Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Knowledge on involvement during pregnancy among fathers in respective areas in Kuantan, Malaysia
    Hanapi NNM, Isa MLM, Yusof AM
    Enferm Clin, 2019 09;29 Suppl 2:572-578.
    PMID: 31302017 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.06.008
    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the knowledge on the involvement of father during pregnancy among fathers in the respective area in Kuantan.

    METHOD: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional with a quantitative study. There were 103 participants recruited. The data of this study were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) with one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test for significant analyses.

    RESULT: The result showed that half of the fathers have high knowledge of pregnancy and knowledge on involvement regarding pregnancy. There is a significant difference between age factors with mean knowledge of father regarding pregnancy. Meanwhile, there is also a significant difference between age and knowledge on the involvement of father during pregnancy. In addition, a number of children and knowledge on the involvement of father during pregnancy also showed a significant association. The knowledge level of father regarding pregnancy and the knowledge on involvement during pregnancy among fathers is directly, linearly and moderately correlated.

    CONCLUSION: This study can be concluded that fathers in Kuantan are possessed average knowledge on involvement regarding pregnancy. This shows that man lag behind in their responsibilities in pregnancy. In which, they do not clearly know what their role is during pregnancy.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fathers*; Female; Gender Identity*; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy*
  2. Epigenetics: The master control of endothelial cell fate in cancer
    V Subramaniam A, Yehya AHS, Cheng WK, Wang X, Oon CE
    Life Sci, 2019 Sep 01;232:116652.
    PMID: 31302197 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116652
    The development of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature is called angiogenesis. The growth of tumors depends on a network of supplying vessels that provide them with oxygen and nutrients. Pro-angiogenic factors that are secreted by tumors will trigger the sprouting of nearby existing blood vessels towards themselves and therefore researchers have developed targeted therapy towards these pro-angiogenic proteins to inhibit angiogenesis. However, certain pro-angiogenic proteins tend to bypass the inhibition. Thus, instead of targeting these expressed proteins, research towards angiogenesis inhibition had been focused on a deeper scale, epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are a heritable change in a sequence of stable but reversible gene function modification yet do not affect the DNA primary sequence directly. Methylation of DNA, modification of histone and silencing of micro-RNA (miRNA)-associated gene are currently considered to initiate and sustain epigenetic changes. Recent findings on the subject matter have provided an insight into the mechanism of epigenetic modifications, thus this review aims to present an update on the latest studies.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Neoplasms/genetics*; Neoplasms/pathology*; Cell Lineage*; DNA Methylation; Epigenomics*
  3. Genetic characterization of Theileria species infecting bovines in India
    Kundave VR, Ram H, Shahzad M, Garg R, Banerjee PS, Nehra AK, et al.
    Infect Genet Evol, 2019 11;75:103962.
    PMID: 31302242 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.103962
    Genetic characterization of Theileria species infecting bovines in India was attempted targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA region of the parasite. Blood samples of bovines (n = 452), suspected for haemoprotozoan infections, from 9 different states of the country were microscopically examined for Theileria species infection. Four Theileria spp. positive blood samples from each state were randomly utilized for PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene (approx. 1529 bp) followed by cloning and sequencing. The sequence data analysis of all the 36 isolates revealed that 33 isolates had high sequence similarity with published sequences of T. annulata, whereas 3 isolates (MF287917, MF287924 and MF287928) showed close similarity with published sequences of T. orientalis. Sequence homology within the isolates ranged between 95.8 and 100% and variation in the length of targeted region was also noticed in different isolates (1527-1538 nt). Phylogenetic tree created for T. annulata sequences revealed that a total of 24 Indian isolates formed a major clade and grouped together with isolates originating from countries like China, Spain, Turkey and USA. Remaining 09 isolates clustered in a separate group and were closely related to the TA5 isolate of T. annulata (a new genotype) originating from India and also with the isolates from East Asian countries like Japan and Malaysia. All the three T. orientalis isolates had minimal intraspecific variation (99-100% homology) amongst themselves. Further, in the phylogenetic analysis T. orientalis Indian isolates were found to cluster away from other 14 isolates of T. buffeli/sergenti/orientalis originating from different countries (Australia, China, Indonesia and Spain). However, these 3 isolates clustered together with the T. buffeli Indian isolate (EF126184). Present study confirmed the circulation of different genotypes of T. annulata in India, along with T. orientalis isolates.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Buffaloes/parasitology*; Cattle/parasitology*; India/epidemiology; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics; Theileriasis/epidemiology; Theileriasis/parasitology*; RNA, Protozoan/genetics; DNA, Protozoan/genetics; Theileria/genetics*
  4. Nest site selection for five common birds and their coexistence in an urban habitat
    Han Y, Bai J, Zhang Z, Wu T, Chen P, Sun G, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2019 Nov 10;690:748-759.
    PMID: 31302540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.508
    Many species of birds gradually adapt to urbanization and colonize cities successfully. However, their nest site selection and competitive relationship in an urban community remain little known. Understanding the impact of urbanization on birds and the competitive relationship has important implications for the conservation and management of wildlife in urban ecosystems. Here, we undertook a systematic study to quantify nests in all species of birds in an urbanizing area of Nanchang, China. A total of 363 nests were detected in surveys including 340 nests of 16 bird species and 23 unidentified species nests. We mainly analyzed 5 dominant breeding birds with a sample size of >10 during the two breeding seasons (From April to July in 2016 and 2017), which included the light-vented bulbul, Chinese blackbird, scaly-breasted munia, spotted dove and grey-capped greenfinch. Most birds (93.66%) nested in the tree of artificial green belts, which seems to be the best breeding habitat for urban birds. Our results suggested that birds' breeding success relies on the trade-off between the benefit and the expense of specific stresses from habitats. The nest site selection of birds is also affected by the life habit of urban predators. Furthermore, competition among species can influence their distributions and utilization of environmental resources when birds nest in cities. We confirmed that the niche differentiation of five bird species in an urban environment makes them coexist successfully by utilizing various resources.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Birds/physiology*; Breeding; China; Cities; Environmental Monitoring; Nesting Behavior*; Urbanization*; Ecosystem*
  5. A critical view on the analysis of fluorescence quenching data for determining ligand-protein binding affinity
    Bakar KA, Feroz SR
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2019 Dec 05;223:117337.
    PMID: 31302564 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117337
    The past decade has seen an increase in the number of research papers on ligand binding to proteins based on fluorescence spectroscopy. In most cases, determination of the binding affinity is made by analyzing the quenching of protein fluorescence induced by the ligand. However, many such articles, even those published in reputed journals, suffer from several mistakes with regard to analysis of fluorescence quenching data. Using the binding of phenylbutazone to human serum albumin as a model, we consider some of these mistakes and show how they affect the values of the association constant. In particular, the failure to correct for the inner filter effect and the use of unsuitable equations are discussed. Ligand binding data presented in these articles should be treated with caution, especially in the absence of data from complementary techniques.
    MeSH terms: Fluorescence; Humans; Ligands; Phenylbutazone/metabolism*; Protein Binding
  6. The prevalence of psychotic symptoms in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Users in Malaysia
    Leong Bin Abdullah MFI, Singh D, Swogger MT, Rahim AA, Vicknasingam B
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2019 Jun;43:197-201.
    PMID: 31302592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.07.008
    BACKGROUND: Kratom is a traditional medicinal herb widely used in Malaysia and Thailand. Despite its widespread use and statements by regulatory agencies on the potential for kratom-associated psychosis, there is little data regarding the prevalence of psychotic symptoms among kratom users. This study investigated the prevalence of psychosis among kratom users, described psychotic symptomatology and severity, while examining associations between kratom use characteristics and the occurrence of psychotic symptoms.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional clinical survey recruited 150 regular kratom users. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-V) diagnostic criteria were used to evaluate psychotic symptomatology among kratom users, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to assess the severity of psychiatric symptoms. Chi-square tests with Yate's correction were performed to determine the association between kratom use characteristics and the occurrence of psychotic symptoms among kratom users in this study.

    RESULTS: Six out of 150 kratom users (4%) presented with any psychotic symptoms. The psychotic symptoms reported were positive symptoms and thought alienation, with a mean BPRS score of 33 (i.e., mild severity). Variables related to kratom use (such as intake of kratom with diphenhydramine, duration of kratom use, and quantity and frequency of daily kratom use) were not associated with the occurrence of psychotic symptoms among kratom users.

    CONCLUSION: Although psychotic symptoms could occur among regular kratom users, they were rare and not significantly associated with kratom use characteristics. We found no evidence of elevated psychosis among regular users.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Psychoses, Substance-Induced/etiology*; Psychoses, Substance-Induced/epidemiology*; Psychoses, Substance-Induced/physiopathology*; Severity of Illness Index; Prevalence; Mitragyna/adverse effects*
  7. Abstracts of 27th International Congress of the Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society of Malaysia
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Aug;74(Suppl 1):1-49.
    PMID: 31302659
  8. Abstracts of 6th Asia-Paci-fic Conference on Public Health Urbanisation Challenges for Health
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Aug;74(Suppl 2):1-160.
    PMID: 31302660
  9. Spatial and statistical trend characteristics of rainfall erosivity (R) in upper catchment of Baram River, Borneo
    Vijith H, Dodge-Wan D
    Environ Monit Assess, 2019 Jul 13;191(8):494.
    PMID: 31302794 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7604-z
    The upper catchment region of the Baram River in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) is undergoing severe land degradation due to soil erosion. Heavy rainfall with high erosive power has led to a number of soil erosion hotspots. The goal of the present study is to generate an understanding about the spatial characteristics of seasonal and annual rainfall erosivity (R), which not only control sediment delivery from the region but also determine the quantity of material potentially eroded. Mean annual rainfall and rainfall erosivity range from 2170 to 5167 mm and 1632 to 5319 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 year-1, respectively. Seasonal rainfall and rainfall erosivity range from 848 to 1872 mm and 558 to 1883 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 year-1 for the southwest (SW) monsoon, 902 to 2200 mm and 664 to 2793 MJ mm ha-1h-1year-1 for the northeast (NE) monsoon and 400 to 933 mm and 331 to 1075 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 year-1 during the inter-monsoon (IM) period. Linear regression, Spearman's Rho and Mann Kendall tests were applied. Considering the regional mean rainfall erosivity in the study area, all the methods show an overall non-significant decreasing trend (- 9.34, - 0.25 and - 0.30 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 year-1, respectively for linear regression, Spearman's Rho and Mann Kendall tests). However, during SW monsoon and IM periods, rainfall erosivity showed a non-significant decreasing trend (- 25.45, - 0.52, - 0.40, and - 8.86, - 1.07, - 0.77 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 year-1, respectively) whereas in NE, monsoon season erosivity showed a non-significant increasing trend (14.90, 1.59 and 1.60 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 year-1, respectively). The mean erosivity density ranges from 0.77 to 1.38 MJ ha-1 h-1 year-1 and shows decreasing trend. Spatial distribution pattern of erosivity density indicates significantly higher occurrence of erosive rainfall in the lower elevation portion of the study area. The spatial pattern of mean rainfall erosivity trends (linear, Spearman's Rho and Mann Kendall) suggests that the study area can be divided into two zones with increasing rainfall erosivity trends in the northern zone and decreasing trends in the southern zone. These results can be used to plan conservation measures to reduce sediment delivery from localized soil erosion hotspots.
    MeSH terms: Borneo; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Malaysia; Rain*; Seasons; Soil/chemistry*; Water Movements*; Rivers/chemistry*; Spatial Analysis
  10. Biological polymeric shielding design for an X-ray laboratory using Monte Carlo codes
    Tajudin SM, Tabbakh F
    Radiol Phys Technol, 2019 Sep;12(3):299-304.
    PMID: 31302871 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-019-00522-w
    Photon irradiation facilities are often shielded using lead despite its toxicity and high cost. In this study, three Monte Carlo codes, EGS5, MCNPX, and Geant4, were utilized to investigate the efficiency of a relatively new polymeric base compound (CnH2n), as a radiation shielding material for photons with energies below 150 keV. The proposed compound with the densities of 6 and 8 g cm-3 were doped with the weight percentages of 8.0 and 15.0% gadolinium. The probabilities of photoelectric effect and Compton scattering were relatively equal at low photon energies, thus the shielding design was optimized using three Monte Carlo codes for the conformity of calculation results. Consequently, 8% Gd-doped polymer with thickness less than 2 cm and density of 6 g cm-3 was adequate for X-ray room shielding to attenuate more than 95% of the 150-keV incident photons. An average dose rate reduction of 88% can be achieved to ensure safety of the radiation area.
    MeSH terms: Laboratories*; Monte Carlo Method*; Polymers*; Radiation Protection/instrumentation*; X-Rays/adverse effects; Photons
  11. Multidisciplinary education approach to optimize phosphate control among hemodialysis patients
    Chan MW, Cheah HM, Mohd Padzil MB
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2019 Oct;41(5):1282-1289.
    PMID: 31302884 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-019-00878-4
    Background Hyperphosphatemia is a common consequence in end stage renal disease. It is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality, also development of hyperparathyroidism and mineral bone disease. A patient educational program involving physician, pharmacist and dietician was developed to manage hyperphosphatemia among hemodialysis patients. Objective To investigate the efficacy of the program in optimal phosphate control among hemodialysis patients. Setting Kuala Lipis Hospital, Malaysia. Method This was a non-randomized, single-arm community trial running for a period of 6 months. The program consisted of a small group seminar and individual counseling sessions. Two individual counseling sessions were conducted for each patient, focusing on diet and medication adherence, by an accredited dietician and pharmacist respectively. The group seminar was delivered by a multidisciplinary team involving a physician, pharmacist and dietician. Topics included basic knowledge of hyperphosphatemia, phosphate binder and dietary phosphate control. Eligible and consented patients had knowledge and medication adherence assessment, measurement of pre-dialysis serum calcium, albumin, phosphate, haemoglobin and alkaline phosphatase before and after the educational program. Main outcome measure Phosphate level, knowledge and medication adherence assessment. Results Fifty-seven patients completed the program and were included into final data analysis. The median (IQR) phosphate level (mmol/L) was 1.86 (1.45-2.24) before and decreased to 1.47 (1.21-1.91) and 1.49 (1.28-1.81) 3 months and 6 months after PEP (p 
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Counseling; Diet; Female; Renal Dialysis/adverse effects*; Renal Dialysis/methods*; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic/blood; Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Care Team; Patient Education as Topic*; Pharmacists; Phosphates/blood; Physicians; Knowledge; Hyperphosphatemia/prevention & control*; Medication Adherence; Young Adult; Nutritionists
  12. Molecular insights into the regulation of rice kernel elongation
    Azizi P, Osman M, Hanafi MM, Sahebi M, Rafii MY, Taheri S, et al.
    Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2019 Nov;39(7):904-923.
    PMID: 31303070 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2019.1632257
    A large number of rice agronomic traits are complex, multi factorial and polygenic. As the mechanisms and genes determining grain size and yield are largely unknown, the identification of regulatory genes related to grain development remains a preeminent approach in rice genetic studies and breeding programs. Genes regulating cell proliferation and expansion in spikelet hulls and participating in endosperm development are the main controllers of rice kernel elongation and grain size. We review here and discuss recent findings on genes controlling rice grain size and the mechanisms, epialleles, epigenomic variation, and assessment of controlling genes using genome-editing tools relating to kernel elongation.
    MeSH terms: Edible Grain/genetics*; Edible Grain/growth & development*; Plant Proteins/genetics; Oryza/genetics*; Oryza/growth & development*; Genes, Plant
  13. Fulltext Retention in clinical trials after prison release: results from a clinical trial with incarcerated men with HIV and opioid dependence in Malaysia
    Chandra DK, Bazazi AR, Nahaboo Solim MA, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL, Culbert GJ
    HIV Res Clin Pract, 2019 Feb;20(1):12-23.
    PMID: 31303149 DOI: 10.1080/15284336.2019.1603433
    Background: Study retention is a major challenge in HIV clinical trials conducted with persons recruited from correctional facilities. Objective: To examine study retention in a trial of within-prison methadone initiation and a behavioral intervention among incarcerated men with HIV and opioid dependence in Malaysia. Methods: In this 2x2 factorial trial, 296 incarcerated men with HIV and opioid dependence were allocated to (1) an HIV risk reduction intervention, the Holistic Health Recovery Program for Malaysia (HHRP-M), (2) pre-release methadone initiation, (3) both interventions, or (4) standard care (NCT02396979). Here we estimate effects of these interventions on linkage to the study after prison release and completion of post-release study visits. Results: Most participants (68.9%) completed at least one post-release study visit but few (18.6%) completed all 12. HHRP-M was associated with a 13.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8%, 23.2%) increased probability of completing at least one post-release study visit. Although not associated with initial linkage, methadone treatment was associated with an 11% (95% CI: 2.0%, 20.6%) increased probability of completing all twelve post-release study visits. Being subject to forced relocation outside Kuala Lumpur after prison release decreased retention by 43.3% (95% CI: -51.9%, -34.8%). Conclusion: Retaining study participants in HIV clinical trials following prison release is challenging and potentially related to the broader challenges that participants experience during community reentry. Researchers conducting clinical trials with this population may want to consider methadone and HHRP as means to improve post-release retention, even in clinical trials where these interventions are not being directly evaluated.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Behavior Therapy; Clinical Trials as Topic*; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Methadone/therapeutic use; Middle Aged; Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy; Opioid-Related Disorders/epidemiology*; Prisoners/statistics & numerical data*; Prisons/statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; HIV Infections/drug therapy; HIV Infections/epidemiology*; Opiate Substitution Treatment
  14. Prevalence and risk factors of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among Orang Asli schoolchildren: new insights into the epidemiology, transmission and diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in Malaysia
    Al-Mekhlafi HM, Nasr NA, Lim YAL, Elyana FN, Sady H, Atroosh WM, et al.
    Parasitology, 2019 10;146(12):1602-1614.
    PMID: 31303180 DOI: 10.1017/S0031182019000945
    This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of S. stercoralis infection among 1142 Orang Asli primary schoolchildren in six different states of Peninsular Malaysia. Fecal samples were examined using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation (FES), agar plate culture (APC) and PCR techniques. Overall, 15.8% of the children were found to be infected with S. stercoralis. The prevalence was 0.2, 1.3, 15.2 and 13.7% by direct smear, FES, APC and PCR, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that an age of >10 years, being male, belonging to a Proto-Malay tribe, belonging to the Senoi tribe, indiscriminate defecation, using an unimproved water source for drinking water and not wearing shoes when outside were the significant risk factors of infection among these children. In conclusion, we provide new evidence on the occurrence of S. stercoralis in Malaysia to show that there is a relatively high prevalence of infection among Orang Asli schoolchildren. Therefore, the use of specific methods for detecting S. stercoralis should be considered when screening these children for intestinal parasites. Moreover, prevention and control measures specific to S. stercoralis should be integrated into the intestinal parasitic infections control programme in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Risk Factors; Strongyloidiasis/diagnosis; Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology*; Strongyloidiasis/transmission; Prevalence; Strongyloides stercoralis/isolation & purification*
  15. First report of equine Setaria digitata (von Linstow 1906) infestation in Malaysia
    Peng TL, Armiladiana MM, Ruhil HH, Maizan M, Choong SS
    Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports, 2019 08;17:100310.
    PMID: 31303218 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100310
    The occurrence of Setaria digitata in a horse is reported for the first time in Malaysia. An 8-year-old Thoroughbred cross mare was referred to the University Veterinary Clinic with the primary complaint of corneal opacity and excessive eye discharge. After initial treatment with Terramycin eye ointment, corneal opacity cleared partially to reveal a moving thread-like cylindrical worm in the anterior chamber of the eye. The parasite was successfully removed surgically, and examination under the light microscope revealed that the isolated worm (length = 45 mm) was a 5th stage larva of S. digitata based on morphological criteria. Confirmation of the species of the worm was through molecular methods. The 12S rRNA gene was PCR-amplified, and the purified amplicon was directly sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolated roundworm showed 100% sequence similarity with that of S. digitata in NCBI GenBank database (Accession no.: KY284626.1). This report is the first confirmed case of equine ocular setariasis by S. digitata in Malaysia. The current study provides evidence that S. digitata is an etiological agent of ocular infection and its presence in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anterior Chamber/parasitology; Anterior Chamber/surgery; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Base Sequence; Female; Horse Diseases/diagnosis; Horse Diseases/drug therapy; Horse Diseases/parasitology*; Horses; Larva/anatomy & histology; Larva/classification; Malaysia; Ointments; Oxytetracycline/therapeutic use; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics; Setariasis/diagnosis*; Setariasis/parasitology; Setariasis/surgery; Eye Infections, Parasitic/diagnosis; Eye Infections, Parasitic/parasitology; Eye Infections, Parasitic/surgery; Eye Infections, Parasitic/veterinary*; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary; Setaria Nematode/anatomy & histology; Setaria Nematode/classification; Setaria Nematode/genetics; Setaria Nematode/isolation & purification*; DNA, Helminth/isolation & purification; DNA, Helminth/chemistry
  16. Francisella spp. detected in Dermacentor ticks in Malaysian forest reserve areas
    Koh FX, Nurhidayah MN, Tan PE, Kho KL, Tay ST
    Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports, 2019 08;17:100315.
    PMID: 31303231 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100315
    Limited information is available on tropical ticks and tick-borne bacteria affecting the health of humans and animals in the Southeast Asia region. Francisella tularensis is a tick-borne bacterium which causes a potentially life-threatening disease known as tularemia. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of Francisella spp. in questing ticks collected from Malaysian forest reserve areas. A total of 106 ticks (mainly Dermacentor and Haemaphysalis spp.) were examined for Francisella DNA using a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the bacterial 16S rDNA. Francisella DNA was detected from 12 Dermacentor ticks. Sequence analysis of the amplified 16S rDNA sequences (1035 bp) show >99% identity with that of Francisella endosymbiont reported in a tick from Thailand. A dendrogram constructed based on the bacterial 16S rDNA shows that the Francisella spp. were distantly related to the pathogenic strains of F. tularensis. Three Francisella-positive ticks were identified as Dermacentor atrosignatus, based on sequence analysis of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Further screening of cattle and sheep ticks (Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Rhipicephalus microplus) and animal samples (cattle, sheep, and goats) did not yield any positive findings. Our findings provide the first molecular data on the occurrence of a Francisella strain with unknown pathogenicity in Dermacentor questing ticks in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Arachnid Vectors/microbiology*; Cattle; Cattle Diseases/parasitology; Dermacentor/microbiology*; DNA/isolation & purification; DNA/chemistry; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry; Female; Francisella/classification; Francisella/genetics; Francisella/isolation & purification*; Malaysia; Male; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Sheep; Sheep Diseases/parasitology; Tick Infestations/parasitology; Tick Infestations/veterinary; Tularemia/microbiology; Tularemia/transmission; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/microbiology; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/transmission*; Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology; Tick-Borne Diseases/transmission*; Rhipicephalus/microbiology; Forests
  17. Assessment of antiviral and antibiotic combination treatment in influenza-A H1N1 induced acute kidney injury among hospitalized patients
    Ishaqui AA, Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman SA, Alsultan MT, Khan I, Al Nami H
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2019 May;32(3 (Supplementary)):1225-1233.
    PMID: 31303595
    The aim of the study is to assess and compare the impact of antiviral drug alone and in combination with antibiotic for prevention of Influenza-A H1N1 induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients. Hospitalized admitted patients with confirmed diagnosis of Influenza-A H1N1 infection were divided into two groups: group 1, which received antiviral (oseltamivir) drug alone and group 2, which received antiviral (oseltamivir) in combination with empirically prescribed antibiotic. Patients of both groups were assessed for incidences of AKI by two criteria i.e Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) and RIFLE. A total of 329 patients (176 for group 1 and 153 for group 2) were enrolled. According to RIFLE criteria, 23(13%) of group 1 and 9(6%) patients of groups 2 were suffered from AKI with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Also as per AKIN criteria, the incidence of AKI is statistically significantly difference (P<0.05) between both groups with 18(10%) patients and 6(4%) patients of group 1 and 2 respectively. Length of hospitalization was statistically less (P<0.05) in group 2 patients. The incidences of AKI in Influenza-A H1N1 treated with antiviral and antibiotic combination was statistically less as compared to patients who were given antiviral alone for treatment of influenza infection.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Influenza, Human/complications*; Influenza, Human/drug therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/pathogenicity; Oseltamivir/therapeutic use*; Young Adult; Acute Kidney Injury/drug therapy*; Acute Kidney Injury/virology*
  18. Fulltext Neurosciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia Represent Malaysia to Support Global Precision Brain Health
    Abdullah JM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 May;26(3):1-23.
    PMID: 31303847 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.3.1
    The combined effort of the neuroscience and psychology cluster at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)-fundamental, applied and clinical-has moved the institution to the number two position in the country, behind Universiti Malaya. The strategy to join the Global Brain Consortium (GBC) and put Malaysia on the map to address the GBC mission, vision, focus areas and outcomes began recently, in May 2019.
    MeSH terms: Brain; Environment; Health Facilities; Malaysia; Neurosciences
  19. Fulltext Treatments for Anxiety Disorders in Malaysia
    Khaiyom JHA, Mukhtar F, Po OT
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 May;26(3):24-36.
    PMID: 31303848 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.3.2
    This current study aims to systematically review the treatments for anxiety disorders in Malaysia. PsycINFO, MEDLINE databases, and 28 local journals were used to search published papers in this area. Eight articles were subjected to review after excluding 273 papers that did not meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 598 participants with various types of anxiety disorders were included in the review. Based on the findings, the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy provided better treatment outcomes if compared to psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy alone. The combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behaviour therapy was considered as one of the most effective treatment to treat patients with anxiety disorders in Malaysia. This is in line with the clinical practice guidelines from the Ministry of Health Singapore and Canada. Even though there were some limitations in the methodology and reporting of the results, it can be concluded that efforts have been taken to conduct studies related to treatments for patients with anxiety disorders in Malaysia. Future studies are suggested to make conscious efforts to overcome these limitations.
    MeSH terms: Anxiety Disorders; Canada; Humans; Malaysia; Psychotherapy; Singapore; Cognitive Therapy; MEDLINE; Treatment Outcome; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  20. Fulltext Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B and C Virus Co-infections among Iranian High-Risk Groups: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Hashiani AA, Sadeghi F, Ayubi E, Rezaeian S, Moradi Y, Mansori K, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 May;26(3):37-48.
    PMID: 31303849 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.3.3
    Co-infection with hepatitis B and C among HIV infected patients are prevalent among high-risk populations. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV co-infections among high-risk populations in Iran. We systematically searched the national and international electronic databases until 2016. The primary outcome was the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and HIV co-infections in different high-risk populations in Iran. All English and Persian studies conducted on Iranian high-risk groups were included in the study. The review was reported based on PRISMA guidelines and data were analysed at 95% confidence level using random effect models. Overall, 916 relevant papers were recognised and 14 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of HBV/HCV, HCV/HIV, HBV/HIV and HBV/HCV/HIV were 1.3% (95%CI: 0.5-2.1), 16.3% (95%CI: 1.1-31.6), 0.5% (95%CI: 0-1.4) and 0.5% (95%CI: 0.2-0.8), respectively. Based on subgroup analysis, there was a higher proportion of all co-infections from the years 2010-2016 as compared to that of the years 2003-2009. Our results highlighted that HCV/HIV co-infection in Iranian high-risk groups including injection drug users (IDUs) and prisoners is common. In addition, the increasing trend of coinfections should be considered alarming for policymakers.
    MeSH terms: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Humans; Iran; Prisoners; HIV Infections; Prevalence; Drug Users; Coinfection
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