Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Genotype-Phenotype Diversity Of Beta-Thalassemia In Malaysia: Treatment Options And Emerging Therapies, Maryanne Jin Ai Tan Maryanne

Mary Anne Tan Jin Ai

The haemoglobinopathies and thalassemias represent the most common inherited monogenic disorders in the world1. Beta-thalassaemia major is an ongoing public health problem in Malaysia2. Prior to 2004, the country had no national policy for screening and registry for thalassemia. In the absence of a national audit, the true figure of the extent of thalassemia in the Malaysian population was largely presumptive from micro-mapping studies from various research workers in the country. The estimated carrier rate for beta-thalassemia in Malaysia is 3.5-4%. There were 4768 transfusion dependent thalassemia major patients as of May 2010 (Data from National Thalassemia Registry).

Sub-Wavelength Plasmonic Readout For Direct Linear Analysis Of Optically Tagged Dna, Jonathan Varsanik, William Teynor, John Leblanc, Heather Clark, Jeffrey Krogmeier, Tian Yang, Jonathan Bernstein

Heather Clark

This work describes the development and fabrication of a novel nanofluidic flow-through sensing chip that utilizes a plasmonic resonator to excite fluorescent tags with sub-wavelength resolution. We cover the design of the microfluidic chip and simulation of the plasmonic resonator using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) software. The fabrication methods are presented, with testing procedures and preliminary results. This research is aimed at improving the resolution limits of the Direct Linear Analysis (DLA) technique developed by US Genomics. In DLA, intercalating dyes which tag a specific 8 base-pair sequence are inserted in a DNA sample. This sample is pumped though …

A Novel Totivirus And Piscine Reovirus (Prv) In Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) With Cardiomyopathy Syndrome (Cms), Torstein Tengs

Dr. Torstein Tengs

BACKGROUNDCardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) is a severe disease affecting large farmed Atlantic salmon. Mortality often appears without prior clinical signs, typically shortly prior to slaughter. We recently reported the finding and the complete genomic sequence of a novel piscine reovirus (PRV), which is associated with another cardiac disease in Atlantic salmon; heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI). In the present work we have studied whether PRV or other infectious agents may be involved in the etiology of CMS.RESULTSUsing high throughput sequencing on heart samples from natural outbreaks of CMS and from fish experimentally challenged with material from fish diagnosed with CMS …

Effect Of Low-Dose Aspirin Or Calcium Supplementation On The Incidence Of Pre-Eclampsia Among Pregnant Women, Philadelphia University

Philadelphia University, Jordan

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Antitumor Activity Of Gracilaria Corticata (A Red Alga) Against Jurkat And Molt-4 Human Cancer Cell Lines, Keivan Zandi

Keivan Zandi

Gracilaria corticata is a red alga which can be collected from many sea coasts around the world such as China, India, Persian Gulf, etc. The Persian Gulf is a unique marine habitat infested with diverse seaweeds. The aim of the present study is to explore anticancer potential of the crude extracts from G. corticata which was collected from the Bushehr coast (South west of Iran). Here, different concentration of the aqueous extract from G. corticata was tested for probable antitumoral activity on Jurkat and molt-4 human lymphoblastic leukemic cell lines. The cells were treated by different concentration of algal extract …

Immunocontraception In Wild Horses (Equus Caballus) Extends Reproductive Cycling Beyond The Normal Breeding Season, Cassandra M.V. Nuñez, James S. Adelman, Daniel I. Rubenstein

Cassandra M.V. Nuñez

Although the physiological effects of immunocontraceptive treatment with porcine zona pellucida (PZP) have been well studied, little is known about PZP's effects on the scheduling of reproductive cycling. Recent behavioral research has suggested that recipients of PZP extend the receptive breeding period into what is normally the non-breeding season. To determine if this is the case, we compiled foaling data from wild horses (Equus caballus) living on Shackleford Banks, North Carolina for 4 years pre- and 8 years post-contraception management with PZP (pre-contraception, n = 65 births from 45 mares; post-contraception, n = 97 births from 46 mares). Gestation lasts …

Selected Hormonal And Neurotransmitter Mechanisms Regulating, James L. Sartin, Joseph A. Daniel, Brian K. Whitlock, Robyn R. Wilborn

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

Appetite control is a major issue in normal growth and in suboptimal growth performance settings. A number of hormones, in particular leptin, activate or inhibit orexigenic or anorexigenic neurotransmitters within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, where feed intake regulation is integrated. Examples of appetite regulatory neurotransmitters are the stimulatory neurotransmitters neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP), orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone and the inhibitory neurotransmitter, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Examination of messenger RNA (using in situ hybridization and realtime PCR) and proteins (using immunohistochemistry) for these neurotransmitters in ruminants has indicated that physiological regulation occurs in response to fasting for several …

Fast, Flexible Function-On-Scalar Regression, With An Application To Brain Development, Philip T. Reiss, Lei Huang

Philip T. Reiss

No abstract provided.

Health Benefits Of Increased Walking For Sedentary, Generally Healthy Older Adults: Using Longitudinal Data To Approximate An Intervention Trial, Paula Diehr

Paula Diehr

BACKGROUND: Older adults are often advised to walk more, but randomized trials have not conclusively established the benefits of walking in this age group. Typical analyses based on observational data may have biased results. Here, we propose a "limited-bias," more interpretable estimate of the health benefits to sedentary healthy older adults of walking more, using longitudinal data from the Cardiovascular Health Study. METHODS: The number of city blocks walked per week, collected annually, was classified as sedentary (<7 blocks per>week), somewhat active, or active (>or=28). Analysis was restricted to persons sedentary and healthy in the first 2 years. In Year …

Psychometric Properties Of Three Instruments To Measure Fatigue With Myocardial Infarction, Ann L. Eckhardt, Anne M. Fink, Michelle M. Fennessy, Jessica Jones, Donna Kruse, Kathryn J. Vanderzwan, Catherine J. Ryan, Julie J. Zerwic

Ann L. Eckhardt

Computational Vascular Fluid–Structure Interaction: Methodology And Application To Cerebral Aneurysms, Y. Bazilevs, Ming-Chen Hsu, Y. Zhang, Z. Wang, T. Kvamsdal, S. Hentschel, J. G. Isaksen

Ming-Chen Hsu

A computational vascular fluid–structure interaction framework for the simulation of patient-specific cerebral aneurysm configurations is presented. A new approach for the computation of the blood vessel tissue prestress is also described. Simulations of four patient-specific models are carried out, and quantities of hemodynamic interest such as wall shear stress and wall tension are studied to examine the relevance of fluid–structure interaction modeling when compared to the rigid arterial wall assumption. We demonstrate that flexible wall modeling plays an important role in accurate prediction of patient-specific hemodynamics. Discussion of the clinical relevance of our methods and results is provided.

Postulated Vasoactive Neuropeptide Immunopathology Affecting The Blood-Brain/Blood-Spinal Barrier In Certain Neuropsychiatric Fatigue-Related Conditions: A Role For Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors In Treatment?, Donald R. Staines, Ekua W. Brenu, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

Neuropsychiatric symptoms occur in a number of neurological fatigue-related conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These conditions have been attributed variably to neuroinfl ammatory and neurodegenerative processes. While autoimmune pathology, at least in part, has long been suspected in these conditions proof has been elusive. Autoimmune pathomechanisms affecting the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or blood–spinal barrier (BSB) may predispose the BBB/BSB to ‘leakiness’ and be a precursor to additional autoimmune events resulting in neuroinfl ammatory or neurodegenerative processes. The aim of the paper is to postulate immunopathology of the cerebrospinal …

Heart And Skeletal Muscle Inflammation Of Farmed Salmon Is Associated With Infection With A Novel Reovirus, Torstein Tengs

Dr. Torstein Tengs

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) mariculture has been associated with epidemics of infectious diseases that threaten not only local production, but also wild fish coming into close proximity to marine pens and fish escaping from them. Heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) is a frequently fatal disease of farmed Atlantic salmon. First recognized in one farm in Norway in 1999, HSMI was subsequently implicated in outbreaks in other farms in Norway and the United Kingdom. Although pathology and disease transmission studies indicated an infectious basis, efforts to identify an agent were unsuccessful. Here we provide evidence that HSMI is associated …

Organ Transplants: Ethical, Social, And Religious Issues In A Multicultural Society, Noorzurani Robson Associate Prof. Dr., A. H. Razack, N. Dublin

Associate Prof. Dr. Noorzurani Robson

Recent advances in the fields of organ donation and organ transplant have introduced new hope for the treatment of serious diseases. However, this promise has been accompanied by several issues. The most common issue raised is ethical implications, but in a multicultural society like Malaysia, additional concerns arise pertaining to social and religious issues. These concerns needs to be addressed as attitudes toward and acceptability of organ donation varies according to social, culture, and religion. The diverse cultural, religious, and traditional concepts pertaining to organ donation may hamper its acceptability and cause a lack of willingness to donate organs. The …

Effect Of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor On Feed Intake And Body Temperature In Sheep, James L. Sartin, D L. Marks, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Barbara P. Steele

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been suggested to function as a potent inhibitor of feed intake in rodents. These studies were designed to determine whether LIF was found in the ovine hypothalamus and whether LIF inhibited feed intake in sheep. Sheep hypothalami were used to clone LIF to indicate presence of the gene in the hypothalamus. The sequence was similar to published data. Another group of sheep were provided intraventricular (ICV) cannulas and injected with doses of LIF at 250, 500, 1000 and 2500 ng per sheep, ICV. Feed intake was inhibited by the 1000 and 2500 ng dose (trt, …

Changes In Plasma Concentrations Of Growth Hormone And Luteinizing Hormone In Ewes Following Central And Peripheral Treatment With Kisspeptin, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

Kisspeptin (KP), a neuroendocrine regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone, has been hypothesized as an integrator of nutrition and hormones critical to metabolism and regulation of reproduction. Recent evidence suggests growth hormone (GH) secretion may be influenced by KP. The objective of this study was to determine if the GH stimulatory effect of KP is due to actions on the hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland in ewes. Adult ovariectomized ewes (n=8) were fitted with intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula to facilitate central administration of experimental treatments. Ewes received one of eight treatments [four intravenously (IV) and four ICV]. Peripheral treatments [0 (Veh), 100, …

Changes In Plasma Concentrations Of Leptin In Ewes During Pregnancy, Joseph A. Daniel, A B. Milam, M E. Gafnea, Brian K. Whitlock, D H. Keisler

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

Previous research has demonstrated circulating concentrations of leptin increase in ewes during mid pregnancy then decline in late pregnancy and early lactation. The objective of this study was to more narrowly define the timing of changes in circulating concentrations of leptin with pregnancy in ewes. Katahdin ewes (n= 19) located at latitude 34.275 and longitude -85.183 (Mount Berry, GA) were utilized. Blood samples were collected weekly via jugular veinpuncture beginning immediately before ram exposure on September 23 and continuing until 4 weeks post-lambing. Ewes were exposed to a ram fitted with a marking harness for a 63 day breeding season. …

Non-Prejudiced Detection And Characterization Of Genetic Modifications, Torstein Tengs

Dr. Torstein Tengs

The application of gene technology is becoming widespread much thanks to the rapid increase in technology, resource, and knowledge availability. Consequently, the diversity and number of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that may find their way into the food chain or the environment, intended or unintended, is rapidly growing. From a safety point of view the ability to detect and characterize in detail any GMO, independent of publicly available information, is fundamental. Pre-release risk assessments of GMOs are required in most jurisdictions and are usually based on application of technologies with limited ability to detect unexpected rearrangements and insertions. We present …

On Distance-Based Permutation Tests For Between-Group Comparisons, Philip T. Reiss, M. Henry H. Stevens, Zarrar Shehzad, Eva Petkova, Michael P. Milham

Philip T. Reiss

Permutation tests based on distances among multivariate observations have found many applications in the biological sciences. Two major testing frameworks of this kind are multiresponse permutation procedures and pseudo-F tests arising from a distance-based extension of multivariate analysis of variance. In this paper we derive conditions under which these two frameworks are equivalent. The methods and equivalence results are illustrated by reanalyzing an ecological data set and by a novel application to functional magnetic resonance imaging data.

Illicit Ketamine Induced Frequency Of Micturition In A Young Malay Woman, Noorzurani Robson Associate Prof. Dr., B. Vicknasingam, S. Narayanan

Associate Prof. Dr. Noorzurani Robson

Issues. The growing use of illicit ketamine among young adults poses a public health concern in Malaysia. In contrast to medical use of ketamine, illicit use has been reported to produce adverse effects on the urinary tract and, in particular the bladder. Approach and Key Findings. This case report describes a young Malay woman who developed severe bladder symptoms (urinary frequency) after consuming illicit ketamine. A history of illicit ketamine use was initially missed, and she was consequently diagnosed and treated for a urinary tract infection. Her symptoms persisted despite several courses of antibiotics. The patient was subsequently referred to …

Descending Branch Of The Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery - Arterial Genicular Anastomoses, Maher Sabalbal

Maher Sabalbal

Genicular collateral arterial circulation is required for perfusion of the lower leg should the superficial femoral artery (SFA) become obstructed by trauma or disease. When describing the anatomy, textbooks only provide a schematic representation of the genicular collateral circulation and suggest that the descending branch of the lateral circumflex artery (DBLCFA) plays a critical role. The DBLCFA may be removed for bypass and reconstructive surgeries; therefore, a sound anatomical description of this artery is essential. This study combines dissection with 3D reconstruction to describe the anatomy of the DBLCFA and to provide a morphological description of its involvement in the …

Antimicrobial And Antioxidant Activities Of Essential Oil And Methanol Extract Of Jasminum Sambac From Djibouti, Fatou Abdoul-Latif, Prosper Edou, François Eba, Nabil Mohamed, Adwa Ali, Samatar Djama, Louis-Clément Obame, Mamoudou Hama Dicko

Pr. Mamoudou H. DICKO, PhD

The essential oil of jasminum sambac from Djibouti was subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activity by two complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical scavenging and beta-carotene-linoleic acid assays. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as positive control in both test systems. In the DPPH test system, the IC50 value of essential oil and methanol extract were respectively 7.43 and 2.30 μg/ml. In the beta-carotene-linoleic acid system, oxidation was effectively inhibited by Jasminum sambac, the RAA value of essential oil and methanol extract were respectively 96.6 and 93.9%. When compared to BHT, the essential oil and methanol extract had …

Comparison Of Nine Different Real-Time Pcr Chemistries For Qualitative And Quantitative Applications In Gmo Detection, Torstein Tengs

Dr. Torstein Tengs

Several techniques have been developed for detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms, but quantitative real-time PCR is by far the most popular approach. Among the most commonly used realtime PCR chemistries are TaqMan probes and SYBR green, but many other detection chemistries have also been developed. Because their performance has never been compared systematically, here we present an extensive evaluation of some promising chemistries: sequenceunspecific DNA labeling dyes (SYBR green), primer-based technologies (AmpliFluor, Plexor, Lux primers), and techniques involving double-labeled probes, comprising hybridization (molecular beacon) and hydrolysis (TaqMan, CPT, LNA, and MGB) probes, based on recently published experimental data. …

Prevalence, Incidence, And Persistence Of Major Depressive Symptoms In The Cardiovascular Health Study, Stephen M. Thielke Md, Ms, Paula Diehr Phd

Paula Diehr

PURPOSE: To explore the association of major depressive symptoms with advancing age, sex, and self-rated health among older adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed 10 years of annual assessments in a longitudinal cohort of 5888 Medicare recipients in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Self-rated health was assessed with a single question, and subjects categorized as healthy or sick. Major depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale, with subjects categorized as nondepressed (score < 10) or depressed (> or =10). Age-, sex-, and health-specific prevalence of depression and the probabilities of transition between depressed and nondepressed states were estimated. RESULTS: The …

A Mixture Model Based Approach For Estimating The Fdr In Replicated Microarray Data, Shuo Jiao, Shunpu Zhang

Shuo Jiao

One of the mostly used methods for estimating the false discovery rate (FDR) is the permutation based method. The permutation based method has the well-known granularity problem due to the discrete nature of the permuted null scores. The granularity problem may produce very unstable FDR estimates. Such instability may cause scientists to over- or under-estimate the number of false positives among the genes declared as significant, and hence result in inaccurate interpretation of biological data. In this paper, we propose a new model based method as an improvement of the permutation based FDR estimation method of SAM [1] The new …

Event Adjudication Changes Key Results In Open-Label Trials: The Affirm Experience, Elaine M. Nasco, April Slee, Kent M. Koprowicz, Robert G. Hart

Kent M Koprowicz

Event Adjudication Changes Key Results in Open-Label Trials: The AFFIRM Experience Author Block: Elaine M. Nasco, April Slee, Kent Koprowicz, Robert G. Hart, Axio Research, LLC, Seattle, WA Abstract: Background: The value of central event adjudication of endpoints in multi-center randomized trials has recently been questioned. Methods: The NIH-sponsored Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial randomized 4,060 atrial fibrillation patients to antiarrhythmic drugs (rhythm control) vs. rate-controlling drugs, given open-label, at 213 clinical sites. While the primary outcome was mortality, a key secondary endpoint was ischemic stroke (IS), centrally adjudicated by those reviewing source documents from which …

Prevalence Of Various Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Genotypes Among Women Who Subjected To Routine Pap Smear Test In Bushehr City (South West Of Iran) 2008-2009, Keivan Zandi

Keivan Zandi

Background: Some genotypes of human papillomaviruses can infect the genital tract and they are important infectious agents which their oncogenicity is regardable. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of various genital human papillomaviruses (HPV) among women being subjected to routine pap smear test in Bushehr city of Iran. Results: Based on the collected data, 11(5.5%) samples were detected positive for HPV DNA and 189(94.5%) samples out of 200 samples were detected negative for HPV DNA. Meanwhile 4(2%) samples detected positive for HPV DNA by PCR were detected positive for HPV by pap smear test as …

Functional Generalized Linear Models With Images As Predictors, Philip T. Reiss, R. Todd Ogden

Philip T. Reiss

Functional principal component regression (FPCR) is a promising new method for regressing scalar outcomes on functional predictors. In this paper we present a theoretical justification for the use of principal components in functional regression. FPCR is then extended in two directions: from linear to the generalized linear modeling, and from univariate signal predictors to high-resolution image predictors. We show how to implement the method efficiently by adapting generalized additive model technology to the functional regression context. A technique is proposed for estimating simultaneous confidence bands for the coefficient function; in the neuroimaging setting, this yields a novel means to identify …

Estimating The Proportion Of Equivalently Expressed Genes In Microarray Data Based On Transformed Test Statistics, Shuo Jiao, Shunpu Zhang

Shuo Jiao

In microarray data analysis, false discovery rate (FDR) is now widely accepted as the control criterion to account for multiple hypothesis testing. The proportion of equivalently expressed genes (π0) is a key component to be estimated in the estimation of FDR. Some commonly used π0 estimators (BUM, SPLOSH, QVALUE, and LBE ) are all based on p-values, and they are essentially upper bounds of π0. The simulations we carried out show that these four methods significantly overestimate the true π0 when differentially expressed genes and equivalently expressed genes are not well separated. To solve this problem, we first introduce a …

Schizophrenia, Substance Use And Aggressions: What Are The Relationships?, Rusdi Abd. Rashid, Noorzurani Robson Associate Prof. Dr., Ahmad Hatim Sulaiman, Rabaiah Salleh, Nor Zuraida Zainal, Mas Ayu Said, Mohammad Hussain Habil

Associate Prof. Dr. Noorzurani Robson

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of substance abuse for alcohol, cannabis, opiates, stimulants, solvent and other substances among patients with schizophrenia in Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK), Perak , Central Peninsular of Malaysia. This study also aims to determine the association of substance abuse with aggression, the demographic characteristics and total duration of hospitalization. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study whereby the first 194 subjects diagnosed to have schizophrenia based on International Classification of Disease, 10th edition (ICD-10) criteria were taken from data registry of patients admitted to HBUK from January until February …