Asthma,Airway Symptoms and Rhinitis in Office Workers in Malaysia: Associations with House Dust Mite (HDM) Allergy,Cat Allergy and Levels of House Dust Mite Allergens in Office Dust

A prevalence study was conducted among office workers in Malaysia (N= 695). The aim of this study was to examine associations between asthma, airway symptoms, rhinitis and house dust mites (HDM) and cat allergy and HDM levels in office dust. Medical data was collected by a questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed for HDM allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) and cat allergen Felis domesticus. Indoor temperature and relative air humidity (RH) were measured in the offices and vacuumed dust samples were analyzed for HDM allergens. The prevalence of D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and cat allergy were 50.3%, 49.0% and 25.5% respectively. Totally 9.6% had doctor-diagnosed asthma, 15.5% had current wheeze and 53.0% had current rhinitis. The Der p 1 (from D. pteronyssinus) and Der f 1 (from D. farinae) allergens levels in dust were 556 ng/g and 658 ng/g respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted by multilevel logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, current smoking, HDM or cat allergy, home dampness and recent indoor painting at home. Office workers with HDM allergy had more wheeze (p= 0.035), any airway symptoms (p= 0.032), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.005), current asthma (p= 0.007), current rhinitis (p= 0.021) and rhinoconjuctivitis (p< 0.001). Cat allergy was associated with wheeze (p= 0.021), wheeze when not having a cold (p= 0.033), any airway symptoms (p= 0.034), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.010), current asthma (p= 0.020) and nasal allergy medication (p= 0.042). Der f 1 level in dust was associated with daytime breathlessness (p= 0.033) especially among those with HDM allergy. Der f 1 levels were correlated with indoor temperature (p< 0.001) and inversely correlated with RH (p< 0.001). In conclusion, HDM and cat allergies were common and independently associated with asthma, airway symptoms and rhinitis. Der f 1 allergen can be a risk factor for daytime breathlessness.     

Morphological and genetic relationships of the Crocidura monticola species complex (Soricidae: Crocidurinae) in Sundaland

Small Crocidurinae shrews (weight <8 g) from Southeast Asia have been poorly studied to date, mainly because of the difficulty to catch them and the concomitant paucity of reference specimens available in museums. Hence their systematics is still debated, and most small Crocidura shrews from Sundaland are assigned to the monticola species complex. Here, we report a study based on a survey of shrews caught with large pitfalls set on forest floors in Peninsular Malaysia. Morphometric analyses based on 14 skull measurements showed that these shrews tend to be larger with increasing altitude, but showed otherwise no consistent variation. When compared to museum specimens of the monticola species complex sampled in the Sundaland (total: 77 specimens), the Malay shrews tend also to be larger than those living on Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sumatra. All are, however, morphologically distinct from the other species, C. maxi, found in eastern Java and on the Lesser Sundas. Molecular analyses of a subset of these small shrews and based on a mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and a nuclear gene (Apolipoprotein B) suggest that samples from the central region of Peninsular Malaysia (Bukit Rengit and Ulu Gombak) genetically differ from other Malaysian populations (by about 7% K2P distance at the cyt b gene) and are more closely related to some samples from Sumatra and Borneo. These differences did not correlate with the altitudinal variation evidenced from the morphological analysis. Reference sequences from the terra typica of monticola and maxi (both species were originally described from Java) are however needed to determine if these unexpected genetic differences warrant additional taxonomic subdivision within the Sundaland.     

Distinguishing Voluntarily Upregulation of Localized Central Alpha from Widespread Posterior Alpha

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback - Neurofeedback (NF) training based on alpha upregulation has been widely used on patient and healthy populations. However, active voluntary modulation of...     

Role of nitrogen and magnesium for growth,yield and nutritional quality of radish

Nitrogen (N) affects all levels of plant function from metabolism to resource allocation, growth, and development and Magnesium (Mg) is a macronutrient that is necessary to both plant growth and health. Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) occupies an important position in the production and consumption of vegetables globally, but there are still many problems and challenges in its nutrient management. A pot trial was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen and magnesium fertilizers on radish during the year 2018–2019. Nitrogen and magnesium was applied at three rates (0, 0.200, and 0.300 g N kg⁻¹ soil) and (0, 0.050, and 0.100 g Mg kg⁻¹ soil) respectively. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated three times. Growth, yield and quality indicators of radish (plant height, root length, shoot length, plant weight, total soluble sugar, ascorbic acid, total soluble protein, crude fiber, etc.) were studied. The results indicated that different rates of nitrogen and magnesium fertilizer not only influence the growth dynamics and yields but also enhances radish quality. The results revealed that the growth, yield and nutrient contents of radish were increased at a range of 0.00 g N. kg⁻¹ soil to 0.300 g N. kg⁻¹ soil and 0.00 g Mg. kg⁻¹ soil to 0.050 g Mg. kg⁻¹ soil and then decreased gradually at a level of 0.100 g Mg. kg⁻¹ soil. In contrast, the crude fiber contents in radish decreased significantly with increasing nitrogen and magnesium level but increased significantly at Mg₂ level (0.050 g Mg. kg⁻¹ soil). The current study produced helpful results for increasing radish quality, decreasing production costs, and diminishing underground water contamination.     

Species-specific identification of porcine blood plasma in heat-treated chicken meatballs

This study was conducted to detect the presence of chicken and porcine DNA in meatballs using mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) of cytochrome b (cyt b) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) species-specific primers, respectively. While, the mtDNA primers targeted transfer RNA-ATP8 (tRNA-ATP8) gene was used for 1 and 5% (w/w) chicken meatball spiked with commercial porcine blood plasm. Chicken meatballs spiked with 1% and 5% (v/w) fresh and commercial porcine blood plasma, respectively were prepared and heat-treated using five (n = 5) cooking methods: boiling, pan-frying, roasting, microwaving and autoclaving. Two pairs of mtDNA and nDNA primers used, produced 129 and 161 bp amplicons, respectively. Whereas, tRNA-ATP8 primers produced 212 bp of amplicon. Electrophoresis analysis showed positive results for porcine DNA at 1% and 5% (w/w or v/v) for all of the different cooking techniques, either for fresh or commercial blood plasma using SINE primers but not for tRNA-ATP8 primers. The present study has highlighted the useful of species-specific primers of SINE primers in PCR analysis for detecting porcine DNA blood plasma in heat-treated chicken meatballs.     

Parental and household smoking and the increased risk of bronchitis,bronchiolitis and other lower respiratory infections in infancy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Passive smoke exposure increases the risk of lower respiratory infection (LRI) in infants, but the extensive literature on this association has not been systematically reviewed for nearly ten years. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of the association between passive smoking and LRI, and with diagnostic subcategories including bronchiolitis, in infants aged two years and under.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (to November 2010), reference lists from publications and abstracts from major conference proceedings to identify all relevant publications. Random effect pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results

We identified 60 studies suitable for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Smoking by either parent or other household members significantly increased the risk of LRI; odds ratios (OR) were 1.22 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.35) for paternal smoking, 1.62 (95% CI 1.38 to 1.89) if both parents smoked, and 1.54 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.69) for any household member smoking. Pre-natal maternal smoking (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.38) had a weaker effect than post-natal smoking (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.73). The strongest effect was on bronchiolitis, where the risk of any household smoking was increased by an OR of 2.51 (95% CI 1.96 to 3.21).

Conclusions

Passive smoking in the family home is a major influence on the risk of LRI in infants, and especially on bronchiolitis. Risk is particularly strong in relation to post-natal maternal smoking. Strategies to prevent passive smoke exposure in young children are an urgent public and child health priority.     

Landings of whale sharks Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828 in Indian waters since protection in 2001 through the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Since 28^th May 2001, Whale shark Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828 have received the highest protected status for an animal in India through the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule-1. However, landings have still been recorded off the Indian coast since 2001, mostly as incidental bycatch in commercial fishing operations, and other sightings have also been reported. In the 1990’s, a targeted whale shark fishery existed off the Gujarat coast following increased demand for the flesh in some other Asian countries. Since the ban, landings of whale sharks have decreased substantially with only 79 recorded between 2001 and 2011. Landings were recorded in each year and in each month of the year with the highest landings in January and February. Between 2001 and 2011, the smallest specimen reported from Indian waters was a 94 cm TL individual and the largest was a 13.7 m TL individual, with most individuals recorded in the 4–6 m TL size class. Small juveniles of less than 3 m TL are rarely recorded in the literature and appear to be rarely observed globally. Between 2006 and 2011, seven juveniles of less than 3 m TL were recorded from two landing sites. Despite the continued landing of whale sharks along the Indian coasts since 2001, the protection of this species appears to have substantially reduced the catches with only incidental landings and strandings now evident. The protection status of whale sharks in India is generally well understood by fishers, but still there is need for further education regarding the current national legislation and vulnerability of the species.     

Using fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance to probe changes in the structure and dynamics of membrane-active peptides interacting with lipid bilayers

The antimicrobial peptide MSI-78 serves as a model system for studying interactions of bioactive peptides with membranes. Using a series of MSI-78 peptides that incorporate l-4,4,4-trifluoroethylglycine, a small and sensitive (19)F nuclear magnetic resonance probe, we investigated how the local structure and dynamics of the peptide change when it binds to the lipid bilayer. The fluorinated MSI-78 analogues exhibited position-specific changes in (19)F chemical shift ranging from 1.28 to -1.35 ppm upon binding to lipid bicelles. The largest upfield shifts are associated with the most hydrophobic positions in the peptide. Changes in solvent isotope effects (H(2)O/D(2)O) on (19)F chemical shifts were observed for the peptides that are consistent with the MSI-78 solvent-inaccessible hydrophobic core upon binding bicelles. Transverse relaxation measurements of the (19)F nucleus, using the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence, were used to examine changes in the local mobility of MSI-78 that occur upon binding to the lipid bilayer. Positions in the hydrophobic core of peptide-membrane complex show the greatest decrease in mobility upon binding of the lipid bilayer, whereas residues that interact with lipid headgroups are more mobile. The most mobile positions are at the N- and C-termini of the peptide. These results provide support for the proposed mechanism of membrane disruption by MSI-78 and reveal new details about the dynamic changes that accompany membrane binding.     

Drought-induced adaptive changes in the seedling anatomy of Acacia ehrenbergiana and Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana

This study, conducted on Acacia species (Acacia ehrenbergiana Hayne and Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan) to determine their adaptive capacity to tolerate drought and suitability for reforestation, revealed that leaf water potential (ψ) decreased in both the species with increase in drought intensity. With increase in the intensity of drought, vessel diameter increased in A. ehrenbergiana, causing a significant decline in vessel frequency mm^?2 of the transverse wood surface, while it decreased in A. tortilis, leading to a crowded vessel population. Vessel-wall thickness, in conjunction with inter-vessel pit membrane thickness, showed a positive correlation with drought stress in both the species. Ray dimensions generally decreased in A. ehrenbergiana but increased in A. tortilis under increasing degree of drought. The transverse fiber-wall area decreased in A. ehrenbergiana, thus lowering the density (r = 0.996) and enhancing the vulnerability of wood (r = ?0.979) under the drought stress, but increased in A. tortilis, causing a high density (r = ?0.979) and low vulnerability of wood (r = 0.869), under the same set of conditions. Correlation of wood density with vulnerability index was stronger in A. ehrenbergiana (r = ?0.993) than in A. tortilis (r = ?0.753). Diameters and thickness of inter-vessel pit membrane were linearly correlated with increasing intensity of drought in both the species, but its area fraction per vessel segment increased due to water stress in A. ehrenbergiana and decreased in A. tortilis. This study indicated that, on the whole, A. tortilis has a greater capacity to tolerate the harshness of drought than A. ehrenbergiana.     

Thermostable alkaline phytase from Bacillus sp. MD2: effect of divalent metals on activity and stability

Phytate, the major source of phosphorus in seeds, exists as a complex with different metal ions. Alkaline phytases are known to dephosphorylate phytate complexed with calcium ions in contrast to acid phytases that act only on phytic acid. A recombinant alkaline phytase from Bacillus sp. MD2 has been purified and characterized with respect to the effect of divalent metal ions on the enzyme activity and stability. The presence of Ca²⁺ on both the enzyme and the substrate is required for optimal activity and stability. Replacing Ca²⁺ with Ba²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Sr²⁺ in the phytase resulted in the expression of > 90% of the maximal activity with calcium-phytate as the substrate, while Fe²⁺ and Zn²⁺ rendered the enzyme inactive. On the other hand, the calcium loaded phytase showed significant activity (60%) with sodium phytate and lower activity (17-20%) with phytate complexed with only Mg²⁺, Sn²⁺ and Sr²⁺, respectively. On replacing Ca²⁺ on both the enzyme and the substrate with other metal ions, about 20% of the maximal phytase activity was obtained only with Mg²⁺ and Sr²⁺, respectively. Only Ca²⁺ resulted in a marked increase in the melting temperature (T_m) of the enzyme by 12-21 °C, while Ba²⁺, Mn²⁺, Sr²⁺ or Cu²⁺ resulted in a modest (2-3.5 °C) increase in T_m. In the presence of 1-5 mM Ca²⁺, the optimum temperature of the phytase activity was increased from 40 °C to 70 °C, while optimum pH of the enzyme shifted by 0.4-1 pH unit towards the acidic region.