Identification of oil palm’s consistently upregulated genes during early infections of Ganoderma boninense via RNA-Seq technology and real-time quantitative PCR

Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by pathogenic fungus Ganoderma boninense is a significant concern in the oil palm industry. G. boninense infection in oil palm induces defense-related genes. To understand oil palm defense mechanisms in response to fungal invasion, we analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) derived from RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic libraries of oil palm roots infected with G. boninense. A total of 126 DEGs were detected from the transcriptomic libraries of G. boninense-infected root tissues at different infection stages. Functional annotation via pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the DEGs were involved in the defense response against the pathogen. The expression of the selected DEGs was further confirmed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) on independent oil palm seedlings and mature palm samples. Seven putative defense-related DEGs consistently showed upregulation in seedlings and mature plants during G. boninense infection. These seven genes might potentially be developed as biomarkers for the early detection of BSR in oil palm

Determination of reference genes for normalisation of gene expression study of Ganoderma-infected oil palms

Basal stem rot (BSR) disease is a major threat to oil palm industry in Malaysia, caused by pathogenic fungus, Ganoderma boninense. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has become a favourable method in quantification the levels of gene expression involved in disease development. In this study, 14 oil palm reference genes were tested for their suitability as reference genes for qPCR analyses using oil palm root taken from six-month old seedlings (nursery sample) and 15-year old mature palms (field sample). Only six reference genes were subjected to stability test via RefFinder. The GRAS and ACTIN genes were ranked as the best reference genes for nursery sample, whereas, GAPDH and GvHK genes for field samples. These reference genes were used in the qPCR analysis for accurate normalisation. Thus, results obtained in this study emphasise the importance of validating the stability of the reference gene and proving the credibility and reliability of RefFinder in determining the most stable reference genes in each specific experiment or biological setting used

Impact of weight changes on cardiometabolic markers among low socioeconomic overweight and obese women in a community lifestyle intervention

Weight loss has been linked to improvements in multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, including lipid profiles, glucose and insulin sensitivity. However, weight loss intervention and its health benefits among low-income women, a group with a higher risk of obesity, have received little attention, particularly in the local setting. The current study utilised the secondary outcomes of a community-based lifestyle intervention namely My Body is Fit and Fabulous at Home (MYBFF@home) to investigate the impact of weight changes on cardiometabolic risk markers among low socioeconomic women in three different study phases (i.e., overall 12 months (baseline to 12 months), weight loss intervention phase (baseline to 6 months) and weight loss maintenance phase (6 to 12 months). This study also further explored the association between weight changes and improvements in those risk markers. MYBFF@home was a quasi-experimental study of overweight and obese women living in low-cost flats in Klang Valley. The intervention group underwent a 6-month lifestyle intervention that included individual diet counselling, moderate-intensity physical activities, and self-monitoring skills (using a pedometer, diet, and physical activity diaries), after which they were followed up at 12 months. The control group attended group seminars on women’s health during follow-up visits. In the current study, 243 participants (129 in the intervention group and 114 in the control group) were included in the analysis on an intention-to-treat basis. Anthropometric measurements (i.e., weight and waist circumference (WC) and blood samples were assessed at baseline, six months, and one year. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, insulin resistance marker (HOMAIR), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in the blood samples. The participants were also stratified according to the change in body weight; 1) loss 5 to 20%, 2) loss > 2 to 2%. Repeated measures ANCOVA revealed a significant intervention effect (Time x Group) on TC (F(2, 236) = 3.131, p = 0.046) and hs-CRP (F(2,288) = 4.129, p = 0.017) after 12 months controlling for age and baseline weight while no evidence found in other risk markers. The magnitude of weight change in the intervention group after 12 months was significantly correlated to improvement in WC (r(125) = 0.366, p < 0.001), FPG (r(125) = 0.228, p = 0.010), insulin (r(113) = 0.247, p = 0.008) and HOMA-IR (r(113) = 0.290, p = 0.002) after controlling for age and baseline weight. Participants in the intervention group who lost between 5 to 20% of their body weight showed highest reduction of WC (-5.67 cm [95% CI:-7.98,-3.36]), insulin (-4.27 μU/mL [95% CI:-7.35,-1.19]) and TC (- 0.59 mmol/L [95% CI:-0.99,-0.19]) as compared to other weight change categories. Those who lost > 2 to < 5% of body weight also showed reduction in WC (-4.24 cm [95% CI:-5.44,-3.04]) and insulin (-0.36 μU/mL [95% CI:-1.95, 1.24]) but not in TC. No evidence of association was found during the maintenance period in both study groups. For overall 12 months, a step-wise association in the changes of WC, FPG and insulin was observed in the intervention group but not in the control group except for WC. In conclusion, in the context of low socioeconomic communities, this study supports that weight loss-related lifestyle modifications over 6 months could improve selected cardiometabolic risk markers including TC, hs-CRP and markers of glycaemic control in overweight and obese women even with minimal weight loss (> 2% from initial body weight)

Mapping the research in molecular genetics of human obesity in Malaysia: a scoping review protocol

This is a registration of a protocol for a scoping review to explore existing literature related molecular genetics research of human obesity in Malaysia in order to investigate and chart the evidence, identify any gaps within the literature and to inform future research directions

Investigation of horizontal and vertical liquid flow interaction at various viscosity of sucrose solution on paper-based microfluidic analytical devices

Nowadays the use of paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) which is fabricated by patterning paper into the hydrophilic and hydrophobic channel are developing in diagnostics field especially in resource-limited countries due to its low-cost, simplicity and user-friendly properties. However, these devices are less sensitive with slow reaction time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the diagnostics devices must be ASSURED which are affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid and robust, equipment-free and deliverable to end-users. In this research, the parameters that affect the flow of liquid in the channel are investigated and discussed. Wax channel is drawn on the paper by applying the handcrafted technique and heated on the hotplate within 3 minutes for the diffusion of wax into the paper. Different viscosities of sucrose solution ranging up to 70% of solutes are tested on two different platforms of the channel which are a horizontal and vertical platform on three types of paper that are filter paper type 1; chromatography paper type 1 and blue litmus paper. For the study of the horizontal flow of liquid in the channel, the sucrose solution is pipetted into the channel while for the vertical flow procedure, the tip of the wax channel is dipped into the solution. From the investigation, when the viscosity of sucrose solution increased, the time taken for the flow of liquid in the channel becomes longer. The ability of a liquid to flow in a horizontal platform is 48 percents faster than in vertical platform. Therefore, these results could emphasise upon the reaction time of μPAD

Weight Change and Its Association with Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Overweight and Obese Women

Introduction. The effect of weight loss magnitude on cardiometabolic risk markers has been sparsely studied, particularly among overweight and obese women from low socioeconomic areas. Objectives. To examine the association of weight loss magnitude with changes in cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight and obese women from low socioeconomic areas engaged in a lifestyle intervention. Methods. Analyses were performed on 243 women (mean body mass index 31.27 ± 4.14 kg/m2) who completed a 12-month lifestyle intervention in low socioeconomic communities in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare changes of cardiometabolic risk factors across weight change categories (2% gain, ±2% maintain, >2 to 2% to 2 to <5% obtained through lifestyle intervention may represent a reasonable initial weight loss target for women in the low socioeconomic community as it led to improvements in selected risk markers, particularly of diabetes risk

Effects of weight loss intervention on body composition and blood pressure among overweight and obese women: findings from the MyBFF@home study

Abstract Background Obesity is related to the increased incidence of hypertension and in healthy individuals, blood pressure changes with age and body mass. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the effectiveness of the weight loss intervention on body composition and blood pressure, and to evaluate the relationship between these factors among housewives in the MyBFF@home study. Methods MyBFF@home intervention was a quasi-experimental study which involved 328 overweight and obese housewives aged 18–59 years old (Control group: 159, Intervention group: 169). Data of the control and intervention group (pre and post intervention who completed the body composition and blood pressure measurements were analysed. Body compositions were measured using the Body Impedance Analyser (InBody 720) and blood pressure (Systolic and Diastolic) was taken using the blood pressure monitoring device (Omron HEM 907) at baseline, 6 month and 12 month. Data analyses (Pearson’s correlation test and ANOVA) were performed and analysed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0. Results Visceral fat area, fat mass and body fat percentage, were all significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group after 6 month intervention (p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure was reduced significantly by − 6.81 mmHg (95% CI: -9.72,-3.90; p < 0.01) in the intervention and by − 7.95 mmHg (95% CI: -11.69,-4.20; p < 0.01) in the control group after 6 month intervention. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.19), waist circumference (r = 0.23), body fat mass (r = 0.22), body fat percentage (r = 0.18) visceral fat area (r = 0.22) and skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.14) with p < 0.05. At 12-month follow-up, no significant changes of blood pressure were detected in both groups. Conclusion There were significant changes in the body fat and systolic blood pressure over 6 month among the participants in the intervention group compared to the control group. However, both groups were unable to sustain the positive changes in the body fats during the maintenance phase. There was a relationship between the body composition and blood pressure during the weight loss intervention and weight loss maintenance phase. Participation among obese housewives in a community-based intervention programme led to the improvements in blood pressure and body composition

Effect of physical activity on fasting blood glucose and lipid profile among low income housewives in the MyBFF@home study

Abstract Background Regular physical activity has always been strongly recommended for good cardiovascular health. This study aimed to determine the effect of physical activity on fasting blood glucose and lipid profile among low income housewives in Klang Valley. Methods Data of 328 eligible housewives who participated in the MyBFF@Home study was used. Intervention group of 169 subjects were provided with an intervention package which includes physical activity (brisk walking, dumbbell exercise, physical activity diary, group exercise) and 159 subjects in control group received various health seminars. Physical activity level was assessed using short-International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The physical activity level was then re-categorized into 4 categories (active intervention, inactive intervention, active control and inactive control). Physical activity, blood glucose and lipid profile were measured at baseline, 3rd month and 6th month of the study. General Linear Model was used to determine the effect of physical activity on glucose and lipid profile. Results At the 6th month, there were 99 subjects in the intervention and 79 control group who had complete data for physical activity. There was no difference on the effect of physical activity on the glucose level and lipid profile except for the Triglycerides level. Both intervention and control groups showed reduction of physical activity level over time. Conclusion The effect of physical activity on blood glucose and lipid profile could not be demonstrated possibly due to physical activity in both intervention and control groups showed decreasing trend over time

Effectiveness of a community-based intervention for weight loss on cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese women in a low socio-economic urban community: findings of the MyBFF@home

Background: The effectiveness of lifestyle intervention for weight loss on cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese individuals in the community setting remains inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 6-month weight loss lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese women and the sustainability of the changes in those markers at 12-month follow-up, comparing an intervention group with a control group. Methods: A total of 243 participants from MyBFF@home were included in this study. Fasting blood samples at baseline, 6- and 12-month were assessed for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides. The effect of the intervention on cardiometabolic risk markers were investigated within and between study groups using t-test and general linear model (GLM) repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Results from repeated measures ANOVA showed intervention effect only in TC where significant reduction was found in the intervention group (- 0.26 mmol/L [95% CI: - 0.47 to - 0.06], p < 0.01) compared to the control group (- 0.06 mmol/L [95% CI: - 0.28 to 0.17]) at 12 months. At 6 months, TC was reduced significantly in both groups but only intervention group retained the reduction in maintenance phase while, the level increased significantly in the control group (0.22 mmol/L [95% CI: 0.06 to 0.38]). This attributed to significant increase in TC/HDL-C ratio in the control group during maintenance phase (0.32 [95% CI: 0.15 to 0.50], p < 0.001). The intervention group also showed trend of reduction in FPG at 6 months and further decreased during maintenance phase (- 0.19 mmol/L [95% CI: - 0.32 to - 0.06], p < 0.01). At 6 months HDL-C was maintained in the intervention group but reduced significantly in the control group (- 0.05 mmol/L [95% CI: - 0.10 to - 0.01], p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected in both markers when compared between groups. Conclusions: In the context of low socio-economic communities, this study supports that weight loss related lifestyle modifications over a 6-month period could improve selected cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly fasting glucose, TC and HDL-C in overweight and obese women with favourable sustainability over a 12-month period

Karyotypic and mtDNA based characterization of Malaysian water buffalo

Abstract Background In Malaysia, the domestic water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are classified into the swamp and the murrah buffaloes. Identification of these buffaloes is usually made via their phenotypic appearances. This study characterizes the subspecies of water buffaloes using karyotype, molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Blood of 105 buffaloes, phenotypically identified as swamp, murrah and crossbred buffaloes were cultured, terminated and harvested using conventional karyotype protocol to determine the number of chromosomes. Then, the D-loop of mitochondrial DNA of 10 swamp, 6 crossbred and 4 murrah buffaloes which were identified earlier by karyotyping were used to construct a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Results Karyotypic analysis confirmed that all 93 animals phenotypically identified as swamp buffaloes with 48 chromosomes, all 7 as crossbreds with 49 chromosomes, and all 5 as murrah buffaloes with 50 chromosomes. The D-loop of mitochondrial DNA analysis showed that 10 haplotypes were observed with haplotype diversity of 0.8000 ± 0.089. Sequence characterization revealed 72 variables sites in which 67 were parsimony informative sites with sequence diversity of 0.01906. The swamp and murrah buffaloes clearly formed 2 different clades in the phylogenetic tree, indicating clear maternal divergence from each other. The crossbreds were grouped within the swamp buffalo clade, indicating the dominant maternal swamp buffalo gene in the crossbreds. Conclusion Thus, the karyotyping could be used to differentiate the water buffaloes while genotypic analysis could be used to characterize the water buffaloes and their crossbreds