A Review of Regulatory Frameworks for Biobanking in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asian countries are at the forefront of public health pressures due to a confluence of factors such as population growth, urbanization, environmental pollution, and infectious diseases (re)emergence. Therefore, the ability to be able to conduct research addressing local and regional needs is of paramount importance. As such, biobanking activities, the standardized collection of biological samples, and associated data, developed over the past few decades supporting ongoing biomedical and clinical research, as well as surveillance are of critical importance.

Artificial Intelligence and Circulating Cell-Free DNA Methylation Profiling: Mechanism and Detection of Alzheimer's Disease.

Background: Despite extensive efforts, significant gaps remain in our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. Novel approaches using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. Methods: We performed DNA methylation profiling of cfDNA from AD patients and compared them to cognitively normal controls.

Urine metabolomic biomarkers for prediction of isolated fetal congenital heart defect.

Objective: To identify maternal second and third trimester urine metabolomic biomarkers for the detection of fetal congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Study Design: This was a prospective study. Metabolomic analysis of randomly collected maternal urine was performed, comparing pregnancies with isolated, non-syndromic CHDs versus unaffected controls.

Seasonal influenza activity based on laboratory surveillance in Malaysia, 2011-2016.

Influenza seasonality in equatorial countries is little understood. Seasonal and alert influenza thresholds were determined for Malaysia, using laboratory-based data obtained from the Malaysia Influenza Surveillance System and a major teaching hospital, from 2011 to 2016. Influenza was present year-round, with no clear annual seasons.

Utility of 16S rDNA Sequencing for Identification of Rare Pathogenic Bacteria.

Background: Phenotypic identification systems are established methods for laboratory identification of bacteria causing human infections. Here, the utility of phenotypic identification systems was compared against 16S rDNA identification method on clinical isolates obtained during a 5-year study period, with special emphasis on isolates that gave unsatisfactory identification.

Methods: One hundred and eighty-seven clinical bacteria isolates were tested with commercial phenotypic identification systems and 16S rDNA sequencing.

Comparative Genetic Analyses of Human Rhinovirus C (HRV-C) Complete Genome from Malaysia.

Human rhinovirus-C (HRV-C) has been implicated in more severe illnesses than HRV-A and HRV-B, however, the limited number of HRV-C complete genomes (complete 5' and 3' non-coding region and open reading frame sequences) has hindered the in-depth genetic study of this virus. This study aimed to sequence seven complete HRV-C genomes from Malaysia and compare their genetic characteristics with the 18 published HRV-Cs. Seven Malaysian HRV-C complete genomes were obtained with newly redesigned primers.

Evaluation of land cover and prevalence of dengue in Malaysia.

Serological confirmation of dengue in 1,410 school-going children aged 7-18 years provided prevalence data for 16 different sites in Malaysia. These sites ranged from highly urbanized cities to small towns. We found that at least ~7 % of children in the study group had been exposed to dengue by age 12 and ~16% by age 18.

Evolution of Influenza B Virus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 1995 and 2008.

Influenza B virus causes significant disease but remains understudied in tropical regions. We sequenced 72 influenza B viruses collected in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 1995 to 2008. The predominant circulating lineage (Victoria or Yamagata) changed every 1 to 3 years, and these shifts were associated with increased incidence of influenza B.

Full genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis reveals the origin and global spread of Brucella melitensis.

Background: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals. We sequenced the full genome and characterised the genetic diversity of two Brucella melitensis isolates from Malaysia and the Philippines. In addition, we performed a comparative whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of B.

Phylogenetic analysis of human metapneumovirus among children with acute respiratory infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a recently discovered cause of viral respiratory infections. We describe clinical and molecular epidemiology of HMPV cases diagnosed in children with respiratory infection at University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The prevalence rate of HMPV between 2010 and 2012 was 1.

A large exposure to Brucella melitensis in a diagnostic laboratory.

Background: Brucella species are easily transmitted by aerosols and can be acquired in the laboratory.

Aim: To report the management of a large exposure to Brucella melitensis that occurred over six days in a hospital diagnostic laboratory.

Methods: Fifty-one exposed staff were managed according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Isolation of Aggregatibacter aphrophilus from a patient with acute appendicitis.

Objectives: Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. The etiology and pathophysiology of appendicitis have been well investigated. Aggregatibacter aphrophilus is a fastidious gram-negative coccobacilli.