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Fulltext Describing financial toxicity among cancer patients in different income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Azzani M, Atroosh WM, Anbazhagan D, Kumarasamy V, Abdalla MMI

Front Public Health, 2023;11:1266533.
PMID: 38229668 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266533

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence of financial toxicity (FT) among cancer patients from countries of various income levels. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of objective and subjective FT and their measurements in relation to cancer treatment.
METHODS: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched to find studies that examined FT. There was no limit on the design or setting of the study. Random-effects meta-analysis was utilized to obtain the pooled prevalence of objective FT.
RESULTS: Out of 244 identified studies during the initial screening, only 64 studies were included in this review. The catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) method was often used in the included studies to determine the objective FT. The pooled prevalence of CHE was 47% (95% CI: 24.0-70.0) in middle- and high-income countries, and the highest percentage was noted in low-income countries (74.4%). A total of 30 studies focused on subjective FT, of which 9 used the Comprehensive Score for FT (COST) tool and reported median scores ranging between 17.0 and 31.9.
CONCLUSION: This study shows that cancer patients from various income-group countries experienced a significant financial burden during their treatment. It is imperative to conduct further studies on interventions and policies that can lower FT caused by cancer treatment.
Fulltext Unveiling a novel terpolymer-metal complex: A detailed exploration of synthesis, characterization, and its potential as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent

Mujafarkani N, Ahamed FMM, Babu KS, Debnath S, Sayed AA, Albadrani GM, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Oct;9(10):e20459.
PMID: 37810859 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20459

In an innovative approach to push the boundaries of antimicrobial and antioxidant strategies, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel terpolymer derived from N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminopyrimidine with formaldehyde in the presence of dimethylformamide as a reaction medium through polycondensation technique. Leveraging this terpolymer as a ligand, we introduce an intriguing terpolymer-metal complex, created with Ni (II) metal ion. In our pursuit to validate the structure and properties of these substances, we performed meticulous characterizations using important spectral studies such as FTIR, electronic, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. This provided us with a unique fingerprint for the (N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-2-aminopyrimidine-formaldehyde) terpolymeric ligand (PAF) and its metal complex. In addition, the molecular weights of PAF terpolymer were established using gel permeation chromatography. Upon investigation, PAF terpolymer and PAF-Ni complex exhibited impressive antimicrobial activity, tested by the disc-diffusion technique. Both demonstrated potency against a range of harmful bacterial and fungal strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. In an extension to their biological applications, we evaluated the free radical scavenging activity of PAF terpolymer and PAF-Ni complex using the DPPH assay. The complex PAF-Ni showcased an enhanced scavenging activity 73.94% (IC50 = 17.58) compared to the ligand PAF 63.06% (IC50 = 27.61) at 100 μg/ml indicating its potential role in oxidative stress management.
Fulltext A comparative evaluation of dengue diagnostic tests based on single-acute serum samples for laboratory confirmation of acute dengue

Chua KB, Mustafa B, Abdul Wahab AH, Chem YK, Khairul AH, Kumarasamy V, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2011 Jun;33(1):13-20.
PMID: 21874746

A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity of dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA in comparison with dengue virus isolation, conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR for laboratory confirmation of acute dengue based on single-acute serum samples. Four primary healthcare centres were involved to recruit patients with clinical diagnosis of dengue illness. Patient's demographic, epidemiological and clinical information were collected on a standardized data entry form and 5 ml of venous blood was collected upon consent. In the laboratory, six types of laboratory tests were performed on each of the collected acute serum sample. Of the 558 acute serum samples collected from 558 patients with clinical diagnosis of dengue from mid-August 2006 to March 2009, 174 serum samples were tested positive by the dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA, 77 by virus isolation, 92 by RT-PCR and 112 by real-time RT-PCR. A total of 190 serum samples were tested positive by either one or a combination of the four methods whereas, only 59 serum samples were tested positive by all four methods. Thus, based on single-acute serum samples, 190 of the 558 patients (34.1%) were laboratory-confirmed acute dengue. The overall test sensitivity was 91.6%, 40.5%, 48.4% and 58.9% for dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA, virus isolation, conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR respectively. Statistically, dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA was the most sensitive and virus isolation was the least sensitive test for the laboratory confirmation of acute dengue based on single-acute serum specimens. Real-time RT-PCR was significantly more sensitive than the conventional RT-PCR.
Fulltext Most prevalent unmet supportive care needs and quality of life of breast cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

Edib Z, Kumarasamy V, Binti Abdullah N, Rizal AM, Al-Dubai SA

Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2016;14:26.
PMID: 26898558 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-016-0428-4

Addressing breast cancer patients' unmet supportive care needs in the early stage of their survivorship have become a prime concern because of its significant association with poor quality of life (QOL), which in turn increases healthcare utilization and costs. There is no study about unmet supportive care needs of breast cancer patients in Malaysia. This study aims to assess the most prevalent unmet supportive care needs of Malaysian breast cancer patients and the association between QOL and patients' characteristics, and their unmet supportive care needs.
Fulltext Dietary glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates: chemical properties, metabolism and their potential in prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Khan F, Joshi A, Devkota HP, Subramaniyan V, Kumarasamy V, Arora J

Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1214881.
PMID: 37554984 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1214881

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive, irreversible, and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts the synaptic communication between millions of neurons, resulting in neuronal death and functional loss due to the abnormal accumulation of two naturally occurring proteins, amyloid β (Aβ) and tau. According to the 2018 World Alzheimer's Report, there is no single case of an Alzheimer's survivor; even 1 in 3 people die from Alzheimer's disease, and it is a growing epidemic across the globe fruits and vegetables rich in glucosinolates (GLCs), the precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), have long been known for their pharmacological properties and recently attracted increased interest for the possible prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological evidence from systematic research findings and clinical trials suggests that nutritional and functional dietary isothiocyanates interfere with the molecular cascades of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and prevent neurons from functional loss. The aim of this review is to explore the role of glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates in various molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease and their potential in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It also covers the chemical diversity of isothiocyanates and their detailed mechanisms of action as reported by various in vitro and in vivo studies. Further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate their pharmacokinetic parameters and effectiveness in humans.
Fulltext From nature to nanotechnology: The interplay of traditional medicine, green chemistry, and biogenic metallic phytonanoparticles in modern healthcare innovation and sustainability

Puri A, Mohite P, Maitra S, Subramaniyan V, Kumarasamy V, Uti DE, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Jan;170:116083.
PMID: 38163395 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116083

As we navigate the modern era, the intersection of time-honoured natural remedies and contemporary scientific approaches forms a burgeoning frontier in global healthcare. For generations, natural products have been foundational to health solutions, serving as the primary healthcare choice for 80% to 85% of the world's population. These herbal-based, nature-derived substances, significant across diverse geographies, necessitate a renewed emphasis on enhancing their quality, efficacy, and safety. In the current century, the advent of biogenic phytonanoparticles has emerged as an innovative therapeutic conduit, perfectly aligning with principles of environmental safety and scientific ingenuity. Utilizing green chemistry techniques, a spectrum of metallic nanoparticles including elements such as copper, silver, iron, zinc, and titanium oxide can be produced with attributes of non-toxicity, sustainability, and economic efficiency. Sophisticated herb-mediated processes yield an array of plant-originated nanomaterials, each demonstrating unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. These attributes herald new therapeutic potentials, encompassing antioxidants, anti-aging applications, and more. Modern technology further accelerates the synthesis of natural products within laboratory settings, providing an efficient alternative to conventional isolation methods. The collaboration between traditional wisdom and advanced methodologies now signals a new epoch in healthcare. Here, the augmentation of traditional medicine is realized through rigorous scientific examination. By intertwining ethical considerations, cutting-edge technology, and natural philosophy, the realms of biogenic phytonanoparticles and traditional medicine forge promising pathways for research, development, and healing. The narrative of this seamless integration marks an exciting evolution in healthcare, where the fusion of sustainability and innovation crafts a future filled with endless possibilities for human well-being. The research in the development of metallic nanoparticles is crucial for unlocking their potential in revolutionizing fields such as medicine, catalysis, and electronics, promising groundbreaking applications with enhanced efficiency and tailored functionalities in future technologies. This exploration is essential for harnessing the unique properties of metallic nanoparticles to address pressing challenges and advance innovations across diverse scientific and industrial domains.
Fulltext Nanotechnological synergy of mangiferin and curcumin in modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: a novel front in ovarian cancer precision therapeutics

Alharbi HM, Alqahtani T, Alamri AH, Kumarasamy V, Subramaniyan V, Babu KS

Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1276209.
PMID: 38239204 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1276209

Background: Ovarian cancer, colloquially termed the "silent killer" among gynecological malignancies, remains elusive due to its often-asymptomatic progression and diagnostic challenges. Central to its pathogenesis is the overactive PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, responsible for various cellular functions, from proliferation to survival. Within this context, the phytochemical compounds mangiferin (derived from Mangifera indica) and curcumin (from Curcuma longa) stand out for their potential modulatory effects. However, their inherent bioavailability challenges necessitate innovative delivery systems to maximize therapeutic benefits. Objective: This study seeks to synergize the merits of nanotechnology with the therapeutic properties of mangiferin and curcumin, aiming to bolster their efficacy against ovarian cancer. Methods: Employing specific nanotechnological principles, we engineered exosomal and liposomal nano-carriers for mangiferin and curcumin, targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Molecular docking techniques mapped the interactions of these phytochemicals with key proteins in the pathway, analyzing their binding efficiencies. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations, spanning 100 nanoseconds, verified these interactions, with additional computational methodologies further validating our findings. The rationale for the 100 nanoseconds time span lies in its sufficiency to observe meaningful protein-ligand interactions and conformational changes. Notably, liposomal technology provided an enhancement in drug delivery by protecting these compounds from degradation, allowing controlled release, and improving cellular uptake. Results: Our computational investigations demonstrated notable binding affinities of mangiferin and curcumin: PI3K at -11.20 kcal/mol, Akt at -15.16 kcal/mol, and mTOR at -10.24 kcal/mol. The adoption of exosome/liposome-mediated delivery significantly amplified the bioavailability and cellular uptake of these nano-formulated compounds, positioning them as potential stalwarts in ovarian cancer intervention. A brief explanation of exosome/liposome-mediated delivery involves the use of these vesicles to encapsulate and transport therapeutic agents directly to the target cells, enhancing drug delivery efficiency and minimizing side effects. Conclusion: Addressing ovarian cancer's intricacies, dominated by the erratic PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, mandates innovative therapeutic strategies. Our pioneering approach converges nanotechnological liposomal delivery with mangiferin and curcumin's natural efficacies. This confluence, validated by computational insights, heralds a paradigm shift in ovarian cancer treatment. As our findings underscore the collaborative potential of these phytochemicals, it beckons further exploration in translational studies and clinical applications, ensuring the best intersection of nature and technology for therapeutic advantage.
Fulltext Outbreak of chikungunya due to virus of Central/East African genotype in Malaysia

Noridah O, Paranthaman V, Nayar SK, Masliza M, Ranjit K, Norizah I, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Oct;62(4):323-8.
PMID: 18551938 MyJurnal

Chikungunya is an acute febrile illness caused by an alphavirus which is transmitted by infective Aedes mosquitoes. Two previous outbreaks of chikungunya in Malaysia were due to chikungunya virus of Asian genotype. The present outbreak involved two adjoining areas in the suburb of Ipoh city within the Kinta district of Perak, a state in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Thirty seven residents in the main outbreak area and two patients in the secondary area were laboratory confirmed to be infected with the virus. The index case was a 44-year Indian man who visited Paramakudi, Tamil Naidu, India on 21st November 2006 and returned home on 30th of November 2006, and subsequently developed high fever and joint pain on the 3rd of December 2006. A number of chikungunya virus isolates were isolated from both patients and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the affected areas. Molecular study showed that the chikungunya virus causing the Kinta outbreak was of the Central/East African genotype which occurred for the first time in Malaysia.
Fulltext Chikungunya virus of Central/East African genotype detected in Malaysia

Soon YY, Junaidi I, Kumarasamy V, Chem YK, Juliana R, Chua KB

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Aug;62(3):214-7.
PMID: 18246910 MyJurnal

Since its isolation in Tanzania in 1953, chikungunya virus has caused periodic outbreaks in both tropical Africa and Asia. In the last decade, the virus has shown not only increased activity but has expanded its geographical locations, thus classical delineation of various genotypes of chikungunya virus to specific geographic locales no longer holds true. Rapid mass movement of people and the constant presence of the right vectors in this region could have contributed to the change in virus ecology. This paper documents the first detection of chikungunya virus of Central/East genotype in Malaysia from a patient who was most likely infected with the virus during her visit to India. Without good Aedes vector measures, only time will tell whether this genotype rather than the existing endemic genotype will subsequently cause the next chikungunya outbreak in Malaysia.
Fulltext Rubella outbreak amongst residential students in a military vocational school of Malaysia

Yusof AB, Selvanesan S, Norizah I, Zuridah H, Kumarasamy V, Mariam M, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Aug;61(3):296-301.
PMID: 17240579 MyJurnal

An outbreak of rubella occurred amongst 303 newly recruited residential Form IV students in a military vocational training school in Malaysia. Of the 303 Form IV students, 77 gave a history of acute illness. Rubella specific IgM was detected in the sera of 46.5% (141/303) whereas rubella specific IgG was detected in 100% of all Form IV students. Sixty five students with no clinical history of acute illness during the outbreak period had detectable rubella IgM in their sera and rubella specific IgM was detected in the sera of all symptomatic students except one. Maculopapular rash was the commonest presenting clinical feature among students with acute rubella infection in this outbreak (97.4%) followed by fever (88.2%). The duration of rash ranged from one to nine days with a mean of 4.6 days. Of the 65 students that had both fever and rash, 56 (85.2%) students had maculopapular skin eruption on the same day as the date of onset of fever, six (9.2%) developed the rash a day after the onset of fever and three (4.6%) had the rash after two days of fever. The duration of fever ranged from one to eight days with a mean of 3.5 days. The duration of conjunctivitis ranged from one to four days with a mean of 2.3 days, and all those who developed conjunctivitis had mild eye-discharge without photophobia. The duration of arthralgia ranged from one to three days with a mean of 2.1 days. The commonest type of joints affected was knee joints (66.7%, 12/18), followed by elbow and shoulder joints (27.8%, 5/18) and wrist joints (5.6%, 1/18). A good clinical history of the temporal relationship between the occurrence of rash and fever during the outbreak could easily differentiate rubella illness from that of measles.
Fulltext A comparative study on the performance of two commercial anti-dengue IgM assay kits

Kumarasamy V, Zuridah H, Hani AW, Mariam M, Chua KB

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Mar;62(1):85-6.
PMID: 17682584 MyJurnal

The performance of a commercial rapid immunochromatographic dengue IgG/IgM assay device was evaluated against an in-place dengue IgM-capture ELISA in the National Public Health laboratory. Of the 239 serum samples from patients with clinical diagnosis of acute dengue illness, 140 and 99 samples were tested positive and negative respectively for anti-dengue IgM by the in-placed ELISA. Comparatively, 72 and 76 samples were tested positive and negative respectively, and 91 samples gave equivocal results by the rapid dengue test device. The rapid immunochromatographic assay device gave a relative sensitivity of 49.3% and a relative specificity of 62.6%. Though the rapid immunochromatographic assay device has the advantages of rapid testing which simultaneously detects both IgG and IgM and can also be performed with whole blood, serum or plasma, the user has to exercise extreme caution with the interpretation of the test result.
Fulltext Outbreak of influenza amongst residential school students in Malaysia

Ayob A, Selviendran N, Hampson AW, Barr IG, Kumarasamy V, Chua KB

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Jun;61(2):168-72.
PMID: 16898307 MyJurnal

In the months of July and August 2003, an outbreak of acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A virus occurred among students in seven residential schools situated in the northern part (Perak) of Peninsular Malaysia. Out of 4989 students, aged 13 to 18 years (mean = 15.9), 1419 (28%) were effected by influenza-like illness. All patients were treated as outpatients except for 36 students who required admission for high fever, severe coughing and shortness of breath. Abnormal chest X-ray findings were noted for those that required inpatient management. Influenza A virus was isolated from 37 sputum specimens, 20 throat swabs and three nasal swab specimens from a total of 278 clinical samples obtained from 180 patients. Isolates from each of the outbreaks were sent to WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Melbourne, Australia for antigenic and genetic analysis. One school outbreak was due to influenza A (H1N1), A/New Caledonia/20/99-like virus while the other six school outbreaks were due to influenza A (H3N2) viruses which were A/Fujian/411/2002-like).
Fulltext Congenital rubella syndrome with positive serology and virus isolation

Ooi HL, Cheong SM, Yogeswery S, Norizah I, Zuridah H, Kumarasamy V, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Jun;61(2):248-50.
PMID: 16898324 MyJurnal

An effective live attenuated rubella vaccine was available since 1969 and congenital rubella syndrome can be prevented with appropriate vaccination. We report a baby with congenital rubella syndrome born in Klang valley to indicate that the Universal Rubella Vaccination Programme adopted by the Ministry of Health Malaysia since 2002 has yet to achieve its effect of eliminating transmission of rubella and preventing congenital rubella infection in the community. To our knowledge, the virus isolate represents the first successful isolation of rubella virus in this country and will serve as the reference strain for future comparison in molecular epidemiological tracking of rubella virus activity this country.
Fulltext Re-emergence of Chikungunya virus in Malaysia

Kumarasamy V, Prathapa S, Zuridah H, Chem YK, Norizah I, Chua KB

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Jun;61(2):221-5.
PMID: 16898316 MyJurnal

An outbreak of Chikugunya (CHIK) fever occurred among the fishing community in Bagan Pancor, Perak. The outbreak was laboratory confirmed within 48 hours after the receipt of the specimens. Fifty-three patients' serum samples were submitted for laboratory investigation and 47 (88.7%) were confirmed to be positive for CHIK infection by RT-PCR, and/or virus isolation, and/or in-house immunoflourescent test. RT-PCR and virus isolation were the tests of choice for patients with illness of four days or less and detection of CHIK specific IgM for those with more than four days of fever. The nucleic acid sequence based on the 354- and 294-bp of the nsP1 and E1 genes of the CHIK virus detected from pools of adults Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were identical to those CHIKV virus isolated from humans in the same locality. Phylogenetic analysis of the CHIK virus based on the 257 nts partial E1 gene indicates that Bagan Panchor's strain was closely related to the first CHIK virus isolated during the outbreak in Klang in 1998.
Fulltext Isolation of monoclonal antibodies-escape variant of dengue virus serotype 1

Chua SK, Selvanesan S, Sivalingam B, Chem YK, Norizah I, Zuridah H, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2006 Nov;47(11):940-6.
PMID: 17075660

During an outbreak from December 2004 to March 2005, 138 isolates of dengue virus were prospectively obtained from acute-phase serum samples of 1,067 patients with the provisional clinical diagnosis of acute dengue illness admitted to the adult wards of Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang, Malaysia. Of the 138 dengue virus isolates, 87, 11, 24 and 3 were typed as dengue serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, by a commercial dengue virus typing kit using monoclonal antibodies (Mab). 13 dengue virus isolates could not be assigned to any specific serotype by serotyping Mab and molecular typing using dengue-type specific molecular typing primer pairs. We report the associated clinical features and limited molecular genetics of this Mab-escape dengue virus variant.
Fulltext Evaluating the sensitivity of a commercial dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA for early diagnosis of acute dengue virus infection

Kumarasamy V, Chua SK, Hassan Z, Wahab AH, Chem YK, Mohamad M, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2007 Jul;48(7):669-73.
PMID: 17609831

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this report is to establish an accurate diagnosis of acute dengue virus infection early, in order to provide timely information for the management of patients and early public health control of dengue outbreak.
METHODS: 224 serum samples from patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute dengue infection, which were subsequently confirmed by laboratory tests, were used to evaluate the performance of a commercially-available dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA kit.
RESULTS: The dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA gave an overall sensitivity rate of 93.3 percent (209/224). The sensitivity rate was significantly higher in acute primary dengue (97.4 percent) than in acute secondary dengue (68.8 percent). In comparison, the virus isolation gave an overall positive isolation rate of 64.7 percent, with a positive rate of 70.8 percent and 28.1 percent, for acute primary dengue and acute secondary dengue, respectively. Molecular detection of dengue RNA by RT-PCR gave an overall positive detection rate of 63.4 percent, with a positive rate of 62.5 percent and 68.8 percent, for acute primary dengue and acute secondary dengue, respectively. Of the 224 acute serum samples from patients with laboratory-confirmed acute dengue infection, dengue IgM was detected in 88 specimens, comprising 68 acute primary dengue specimens and 20 acute secondary dengue specimens. NS1 antigen-capture ELISA kit gave an overall sensitivity rate of 88.6 percent in the presence of anti-dengue IgM and 96.3 percent in the absence of anti-dengue IgM.
CONCLUSION: Of the 224 acute serum samples, the sample ages of 166 acute serum samples are known. The positive detection rate of dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA, on the whole, was higher than the other three established diagnostic test methods for laboratory diagnosis of acute dengue infection.
Fulltext Evaluation of a commercial dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA for laboratory diagnosis of acute dengue virus infection

Kumarasamy V, Wahab AH, Chua SK, Hassan Z, Chem YK, Mohamad M, et al.

J Virol Methods, 2007 Mar;140(1-2):75-9.
PMID: 17140671

A commercial dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA was evaluated to demonstrate its potential application for early laboratory diagnosis of acute dengue virus infection. Dengue virus NS1 antigen was detected in 199 of 213 acute serum samples from patients with laboratory confirmation of acute dengue virus infection but none of the 354 healthy blood donors' serum specimens. The dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA gave an overall sensitivity of 93.4% (199/213) and a specificity of 100% (354/354). The sensitivity was significantly higher in acute primary dengue (97.3%) than in acute secondary dengue (70.0%). The positive predictive value of the dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA was 100% and negative predictive value was 97.3%. Comparatively, virus isolation gave an overall positive isolation rate of 68.1% with a positive isolation rate of 73.9 and 31.0% for acute primary dengue and acute secondary dengue, respectively. Molecular detection of dengue RNA by RT-PCR gave an overall positive detection rate of 66.7% with a detection rate of 65.2 and 75.9% for acute primary dengue and acute secondary dengue, respectively. The results indicate that the commercial dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA may be superior to virus isolation and RT-PCR for the laboratory diagnosis of acute dengue infection based on a single serum sample.
Risk factors associated with soil transmitted helminth (STH) infection in two indigenous communities in Malaysia

Nisha M, Aiman M, Asyhira N, Syafiq H, Atiqah N, Kumarasamy V, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun 01;37(2):379-388.
PMID: 33612807

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) could possibly cause mild to severe health effects such as diarrhea, weakness, intestinal blood loss, and impaired cognitive development and growth. In Malaysia, previous studies depicted a high prevalence rate of STH was due to poor hygiene practice and low efficacies of anthelminthic drugs. This study was conducted to investigate hand hygiene practice and WASH criteria's (Water, sanitation and hygiene) related to STH infection among two indigenous tribes in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was carried out to study the relationship among STH infection compared to water quality, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. A total of 190 individuals from two indigenous villages participated in the study, with ages ranging from 5 to 60 years old. In addition, Pearson's Chisquare (X2) test was utilized to test the relationship among STH with demographic socioeconomic and behavioral factors. The confidence interval (CI) of 95% is used to estimate the precision of the odds ratio (OR). Multivariate logistic regression models were also used to identify the risk factors associated with STH infections. The overall findings indicated a prevalence rate of 72% for STH, and distributed mainly among children aged < 12 years. Furthermore, multivariate analyses using logistic regression revealed chronic health problems, incorrect hand washing, and walking bare footed were associated with STH infection. Overall results indicated high prevalence of STH among the indigenous villagers, which aligns with the published literature and proves to be a problem need to be addressed as neglected disease. Interestingly, there was a significant relationship between the presences of chronic diseases and STH infection, which prompted other questions the awareness needs to be educated and the simple and low-cost intervention on the proper way of hand washing may help to reduce STH infection in these indigenous communities.
Unveiling Curvularia tuberculata-induced leaf anomalies in Rhododendron ferrugineum: implications in cultural-ecological conservation and harnessing microbial intervention in socio-economic advancement

Dhar J, Hazra A, Patra R, Kumar V, Subramaniyan V, Kumarasamy V, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1280120.
PMID: 38274748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1280120

INTRODUCTION: The research focuses on Rhododendron ferrugineum L., Nepal's national flower and Uttarakhand's state tree, thriving in high-altitude mountain ecosystems.
METHODOLOGY AND RESULT: A study conducted in Himachal Pradesh (Latitude: N 31° 6' 2.0088", Longitude: E 77° 10' 29.9136") identified leaf anomalies resembling rust-like manifestations in R. ferrugineum. These anomalies were traced back to the pathogenic fungus Curvularia tuberculata, marking the first documented case of its impact on R. ferrugineum in India.
DISCUSSION: This discovery emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring, disease management research, and conservation efforts to protect the cultural and ecological significance of this iconic shrub. Beyond its immediate findings, the study introduces a novel dimension to Indian flora by associating C. tuberculata with R. ferrugineum, historically linked to monocotyledonous crops. The research methodology combines traditional microscopic examination with advanced genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, enhancing pathogen identification accuracy.
FUTURE PROSPECT: In a broader context, this research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the importance of environmental preservation, conservation, and sustainable management. It underscores the intricate interplay between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the need for holistic solutions. Overall, this study calls for proactive measures to protect R. ferrugineum's cultural and ecological heritage and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing emerging ecological threats.
Fulltext Commercial utilities and future perspective of nanomedicines

Malviya R, Fuloria S, Verma S, Subramaniyan V, Sathasivam KV, Kumarasamy V, et al.

PeerJ, 2021;9:e12392.
PMID: 34820175 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12392

The present review aims to describe the commercial utilities and future perspectives of nanomedicines. Nanomedicines are intended to increase precision medicine and decrease the adverse effects on the patient. Nanomedicines are produced, engineered, and industrialized at the cellular, chemical, and macromolecular levels. This study describes the various aspects of nanomedicine such as governing outlooks over high use of nanomedicine, regulatory advancements for nanomedicines, standards, and guidelines for nanomedicines as per Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This review also focuses on the patents and clinical trials based on nanoformulation, along with nanomedicines utilization as drug therapy and their market value. The present study concludes that nanomedicines are of high importance in biomedical and pharmaceutical production and offer better therapeutic effects especially in the case of drugs that possess low aqueous solubility. The factual data presented in this study will assist the researchers and health care professionals in understanding the applications of nanomedicine for better diagnosis and effective treatment of a disease.

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