Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Zainuri DA, Razak IA, Arshad S
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2018 Oct 01;74(Pt 10):1427-1432.
    PMID: 30319794 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989018012641
    The structures of two new anthracenyl chalcones, namely (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(4-nitro-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C23H15NO3, and (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(4-iodo-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C23H15IO are reported. A structural comparative study between the two chalcones was performed and some effects on the geometrical parameters, such as planarity and dihedral angles, are described. The mol-ecular geometry was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set was applied to optimize the ground-state geometry. In addition, inter-molecular inter-actions responsible for the crystal packing were analysed. The electronic properties, such as excitation energies and HOMO-LUMO energies were calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and the results complement the experimental findings. The mol-ecular electrostatic potential (MEP) was also investigated at the same level of theory in order to identify and qu-antify the possible reactive sites.
  2. Arafath MA, Kwong HC, Adam F, Razali MR
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2018 Oct 01;74(Pt 10):1460-1462.
    PMID: 30319801 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989018013129
    In the title compound, C18H27N3OS, the cyclo-hexane ring has a chair conformation. The azomethine C=N double bond has an E configuration. The nearly planar hydrazinecarbo-thio-amide moiety and substituted benzene ring are twisted by 31.13 (5)° relative to each other. The amide moiety and the cyclo-hexane ring are almost perpendicular to each other; a similar conformation was previously observed in reported structures. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R 2 2(8) ring motif.
  3. Zainuri DA, Razak IA, Arshad S
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2018 Oct 01;74(Pt 10):1491-1496.
    PMID: 30319808 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989018013087
    The crystal structures of (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(3H-indol-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C25H17NO, and (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-[4-(di-methyl-amino)-naphthalen-1-yl]prop-2-en-1-one, C29H23NO, are reported. In each case the anthracene ring system and pendant ring system are almost perpendicular to each other [dihedral angles = 75.57 (7)° and 70.26 (10)°, respectively]. In the extended structures, weak N-H⋯O, C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π inter-actions influence the centrosymmetric crystal packing. Density functional theory calculations were carried out using a 6-311 G++(d,p) basis set and the calculated structures are in good agreement with the crystal structures. The compounds were also characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and the smallest (HOMO-LUMO) energy gaps of 2.89 and 2.54 eV indicate the enhanced non-linear responses (inter-molecular charge transfers) of these systems.
  4. Chong TH, Asyraf MZ, Hayati F, Azizan N, Sahid NA, Ting JRS, et al.
    Case Rep Surg, 2018;2018:4606259.
    PMID: 30319829 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4606259
    Preputial calculus is a relative surgical rarity. It usually happens in elderly men with poor hygiene and uncircumcised penis complicated with phimosis. In the paediatric group, it is usually secondary to phimosis and other urologic and/or neurologic anomalies. Surgical treatment is the mainstay of treatment. Herein, we report a 27-year-old gentleman with preputial stone presented with obstructive uropathy and was successfully treated with surgical intervention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the largest preputial stone in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Calculi; Child; Humans; Hygiene; Malaysia; Male; Phimosis; Urology; Foreskin
  5. Koh WY, Utra U, Ahmad R, Rather IA, Park YH
    Food Sci Biotechnol, 2018 Oct;27(5):1369-1376.
    PMID: 30319846 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-018-0360-y
    A total of eight strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from water kefir grains and assessed for their in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Lactobacillus mali K8 demonstrated significantly higher inhibition as compared to the other strains, thus was selected for in vitro probiotic potential characterization, antibiotic resistance, hemolytic activity and adaptation to pumpkin fruit puree. L. mali K8 demonstrated tolerance to pH 2.5 and resisted the damaging effects of bile salts, pepsin and pancreatin, comparable to that of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 (reference strain). Lack of hemolytic activity and susceptibility to the five standard antibiotics indicated the safety of the K8 strain. This strain showed singular properties to be used as starters in the pumpkin fruit puree fermentation. These preliminary in vitro tests indicated the safety and functionality of the K8 strain and its potential as a probiotic candidate.
    MeSH terms: alpha-Glucosidases; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bile Acids and Salts; Fermentation; Fruit; Lactobacillus; Pancreatin; Pepsin A; Water; Probiotics; Cucurbita; Lactobacillus rhamnosus; Lactobacillales; Kefir
  6. Choo KY, Kho C, Ong YY, Thoo YY, Lim RLH, Tan CP, et al.
    Food Sci Biotechnol, 2018 Oct;27(5):1411-1417.
    PMID: 30319851 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-018-0367-4
    The objective of this work was to study the effect of storage temperatures and duration on the stability of fermented red dragon fruit drink (FRDFD) on its betacyanins content, physicochemical and microbiological qualities (BPM) and determining sensory acceptability. Results showed that both storage temperatures and duration have a significant effect on betacyanins content and physicochemical properties of FRDFD. Aerobic mesophilic and yeast and mold counts were lower than 1 × 103 CFU/mL for FRDFD stored at both temperatures. The loss of betanin (16.53-13.93 g/L) at 4 °C was 15.73% with no significant changes in physicochemical properties from week two onwards compared to 56.32% (16.53-7.22 g/L) of betanin loss at 25 °C. At week eight, FRDFD stored at 4 °C still contained 13.93 g/L betanin with a pH value of 3.46, suggested its potential as a functional drink which is sensory acceptable (mean score > 80% using hedonic test) among consumers.
  7. Prayuenyong P, Taylor JA, Pearson SE, Gomez R, Patel PM, Hall DA, et al.
    Front Oncol, 2018;8:363.
    PMID: 30319960 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00363
    Background: Cochleotoxicity following the treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy is well documented. The potential for vestibulotoxicity is still unclear. This scoping review examined the extent of current research literature, summarized research findings and identified research gaps regarding vestibular-related adverse effects associated with platinum-based chemotherapy in survivors of cancer. Methods: Inclusion criteria followed the PICO principles: Participants, adult, and pediatric cancer patients of any cancer type; Intervention, platinum-based chemotherapy (such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin); Control, none or any; Outcomes, vestibular-related adverse effects. English language articles published since 1978 were retrieved. Seventy-five eligible studies were identified from a systematic literature search, and relevant data were charted, collated, and summarized. Results: Testing for vestibulotoxicity predominately featured functional evaluation of the horizontal semicircular canal using the caloric and rotational tests. The rate of abnormal vestibular function test results after chemotherapy administration varied from 0 to 50%. The results of objective testing did not always correspond to patient symptoms. There is tentative support for patients with pre-existing loss of vestibular function to be more likely to experience vestibular toxicity after dosing with cisplatin. Conclusions: A number of studies reported significant evidence of vestibular toxicities associated with platinum-based chemotherapy, especially cisplatin. This scoping review emphasizes that vestibular toxicity needs more attention and comprehensive evaluation. Specifically, studies that analyse cumulative dose of platinum-based chemotherapy, affected sites of lesion in vestibular end organs, and the correlation and temporal patterns of cochlear and vestibular toxicity are needed.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Attention; Child; Cisplatin; Cochlea; Humans; Language; Neoplasms; Organoplatinum Compounds; Platinum; Semicircular Canals; Vestibule, Labyrinth; Vestibular Function Tests; Carboplatin; Survivors
  8. de Jong S, Diniz MJA, Saloma A, Gadelha A, Santoro ML, Ota VK, et al.
    Commun Biol, 2018;1:163.
    PMID: 30320231 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0155-y
    Psychiatric disorders are thought to have a complex genetic pathology consisting of interplay of common and rare variation. Traditionally, pedigrees are used to shed light on the latter only, while here we discuss the application of polygenic risk scores to also highlight patterns of common genetic risk. We analyze polygenic risk scores for psychiatric disorders in a large pedigree (n ~ 260) in which 30% of family members suffer from major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Studying patterns of assortative mating and anticipation, it appears increased polygenic risk is contributed by affected individuals who married into the family, resulting in an increasing genetic risk over generations. This may explain the observation of anticipation in mood disorders, whereby onset is earlier and the severity increases over the generations of a family. Joint analyses of rare and common variation may be a powerful way to understand the familial genetics of psychiatric disorders.
  9. Singh B, Zhang S, Ching CK, Huang D, Liu YB, Rodriguez DA, et al.
    Pacing Clin Electrophysiol, 2018 12;41(12):1619-1626.
    PMID: 30320410 DOI: 10.1111/pace.13526
    BACKGROUND: Despite available evidence that implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) reduce all-cause mortality among patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, utilization of ICDs is low especially in developing countries.

    OBJECTIVE: To summarize reasons for ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator implant refusal by patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (Improve SCA) in developing countries.

    METHODS: Primary prevention (PP) and secondary prevention (SP) patients from countries where ICD use is low were enrolled. PP patients with additional risk factors (syncope, ejection fraction 

    MeSH terms: Developing Countries*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Primary Prevention; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Refusal/statistics & numerical data*; Death, Sudden, Cardiac/prevention & control*; Defibrillators, Implantable*; Secondary Prevention
  10. Li L, Woo YY, de Bruyne JA, Nathan AM, Kee SY, Chan YF, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(10):e0205795.
    PMID: 30321228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205795
    OBJECTIVES: To describe the severity, human adenovirus (HAdV) type and respiratory morbidity following adenovirus pneumonia in children.

    METHODOLOGY: Retrospective review of children under 12 years of age, admitted with HAdV pneumonia, between January 2011 and July 2013, in a single centre in Malaysia. HAdV isolated from nasopharyngeal secretions were typed by sequencing hypervariable regions 1-6 of the hexon gene. Patients were reviewed for respiratory complications.

    RESULTS: HAdV was detected in 131 children of whom 92 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median (range) age was 1.1 (0.1-8.0) years with 80% under 2 years. Twenty percent had severe disease with a case-fatality rate of 5.4%. Duration of admission (p = 0.02) was independently associated with severe illness. Twenty-two percent developed respiratory complications, the commonest being bronchiolitis obliterans (15.2%) and recurrent wheeze (5.4%). The predominant type shifted from HAdV1 and HAdV3 in 2011 to HAdV7 in 2013. The commonest types identified were types 7 (54.4%), 1(17.7%) and 3 (12.6%). Four out of the five patients who died were positive for HAdV7. Infection with type 7 (OR 8.90, 95% CI 1.32, 59.89), family history of asthma (OR 14.80, 95% CI 2.12-103.21) and need for invasive or non-invasive ventilation (OR 151.84, 95% CI 9.93-2.32E) were independent predictors of respiratory complications.

    CONCLUSIONS: One in five children admitted with HAdV pneumonia had severe disease and 22% developed respiratory complications. Type 7 was commonly isolated in children with severe disease. Family history of asthma need for invasive or non-invasive ventilation and HAdV 7 were independent predictors of respiratory complications.

    MeSH terms: Adenoviridae/genetics; Adenoviridae Infections/complications; Adenoviridae Infections/epidemiology*; Adenoviridae Infections/pathology; Bronchiolitis Obliterans/etiology; Bronchiolitis Obliterans/epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Phylogeny; Pneumonia, Viral/complications; Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology*; Pneumonia, Viral/pathology; Respiratory Sounds/etiology; Retrospective Studies
  11. Eukun Sage E, Jailani N, Md Taib AZ, Mohd Noor N, Mohd Said MI, Abu Bakar M, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(10):e0205753.
    PMID: 30321238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205753
    The pulp and pericarp of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) fruit are popular food, beverage and health products whereby 60% of the fruit consist of the pericarp. The major metabolite in the previously neglected or less economically significant part of the fruit, the pericarp, is the prenylated xanthone α-mangostin. This highly bioactive secondary metabolite is typically isolated using solvent extraction methods that involve large volumes of halogenated solvents either via direct or indirect extraction. In this study, we compared the quantities of α-mangostin extracted using three different extraction methods based on the environmentally friendly solvents methanol and ethyl acetate. The three solvent extractions methods used were direct extractions from methanol (DM) and ethyl acetate (DEA) as well as indirect extraction of ethyl acetate obtained via solvent partitioning from an initial methanol extract (IEA). Our results showed that direct extraction afforded similar and higher quantities of α-mangostin than indirect extraction (DM: 318 mg; DEA: 305 mg; IEA: 209 mg per 5 g total dried pericarp). Therefore, we suggest that the commonly used method of indirect solvent extraction using halogenated solvents for the isolation of α-mangostin is replaced by single solvent direct extraction using the environmentally friendly solvents methanol or ethyl acetate.
    MeSH terms: Calibration; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods; Fruit/chemistry; Plant Extracts/analysis; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification*; Garcinia mangostana/chemistry*; Xanthones/analysis; Xanthones/isolation & purification*
  12. Bruguière A, Derbré S, Coste C, Le Bot M, Siegler B, Leong ST, et al.
    Fitoterapia, 2018 Nov;131:59-64.
    PMID: 30321650 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2018.10.003
    Usually isolated from Garcinia (Clusiaceae) or Hypericum (Hypericaceae) species, some Polycyclic Polyprenylated AcylPhloroglucinols (PPAPs) have been recently reported as potential research tools for immunotherapy. Aiming at exploring the chemodiversity of PPAPs amongst Garcinia genus, a dereplication process suitable for such natural compounds has been developed. Although less sensitive than mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy is perfectly reproducible and allows stereoisomers distinction, justifying the development of 13C-NMR strategies. Dereplication requires the use of databases (DBs). To define if predicted DBs were accurate enough as dereplication tools, experimental and predicted δC of natural products usually isolated from Clusiaceae were compared. The ACD/Labs commercial software allowed to predict 73% of δC in a 1.25 ppm range around the experimental values. Consequently, with these parameters, the major PPAPs from a Garcinia bancana extract were successfully identified using a predicted DB.
    MeSH terms: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Phloroglucinol/isolation & purification*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Garcinia/chemistry*; Databases, Chemical; Phytochemicals/isolation & purification
  13. Wo SW, Ong LC, Low WY, Lai PSM
    Epilepsy Behav, 2018 11;88:268-276.
    PMID: 30321756 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.09.018
    Because of the nature of epilepsy, and the unpredictability of seizure recurrence, epilepsy requires long-term treatment with medications. As a consequence, epilepsy has a negative pervasive impact in children with epilepsy (CWE), and their parents. Hence, our aim was to explore the needs and challenges of parents and their CWE. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 15 families (12 mothers and 3 fathers) and 15 CWE (aged 8-18 years). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the descriptive phenomenology approach. The experiences of parents and their CWE could be divided into two time frames: "experiences during a child's first seizure" and "experiences whilst growing up with epilepsy". Parents' main concerns and worries were regarding their child's physical health, psychological and emotional wellbeing, academic achievement, and future. The children's main concerns were restrictions imposed, their interpersonal relationship with peers, and being independent in the future. Parents reported that they needed epilepsy-related information, continuity of care, and a parental support group, while CWE reported that their main needs were independence and autonomy. The views of parents and their child with epilepsy were similar in physical functioning and academic achievement. However, parents and children had different views on how epilepsy impacted on the child emotionally, as well as behavioral and interpersonal relationship with peers.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Emotions/physiology; Epilepsy/epidemiology*; Epilepsy/psychology*; Epilepsy/therapy; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Parent-Child Relations*; Parents/psychology*; Qualitative Research*
  14. Nik Atilla Atasha Shamsuddin, Sharkawi Che Din, Masran Saruwono, Norizan Sajar
    MyJurnal
    Hospitals have a complex environment setting which may cause confusion amongst visitors and the tendency of them getting lost is possibly high. This article aims to highlight the wayfinding aids used by visitors in hospitals. However, there are barriers and challenges that may affect the success of wayfinding experience amongst hospital visitors. Three targeted factors, namely poor and unfriendly signage; inconsistent utilisation of the numbering system; and difficulty in navigating the hospital premise have been identified to be improved. Therefore, by incorporating these factors with a constant stimuli method with fixed images in an indoor public hospital environment, this may improve visitors’ experiences when navigating in a hospital.
  15. Rima Melati Mat Satar, Zed Zakari Abdul Hamid, Hartini Yusuf, Maimunah Mustakim
    MyJurnal
    Ki-67 expression is strongly correlated with tumour cell proliferation and growth. It is widely used as a proliferation marker in the routine pathological investigation. The nuclear protein Ki- 67 (pKi67) is recognised prognostic and predictive indicator for the biopsies assessment for cancer patients. Clinically, pKi67 has been revealed to associate with metastasis and the clinical stage of tumours. Furthermore, it has been presented that the expression of Ki-67 is significantly higher in malignant tissues with poorly differentiated tumour cells, as compared with normal tissue. The Ki-67 labelling index plays a vital role as an independent prognostic factor for survival rate, which includes all stages and grade categories. There is an association between the ratios of Ki-67 positive malignant cells and patient survival. This review provides an overview of recent advances in detecting Ki-67 in ovarian carcinoma.
    MeSH terms: Biopsy; Humans; Mitotic Index; Nuclear Proteins; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prognosis; Survival Rate; Cell Proliferation
  16. Wardahanisah Razali, Rusmadiah Anwar
    MyJurnal
    It is hard to identify the local Malay identity in a design context compared to other cultural oriented design in several countries. This paper tries to uncover how designers interpret local identity embodied agent based on local items influences and understood and the influence of incremental, radical design that changes respective to preceding designs. A descriptive study through the literature reviews focusses on a type of artefact initiated through cultural-oriented design. Based on the preliminary study, a sampling taken from the Chinese, Indian, Japanese or European consistently apply the same fundamental understanding in regards to the culture-oriented design. From the same point of view, teapot seems to be used as one of the dominant artefact indicating the design preferences. This research will benefit both the academia and the industry and identify significant identity based on the local context and become an embodied agent to give impact in establishing the state-of-the-art of brand, the identity of local design, establish new trademark towards generating domestic, international economy and promote the nation worldwide throughout design platform.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Industry; Malaysia; Research; Artifacts; European Continental Ancestry Group; Asian Continental Ancestry Group
  17. Valerie Anak MIichael, Khairul Aidil Azlin Abdul Rahman, Shureen Faris Abdul Shukor, Noor Azizi Mohd Ali
    MyJurnal
    Living in today's era, artists’ practice in creating artwork is different from those practiced 20 years ago. With the existence of digital art followed by electronic art in the local art scene, the presentation, style and approach have evolved. Back in 2005 and 2007, some exhibitions brought hybrid art concept into an art exhibition. One of the shows was ‘Hybrid+ism’ which highlighted in various disciplines, media, applying unlimited processes and medium. The purpose of this paper is to study the artists’ practice in the hybrid art based on selected artworks. The artworks are selected based on some criteria ranging from experimental, mixed media, multi-disciplines, integration and technology as well as culture aspects. This paper is discussing the hybrid art practice among artists in the Malaysian art scene and the challenges to creating awareness on hybrid practice among audiences.
  18. Shahriman Zainal Abidin, Rafeah Legino, Mohamad Hariri Abdullah, Nur Izyan Syazwani Ismail
    MyJurnal
    This paper discusses the three most prevalent elements of Islamic art that a r e embedded in modern furniture. This study is isolated from three design thinking approaches. A comparative study has been executed between three most apparent elements of Islamic art, which are arabesque, geometric and calligraphy. Those three types of design are applicable and relevant to modern furniture design nowadays. Therefore, the Islamic model was the paradigm in defining the furniture design character. The unstructured parameter within the appropriate method is a significant way of collecting the findings and usually used in the area of furniture design. The main results of this study are on how Islamic pattern is linked with the artistic design elements. The outcome of this investigation also contributes to a significant tendency in contemporary furniture design thinking solutions. Finally, this paper ends with discussions from three types of design thinking, which is the normative, reflective and hermeneutic design that collaborates with the current modern furniture design.
    MeSH terms: Interior Design and Furnishings; Islam; Religion and Medicine; Thinking; Prevalence; Hermeneutics
  19. Maheran Zakaria
    MyJurnal
    Zakah is an Islamic financial instrument anchored within the Islamic economic system. Its establishment is to reduce inequalities within the Muslim community so that fair and social justice would be attained. In Malaysia, the administration of all religious matters including zakah is under the auspice of State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC). There are 14 states in Malaysia, and every state has its SIRC. As a religious and zakah agent, the institution is entrusted to govern zakah funds so that the beneficiary’s living standard could be transformed to a higher level. This paper conceptually reviews the role of zakah institution in governing and transforming the beneficiary’s living standard from daruriyyat (dire necessities) to higher level that is hajiyyat (comfort living) in relation to Maqasid al Syariah. As to ensure the success of the transformation, zakah institution should play proactive roles and be optimistic in formulating and initiating potential programmes that would generate income and make the beneficiary wealthy. Hence, the objective of Maqasid al Syariah under zakah jurisprudence will be achieved, if zakah funds are channelled to productive programs that would transform the beneficiary’s living standard and eventually free him/her from the shackles of poverty.
  20. Zainul Akramin Mohd Drus, Dalbir Singh, Mohd Rosmadi Mokhtar, Rusdi Abd Rashid
    MyJurnal
    Substance abuse is an epidemic that spreads among adults, adolescents and even children in Malaysia. Substance abuse is categorized as a mental disorder, whereby, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an approach that provides face to face physiological therapy for patients could resolve this issue. Computerized Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT) is a progression of information technology that is provided for patients encounter substance abuse. CCBT is a computerized therapy conducted at patient’s own pace. Ensuring patient’s continuous engagement towards CCBT becomes an issue. Patients that experience early gains, loss of interest and improvement symptom would sign up for alternative services that eventually causes disengagement and dropout from CCBT program. Interface design for CCBT is known as one of the important elements that effects patient’s engagement along CCBT program. Therefore, in this study, influential factors regarding CCBT’s interface design was investigated, whereby, five prominent models was reviewed. Content analysis methodology was employed to discover influential factors regarding CCBT’s interface design. Four influential factors was discovered namely engagement, dropout, culture and interface. These factors are known to ensure patient’s continuous engagement towards CCBT program. CCBT’s interface design plays a vital role in delivering the therapy program. Indirectly, CCBT’s interface design plays an important role to ensure patient’s continuous engagement till the completion of CCBT program. Therefore, these factors would guide researcher, service provider, developers and clinicians in designing engaging interface for CCBT.
External Links