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Fulltext The prevalence and factors associated with obesity among adult women in Selangor, Malaysia

Sidik SM, Rampal L

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2009 Apr 09;8(1):2.
PMID: 19358728 DOI: 10.1186/1447-056X-8-2

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of obesity in developing countries especially among women is on the rise. This matter should be taken seriously because it can burden the health care systems and lower the quality of life.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity among adult women in Selangor and to determine factors associated with obesity among these women.
METHODS: This community based cross sectional study was conducted in Selangor in January 2004. Multi stage stratified proportionate to size sampling method was used. Women aged 20-59 years old were included in this study. Data was collected using a questionnaire-guided interview method. The questionnaire consisted of questions on socio-demographic (age, ethnicity, religion, education level, occupation, monthly income, marital status), Obstetric & Gynaecology history, body mass index (BMI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
RESULTS: Out of 1032 women, 972 agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 94.2%. The mean age was 37.91 +/- 10.91. The prevalence of obesity among the respondents was 16.7% (mean = 1.83 +/- 0.373). Obesity was found to be significantly associated with age (p = 0.013), ethnicity (p = 0.001), religion (p = 0.002), schooling (p = 0.020), educational level (p = 0.016), marital status (p = 0.001) and the history of suffering a miscarriage within the past 6 months (p = 0.023).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity among adult women in this study was high. This problem needs to be emphasized as the prevalence of obesity keeps increasing, and will continue to worsen unless appropriate preventive measures are taken.
Molecular targets in the discovery and development of novel antimetastatic agents: current progress and future prospects

Wong MS, Sidik SM, Mahmud R, Stanslas J

Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol, 2013 May;40(5):307-19.
PMID: 23534409 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12083

Tumour invasion and metastasis have been recognized as major causal factors in the morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. Many advances in the knowledge of cancer metastasis have yielded an impressive array of attractive drug targets, including enzymes, receptors and multiple signalling pathways. The present review summarizes the molecular pathogenesis of metastasis and the identification of novel molecular targets used in the discovery of antimetastatic agents. Several promising targets have been highlighted, including receptor tyrosine kinases, effector molecules involved in angiogenesis, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), urokinase plasminogen activator, adhesion molecules and their receptors, signalling pathways (e.g. phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phospholipase Cγ1, mitogen-activated protein kinases, c-Src kinase, c-Met kinases and heat shock protein. The discovery and development of potential novel therapeutics for each of the targets are also discussed in this review. Among these, the most promising agents that have shown remarkable clinical outcome are anti-angiogenic agents (e.g. bevacizumab). Newer agents, such as c-Met kinase inhibitors, are still undergoing preclinical studies and are yet to have their clinical efficacy proven. Some therapeutics, such as first-generation MMP inhibitors (MMPIs; e.g. marimastat) and more selective versions of them (e.g. prinomastat, tanomastat), have undergone clinical trials. Unfortunately, these drugs produced serious adverse effects that led to the premature termination of their development. In the future, third-generation MMPIs and inhibitors of signalling pathways and adhesion molecules could form valuable novel classes of drugs in the anticancer armamentarium to combat metastasis.
Fulltext Effectiveness of Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention (iMBI) on Inattention, Hyperactivity-Impulsivity, and Executive Functioning in College Emerging Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Study Protocol

Pheh KS, Tan KA, Ibrahim N, Sidik SM

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 01 30;18(3).
PMID: 33573341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031257

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental disorder, often persists into adulthood. In Malaysia, the prevalence rate of hyperactivity symptoms is highest among Chinese Malaysians. There are limited evidence-based treatment options targeting the core symptoms of ADHD, as well as executive functioning. In addition, conventional psychotherapeutic approaches for adults with ADHD have been found to be highly labor-intensive. The present study will evaluate the effectiveness of an online mindfulness-based intervention to reduce inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity and improve executive functioning among Chinese Malaysian college emerging adults with ADHD. Informed by established literature, we will design an 8-week online mindfulness-based intervention (i.e., iMBI). We will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial comparing an iMBI plus treatment-as-usual group (n = 54) and an enhanced treatment-as-usual control group (n = 54). Outcome measures of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and executive functioning will be collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention. The findings of the present study will not only demonstrate the implementation of iMBI as a new treatment modality but also inform practitioners on the effectiveness of iMBI in reducing the burden of adults living with ADHD.
Fulltext The prevalence risk of anxiety and its associated factors among university students in Malaysia: a national cross-sectional study

Mohamad NE, Sidik SM, Akhtari-Zavare M, Gani NA

BMC Public Health, 2021 03 04;21(1):438.
PMID: 33663451 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10440-5

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health problems worldwide, including Malaysia, and this issue has gained concern and attention from many, including experts and authorities globally. While average levels of stress and worry may help to motivate students to perform well in their studies, excessive feelings will increase their level of anxiety.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected government and private universities throughout Malaysia. A total of 1851 students participated in this study. The students were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, including socio-demographic, academic, and psychosocial characteristics. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire was used to measure the prevalence risk of anxiety among the students. Chi-square analysis was conducted to find the relationship between the variables and anxiety, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors.
RESULTS: The response rate was 97.90%, where 1821 out of 1860 students participated in the study. The prevalence risk of anxiety in this study was recorded at 29%. The data revealed that academic year, financial support for the study, alcohol consumption, poor sleep quality, body mass index (BMI), having a good friend in the university, having doubt regarding the future, actively involved in the society, and having problems with other students and lecturer(s) were significantly associated with risk of anxiety; with the academic year as the primary predictor.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the current prevalence risk of anxiety among university students in Malaysia. The outcome of this study can serve as the evident baseline data and help with the development of specific interventions in addressing and managing the issue appropriately.
Fulltext Effectiveness of a Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Intervention in Improving Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Self-Efficacy among Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Alagirisamy P, Sidik SM, Rampal L, Ismail SIF

Korean J Fam Med, 2022 Jan;43(1):42-55.
PMID: 35130639 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.21.0011

BACKGROUND: The awareness and practice of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) in the prevention and reduction of the rate of urinary incontinence among pregnant women was considerably poor, despite the increased prevalence of urinary incontinence during pregnancy across Malaysia. There healthcare providers do not give adequate attention to the potential impact of PFME on urinary incontinence and there is limited local intervention addressed urinary incontinence during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed PFME intervention in terms of knowledge, attitude, practice, self-efficacy, and urinary symptoms.
METHODS: A single-blinded, two-armed, randomized control trial was included pregnant women from 18 to 20 weeks of gestation and was conducted at the Maternity Hospital of Kuala Lumpur. The intervention group received PFME in addition to the usual perinatal care. The data were collected using validated questionnaires at 4 time points: baseline, post-intervention in the early third trimester, late third trimester, and early postnatal period. The intervention effects were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation.
RESULTS: The primary analysis included pregnant women who had at least one follow-up; 122 women (71.8%) in the intervention group had significant improvement in knowledge, attitude, practice, and self-efficacy, as well as in the severity of urinary incontinence over time. However, improvement was not observed in self-reported urinary incontinence.
CONCLUSION: PFME can be considered an effective initial intervention to provide information about urinary incontinence prevention to pregnant women.
Fulltext Prevalence, associated factors and predictors of depression among adults in the community of Selangor, Malaysia

Kader Maideen SF, Sidik SM, Rampal L, Mukhtar F

PLoS One, 2014;9(4):e95395.
PMID: 24755607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095395

INTRODUCTION: Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and is an emerging public health problem. The objectives of this paper were to determine the prevalence of depression, its associated factors and the predictors of depression among adults in the community of Selangor.
METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in three districts in Selangor, from 11th June to 30th December 2012. The sampling frame was obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOS) in May 2012, using the National Population and Housing Census 2010. Adults aged 18 years and above, living in the selected living quarters were approached to participate in the study and requested to complete a set of questionnaires.
RESULTS: A total of 1,556 out of 2,152 participants participated in this study, giving an overall study response rate of 61.90%. Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to determine the presence of depression. The prevalence of depression was 10.3%, based on the PHQ-9 cut off point of 10 and above. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, the predictors of depression were presence of anxiety, serious problems at work, unhappy relationship with children, high perceived stress, domestic violence, unhappy relationship with spouse, low self-esteem, unhappy relationship with family, serious financial constraint and presence of chronic diseases. When reanalyzed after removing anxiety, high perceived stress and low self-esteem, additional predictors of depression were found to be serious marital problems and religiosity.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of depression in this study is similar to that found in other studies. Findings from this study are being used as baseline data to develop an effective program to assist in the management of common mental health disorders in the community, in particular depression. The identification of predictors of depression in the community is important to identify the target population for the program.
NCI in vitro and in silico anticancer screen, cell cycle pertubation and apoptosis-inducing potential of new acylated, benzylidene and isopropylidene derivatives of andrographolide

Wong CC, Sagineedu SR, Sumon SH, Sidik SM, Phillips R, Lajis NH, et al.

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol, 2014 Sep;38(2):489-501.
PMID: 25168151 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.07.016

Andrographolide (AGP) is the main bioactive constituent isolated from the traditional medicinal, Andrographis paniculata which contributes towards its various biological activities, including anticancer property. In this study, a series of new AGP derivatives were semi-synthesised and screened against the NCI in vitro 60 cell lines. From the screening results, we had identified SRS07 as the most potent AGP derivative, against breast and colon cancer cell lines. Subsequently, SRS07 was tested for its capability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 and HCT116 cancer cells. SRS07 effectively induced G1 cell cycle arrest in both cell lines and ultimately apoptosis by inducing DNA fragmentation in HCT116 cells. The apoptotic cell death induced by SRS07 was confirmed via FITC Annexin-V double staining. Western blot analysis of SRS07-treated HCT116 cells revealed that the compound induced apoptosis be activating caspase 8 which in turn cleaved Bid to t-Bid to initiate cell death cascade. Prediction of the possible mode of action of SRS07 by utilising NCI COMPARE analysis failed to reveal a distinct mechanism category. Hence, it is speculated that SRS07 possesses novel mechanism of action. In conclusion, SRS07 demonstrated superior in vitro anticancer profiles and emerged as a potential lead anticancer candidate.
A modified in situ RT-PCR method for localizing fungal-specific gene expression in Candida-infected mice renal cells

Yong VC, Ong KW, Sidik SM, Rosli R, Chong PP

J Microbiol Methods, 2009 Nov;79(2):242-5.
PMID: 19737582 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2009.08.019

In situ Reverse Transcriptase PCR (in situ RT-PCR) can amplify mRNA and localize gene expression in cells. However, this method is not feasible in fungi as the thick fungal cell wall constitutes a barrier to this procedure. We developed a two step in situ RT-PCR procedure which enabled the detection and localization of Candida tropicalis mRNA expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) mouse kidney sections. This in situ hybridization study revealed the first direct evidence for deposition of Candida tropicalis secreted aspartic proteinase 2 (CtSAP2) in the tip of pseudohyphae and its involvement in acute systemic candidiasis. We conclude that in situ RT-PCR can be successfully applied to FFPE tissues and will offer new perspectives in studying gene expression in Candida species.
CYP1A1 MspI Polymorphism and Cervical Carcinoma Risk in the Multi-Ethnic Population of Malaysia: a Case-Control Study

Tan YH, Sidik SM, Syed Husain SN, Lye MS, Chong PP

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2016;17(1):57-64.
PMID: 26838255

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking is considered a risk factor for cervical cancer development due to the presence of tobacco based carcinogenic metabolites in cervical cells of female smokers. In this study, we investigated the role of the T3801C (MspI) polymorphism of CYP1A1, a gene encoding an enzyme necessary for the initiation of tobacco based carcinogen metabolism, on cervical cancer risk. The T to C substitution may alter CYP1A1 activities, potentially elevating cervical cancer risk. Since results of gene-disease association studies vary according to the study population, the multi-ethnic population of Malaysia provides an excellent representative cohort for identifying and comparing the cervical cancer risk among the 3 major ethnics in Southeast Asia in relation to CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 195 Thin Prep Pap smear samples from HPV negative and cancer free females were randomly selected as controls while 106 formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples from females with invasive cervical cancer were randomly selected for the cases group. The polymorphisms were identified using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) PCR.
RESULTS: We found no significant associations between CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and cervical cancer in the general Malaysian female population. However, upon ethnic stratification, the variant C/C genotype was significantly associated with a 4.66-fold increase in cervical cancer risk in Malay females (95% CI= 1.21-17.9; p=0.03). No significant association was observed in the Chinese and Indian females. Additionally, there were no significant associations in the dominant model and allele frequency model analysis in both the general and ethnically stratified female population of Malaysia.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the C/C genotype of CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism is associated with the development of cervical carcinoma in the Malay females of Malaysia.
p53 codon 72 polymorphisms and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of non-melanoma skin cancer through archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue

Yoke-Kqueen C, Ab Mutalib NS, Sidik SM, Learn-Han L, Geok-Chin T

Oncol Rep, 2012 Mar;27(3):753-63.
PMID: 22159872 DOI: 10.3892/or.2011.1581

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is classified among the ten most frequent cancers in Malaysia. A common polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene and its influence on cancer risk has been studied for different types of cancer with mixed and inconsistent results with limited published data on the Malaysian population so far. In the present study, the frequency of p53 codon 72 polymorphism in 60 patients with NMSC was investigated from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue obtained from Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). Additionally, random amplified polymorhic DNA -polymorphic chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was employed for preliminary biomarker development. NMSC FFPE samples (70%) possess Arg/Arg, 20% with Pro/Pro and 10% with Arg/Pro. In total, there was no significant difference in the p53 codon 72 genotypes between histological types of NMSC, gender, race, tumor location and age group. However, there was an apparent age-associated increase in the Arg/Arg genotype but did not reach statistical significance (P=0.235). NMSC types and demographic characteristics did not influence genotype distribution. On the other hand, BCC and SCC distributions are influenced by age group, race and tumor location.
Fulltext Socio-demographic, environmental and caring risk factors for childhood drowning deaths in Bangladesh

Hossain M, Mani KK, Sidik SM, Hayati KS, Rahman AK

BMC Pediatr, 2015;15:114.
PMID: 26357879 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-015-0431-7

Drowning contributes to incapacity and early death in many countries. In low- and middle-income countries, children are the most susceptible to fatalities. Over 50 % of the global drowning deaths occur among children aged under 15 years old with children aged between 1 and 4 years of age being most at risk. In Bangladesh, drowning rates are 10 to 20 times more than those in other developing countries. The object of this study is to determine the socio-demographic, environmental and caring hazard issues for child drowning in Bangladesh.
Toxicological and pharmacokinetic analysis at therapeutic dose of SRS27, an investigational anti-asthma agent

Lim JCW, Sagineedu SR, Yong ACH, Sidik SM, Wong WSF, Stanslas J

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2021 Jan;394(1):95-105.
PMID: 32840650 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01966-3

SRS27, an andrographolide analogue, had been proven to have therapeutic properties at a dose of 3 mg/kg in both in vitro and in vivo asthma models of our previous study. The present study focuses on the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of this compound to provide further evidence for the development of this compound as an anti-asthma agent. A simple pharmacokinetic study was performed in female BALB/c mice to measure blood plasma concentration of the compound at therapeutic dose. At a single dose of 3 mg/kg, SRS27 had a relatively short half-life but was able to achieve a concentration range of 13-19 μM that is related to its in vitro bioactivities. With regard to toxicity profile, SRS27 appears to be safe, as no histopathological changes were observed in the liver, kidneys and ovaries of SRS27-treated female BALB/c mice. In addition, there was no significant change in the mean body weight and organ weight of the animals in the SRS27-treated groups compared with the vehicle-treated control group at the end of the treatment. This fully supports the absence of any significant changes in peripheral blood leukocyte counts of SRS27-treated mice. Rewardingly, this acute toxicity study also revealed that SRS27 has a wide therapeutic window as no toxicity symptoms were detected with a dose up to 60 mg/kg daily when tested for 14 days. These results provide strong justification for further investigation of SRS27 as a potential new anti-asthma agent.
The linguistic and construct validity of the Malay version of the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES-My): Evidence from a sample of Malaysian parents of children with leukemia or lymphoma

Tan CE, Tan KA, Lau SCD, Teh KH, Sidik SM

Belitung Nurs J, 2024;10(4):398-407.
PMID: 39211459 DOI: 10.33546/bnj.3407

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with hematological cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma need to cope with stress related to their child's diagnosis. The Coping Self-Efficacy Scale is a widely used and validated tool to measure an individual's confidence in dealing with stressful situations. Appropriate translation and validation are needed to produce a localized language version suitable for Malaysian contexts.
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to examine the linguistic and construct validity of the Malay version of the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES-My) among parents of children with hematological cancer.
METHODS: The CSES-My was created through a sequential series of steps, starting with the translation of the original English version, followed by cultural adaptation, and then cognitive interviewing. The 26-item CSES-My was self-administered in a sample of parents of children with leukemia and lymphoma from October 2021 until February 2022. They were recruited via online or face-to-face methods. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine the construct validity of the CSES-My.
RESULTS: A total of 165 complete responses were analyzed. The scale has two factors, including Personal Coping and Social Coping, accounting for 58.3% of the variance. Personal Coping (19 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.958) represented the respondents' self-efficacy for independently executing coping strategies, whether through solving problems or changing the way they think about the situation. Social Coping (6 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.867) represented their confidence in executing coping strategies, which involved using social resources such as seeking external support, distraction, and avoiding loneliness.
CONCLUSIONS: The CSES-My had reliable and valid psychometric properties, providing evidence for its utility in evaluating coping self-efficacy among parents of children with leukemia or lymphoma in Malaysia. The CSES-My is a valuable tool for nurses and other healthcare professionals investigating coping self-efficacy in Malay-speaking populations, and it may also aid in the development of future coping interventions.
Barrientosiimonas humi gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterium of the family Dermacoccaceae

Lee LH, Cheah YK, Sidik SM, Xie QY, Tang YL, Lin HP, et al.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2013 Jan;63(Pt 1):241-248.
PMID: 22389286 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.038232-0

Three novel actinobacteria, strains 39(T), 40 and 41, were isolated from soil collected from Barrientos Island in the Antarctic. The taxonomic status of these strains was determined using a polyphasic approach. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 39(T) represented a novel lineage within the family Dermacoccaceae and was most closely related to members of the genera Demetria (96.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Branchiibius (95.7 %), Dermacoccus (94.4-95.3 %), Calidifontibacter (94.6 %), Luteipulveratus (94.3 %), Yimella (94.2 %) and Kytococcus (93.1 %). Cells were irregular cocci and short rods. The peptidoglycan type was A4α with an L-Lys-L-Ser-D-Asp interpeptide bridge. The cell-wall sugars were galactose and glucose. The major menaquinone was MK-8(H(4)). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphoglycolipid, two glycolipids and one unknown phospholipid. The acyl type of the cell-wall polysaccharide was N-acetyl. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(17 : 0) (41.97 %), anteiso-C(17 : 1)ω9c (32.16 %) and iso-C(16 : 0) (7.68 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 39(T) was 68.4 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic differences from other genera of the family Dermacoccaceae, a novel genus and species, Barrientosiimonas humi gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed; the type strain of the type species is 39(T) (=CGMCC 4.6864(T) = DSM 24617(T)).
Amino modified mesostructured silica nanoparticles for efficient adsorption of methylene blue

Karim AH, Jalil AA, Triwahyono S, Sidik SM, Kamarudin NH, Jusoh R, et al.

J Colloid Interface Sci, 2012 Nov 15;386(1):307-14.
PMID: 22889626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.043

In this work, mesostructured silica nanoparticles (MSN(AP)) with high adsorptivity were prepared by a modification with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) as a pore expander. The performance of the MSN(AP) was tested by the adsorption of MB in a batch system under varying pH (2-11), adsorbent dosage (0.1-0.5 g L(-1)), and initial MB concentration (5-60 mg L(-1)). The best conditions were achieved at pH 7 when using 0.1 g L(-1) MSN(AP) and 60 mg L(-1)MB to give a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 500.1 mg g(-1) at 303 K. The equilibrium data were evaluated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Harkins-Jura isotherms and fit well to the Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption kinetics was best described by the pseudo-second order model. The results indicate the potential for a new use of mesostructured materials as an effective adsorbent for MB.
Fulltext Comparison between efficacy of allicin and fluconazole against Candida albicans in vitro and in a systemic candidiasis mouse model

Khodavandi A, Alizadeh F, Harmal NS, Sidik SM, Othman F, Sekawi Z, et al.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2011 Feb;315(2):87-93.
PMID: 21204918 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2010.02170.x

The efficacy of allicin compared with fluconazole in alleviating systemic Candida albicans infections was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo through a systemic candidiasis mouse model. Determination of in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for different C. albicans isolates revealed that both allicin and fluconazole showed different MICs that ranged from 0.05 to 12.5 μg mL(-1) and 0.25 to 16 μg mL(-1) , respectively. A time-kill study showed a significant effect of allicin (P<0.01) against C. albicans, comparable to that of fluconazole. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that, similar to fluconazole, allicin produced structural destruction of C. albicans cell surface at low MIC and lysis or puncture at high MIC concentrations. Treatment of BALB/c mice systemically infected with C. albicans showed that although the allicin treatment (at 5 mg kg(-1) day(-1) ) was slightly less efficacious than fluconazole treatment in terms of the fungal load reduction and host survival time, it was still effective against C. albicans in terms of mean survival time, which increased from 8.4 to 15.8 days. These results demonstrate the efficacy of anticandidal effects of allicin both in vitro and in an animal model of candidiasis and affirm the potential of allicin as an adjuvant therapy to fluconazole.
Virulotyping of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolated from indigenous vegetables and poultry meat in Malaysia using multiplex-PCR

Khoo CH, Cheah YK, Lee LH, Sim JH, Salleh NA, Sidik SM, et al.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 2009 Nov;96(4):441-57.
PMID: 19565351 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-009-9358-z

The increased occurrence of Salmonella occurrence in local indigenous vegetables and poultry meat can be a potential health hazards. This study is aimed to detect the prevalence of twenty different virulence factors among Salmonella enterica strains isolated from poultry and local indigenous vegetables in Malaysia via an optimized, rapid and specific multiplex PCR assay. The assay encompasses a total of 19 Salmonella pathogenicity islands genes and a quorum sensing gene (sdiA) in three multiplex reaction sets. A total of 114 Salmonella enterica isolates belonging to 38 different serovars were tested. Each isolate in under this study was found to possess up to 70% of the virulence genes tested and exhibited variable pathogenicity gene patterns. Reproducibility of the multiplex PCR assay was found to be 100% and the detection limit of the optimized multiplex PCR was tested with lowest detectable concentration of DNA 0.8 pg microl(-1). This study demonstrated various Salmonella pathogenicity island virulence gene patterns even within the same serovar. This sets of multiplex PCR system provide a fast and reliable typing approach based on Salmonella pathogenicity islands, thus enabling an effective monitoring of emerging pathogenic Salmonella strains as an additional tool in Salmonella surveillance studies.
A semisynthetic diterpenoid lactone inhibits NF-κB signalling to ameliorate inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse asthma model

Lim JC, Goh FY, Sagineedu SR, Yong AC, Sidik SM, Lajis NH, et al.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 2016 07 01;302:10-22.
PMID: 27089844 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.04.004

Andrographolide (AGP) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (DDAG), two main diterpenoid constituents of Andrographis paniculata were previously shown to ameliorate asthmatic symptoms in a mouse model. However, due to inadequacies of both compounds in terms of drug-likeness, DDAG analogues were semisynthesised for assessment of their anti-asthma activity. A selected analogue, 3,19-diacetyl-14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (SRS27), was tested for inhibitory activity of NF-κB activation in TNF-α-induced A549 cells and was subsequently evaluated in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. Female BALB/c mice, 6-8weeks old were sensitized on days 0 and 14, and challenged on days 22, 23 and 24 with OVA. Compound or vehicle (3% dimethyl sulfoxide) was administered intraperitoneally 1h before and 11h after each OVA aerosol challenge. On day 25, pulmonary eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus hypersecretion, inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, -5 and -13 in BAL fluid, gene expression of inflammatory mediators such as 5-LOX, E-selectin, VCAM-1, CCL5, TNF-α, AMCase, Ym2, YKL-40, Muc5ac, CCL2 and iNOS in animal lung tissues, and serum IgE were determined. SRS27 at 30μM was found to suppress NF-κB nuclear translocation in A549 cells. In the ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model, SRS27 at 3mg/kg displayed a substantial decrease in pulmonary eosinophilia, BAL fluid inflammatory cytokines level, serum IgE production, mucus hypersecretion and gene expression of inflammatory mediators in lung tissues. SRS27 is the first known DDAG analogue effective in ameliorating inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in the ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model.
Being Bullied Is Associated With Depression Among Malaysian Adolescents: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia

Abd Razak MA, Ahmad NA, Abd Aziz FA, Jamaluddin R, Sidik SM, Awaluddin SM, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 11;31(8_suppl):30S-37S.
PMID: 31402682 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519867796

Limited evidence on the association of being bullied with depression among adolescents was found in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the association of being bullied and depression among Malaysian school-going adolescents. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017, a cross-sectional study conducted from March to May 2017, was analyzed using descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis. A validated tool, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 was used to categorize those with moderate or higher levels of depressive symptoms as having depression. A total of 27 399 school-going adolescents participated and 18.3% were found depressed. Adolescents of Indian ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.02, P < .001), those with parents living apart (aOR = 1.41, P < .001), and those who were being bullied (aOR = 2.98, P < .001) were more likely to have depression. This study demonstrated the association between being bullied and having depression. Comprehensive preventive strategies should be implemented taking into consideration the findings from this study.
Utilization of bivalve shell-treated Zea mays L. (maize) husk leaf as a low-cost biosorbent for enhanced adsorption of malachite green

Jalil AA, Triwahyono S, Yaakob MR, Azmi ZZ, Sapawe N, Kamarudin NH, et al.

Bioresour Technol, 2012 Sep;120:218-24.
PMID: 22820110 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.06.066

In this work, two low-cost wastes, bivalve shell (BS) and Zea mays L. husk leaf (ZHL), were investigated to adsorb malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. The ZHL was treated with calcined BS to give the BS-ZHL, and its ability to adsorb MG was compared with untreated ZHL, calcined BS and Ca(OH)(2)-treated ZHL under several different conditions: pH (2-8), adsorbent dosage (0.25-2.5 g L(-1)), contact time (10-30 min), initial MG concentration (10-200 mg L(-1)) and temperature (303-323 K). The equilibrium studies indicated that the experimental data were in agreement with the Langmuir isotherm model. The use of 2.5 g L(-1) BS-ZHL resulted in the nearly complete removal of 200 mg L(-1) of MG with a maximum adsorption capacity of 81.5 mg g(-1) after 30 min of contact time at pH 6 and 323 K. The results indicated that the BS-ZHL can be used to effectively remove MG from aqueous media.

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