Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 29 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Production of lipopeptide biosurfactant in batch and fed-batch Streptomyces sp. PBD-410L cultures growing on palm oil
    Zambry NS, Rusly NS, Awang MS, Md Noh NA, Yahya ARM
    Bioprocess Biosyst Eng, 2021 Jul;44(7):1577-1592.
    PMID: 33687550 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-021-02543-5
    The present study focused on lipopeptide biosurfactant production by Streptomyces sp. PBD-410L in batch and fed-batch fermentation in a 3-L stirred-tank reactor (STR) using palm oil as a sole carbon source. In batch cultivation, the impact of bioprocessing parameters, namely aeration rate and agitation speed, was studied to improve biomass growth and lipopeptide biosurfactant production. The maximum oil spreading technique (OST) result (45 mm) which corresponds to 3.74 g/L of biosurfactant produced, was attained when the culture was agitated at 200 rpm and aeration rate of 0.5 vvm. The best aeration rate and agitation speed obtained from the batch cultivation was adopted in the fed-batch cultivation using DO-stat feeding strategy to further improve the lipopeptide biosurfactant production. The lipopeptide biosurfactant production was enhanced from 3.74 to 5.32 g/L via fed-batch fermentation mode at an initial feed rate of 0.6 mL/h compared to that in batch cultivation. This is the first report on the employment of fed-batch cultivation on the production of biosurfactant by genus Streptomyces.
  2. A label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor used a printed circuit board gold electrode (PCBGE) to detect SARS-CoV-2 without amplification
    Zambry NS, Awang MS, Beh KK, Hamzah HH, Bustami Y, Obande GA, et al.
    Lab Chip, 2023 Mar 14;23(6):1622-1636.
    PMID: 36786757 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01159j
    The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) motivates continuous efforts to develop robust and accurate diagnostic tests to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Detection of viral nucleic acids provides the highest sensitivity and selectivity for diagnosing early and asymptomatic infection because the human immune system may not be active at this stage. Therefore, this work aims to develop a label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection using a printed circuit board-based gold substrate (PCBGE). The developed sensor used the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) gene as a biomarker. The DNA sensor-based PCBGE was fabricated by self-assembling a thiolated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe onto an Au surface, which performed as the working electrode (WE). The Au surface was then treated with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH) before detecting the target N gene to produce a well-oriented arrangement of the immobilized ssDNA chains. The successful fabrication of the biosensor was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The DNA biosensor performances were evaluated using a synthetic SARS-CoV-2 genome and 20 clinical RNA samples from healthy and infected individuals through EIS. The developed DNA biosensor can detect as low as 1 copy per μL of the N gene within 5 minutes with a LOD of 0.50 μM. Interestingly, the proposed DNA sensor could distinguish the expression of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 without any amplification technique. We believe that the proposed DNA sensor platform is a promising point-of-care (POC) device for COVID-19 viral infection since it offers a rapid detection time with a simple design and workflow detection system, as well as an affordable diagnostic assay.
  3. Fulltext Primary B-cell Lymphoma of the Thoracic Spine: A Rare Cause of Spinal Cord Compression
    Zakaria Mohamad Z, Kow RY, Low CL, Hamdan AH, Awang MS
    Cureus, 2021 Jul;13(7):e16608.
    PMID: 34447645 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16608
    Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma arising from the spine is exceedingly rare. Spinal cord compression can be the first presentation of a patient with primary spinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Due to its rarity and vague clinical presentation, the diagnosis can be confused with tuberculosis of the spine, a more common disease in this country. We present a case of primary thoracic spine B-cell lymphoma in a 45-year-old lady who presented with spinal cord compression. This case highlights the importance of obtaining histopathological samples for examination and the treating physician should be vigilant on this rare cause of spinal cord compression. Treatment can be initiated promptly once the diagnosis is established as primary spinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma carries a dire prognosis.
  4. Fulltext Factors associated with the outcome of open tibial fractures
    Yusof NM, Khalid KA, Zulkifly AH, Zakaria Z, Amin MA, Awang MS, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Oct;20(5):47-53.
    PMID: 24643115 MyJurnal
    Although open tibial fractures are common in Malaysia, the outcomes for these patients have not been evaluated in the literature. This retrospective study was conducted to examine the factors associated with infection and non-union in open tibial fractures managed at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan, in 2009.
  5. Fulltext Epilepsy Surgery in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia: Our Experiences since 2004
    Yee AS, Tharakan J, Idris Z, Bhaskar S, Halim SA, Razak SA, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Dec;24(6):97-102.
    PMID: 29379392 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.6.12
    Epilepsy surgery has been performed by a few centres in Malaysia, including Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). To date, a total of 15 patients have undergone epilepsy surgery in HUSM. The epilepsy surgery included anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) with amygdalohippocampectomy (AH) and Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). The surgical outcomes of the patients were assessed using the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) outcome scale. The ILAE scores for patients who underwent ATL with AH were comparatively better than those who underwent VNS. One of the patient who underwent ATL with AH and frontal lesionectomy was found to have psychosis during follow up. Epilepsy surgery has proven to be an important treatment for medically resistant epilepsy. Thus it is important to raise public awareness regarding epilepsy and its treatment.
  6. A Rare Case of Monostotic Spinal Fibrous Dysplasia Mimicking Solitary Metastatic Lesion of Thyroid Carcinoma
    Sharifudin MA, Zakaria Z, Awang MS, Mohamed Amin MA, Abd Aziz A
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Jan;23(1):82-6.
    PMID: 27540330 MyJurnal
    Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the vertebra is a rare entity. A case of a 53-year-old lady who presented with an 8 months history of pain in the thoracic spine region with paraparesis is discussed. She had a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma and had undergone total thyroidectomy one year prior to her current problem. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed isolated osteolytic lesion over the posterior element of the T12 vertebra with narrowing of the spinal canal causing compression of the cord. The diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia was made histologically. Fibrous dysplasia rarely occurs in axial bones compared with peripheral bones. This case illustrates that osteolytic lesion of the vertebrae should be evaluated with detailed radiological and histopathological examination before an empirical diagnosis of spinal metastasis is made in an adult with a background history of primary malignancy well-known to spread to the bone.
  7. Cystic Meningioma Masquerading as a Metastatic Tumor: A Case Report
    Ramanathan N, Kamaruddin KA, Othman A, Mustafa F, Awang MS
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 May;23(3):92-4.
    PMID: 27418876 MyJurnal
    Cystic meningioma is a rare form of intracranial meningioma. Meningiomas are typically solid tumors but may rarely have cystic components. The diagnosis of cystic meningioma is clinically challenging as the finding of multiple intra-axial tumors, including metastatic tumors, is relatively common. We report a case of cystic meningioma initially diagnosed as a metastatic tumor from a recurrence of acute lymphoid leukemia. However, postoperative histopathological examination demonstrated an atypical meningioma.
  8. Fulltext The needs of traumatic brain injury survivors' caregivers and the implication required during the COVID-19 pandemic: Public health issues
    Othman H, Ludin SM, Saidi S, Awang MS
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Apr 14;10(2).
    PMID: 33855403 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2205
    BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors require attention and dependence from their primary caregiver. This is because TBI is a defect that affects both the psychological and physical functions of the victim. Caregivers play an essential role in providing the adequate care victims need to adjust to the new problems they may experience due to their condition, as family members alone may not be able to provide for their needs. In particular, TBI caregivers may face specific challenges when assisting their patients in handling unexpected changes to their daily routines. Therefore, this quantitative study aims to explore the needs of caregivers, their coping mechanisms towards stressful and traumatic circumstances, and how they provide care to their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: It was conducted with ten caregivers of individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury, that were selected using a theoretical sampling method. Data were obtained using a semi-structured interview guide, which helped the caregivers provide their responses. Meanwhile, data analysis was performed using the NVIVO analysis software.

    RESULTS: The results showed that there were, three significant themes namely, (a) Support needed, (b) the information need for care, and (c) developing self-resilience. The results also showed that caregivers really need support from the various parties, and the participants lack information on specific care techniques for the severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, caregivers require approval and seek more useful information to provide excellent care to their loved ones. Being aware of the caregiver's needs would enable them to offer improved customized care.

  9. Fulltext Disseminated Staphylococcus aureus Infection in an Adolescent Patient Following a Traditional Phlebotomy Procedure
    Oon ZS, Abdul Razak AH, Awang MS
    Cureus, 2023 Sep;15(9):e44828.
    PMID: 37809167 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44828
    Al-Fashdu is a well-known Islamic medicine-based alternative treatment, and it has been widely practiced with the aim of treating certain health issues in various countries. Unfortunately, this therapy can lead to certain complications, including life-threatening infections. We report a case of a 12-year-old male patient who developed a disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection following Al-Fashdu therapy. He was treated with surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection following Al-Fashdu therapy in an adolescent patient.
  10. Fulltext Surgical Technique for Varus Deformity Correction of Below-Knee Stump in a Paediatric Patient
    Nik Abdul Adel NA, Abdul Razak AH, Sri Ramulu SS, Awang MS
    Cureus, 2023 Aug;15(8):e44477.
    PMID: 37791173 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44477
    Paediatric amputation is one of the treatment options for various indications, namely, trauma, infection, tumour and congenital problems, and some may be born with congenital problems. It differs from adult amputation as they have higher physical demands, and special complications may arise. Stump overgrowth by far is the commonest complication in paediatric transosseous amputation, while varus deformity of the tibia stump was reported sparsely in the literature. The growth discrepancy of the proximal tibia and fibula physis coupled with distal tibiofibular synostosis may have resulted in proximal migration of the fibula, which later resulted in varus deformity of the stump. This will cause difficulty in prosthesis fitting and lead to painful stumps due to the pressure at the abnormal bony prominence. We report a case of congenital limb deficiencies in a 12-year-old male who was treated with below-knee amputation (BKA) and experienced progressive varus deformity of the stump that caused pain during prosthetic wear, which interfered with his gait. He had a varus deformity of 15 degrees of the stump, distal tibiofibular synostosis and proximal migration of the fibula head. As the conservative management by modification of the prosthesis had failed, he underwent open wedge proximal tibia corrective osteotomy, division of the synostosis and reduction of the fibula head. The surgical intervention was successful in alleviating his problem. All efforts must be made to ensure optimum prosthetic fitting in paediatric amputation patients to maintain the patient's daily lifestyle and activities.
  11. Fulltext Performance of Immunodiagnostic Tests for Typhoid Fever: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Najib MA, Mustaffa KMF, Ong EBB, Selvam K, Khalid MF, Awang MS, et al.
    Pathogens, 2021 Sep 13;10(9).
    PMID: 34578216 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091184
    Typhoid fever, also known as typhoid, is a life-threatening bacterial infection that remains a global health concern. The infection is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality rate, resulting in an urgent need for specific and rapid detection tests to aid prevention and management of the disease. The present review aims to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the available literature on the immunodiagnostics of typhoid fever. A literature search was conducted using three databases (PubMed, ProQuest and Scopus) and manual searches through the references of identified full texts to retrieve relevant literature published between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020. Of the 577 studies identified in our search, 12 were included in further analysis. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and hemolysin E (HlyE) were the most frequently studied antigens. The specimens examined in these studies included serum and saliva. Using blood culture as the gold standard, anti-LPS IgA gave the highest sensitivity of 96% (95% CI: 93-99) and specificity of 96% (95% CI: 93-99) for distinguishing between typhoid cases and healthy controls, whereas the combination of anti-LPS and anti-flagellin total IgGAM gave the highest sensitivity of 93% (95% CI: 86-99) and specificity of 95% (95% CI: 89-100) for distinguishing typhoid cases and other febrile infections. A comparably high sensitivity of 92% (95% CI: 86-98) and specificity of 89% (95% CI: 78-100) were shown in testing based on detection of the combination of anti-LPS (IgA and IgM) and anti-HlyE IgG as well as a slightly lower sensitivity of 91% (95% CI: 74-100) in the case of anti-50kDa IgA. Anti-50kDa IgM had the lowest sensitivity of 36% (95% CI: 6-65) against both healthy and febrile controls. The development of a rapid diagnostic test targeting antibodies against lipopolysaccharides combined with flagellin appeared to be a suitable approach for the rapid detection test of typhoid fever. Saliva is added benefit for rapid typhoid diagnosis since it is less invasive. As a result, further studies could be done to develop additional approaches for adopting such samples.
  12. Functional Outcomes 6 Months After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Following Admission Into Intensive Care Unit: A Cohort Study in Two Tertiary Hospitals
    Ludin SM, Rashid NA, Awang MS, Nor MBM
    Clin Nurs Res, 2019 09;28(7):830-851.
    PMID: 29618232 DOI: 10.1177/1054773818767551
    Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors show physical and functional improvements but continue to have cognitive and psychosocial problems throughout recovery. However, the functional outcome of severe TBI in Malaysia is unknown. The objective of this study is to measure the functional outcomes of severe TBI within 6 months post-injury. A cohort study was done on 33 severe TBI survivors. The Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) was used in this study. The mean age of the participants was 31.79 years (range: 16-73 years). The logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ²(5, N = 33) = 29.09, p < .001. The length of stay (LOS) in incentive care unit (p = .049, odds ratio = 6.062) and duration on ventilator (p = .048, odds ratio = 0.083) were good predictors of the functional outcomes. Future research should focus on larger sample size of severe TBI in Malaysia.
  13. Fulltext Role of high augmentation index in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
    Lee HK, Ghani AR, Awang MS, Sayuthi S, Idris B, Abdullah JM
    Asian J Surg, 2010 Jan;33(1):42-50.
    PMID: 20497882 DOI: 10.1016/S1015-9584(10)60008-5
    Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the most disabling and least treatable form of stroke. Its risk factors include old age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking and high alcohol intake, which are also associated with arterial stiffness. The aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic value of high augmentation index (AI), which is a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness, in patients with spontaneous ICH.
  14. Fulltext Scurvy: A Neglected Cause of Muscle Pain and Weakness in a Child With Picky Eating Behavior
    Kow RY, Nik Abdul Adel NA, Abdul Razak AH, Low CL, Awang MS
    Cureus, 2021 Jul;13(7):e16289.
    PMID: 34405060 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16289
    Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential micronutrient that the human's body cannot synthesize endogenously. Scurvy, a disease of ascorbic acid deficiency, can manifest in a myriad of presentations. Due to its rarity in the modern world, scurvy is considered as a disease of the past. We present a paediatric case of scurvy with musculoskeletal manifestations as a result of picky eating behavior.  We report a previously healthy nine-year-old boy who presented with unexplained progressive bilateral lower limb generalized weakness and pain for two months. All initial biochemical and radiological investigations were unremarkable. Upon further history taking, he had severe picky eating behavior which raised the suspicion of scurvy. The diagnosis was confirmed with a serum ascorbic acid test. After ascorbic acid supplementation, his symptoms resolved immediately. Further food behavioral modification counselling to his family members helped to change his diet in a lasting way. As a result, he had no recurrence of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion for an uncommon disease and emphasizes the need for a detailed dietary history upon patient's presentation.
  15. Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Infants and Toddlers: An Unexplored Area
    Kow RY, Low CL, Awang MS
    J Invest Surg, 2023 12;36(1):1-2.
    PMID: 36345727 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2022.2136803
  16. The role of a high augmentation index in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage to prognosticate mortality
    Keong LH, Ghani AR, Awang MS, Sayuthi S, Idris B, Abdullah JM
    Acta Neurochir. Suppl., 2011;111:375-9.
    PMID: 21725785 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0693-8_63
    The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic value of a high augmentation index, which was a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. The outcome was divided into two groups in which the following data were collected in a computer running SphygmoCor CvMS software version 8.2. Logistic regression analysis was carried out among significant variables to identify an independent predictor of 6-month outcome and mortality. Sixty patients were recruited into the study. Admission Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.450-0.971; P=0.035), total white cell count (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.028-1.453; P=0.023) and hematoma volume (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.024-1.204; P=0.011) were found to be statistically significant for identifying poor 6-month outcome in multivariate analysis. Factors independently associated with mortality were a high augmentation index (OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.794-40.940; P=0.007) and midline shift (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.809-31.004; P=0.005). Admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, total white cell count and hematoma volume were significant predictors for poor 6-month outcome, and a high augmentation index and midline shift were predictors for 6-month mortality in this study.
  17. Outcome of severe traumatic brain injury: comparison of three monitoring approaches
    Isa R, Wan Adnan WA, Ghazali G, Idris Z, Ghani AR, Sayuthi S, et al.
    Neurosurg Focus, 2003 Dec 15;15(6):E1.
    PMID: 15305837
    The determination of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is regarded as vital in monitoring patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Besides indicating the status of cerebral blood flow (CBF), it also reveals the status of intracranial pressure (ICP). The abnormal or suboptimal level of CPP is commonly correlated with high values of ICP and therefore with poor patient outcomes. Eighty-two patients were divided into three groups of patients receiving treatment based on CPP and CBF, ICP alone, and conservative methods during two different observation periods. The characteristics of these three groups were compared based on age, sex, time between injury and hospital arrival, Glasgow Coma Scale score, pupillary reaction to light, surgical intervention, and computerized tomography scanning findings according to the Marshall classification system. Only time between injury and arrival (p = 0.001) was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportions of good outcomes between the multimodality group compared with the group of patients that underwent a single intracranial-based monitoring method and the group that received no monitoring (p = 0.003) based on a disability rating scale after a follow up of 12 months. Death was the focus of outcome in this study in which the multimodality approach to monitoring had superior results.
  18. Fulltext Biomechanical Analysis of Crossed Pinning Construct in Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus: Does the Point of Crossing Matter?
    Hanim A, Wafiuddin M, Azfar MA, Awang MS, Nik Abdul Adel NA
    Cureus, 2021 Mar 22;13(3):e14043.
    PMID: 33898129 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14043
    Introduction This appears to be the first biomechanical study that compares the stability of various locations of the crossing points in crossed pinning Kirschner wiring (K-wire) construct in treating pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF). Additionally, this study compared the biomechanical stability between crossed pinning K-wire construct and the three-lateral divergent K-wire construct. Methods For the study purpose, 30 synthetic humerus bones were osteotomised at mid-olecranon fossa, anatomically reduced, and pinned using two 1.6-millimeter K-wires in five different constructs. A total of six samples were prepared for each construct and tested for extension, flexion, valgus, varus, internal rotation, and external rotation forces. Results As for crossed pinning K-wire construct, the center crossing point emerged as the stiffest construct in both linear and rotational forces, in comparison to the lateral crossing point, superior crossing, and medial crossing point Conclusion Based on this analysis, it is highly recommended that, if the crossed pinning construct is selected to treat supracondylar humerus fracture, the surgeon should aim for center crossing point as it is the most stable construct. Nevertheless, if lateral and superior crossing points are obtained during the initial attempt of fixation, the fixation may be accepted without revising the K-wire as the stability of these two constructs are comparable and portrayed no significant difference when compared to that of the center crossing point. Additionally, it is essential to avoid the medial crossing point as it is significantly less stable in terms of rotational force when compared to the center crossing point.
  19. Fulltext Case report: a rare case of pediatric conus medularis glioblastoma multiforme
    Gee TS, Ghani ARI, Idris B, Awang MS
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Aug;67(4):438-41.
    PMID: 23082462 MyJurnal
  20. Fulltext A Rare Case of Salter-Harris Type I Growth Plate Injury in a Patient Undergoing Limb-Lengthening Procedure
    Esmat SM, Sulong AF, Awang MS, Oon ZS, Mohd Yusof N
    Cureus, 2023 Aug;15(8):e43448.
    PMID: 37711923 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43448
    Growth plate injuries over the distal femur typically occur due to high-energy trauma. It is commonly associated with serious complications such as growth disturbance. Its occurrence in children undergoing limb-lengthening procedures is uncommon. We report a case of distal femur growth plate injury in a 13-year-old boy undergoing a limb-lengthening procedure for femoral hypoplasia. Conservative treatment yielded a good functional outcome in this patient.
Related Terms
    Try searching for something
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links