Identification of a novel HLA-B allele, HLA-B*40:238, in a Taiwanese individual.

The HLA-B*40:238 allele has one non-synonymous transversion from HLA-B*40:01:01 at nucleotide position 484.

Effects of vitamin B fortified sucrose solution on the longevity and reproductive potentials of laboratory-bred Culex quinquefasciatus Say adult

Laboratory colonised mosquitoes are usually maintained on vitamin B complex fortified sucrose solution, however only few studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of such practice. This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of sucrose solution fortified with and without 1% vitamin B complex on the longevity and reproductive potential of adult female of a local strain of Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Two arms of studies were carried out separately and each arm was triplicated. In one arm, concentrations of sucrose solution at 0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% fortified with 1% Vitamin B complex were fed to the mosquitoes, while in the other arm, similar sucrose concentrations were used but without 1% vitamin B complex. Adult Cx. quinquefasciatus maintained on 5% sucrose solution fortified with 1% vitamin B complex exhibited significant extended vitality and longevity in stimulating ovarian development, compared with other vitamin fortified sucrose concentrations (p<0.05). The vitality and longevity of F0 and F1 males were 76.67±2.19 days and 57.67±8.19 days respectively. The F0 females survived the longest duration of 107.67±5.61 days and the F1 females survived 90.67±12.47 days with higher number of eggs laid, i.e. 1427.67±62.89 eggs at a higher hatchability rate of 57.05±8.39% or 814.49 eggs hatched. Thus, 5% sucrose solution fortified with 1% Vitamin B complex should be used to produce colonies of homogenous mosquitoes as this exerts positive biological effects on laboratory-bred Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Similar vertical transmission rates of dengue and chikungunya viruses in a transgenic and a non-transformed Aedes aegypti (L.) laboratory strain

The increase of the burden of dengue and chikungunya and the relative failure of traditional vector control strategies have highlighted the need to develop new control methods. RIDL-SIT, a vector control method based on the release of engineered male mosquitoes, has shown promising results from field trials conducted in the Cayman Islands and Brazil. In large scale use, a small proportion of females might be released along with the males. Such females are potential virus vectors; here we investigate the vertical transmission of dengue and chikungunya of homozygous OX513A females.We provided females of OX513A-My1 and a wild type comparator strain with blood meals artificially infected with dengue serotype 1, 2, 3, 4 or chikungunya viruses. For 14 days post-feeding, eggs laid by females were collected. Larvae and their mothers were first tested by qRT-PCR, then by inoculation on cell cultures to search for infectious viral particles. We found no significant difference between the minimum infection rate of OX513A-My1 and wild type females. We also discussed the potential number of females being released, a fraction of the female wild population. Consequently, we conclude that there are no evidence that OX513A-My females, if released into the environment, would cause more harm than their wild counterparts.

Evaluation of Sumithion L-40 against Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus Skuse

Space spraying of chemical insecticides is still an important mean of controlling Aedes mosquitoes and dengue transmission. For this purpose, the bioefficacy of space-sprayed chemical insecticide should be evaluated from time to time. A simulation field trial was conducted outdoor in an open field and indoor in unoccupied flat units in Kuala Lumpur, to evaluate the adulticidal and larvicidal effects of Sumithion L-40, a ULV formulation of fenitrothion. A thermal fogger with a discharge rate of 240ml/min was used to disperse Sumithion L-40 at 3 different dosages (350 ml/ha, 500 ml/ha, 750 ml/ha) against lab-bred larvae and adult female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. An average of more than 80% adult mortality was achieved for outdoor space spray, and 100% adult mortality for indoor space spray, in all tested dosages. Outdoor larvicidal effect was noted up to 14 days and 7 days at a dosage of 500 and 750 ml/ha for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. Indoor larvicidal effect was up to 21 days (500 ml/ha) and 14 days (750 ml/ha), respectively, after spraying with larval mortality > 50% against Ae. aegypti. This study concluded that the effective dosage of Sumithion L-40 thermally applied against adult Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus indoor and outdoor is 500 and 750 ml/ha. Based on these dosages, effective indoor spray volume is 0.4 – 0.6 ml/m³. Additional indoor and outdoor larvicidal effect will be observed at these application dosages, in addition to adult mortality. INTRODUCTION Dengue is a serious public health disease in Malaysia since the first nationwide dengue outbreak in 1973; the most prevalent vectors for dengue are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Lee et al., 1997). In the continued absence of specific treatment and effective vaccine against dengue virus, dengue control relies on suppressing Aedes populations and subsequent interruption of disease transmission through the use of insecticides, especially during outbreaks (Esu et al., 2010). The organophosphate fenitrothion was applied in space spraying for dengue and malaria control since 1970s (Samutrapongse & Pant, 1973; Pant

Dengue Vector Control in Malaysia- Challenges and Recent Advances

Dengue is a serious mosquito borne disease common in tropical and sub-tropical countries including Malaysia. There is at present a lack of specific treatment and an effective tetravalent vaccine against dengue. The control of dengue depends solely on the suppression of the two most important vectors namely, Aedes aegypti and Ae albopictus. Despite intensive and extensive control efforts by health agencies, the disease continues to spread. This paper updates various innovations on control of dengue vectors. Gene-based sterile insect technique using the RIDL technology for both Aedes aegypti & Ae albopictus control has now been actively researched and field trials are pursued to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology. The release of Wolbachia-infected Ae aegypti is another dengue control innovation. The infected mosquito cannot support development of dengue virus and has shorter life span. Other innovations include: auto-dissemination of insect control agents using ovitrap, autocidal adult and larva trap, outdoor residual spraying, insecticidal paint and biocontrol agent. In other innovation, outbreak prediction capability is enhanced by developing model based on environmental data and analysis utilising neural network.

Intra-articular injection of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor meloxicam (Mobic) reduces experimental osteoarthritis and nociception in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of intra-articular injection of meloxicam (Mobic) on the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in rats and examine concomitant changes in nociceptive behavior and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in articular cartilage chondrocytes. METHODS: OA was induced in Wistar rats by right anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT); the left knee was not treated. The OA + meloxicam (1.0 mg) group was injected intra-articularly in the ACLT knee with 1.0 mg of meloxicam once a week for 5 consecutive weeks starting 5 weeks after ACLT. The OA + meloxicam (0.25 mg) group was treated similarly with 0.25 mg meloxicam. The sham group underwent arthrotomy only and received vehicle of 0.1 mL sterile 0.9% saline injections, whereas the naive rats in meloxicam-only groups were treated similarly with 1.0- and 0.25-mg meloxicam. Nociception was measured as secondary mechanical allodynia and hind paw weight-bearing distribution at before (pre-) and 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks post-ACLT. Histopathology of the cartilage and synovia was examined 20 weeks after ACLT. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the effect of meloxicam on MAPKs (p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)) expression in the articular cartilage chondrocytes. RESULTS: OA rats receiving intra-articular meloxicam treatment showed significantly less cartilage degeneration and synovitis than saline-treated controls. Nociception were improved in the OA + meloxicam groups compared with the OA group. Moreover, meloxicam attenuated p38 and JNK but enhanced ERK expression in OA-affected cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular injection of meloxicam (1) attenuates the development of OA, (2) concomitantly reduces nociception, and (3) modulates chondrocyte metabolism, possibly through inhibition of cellular p38 and JNK, but enhances ERK expression.

MicroRNA-17-5p post-transcriptionally regulates p21 expression in irradiated betel quid chewing-related oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Betel nut chewing is associated with oral cavity cancer in Taiwan. OC3 is an oral carcinoma cell line that was established from cells collected from a long-term betel nut chewer who does not smoke. After we found that microRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) is induced in OC3 cells, we used this cell line to examine the biological role(s) of this microRNA in response to exposure to ionizing radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A combined SYBR green-based real-time PCR and oligonucleotide ligation assay was used to examine the expression of the miR-17 polycistron in irradiated OC3 cells. The roles of miR-17-5p and p21 were evaluated with specific antisense oligonucleotides (ODN) that were designed and used to inhibit their expression. Expression of the p21 protein was evaluated by Western blotting. The clonogenic assay and annexin V staining were used to evaluate cell survival and apoptosis, respectively. Cells in which miR-17-5p was stably knocked down were used to create ectopic xenografts to evaluate in vivo the role of miR-17-5p. RESULTS: A radiation dose of 5 Gy significantly increased miR-17-5p expression in irradiated OC3 cells. Inhibition of miR-17-5p expression enhanced the radiosensitivity of the OC3 cells. We found that miR-17-5p downregulates radiation-induced p21 expression in OC3 cells and, by using a tumor xenograft model, it was found that p21 plays a critical role in increasing the radiosensitivity of OC3 cells in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: miR-17-5p is induced in irradiated OC3 cells and it downregulates p21 protein expression, contributing to the radioresistance of OC3 cells.

Vertical distribution of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical distribution and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ovitrap surveillance was conducted for 4 continuous weeks in multiple storey buildings in 4 residential areas located in Selangor [Kg. Baiduri (KB)] and Kuala Lumpur [Student Hostel of University of Malaya (UM), Kg. Kerinchi (KK) and Hang Tuah (HT)]. The results implied that Aedes mosquitoes could be found from ground floor to highest floor of multiple storey buildings and data from different elevation did not show significant difference. Ovitrap index for UM, KB, HT and KK ranged from 0 – 29.17%, 0 – 55.56%, 8.33 – 83.33% and 0 – 91.17% respectively. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were found breeding in HT, KK and KB; while only Ae. albopictus was obtained from UM. The results indicate that the invasion of Aedes mosquitoes in high-rise apartments could facilitate the transmission of dengue virus and new approaches to vector control in this type of residential area should be developed.

Stool Patterns of Malaysian Adults with Functional Constipation: Association with Diet and Physical Activity

Introduction: Diet and lifestyle modification is commonly used in constipation management. As there is a dearth of studies on this topic in Malaysia, we aim to elucidate the relations between stool patterns, dietary intake and physical activity levels among adults with functional constipation. Methods: From a database collected via surveys at public events, a convenience sample of 100 adults diagnosed with Rome II-defined functional constipation was enrolled in this cross-sectional study. After severity assessment using the Chinese Constipation Questionnaire, subjects completed 2-week bowel movement diaries to determine stool frequency, consistency and output. Dietary intake and physical activity levels were assessed twice using three-day 24-hour diet recalls and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Ninety subjects who completed the study were included in the analysis. Results: Mean weekly stool frequency was 3.9±1.9 times, consistency score was 2.6±0.6 (range 1.0-4.0), output was 11.0±6.3 balls (40 mm diameter) and severity score was 10.3±3.3 (range 5.0-22.0). Mean daily dietary intakes were: energy 1,719±427kcal, dietary fibre 15.0±4.9g and fluid 2.5±0.8L. The majority of subjects were physically inactive. Stool frequency and output were positively associated with dietary fibre (rs=0.278, P<0.01; rs=0.226, P<0.05) and fluid intake (rs=0.257, P<0.05; OR=3.571, 95% CI [1.202-10.609]). Constipation severity was associated with higher physical activity levels (OR=2.467, 95% CI [1.054-5.777]). Conclusion: Insufficient intake of dietary fibre and fluid are associated with aggravated constipation symptoms. Further studies are necessary to confirm usefulness of dietary intervention in treatment of constipation as dietary factors alone may not influence overall severity and stool consistency, an integral element of constipation.

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid enhances odontoblast differentiation.

Previous studies have shown that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors stimulate osteoblast differentiation in vitro and bone formation in vivo. However, the effects of HDAC inhibitors on odontoblasts have not been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effect of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), an HDAC inhibitor, on odontoblast differentiation using an MDPC23 odontoblast-like cell line. SAHA significantly enhanced matrix mineralization and the expression levels of odontoblast marker genes. SAHA increased the expression levels of nuclear factor I/C (Nfic) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp). Nfic bound directly to the Dspp promoter and stimulated Dspp transcription. SAHA increased both basal and Nfic-induced Dspp promoter activity. SAHA-induced Dspp promoter activity disappeared when mutations were introduced within the Nfic binding element of the Dspp promoter. Nfic knockdown by siRNA blocked SAHA stimulation of Dspp expression. These results indicate that SAHA enhances odontoblast differentiation and that SAHA increases Dspp expression, at least in part, by increasing the expression level of Nfic.

CT and MRI findings correlate with the time-course of unresectable cavernous haemangioma of the liver after fractionated radiotherapy.

We present the case of a 79-year-old female with symptomatic cavernous haemangioma of the liver. The patient had experienced progressive right lateral abdominal pain for years despite increased painkiller use. Surgical resection or transarterial embolisation was not recommended because of the patient's age, cardiovascular comorbidities and large tumour size. Therefore, the patient was treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (RT) with a total dose of 30 Gy in 15 fractions. Following RT, the painkillers were tapered from the third month, and complete symptomatic remission was achieved after the ninth month. The measured tumour volume from serial images pre-RT and 3, 9 and 15 months post-RT was 400 ml, 372 ml, 185 ml and 140 ml, respectively. The most dramatic volumetric reduction was found between 3 and 9 months post-RT, whereas the change before or after this period was minimal. The time course of the radiological volumetric changes correlated with that of the clinical symptoms. In addition, the observed vascular changes on serial imaging studies were consistent with the assumed radiobiological effects after fractionated RT.

A new record for Lispe orientalis Wiedemann, 1824 (Diptera: Muscidae) from peninsular Malaysia

Lispe orientalis Wiedemann, 1824 is recorded for the first time in peninsular Malaysia. Specimens were collected from a mushroom cultivation farm in Genting Highlands, Pahang (3°25’18"N 101°47’48"E). Previously, this species had been recorded from Azerbaijin, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey and South Korea. The male of Lispe orientalis can be determined by the following characteristics: body non-metallic, ashy gray, third antennal segment black, R5 cell not narrow apically, hind metatarsus normal, legs entirely black, femora with long bristle-like hairs on av and pv surfaces, hind tibia without av and pv seta and the palpi orangish in colour.

National-wide data on the treatment of BPH in Korea.

The healthcare system in Korea provides coverage to all the people who are residing in Korea, so the data of the Korea healthcare system are national-wide and relatively accurate. We obtained the recent 5-year data (2004-2008) on the treatment of BPH from the national health insurance system. We tried to determine the trends or changes of BPH treatments in Korea. Over 3.8 million men visited clinics and were prescribed one or more BPH medications, and more than 44 000 men underwent surgical treatment during 2004-2008. Compared with the year 2004, two times the patients were prescribed BPH medications in 2008. With respect to the surgical treatment, the number of cases was increased 1.6 times in 2006 compared with the previous years. The most commonly used surgical option was TURP before 2006, but laser therapy was carried out as much as TURP in 2006 and in the following years. The relative risk of laser therapy in the 50 s is 1.53 (95% CI is 1.47-1.59). In conclusion, our national-wide data for the Korean BPH patients show that these patients' medical treatment increased during the 5 years from 2004 to 2008. Laser treatment had increased and it might replace TURP in several years.

Insecticide resistance development in Aedes aegypti upon selection pressure with malathion

Bioassay test against malathion had been carried out with larval and adult stages of Aedes aegypti. The mosquitoes were under selection pressure against malathion for fortyfive consecutive generations. The rate of resistance development was measured by LC50 and LT50 values. The larvae and adult females, after subjection to malathion selection for 45 generations, developed high resistance level to malathion, with resistance ratio of 52.7 and 3.24 folds, respectively over control mosquitoes. Cross-resistance towards the same and different groups of insecticides was determined using the F44 and F45 malathion-selected adult females. Insecticides tested were DDT (4.0%), permethrin (0.75%), propoxur (0.1%), fenitrothion (1%), λ-cyhalothrin (0.05%) and cyfluthrin (0.15%). Results indicated that the mosquitoes were highly resistant to DDT and fenitrothion, moderately resistant to propoxur, tolerant to permethrin and λ-cyhalothrin, and very low resistant to cyfluthrin.

Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of the successful sterilization of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) utilized in maggot debridement therapy (mdt)

In Malaysia, maggot debridement therapy (MDT) utilizes maggots of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) to debride necrotic tissue from wound surface, reduce bacterial infection and therefore, enhance wound healing process. To evaluate the sterility of the sterile maggots produced after sterilization process before delivering onto patient wounds. Sterility of sterile maggots is crucial in ensuring the safe usage of MDT and patient’s health. Eggs of L. cuprina collected from a laboratory colony were divided into treated group (sterilized) and control group (non-sterilized). Treated group underwent sterilization while eggs from control group were allowed to hatch without sterilization. Sodium hypochlorite and formaldehyde were the main disinfectants used in this sterilization process. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine and ascertain the sterility of sterile maggots. SEM results showed that all sterilized L. cuprina eggs and maggots achieved sterility and all were cleared from bacterial contamination. In contrast, all non-sterilized eggs and maggots were found to be colonized by microorganisms. Sterilization method employed to sterilize eggs and maggots used in Malaysia MDT was proven successful and MDT is safe to be used as wound management tools.

Aedes larval population dynamics and risk for dengue epidemics in Malaysia

Early detection of a dengue outbreak is an important first step towards implementing effective dengue interventions resulting in reduced mortality and morbidity. A dengue mathematical model would be useful for the prediction of an outbreak and evaluation of control measures. However, such a model must be carefully parameterized and validated with epidemiological, ecological and entomological data. A field study was conducted to collect and analyse various parameters to model dengue transmission and outbreak. Dengueprone areas in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Kedah and Johor were chosen for this study. Ovitraps were placed outdoor and used to determine the effects of meteorological parameters on vector breeding. Vector population in each area was monitored weekly for 87 weeks. Weather stations, consisting of a temperature and relative humidity data logger and an automated rain gauge, were installed at key locations in each study site. Correlation and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ADL) model were used to study the relationship among the variables. Previous week rainfall plays a significant role in increasing the mosquito population, followed by maximum humidity and temperature. The secondary data of rainfall, temperature and humidity provided by the meteorological department showed an insignificant relationship with the mosquito population compared to the primary data recorded by the researchers. A well fit model was obtained for each locality to be used as a predictive model to foretell possible outbreak.

Nosocomial nasal myiasis in an intensive care unit

A 73-year-old Chinese man was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Premorbid Ward of a local hospital in Malaysia. The patient complained of shortness of breath with cough and was in a semi-conscious state. He was later admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. Six days after admission 5-6 maggots were recoverd from the nasal cavity. The maggots were identifi ed as the third-instar larvae of Lucilia cuprina Wiedmann (Diptera: Calliphoridae) based on the morphological characteristics. This patient was classifi ed as having nosocomial myiasis. The presence of the third instar larvae indicated that the infestation was not more than three to four days. An adult sarcophagid identifi ed as Parasarcophaga rufi cornis (Fabricius) caught in the ICU where the patient was warded provided further evidence of the potential for the nosocomial infestation.

Identification of the novel allele HLA-B*13:01:03 by sequence-based typing method in a Taiwanese individual.

A new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B allele, B*13:01:03 (B*130103), has been found in a Taiwanese individual. It differs from B*13:01:01 (B*130101) by a synonymous substitution at codon 113 (CAT->CAC).

Identification of the novel allele HLA-B*51:84 by sequence-based typing method in a Taiwanese individual.

A new human leukocyte antigen-B allele, B*51:84 (B*5184), has been found in Taiwan. It differs from B*51:01:01(B*510101) by one nucleotide substitution at codon 145 (CGC →GGC), resulting to one amino acid change (Arginine to Glycine).

Oviposition behaviour of Aedes albopictus in temephos and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis-treated ovitraps.

This study was conducted to determine the response of dengue vectors to ovitraps treated with temephos and Bacillus thuringensis israelensis (Bti) compared with untreated ovitraps which only contained seasoned tap water. The study was conducted at two sites: the natural breeding habitats where the ovitraps were exposed directly to sunshine and rain, and under shelter beneath a cabin without direct exposure. The ovitraps were placed for a period of five days at six different sites each in both conditions. The experiments were replicated three times. The results indicated that all mosquitoes breeding in the ovitraps were Aedes albopictus. There was no significant difference in the ovipositioning behaviour in the natural habitat, but there was a significant difference in the number of eggs laid in the ovitraps placed under the cabins. Though the mean number of eggs laid in traps in response to each treatment varied among the sites, the overall ovipositioning activity was not significantly different between sites when egg densities in the test ovitraps were averaged over the six-week ovitrapping period (site versus treatment effect) at p