. Subjects were divided into two groups, chocolate bean extracts and placebo groups, and then practiced regularly for 14 days. All subjects were assessed on day 15. RESULTS were analysed statistically using paired t test, ANOVA and Duncan tests.
RESULTS: Concentrations of MDA were reduced in flavonoid group.
CONCLUSION: Flavonoid antioxidant from chocolate bean extract may prevent myocyte damage was caused by reperfusion injury.
Cytomegalovirus infection in Penang: a serological survey

Madhavan HN, Ong KH, Anuar K

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1986 Jun;17(2):168-71.
PMID: 3024324

During 1984-1985, a total of 838 sera obtained from individuals of different age groups, mostly blood donors and those whose sera were received for VDRL tests and other serological investigations. The sera were titrated for complement fixing antibodies against cytomegalovirus (Ad169 strain). Three hundred and fifty two (41%) out of 838 sera showed significant antibody titre. The incidence of this virus infection varied form 26% in the age group of 11-20 years to 59% of those above 50 years of age. Geometric mean titre (GMT) was highest (22) in age groups of 11-20 years and those over 50 years indicating active viral infection in these two age groups. GMT was also significantly higher in females in all age groups except in the age group of 21-30 years and those above 50 years, indicating that active viral infection is more common in females.
Fulltext Factors influencing consumers’ preferences towards meat and meat products with traceability systems in Malaysia

Basri, H. N., Kamarulzaman, N. H., Shamsudin, M. N., Nolila Mohd Nawi

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):157-164.
MyJurnal

Majority consumers around the world have become increasingly concern and aware about their health and food safety. Recent food crisis and foodborne illness incidents showed the needs to assure the authenticity and traceability of foods in the market especially meat and meat products. These scandals have led to negative effect and perception to consumers, food companies and both supply and demand chain. Hence, the food industry needs an excellent and reliable traceability system to ensure that consumers are persistently well protected from unconscious consumption of unsafe foods. Therefore, traceability systems can support the claims by making it verifiable. However, the awareness among Malaysian consumers is still lacking due to the inadequate exposure towards concept and the importance of traceability systems particularly in meat and meat products. The aim of this study is to determine factors influencing consumers’ preferences towards traceability systems of meat and meat products in Malaysia. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire via face to face interview with 503 respondents in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and factor analysis. The findings of descriptive analysis showed that most of the consumers preferred using traceability systems and aware of its importance when buying meat and meat products. Meanwhile, the factor analysis results discovered six factors that influenced consumers’ preferences towards meat and meat products with traceability systems namely Halal certificate, transparency, quality, confidence, food safety and knowledge. Therefore, implementation of traceability systems could raise standards of food safety throughout the meat production supply chain. Furthermore, the society will become more confident and they can benefit from the quality of purchase and consumption. The findings from this study are also able to contribute to the body of knowledge to the producers or marketers towards food safety issues and foodborne illness that recently happened in Malaysia.
Fulltext Prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among menopausal women in a tertiary center, Malaysia

Hussain NHN, Hamid HA, Kadir AA, Musa KI, Ismail SB

International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine and Public Health, 2012;4:1285-1296.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The criteria used to aid the diagnosis of MetS includes abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, hypertension or use of antihypertensive medication, elevated fasting blood glucose and other risk factors. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among postmenopausal women and its associated factors in a tertiary center in Malaysia Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done among 411 postmenopausal women attending Gynaecology clinic and Family Medicine clinic in a tertiary center in Malaysia. Socio demographic data, reproductive profile, menopausal profile and medical history were obtained. Then waist circumference (WC), weight, height and blood pressure (BP) were also recorded. A fasting blood sample was obtained for serum glucose and lipid profile determinations. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of International Diabetes Federation. Results: The mean age of participants was 57.2 + 6.9 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 36.7%. The risk of MetS increased with the presence of obstetrics history of hypertension (HPT) (odds ratio (OR) 2.64, 95% (CI) 1.25-5.62), previous usage of contraception (odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% (CI) 1.02-2.42), family history of HPT (odds ratio (OR) 1.71, 95% (CI) 1.13-2.59) and obesity (odds ratio (OR) 2.59, 95% (CI) 1.08-6.23). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women seeking gynaecologic and primary health care in the tertiary center Malaysia. The associated factors of MetS include previous obstetrics history of HPT, family history of HPT and obesity.
Horseradish peroxidase-labeled silver/reduced graphene oxide thin film-modified screen-printed electrode for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen

Lee SX, Lim HN, Ibrahim I, Jamil A, Pandikumar A, Huang NM

Biosens Bioelectron, 2017 Mar 15;89(Pt 1):673-680.
PMID: 26718548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.12.030

In this study, a disposable and simple electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen. In this method, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were mixed with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to modify the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode (SPE). Initially, AgNPs-rGO modified-SPEs were fabricated by using simple electrochemical deposition method. Then the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was immobilized between the primary antibody and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated secondary antibody onto AgNPs-rGO modified-SPEs to fabricate a sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor. The proposed method could detect the CEA with a linear range of 0.05-0.50µgmL-1 and a detection limit down to 0.035µgmL-1 as compared to its non-sandwich counterpart, which yielded a linear range of 0.05-0.40µgmL-1, with a detection limit of 0.042µgmL-1. The immunosensor showed good performance in the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen, exhibiting a simple, rapid and low-cost. The immunosensor showed a higher sensitivity than an enzymeless sensor.
Utilization of reduced graphene oxide/cadmium sulfide-modified carbon cloth for visible-light-prompt photoelectrochemical sensor for copper (II) ions

Foo CY, Lim HN, Pandikumar A, Huang NM, Ng YH

J Hazard Mater, 2016 Mar 5;304:400-8.
PMID: 26595899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.11.004

A newly developed CdS/rGO/CC electrode was prepared based on a flexible carbon cloth (CC) substrate with cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The CdS was synthesized using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) method, and the graphene oxide was thermally reduced on the modified electrode surface. The existence of rGO in the CdS-modified electrode increased the photocurrent intensity of the CdS/rGO/CC-modified electrode by three orders of magnitude, compared to that of the CdS/ITO electrode and two orders of magnitude higher than the CdS/CC electrode. A new visible-light-prompt photoelectrochemical sensor was developed based on the competitive binding reaction of Cu(2+) and CdS on the electrode surface. The results showed that the effect of the Cu(2+) on the photocurrent response was concentration-dependent over the linear ranges of 0.1-1.0 μM and 1.0-40.0 μM with a detection limit of 0.05 μM. The results of a selectivity test showed that this modified electrode has a high response toward Cu(2+) compared to other heavy metal ions. The proposed CdS/rGO/CC electrode provided a significantly high potential current compared to other reported values, and could be a practical tool for the fast, sensitive, and selective determination of Cu(2+).
Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on textural and adsorption characteristics of in situ synthesized mesostructured silica

Karim AH, Jalil AA, Triwahyono S, Kamarudin NH, Ripin A

J Colloid Interface Sci, 2014 May 1;421:93-102.
PMID: 24594037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.01.039

Carbon nanotubes-mesostructured silica nanoparticles (CNT-MSN) composites were prepared by a simple one step method with various loading of CNT. Their surface properties were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM and FTIR, while the adsorption performance of the CNT-MSN composites were evaluated on the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) while varying the pH, adsorbent dosage, initial MB concentration, and temperature. The CNTs were found to improve the physicochemical properties of the MSN and led to an enhanced adsorptivity for MB. N2 physisorption measurements revealed the development of a bimodal pore structure that increased the pore size, pore volume and surface area. Accordingly, 0.05 g L(-1) CNT-MSN was able to adsorb 524 mg g(-1) (qm) of 60 mg L(-1) MB at pH 8 and 303 K. The equilibrium data were evaluated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models, with the Langmuir model affording the best fit to the adsorption data. The adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-first order model. These results indicate the potential of CNT-MSN composites as effective new adsorbents for dye adsorption.
Effect of delay in diagnosis on the rate of tuberculosis among close contacts of tuberculosis patients

Aldhubhani AH, lzham MI, Pazilah I, Anaam MS

East Mediterr Health J, 2013 Oct;19(10):837-42.
PMID: 24313146

Few studies have explored diagnosis delay by tuberculosis (TB) patients and its effects on the rate of infection among their close contacts. A cross-sectional study of the close contacts of 505 newly diagnosed TB patients was conducted in a TB referral centre in Sana'a, Yemen from 2008 to 2010. Only the close contacts of 89 new TB patients agreed to participate and completed the tuberculin skin test (TST). Of the 239 close contacts investigated, 133 (55.6%) had a positive TST result. Index patients were classified as long or short diagnosis delay (above or below the median). There was no significant difference in the number of infected close contacts between long and short delay index patients (Mann-Whitney U-test). A larger sample size, with more incentives for patients to participate and the use of other investigative tools could provide a better picture of the pattern of TB transmission among all contacts.
G6PD deficiency with hemolytic anemia due to a rare gene deletion--a report of the first case in Malaysia

Ainoon O, Boo NY, Yu YH, Cheong SK, Hamidah HN

Hematology, 2006 Apr;11(2):113-8.
PMID: 16753852 DOI: 10.1080/10245330500155184

A 2-year-old Chinese boy was referred to Hospital UKM for investigation of recurrent episodes of dark-coloured urine and pallor since birth. He was born prematurely at 34 weeks gestation and developed severe early-onset neonatal jaundice requiring exchange blood transfusion. Screening at birth showed Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. On admission, physical examination revealed pallor, jaundice and mild hepatomegaly. Results of laboratory investigations showed a hemoglobin level of 11.0 g/dl with a hemolytic blood picture, reticulocytosis of 20% and red cell G6PD activity reported as undetectable. The patient's DNA was analysed for G6PD mutations by PCR-based techniques and DNA sequencing and results showed a 24 bp deletion of nucleotide 953-976 in the exon 9 of the G6PD gene. DNA analysis was also performed on blood samples of the patient's mother and female sibling confirming their heterozygous status, although both showed normal red cell G6PD activity levels. The patient was discharged well and his parents were appropriately advised on the condition and the importance of taking folic acid regularly. This is a first case report in Malaysia of G6PD deficiency causing chronic-hemolytic anemia. The rare 24 bp deletion causes the G6PD Nara variant, previously reported only in two other unrelated males, a Japanese and a Portuguese both with chronic hemolytic anemia.
Fulltext Prevalence of self-reported tuberculosis, knowledge about tuberculosis transmission and its determinants among adults in India: results from a nation-wide cross-sectional household survey

Sreeramareddy CT, Harsha Kumar HN, Arokiasamy JT

BMC Infect Dis, 2013;13:16.
PMID: 23324535 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-16

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about symptoms and transmission of tuberculosis determines health seeking behavior and helps in prevention of tuberculosis transmission in the community. Such data is useful for policy makers to formulate information, education and communication strategies for tuberculosis control.
METHODS: A secondary data analysis of India demographic and health survey, 2005/6 was carried out. Questions about self-reported tuberculosis, transmission and curability of tuberculosis were analysed. Correct knowledge (without misconceptions) about tuberculosis transmission was used as a dependant variable and the explanatory variables tested were: demographic data, education, wealth quintiles, frequency of exposure to media and the curability of tuberculosis. Determinants of correct knowledge without misconceptions were tested by univariate and multivariate analyses using national weighting factor to adjust for complex sampling design.
RESULTS: A total of 109,070 households (response rate of 93.5%) and 198,718 participants (response rate of 91.6%) completed the survey. The samples of men and women interviewed were 74,360 and 124,358 respectively. Prevalence rate of self-reported tuberculosis was 445 per 100,000 usual household residents and 4.60 per 1,000 participants. The number of respondents who had "heard of an illness called tuberculosis" was 177,423 (89.3%). Of these 47,487 (26.8%) participants did not know and 55.5% knew about the correct mode of tuberculosis transmission i.e. "Through the air when coughing or sneezing". The common misconceptions about transmission were "Through food" (32.4%), "Sharing utensils" (18.2%), and "Touching a person with tuberculosis" (12.3%). Only 52,617 (29.7%) participants had correct knowledge without misconceptions. Being male (aOR 1.17, 95% CIs 1.14, 1.21), being a Hindu (aOR 1.20, 95% CIs 1.14, 1.26) or Muslim (aOR 1.26, 95% CIs 1.18, 1.34), listening to radio (aOR 1.08, 95% CIs 1.04, 1.13) and "Tuberculosis can be cured" (aOR 1.47, 95% CIs 1.41, 1.53) were associated with correct knowledge without misconceptions.
CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about tuberculosis transmission is very poor and misconceptions still exist. Among the traditional mass media, the frequency of listening to radio was associated with correct knowledge about tuberculosis transmission. Strategies to deliver information, education and communication campaigns could be improved.
Fulltext Utilization of health care services for childhood morbidity and associated factors in India: a national cross-sectional household survey

Sreeramareddy CT, Sathyanarayana TN, Kumar HN

PLoS One, 2012;7(12):e51904.
PMID: 23284810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051904

BACKGROUND: Information about utilization of health services and associated factors are useful for improving service delivery to achieve universal health coverage.
METHODS: Data on a sample of ever-married women from India Demographic and Health survey 2005-06 was used. Mothers of children aged 0-59 months were asked about child's illnesses and type of health facilities where treatment was given during 15 days prior to the survey date. Type of health facilities were grouped as informal provider, public provider and private provider. Factors associated with utilization of health services for diarrhea and fever/cough was assessed according to Andersen's health behavior model. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were done considering sampling weights for complex sampling design.
RESULTS: A total of 48,679 of ever-married women reported that 9.1% 14.8% and 17.67% of their children had diarrhea, fever and cough respectively. Nearly one-third of the children with diarrhea and fever/cough did not receive any treatment. Two-thirds of children who received treatment were from private health care providers (HCPs). Among predisposing factors, children aged 1-2 years and those born at health facility (public/private) were more likely to be taken to any type of HCP during illness. Among enabling factors, as compared to poorer household, wealthier households were 2.5 times more likely to choose private HCPs for any illness. Children in rural areas were likely to be taken to any type of HCP for diarrhea but rural children were less likely to utilize private HCP for fever/cough. 'Need' factors i.e. children having severe symptoms were 2-3 times more likely to be taken to any type of HCP.
CONCLUSION: Private HCPs were preferred for treatment of childhood illnesses. Involvement of private HCPs may be considered while planning child health programs. Health insurance scheme for childhood illnesses may to protect economically weaker sections from out-of-pocket health expenditure during child illness.
Detection of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement in B-cell malignancies

Ainoon O, Hamidah AB, Cheong SK, Hamidah HN

Malays J Pathol, 2000 Jun;22(1):5-11.
PMID: 16329531

Rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene has been used as a marker of lineage and clonality in the diagnosis of B lymphoproliferative disorders. A number of PCR-based techniques have been developed to overcome the disadvantages of Southern blotting, the standard technique in detecting IgH gene rearrangement. Using an established seminested PCR technique with consensus primers to the V and J regions of the IgH gene, we analysed DNA prepared from peripheral blood and/or bone marrow specimens from 30 cases of known B cell malignancies (16 chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 11 acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma), 3 cases of T lymphoproliferative disease and 3 cases of reactive lymphocytosis diagnosed in Hospital UKM to detect rearranged IgH gene. We found that monoclonality as represented by the presence of rearranged IgH gene were demonstrated in all the 30 cases. The PCR findings showed 100% concordance with the Southern blot analysis results which also showed rearranged IgH bands in all the 30 cases. We also found that none of the cases of T lymphoproliferative diseases and reactive lymphocytosis showed presence of rearranged IgH band, suggesting that the amplification using the IgH primers is lineage-specific. In conclusion, we find the PCR a useful method to detect IgH gene rearrangement in peripheral blood and bone marrow specimen. Since the PCR results are comparable to that of the Southern blotting in demonstrating B cell monoclonality and owing to its many advantages we feel that it can replace the Southern blot technique for the diagnosis of B cell malignancies.
Fabrication of graphene/gold-modified screen-printed electrode for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen

Chan KF, Lim HN, Shams N, Jayabal S, Pandikumar A, Huang NM

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2016 Jan 1;58:666-74.
PMID: 26478358 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.09.010

Immunosensors based on gold nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs/rGO)-modified screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) were successfully synthesized using an electrochemical deposition method. The modified SPEs were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Raman spectroscopy to analyze the morphology and composition of AuNPs and rGO. Both the FESEM and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the AuNPs were successfully anchored on the thin film of rGO deposited on the surface of the SPEs. Characterization with a ferri-ferrocyanide couple [Fe(CN)6(3-/4-)] showed that the electron transfer kinetic between the analyte and electrode was enhanced after the modification with the AuNPs/rGO composite on the electrode surface, in addition to increasing the effective surface area of the electrode. The modified SPE was immobilized with a sandwich type immunosensor to mimic the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) immunoassay. The modified SPE that was fortified with the sandwich type immunosensor exhibited double electrochemical responses in the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), with linear ranges of 0.5-50 ng/mL and 250-2000 ng/mL and limits of detection of 0.28 ng/mL and 181.5 ng/mL, respectively.
Fulltext The frequency of non-A, non-B hepatitis in acute and chronic liver disease

Ross IN, Madhavan HN, Tan SH, Abdul Rahim K

Med J Malaysia, 1985 Dec;40(4):301-6.
PMID: 3025569

Serological markers were used to determine the infective agents causing acute viral hepatitis in 246 patients. The frequencies of the five viral infections investigated were: non-A, non-B hepatitis - 99 patients (40.2%); hepatitis A - 98 patients (39.8%); hepatitis B - 43 patients (17.5%); cytomegalovirus - 4 patients (1.6%); and Epstein-Barr virus - 2 patients (0.8%). The log mean ages of presentation for the three predominant infections were: hepatitis A - 18 years; hepatitis B - 25 years; and non-A, non-B hepatitis - 30 years (F = 18.8, p =< 0.001). 52% of all cases were Malays (expected 32. 7%); 32% Chinese (expected 54.6%); and 16% Indians (expected 1l.5%) (X2 = 53, p = < 0.001). Hepatitis A virus infection was more common amongst Malays whilst non-A, non-B hepatitis was more frequent amongst Chinese and Indians. 28% of children <16 years) and 50% of adults had serological markers of previous hepatitis B infection. The variation in frequency for the different forms of hepatitis amongst the three main ethnic groups would suggest that socioeconomic and/or cultural factors are important in the propagation of acute viral hepatitis in Malaysia. HBsAg-negative chronic liver disease in our community may be a product of the high incidence of non-A, non-B hepatitis.
Fulltext Breastfeeding in Malaysia: Results of the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) 2006

Fatimah S, Siti Saadiah HN, Tahir A, Hussain Imam MI, Ahmad Faudzi Y

Malays J Nutr, 2010 Aug;16(2):195-206.
PMID: 22691925 MyJurnal

In Malaysia, the National Breastfeeding Policy recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued up to two years. Since the 1990s, several breastfeeding promotion programmes had been implemented in the country. This article reports the findings on the prevalence of breastfeeding practice from The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) which was conducted in 2006. A total of 2167 mothers or carers of children below two years old were interviewed representing 804,480 of the estimated population of children aged below 2 years in Malaysia. Respondents were asked whether various types of liquid or solid food were given to the child at any time during the preceding 24-hour period. The overall prevalence of ever breastfed among children aged less than 12 months was 94.7% (CI: 93.0 - 95.9). The overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding below 6 months was 14.5% (CI: 11.7 - 17.9). Prevalence of timely initiation was 63.7% (CI: 61.4 - 65.9) and the continued prevalence of breastfeeding up to two years was 37.4% (CI: 32.9 - 42.2). The findings suggest that the programmes implemented in the last ten years were effective in improving the prevalence of ever breastfeeding, timely initiation of breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding up to two years. However, the challenge is to improve exclusive breastfeeding practice. Longterm community-based interventions need to be carried out in partnership with the existing health care system, focusing on discouraging the use of water and infant formula, especially in the first few months of life.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
Fulltext Author Correction: Electrochemical Performance of Supercapacitor with Stacked Copper Foils Coated with Graphene Nanoplatelets

Chiam SL, Lim HN, Hafiz SM, Pandikumar A, Huang NM

Sci Rep, 2018 Jul 12;8(1):10830.
PMID: 29997395 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28897-7

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.

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