Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 65 in total

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  1. Fulltext fac-Aceto-nitrile-tricarbon-yl(di-methyl-carbamodi-thio-ato-κ(2)S,S')rhenium(I): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
    Tan SL, Lee SM, Heard PJ, Halcovitch NR, Tiekink ER
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2017 Feb 01;73(Pt 2):213-218.
    PMID: 28217345 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989017000755
    The title compound, [Re(C3H6NS2)(C2H3N)(CO)3], features an octa-hedrally coordinated Re(I) atom within a C3NS2 donor set defined by three carbonyl ligands in a facial arrangement, an aceto-nitrile N atom and two S atoms derived from a symmetrically coordinating di-thio-carbamate ligand. In the crystal, di-thio-carbamate-methyl-H⋯O(carbon-yl) inter-actions lead to supra-molecular chains along [36-1]; both di-thio-carbamate S atoms participate in intra-molecular methyl-H⋯S inter-actions. Further but weaker aceto-nitrile-C-H⋯O(carbonyl) inter-actions assemble mol-ecules in the ab plane. The nature of the supra-molecular assembly was also probed by a Hirshfeld surface analysis. Despite their weak nature, the C-H⋯O contacts are predominant on the Hirshfeld surface and, indeed, on those of related [Re(CO)3(C3H6NS2)L] structures.
  2. [N,N-Bis(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)di-thio-carbamato-κ2S,S']bis-(tri-phenyl-phosphane-κP)copper(I) chloro-form monosolvate: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and solution NMR measurements
    Tan SL, Yeo CI, Heard PJ, Akien GR, Halcovitch NR, Tiekink ER
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2016 Dec 01;72(Pt 12):1799-1805.
    PMID: 27980834
    The title compound, [Cu(C5H5NO2S2)(C18H15P)2]·CHCl3, features a tetra-hedrally coordinated CuI atom within a P2S2 donor set defined by two phosphane P atoms and by two S atoms derived from a symmetrically coordinating di-thio-carbamate ligand. Both intra- and inter-molecular hy-droxy-O-H⋯O(hydroxy) hydrogen bonding is observed: the former closes an eight-membered {⋯HOC2NC2O} ring, whereas the latter connects centrosymmetrically related mol-ecules into dimeric aggregates via eight-membered {⋯H-O⋯H-O}2 synthons. The complex mol-ecules are arranged to form channels along the c axis in which reside the chloro-form mol-ecules, being connected by Cl⋯π(arene) and short S⋯Cl [3.3488 (9) Å] inter-actions. The inter-molecular inter-actions have been investigated further by Hirshfeld surface analysis, which shows the conventional hydrogen bonding to be very localized with the main contributors to the surface, at nearly 60%, being H⋯H contacts. Solution NMR studies indicate that whilst the same basic mol-ecular structure is retained in solution, the tri-phenyl-phosphane ligands are highly labile, exchanging rapidly with free Ph3P at room temperature.
  3. Fulltext [(Z)-N-(3-Fluoro-phen-yl)-O-methyl-thio-carbamato-κS](tri-phenyl-phosphane-κP)gold(I): crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational study
    Yeo CI, Tan SL, Kwong HC, Tiekink ERT
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2020 Aug 01;76(Pt 8):1284-1290.
    PMID: 32844015 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989020009469
    The title phosphanegold(I) thiol-ate, C26H22AuFNOPS or [Au(C8H7FNOS)(C18H15P)], has the AuI centre coordinated by phosphane-P [2.2494 (8) Å] and thiol-ate-S [2.3007 (8) Å] atoms to define a close to linear geometry [P-Au-S = 176.10 (3)°]. The thiol-ate ligand is orientated so that the meth-oxy-O atom is directed towards the Au atom, forming an Au⋯O close contact of 2.986 (2) Å. In the crystal, a variety of inter-molecular contacts are discerned with fluoro-benzene-C-H⋯O(meth-oxy) and phenyl-C-H⋯F inter-actions leading to dimeric aggregates. These are assembled into a three-dimensional architecture by phenyl-C-H⋯S(thiol-ate) and phenyl-C-H⋯π(fluorobenzene, phen-yl) inter-actions. Accordingly, the analysis of the calculated Hirshfeld surface shows 30.8% of all contacts are of the type C⋯H/H⋯C but this is less than the H⋯H contacts, at 44.9%. Other significant contributions to the surface come from H⋯F/F⋯H [8.1%], H⋯S/S⋯H [6.9%] and H⋯O/O⋯H [3.2%] contacts. Two major stabilization energies have contributions from the phenyl-C-H⋯π(fluoro-benzene) and fluoro-benzene-C-H⋯C(imine) inter-actions (-37.2 kcal mol-1), and from the fluoro-benzene-C-H⋯F and phenyl-C-H⋯O inter-actions (-34.9 kcal mol-1), the latter leading to the dimeric aggregate.
  4. Zwitterionic 4-bromo-6-meth-oxy-2-{[tris-(hy-droxy-meth-yl)methyl]-iminiumyl-meth-yl}phenolate: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
    Lee SM, Lo KM, Tan SL, Tiekink ER
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2016 Aug 1;72(Pt 8):1223-7.
    PMID: 27536419 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989016012159
    In the solid state, the title compound, C12H16BrNO5 [systematic name: 4-bromo-2-((1E)-{[1,3-dihy-droxy-2-(hy-droxy-meth-yl)propan-2-yl]iminium-yl}meth-yl)-6-meth-oxy-benzen-1-olate], C12H16BrNO5, is found in the keto-amine tautomeric form, with an intra-molecular iminium-N-H⋯O(phenolate) hydrogen bond and an E conformation about the C=N bond. Both gauche (two) and anti relationships are found for the methyl-hydroxy groups. In the crystal, a supra-molecular layer in the bc plane is formed via hy-droxy-O-H⋯O(hy-droxy) and charge-assisted hy-droxy-O-H⋯O(phenolate) hydrogen-bonding inter-actions; various C-H⋯O inter-actions provide additional cohesion to the layers, which stack along the a axis with no directional inter-actions between them. A Hirshfeld surface analysis confirms the lack of specific inter-actions in the inter-layer region.
  5. Utilizing Hirshfeld surface calculations, non-covalent inter-action (NCI) plots and the calculation of inter-action energies in the analysis of mol-ecular packing
    Tan SL, Jotani MM, Tiekink ERT
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2019 Mar 01;75(Pt 3):308-318.
    PMID: 30867939 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989019001129
    The analysis of atom-to-atom and/or residue-to-residue contacts remains a favoured mode of analysing the mol-ecular packing in crystals. In this contribution, additional tools are highlighted as methods for analysis in order to complement the 'crystallographer's tool', PLATON [Spek (2009). Acta Cryst. D65, 148-155]. Thus, a brief outline of the procedures and what can be learned by using Crystal Explorer [Spackman & Jayatilaka (2009). CrystEngComm11, 19-23] is presented. Attention is then directed towards evaluating the nature, i.e. attractive/weakly attractive/repulsive, of specific contacts employing NCIPLOT [Johnson et al. (2010). J. Am. Chem. Soc. 132, 6498-6506]. This is complemented by a discussion of the calculation of energy frameworks utilizing the latest version of Crystal Explorer. All the mentioned programs are free of charge and straightforward to use. More importantly, they complement each other to give a more complete picture of how mol-ecules assemble in mol-ecular crystals.
  6. Fulltext Understanding the Slow COVID-19 Trajectory of Cambodia
    Nit B, Samy AL, Tan SL, Vory S, Lim Y, Nugraha RR, et al.
    Public Health Pract (Oxf), 2021 Nov;2:100073.
    PMID: 33521738 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2020.100073
    COVID-19 has resulted in large number of mortalities across the globe. However, Cambodia has recorded low number of COVID-19 cases with no death. A number of factors buttress the accuracy of this phenomenon such as significant support from international health partners, culture of wearing a face mask when sick, timely response of Cambodia's neighbouring countries, and the compliance of the general public to the restrictions. Cambodia started to take stringent measures and augmented efforts to initiate policies and plans to curb the spread of the virus, including but not limited to: closure of inbound and outbound borders, shutting down of schools, and banning religious activities, gatherings and meetings, with more than 50 people. Another source of success of Cambodia is extensive mass testing, complemented with contact tracing. A strategy called "box in" the virus was introduced. Healthcare workers were trained to help in contact tracing and detection at the community level. Measures enacted so far has helped Cambodia control the pandemic. Other countries could adopt and adapt to the policies and best practices of Cambodia. However, possibilities of new waves of the pandemic may affect the country, thus, the Cambodian government needs to be cautious when lifting restrictions to avoid explosion of new cases.
  7. Fulltext Translation and Validation of the Malay Version of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Questionnaire for Older Adults in Malaysia
    Harith S, Tan SL
    Ann Geriatr Med Res, 2020 Jun;24(2):115-124.
    PMID: 32743332 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.20.0005
    Background: This study aimed to translate and validate the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) questionnaire among older adult patients in Malaysia in the Malay language.

    Methods: The questionnaire contained items on the socio-demographic characteristics, medical condition, quality of life (QOL), nutritional status, functional capacity, and depression status. The forward and backward translation processes of the original English language version of the questionnaire were undertaken by three independent linguistic translators, while its content was validated by an expert team consisting of seven geriatricians, physicians, dietitian, and lecturers. The Malay version of the questionnaire was tested for face validity in 10 older adult patients over 65 years of age. The internal consistency reliability and construct validity were evaluated among 166 older adult patients (mean age, 71.0 years; 73.5% male). The questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews with the patients. Minor amendments were made after the content and face validity tests.

    Results: The internal consistency reliability was good, as the Cronbach's alpha for most of the scales surpassed 0.70, ranging from 0.70 to 0.98, with only one exception (Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form, Cronbach's alpha=0.62). The factor loadings for all scales were satisfactory (>0.40), ranging from 0.45 to 0.90.

    Conclusion: The Malay-version CGA showed evidence of satisfactory internal consistency reliability and construct validity in Malaysian geriatric patients.

  8. Fulltext Tranexamic Acid in Non-Traumatic Intracerebral Haemorrhage (TANICH II): Introducing the Potential Role of 3 g Tranexamic Acid in Haematoma Reduction
    Arumugam A, Tan SE, Tan SL, Tan JE, Hussin FH, Zenian MS, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2023 Jun;30(3):93-102.
    PMID: 37425386 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.3.8
    BACKGROUND: Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) can be devastating, particularly if haematoma expansion occurs. The efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA), an anti-fibrinolytic agent, in reducing haematoma expansion is now being studied worldwide. However, the optimal dosage of TXA has yet to be determined. This study was designed to further establish the potential of different doses of TXA.

    METHODS: A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled study was carried out among adults with non-traumatic ICH. Eligible study subjects were randomly assigned to receive placebo, 2-g TXA treatment or 3-g TXA treatment. Haematoma volumes before and after intervention were measured using the planimetric method.

    RESULTS: A total of 60 subjects with 20 subjects in each treatment group were recruited for this study. Among the 60 subjects, the majority were male (n = 36, 60%), had known cases of hypertension (n = 43, 71.7%) and presented with full Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (n = 41, 68.3%). The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.315) in the mean changes of haematoma volume when compared with three study groups using ANCOVA, although the 3-g TXA group was the only group that showed haematoma volume reduction (mean reduction of 0.2 cm3) instead of expansion as in placebo (mean expansion 1.8 cm3) and 2-g TXA (mean expansion 0.3 cm3) groups. Good recovery was observed in all study groups, with only three subjects being moderately disabled. No adverse effects were reported in any of the study groups.

    CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical study using 3 g of TXA in the management of non-traumatic ICH. From our study, 3 g of TXA may potentially be helpful in reducing haematoma volume. Nonetheless, a larger-scale randomised controlled trial should be carried out to further establish the role of 3 g of TXA in non-traumatic ICH.

  9. Third-degree burn mouse treatment using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 2
    Tran-Nguyen TM, Le KT, Nguyen LT, Tran TT, Hoang-Thai PC, Tran TL, et al.
    Growth Factors, 2020 12;38(5-6):282-290.
    PMID: 34415815 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2021.1967342
    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a multifunctional protein that has major roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration. This therapeutic protein is widely used for burn treatment because it can stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. In this study, we developed a simple method using a controlled heated brass rod to create a homogenous third-degree burn murine model and evaluated the treatment using recombinant human FGF-2 (rhFGF-2). The results indicated that the wound area was 0.83 ± 0.05 cm2 and wound depth was 573.42 ± 147.82 μm. Mice treated with rhFGF-2 showed higher rates of wound closure, granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization than that of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated group. In conclusion, our lab-made rhFGF-2 could be a potentially therapeutic protein for burn treatment as well as a bioequivalent drug for other commercial applications using FGF-2.
  10. Fulltext The 1:2 co-crystal formed between N,N'-bis(pyridin-4-ylmeth-yl)ethanedi-amide and benzoic acid: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational study
    Tan SL, Tiekink ERT
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2020 Jan 01;76(Pt 1):102-110.
    PMID: 31921461 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989019016840
    The crystal and mol-ecular structures of the title 1:2 co-crystal, C14H14N4O2·2C7H6O2, are described. The oxalamide mol-ecule has a (+)-anti-periplanar conformation with the 4-pyridyl residues lying to either side of the central, almost planar C2N2O2 chromophore (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0555 Å). The benzoic acid mol-ecules have equivalent, close to planar conformations [C6/CO2 dihedral angle = 6.33 (14) and 3.43 (10)°]. The formation of hy-droxy-O-H⋯N(pyrid-yl) hydrogen bonds between the benzoic acid mol-ecules and the pyridyl residues of the di-amide leads to a three-mol-ecule aggregate. Centrosymmetrically related aggregates assemble into a six-mol-ecule aggregate via amide-N-H⋯O(amide) hydrogen bonds through a 10-membered {⋯HNC2O}2 synthon. These are linked into a supra-molecular tape via amide-N-H⋯O(carbon-yl) hydrogen bonds and 22-membered {⋯HOCO⋯NC4NH}2 synthons. The contacts between tapes to consolidate the three-dimensional architecture are of the type methyl-ene-C-H⋯O(amide) and pyridyl-C-H⋯O(carbon-yl). These inter-actions are largely electrostatic in nature. Additional non-covalent contacts are identified from an analysis of the calculated Hirshfeld surfaces.
  11. TGF-β1 and -β3 for Mesenchymal Stem Cells Chondrogenic Differentiation on Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)-Chitosan-Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Scaffold
    Wee AS, Lim CK, Tan SL, Ahmad TS, Kamarul T
    Tissue Eng Part C Methods, 2022 10;28(10):501-510.
    PMID: 36082992 DOI: 10.1089/ten.TEC.2022.0112
    Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been reported to promote chondrogenic differentiation and proliferation in the multipotent stromal cell (MSCs), and the transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3) tends to be exclusively in promoting cell differentiation alone. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of TGF-β1 and -β3 on the MSCs chondrogenic differentiation on the poly (vinyl alcohol)-chitosan-poly (ethylene glycol) (PVA-NOCC-PEG) scaffold, compared with that of monolayer and pellet cultures. In this study, P2 rabbit bone marrow-derived MSCs were seeded either on the untreated six-well plate (for monolayer culture) or onto the PVA-NOCC-PEG scaffold or cultured as a pellet culture. The cultures were maintained in a chemically defined serum-free medium supplemented with 10 ng/mL of either TGF-β1 or TGF-β3. Cell viability assay, biochemical assay, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the net effect of cell proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of each of the growth factors. The results showed that the PVA-NOCC-PEG scaffold enhanced MSCs cell proliferation from day 12 to 30 (p  0.05). In terms of chondrogenic differentiation, the PVA-NOCC-PEG scaffold augmented the GAGs secretion in MSCs and the mRNA expression levels of Sox9, Col2a1, Acan, and Comp were elevated (p  0.05). In conclusion, TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 enhanced the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs seeded on the PVA-NOCC-PEG scaffold; however, there was no significant difference between the effect of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3. Impact statement Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily members is a key requirement for the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, the effects of TGF-β1 and -β3 on MSC chondrogenic differentiation and proliferation on a novel three-dimensional scaffold, the poly(vinyl alcohol)-chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) (PVA-NOCC-PEG) scaffold, was evaluated. In this study, the results showed both TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 can enhance the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs seeded on the PVA-NOCC-PEG scaffold.
  12. Fulltext Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antidengue activity of enantiomeric Schiff bases derived from S-substituted dithiocarbazate
    Maryam M, Tan SL, Crouse KA, Mohamed Tahir MI, Chee HY
    Turk J Chem, 2020;44(5):1395-1409.
    PMID: 33488239 DOI: 10.3906/kim-2006-22
    A series of Schiff bases have been successfully synthesized through the acid-catalyzed condensation of S-substituted dithiocarbazates and three enantiomerically pure monoterpenes, (1 R )-(+)-camphor, (1 S )-(-)-camphor, (1 R )-(-)-camphorquinone, (1 S )-(+)-camphorquinone, ( R )-(-)-carvone and ( S )-(+)-carvone. Spectroscopic results revealed that the Schiff bases containing camphor or carvone likely adopted an E -configuration along the characteristic imine bond while those containing camphorquinone assumed a Z -configuration. The antidengue potential of these compounds was evaluated based on DENV 2 caused cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction-based in vitro evaluation. The compounds were validated through secondary foci forming unit reduction assay (FFURA). Compounds were also tested for their cytotoxicity against Vero cells. The compounds showed variable degrees of antiviral activity with the camphor compounds displaying the highest antidengue potential. The enantiomers of the compounds behaved almost similarly during the antiviral evaluation.
  13. Stability of enteroviruses on toys commonly found in kindergarten
    Baharin SNAN, Tan SL, Sam IC, Chan YF
    Trop Biomed, 2023 Dec 01;40(4):478-485.
    PMID: 38308836 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.4.014
    Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious childhood disease caused by enteroviruses including enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) and CV-A16 transmitted via direct and indirect contact. Different types of toy surfaces can affect the stability of viruses. Understanding the stability of enteroviruses on toys provides insightful data for effective disinfection in kindergartens or homes. Porous (ethylene-vinyl acetate mat foam, paper, pinewood, polyester fabric, and squishy polyurethane foam) and non-porous (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic and stainless-steel coin) surfaces were inoculated with EV-A71 at 4, 24, and 35°C, and coxsackieviruses at 24°C. Infectious enteroviruses were recovered and titred in median tissue culture infectious dose assay (TCID50). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images were taken from surfaces to examine association of surface roughness with virus stability. Overall, infectious enteroviruses were persistent on all non-porous and porous surfaces. Virus persistence was longest at 4°C followed by 24°C and 35°C. EV-A71 half-lives ranged between 6.4-12.8 hours at 4°C, 2.4-6.7 hours at 24°C, and 0.13-2.7 hours at 35°C. At lower virus titres exposed to 24°C, half-lives of enteroviruses ranged from 0.1-1.4 hours. Surface roughness values from AFM suggested smooth surfaces of non-porous surfaces were associated with better virus stability. Temperature, enterovirus concentration, and type of surface affected persistence and stability of enteroviruses. Our findings suggest both porous and non-porous surfaces in kindergartens allow enterovirus persistence and should be frequently disinfected to curb HFMD outbreaks in kindergartens.
  14. Fulltext Rhinoscleroma: a case series
    Tan SL, Neoh CY, Tan HH
    Singapore Med J, 2012 Feb;53(2):e24-7.
    PMID: 22337196
    Rhinoscleroma is a chronic, slowly progressive, inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tract. It is associated with Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis infection. We present the clinical and pathological features of four patients diagnosed with rhinoscleroma at the National Skin Centre, Singapore between 1997 and 2010. All four patients presented with only cutaneous involvement, and the diagnosis was clinched via histological examination. The patients were treated with a combination of antibiotics. Two patients who were on follow-up at the time of this writing responded positively to the antibiotic treatment, while two were lost to follow-up. Rhinoscleroma is a diagnostic challenge, as it is an uncommon disease in Singapore and Malaysia. We highlight this condition to raise awareness of the disease in order to aid in early diagnosis of patients. Without treatment, this condition can result in significant complications, including involvement of the lower airways. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help to reduce morbidity.
  15. Fulltext Real-time acquisition of transendothelial electrical resistance in an all-human, in vitro, 3-dimensional, blood-brain barrier model exemplifies tight-junction integrity
    Maherally Z, Fillmore HL, Tan SL, Tan SF, Jassam SA, Quack FI, et al.
    FASEB J, 2018 01;32(1):168-182.
    PMID: 28883042 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700162R
    The blood-brain barrier (BBB) consists of endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes embedded in basal lamina (BL). Most in vitro models use nonhuman, monolayer cultures for therapeutic-delivery studies, relying on transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements without other tight-junction (TJ) formation parameters. We aimed to develop reliable, reproducible, in vitro 3-dimensional (3D) models incorporating relevant human, in vivo cell types and BL proteins. The 3D BBB models were constructed with human brain endothelial cells, human astrocytes, and human brain pericytes in mono-, co-, and tricultures. TEER was measured in 3D models using a volt/ohmmeter and cellZscope. Influence of BL proteins-laminin, fibronectin, collagen type IV, agrin, and perlecan-on adhesion and TEER was assessed using an electric cell-substrate impedance-sensing system. TJ protein expression was assessed by Western blotting (WB) and immunocytochemistry (ICC). Perlecan (10 µg/ml) evoked unreportedly high, in vitro TEER values (1200 Ω) and the strongest adhesion. Coculturing endothelial cells with astrocytes yielded the greatest resistance over time. ICC and WB results correlated with resistance levels, with evidence of prominent occludin expression in cocultures. BL proteins exerted differential effects on TEER, whereas astrocytes in contact yielded higher TEER values and TJ expression.-Maherally, Z., Fillmore, H. L., Tan, S. L., Tan, S. F., Jassam, S. A., Quack, F. I., Hatherell, K. E., Pilkington, G. J. Real-time acquisition of transendothelial electrical resistance in an all-human, in vitro, 3-dimensional, blood-brain barrier model exemplifies tight-junction integrity.
  16. Psychological Consequences of the Delay in the Silent Mentor Programme During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Family Members of Silent Mentors
    Wong LP, Tan SL, Alias H, Sia TE, Saw A
    Omega (Westport), 2023 Mar;86(4):1176-1189.
    PMID: 33818157 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211000952
    The COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on the Silent Mentor Programme (SMP); this pause has not only caused unprecedented challenges for the delivery of medical education but has forced changes in the programme ceremony sessions. We aimed to describe the psychological impact and experiences of family members of silent mentors during the COVID-19 pandemic using qualitative interviews. Many expressed feelings of remorse and unrest about the unprecedented delay of the SMP. The delay increased negative emotions particularly among some elderly family members; however, there was no prominent negative effect on their functional health and well-being. Several participants relayed the belief that the soul cannot rest until the body receives a proper burial while some worried about the deterioration of the physical condition of the mentors. In conclusion, findings provide insights into the importance of not overlooking the mental health implications of delaying the SMP in future outbreaks or crises.
  17. Prevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the paediatric department: Estimates from a multicenter cross-sectional survey in Negeri Sembilan
    David NCE, Juliana H, Chok M, Gan YZ, Tan YC, Nur Adlina MN, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):80-86.
    PMID: 36715196
    INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has reached a phase where many have been infected at least once. Healthcare workers were not spared from being infected. This study aimed to determine the period prevalence of COVID-19 among the paediatric healthcare workers in Negeri Sembilan as the country transitioned into an endemic phase of the pandemic. Additionally, we investigate potential sociodemographic and occupational characteristics associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the healthcare workers in the paediatric department at three public specialist hospitals in Negeri Sembilan between 15 and 21 April 2022. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Out of the 504 eligible healthcare workers, 493 participated in this study (response rate 97.8%). The overall prevalence of COVID-19 (11 March 2020-15 April 2022) among healthcare workers was 50.9%. The majority (80.1%) were infected during the Omicron wave two months before the survey. Household contacts accounted for 35.9% of infection sources. The proportion of non-doctors in the COVID-19-infected group was significantly higher compared to the non-infected group (74.1% vs 64.0%, p=0.016). The COVID-19-infected group had a higher proportion of schoolgoing children (44.6% vs 30.6%, p=0.001) and children who attended pre-school/sent to the babysitter (49.0% vs 24.4%, p<0.001). There were no significant differences between infection rates among the healthcare workers working in the tertiary hospital and the district hospitals. There were also no significant differences in the proportion of COVID-19- infected doctors and nurses when analysed by seniority.

    CONCLUSION: Our study provided an estimate on the prevalence of COVID-19 among paediatric healthcare workers in Negeri Sembilan and the factors associated with infection, which captures the extent and magnitude of this pandemic on the state's paediatric department. Most infections resulted from household contact, with a higher proportion of infected healthcare workers having young children.

  18. Nanoemulsion-based Parenteral Drug Delivery System of Carbamazepine: Preparation, Characterization, Stability Evaluation and Blood-Brain Pharmacokinetics
    Tan SL, Stanslas J, Basri M, Abedi Karjiban RA, Kirby BP, Sani D, et al.
    Curr Drug Deliv, 2015;12(6):795-804.
    PMID: 26324229
    Carbamzepine (CBZ) was encapsulated in a parenteral oil-in-water nanoemulsion, in an attempt to improve its bioavailability. The particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were measured using dynamic light scattering. Other parameters such as pH, osmolality, viscosity, drug loading efficiency and entrapment efficiency were also recorded. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that emulsion droplets were almost spherical in shape and in the nano-range. The in vitro release profile was best characterized by Higuchi's equation. The parenteral nanoemulsion of CBZ showed significantly higher AUC0→5, AUC0→∞, AUMC0→5, AUMC0→∞, Cmax and lower clearance than that of CBZ solution in plasma. Additionally, parenteral nanoemulsion of CBZ showed significantly higher AUC0→∞, AUMC0→∞ and Cmaxthan that of CBZ solution in brain. The parenteral nanoemulsion of CBZ could therefore use as a carrier, worth exploring further for brain targeting.
  19. Fulltext N,N'-Bis(pyridin-4-ylmeth-yl)oxalamide benzene monosolvate: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational study
    Tan SL, Halcovitch NR, Tiekink ERT
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2019 Aug 01;75(Pt 8):1133-1139.
    PMID: 31417779 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989019009551
    The asymmetric unit of the title 1:1 solvate, C14H14N4O2·C6H6 [systematic name of the oxalamide mol-ecule: N,N'-bis-(pyridin-4-ylmeth-yl)ethanedi-amide], comprises a half mol-ecule of each constituent as each is disposed about a centre of inversion. In the oxalamide mol-ecule, the central C2N2O2 atoms are planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0006 Å). An intra-molecular amide-N-H⋯O(amide) hydrogen bond is evident, which gives rise to an S(5) loop. Overall, the mol-ecule adopts an anti-periplanar disposition of the pyridyl rings, and an orthogonal relationship is evident between the central plane and each terminal pyridyl ring [dihedral angle = 86.89 (3)°]. In the crystal, supra-molecular layers parallel to (10) are generated owing the formation of amide-N-H⋯N(pyrid-yl) hydrogen bonds. The layers stack encompassing benzene mol-ecules which provide the links between layers via methyl-ene-C-H⋯π(benzene) and benzene-C-H⋯π(pyrid-yl) inter-actions. The specified contacts are indicated in an analysis of the calculated Hirshfeld surfaces. The energy of stabilization provided by the conventional hydrogen bonding (approximately 40 kJ mol-1; electrostatic forces) is just over double that by the C-H⋯π contacts (dispersion forces).
  20. Fulltext N,N'-Bis(pyridin-3-ylmeth-yl)ethanedi-amide monohydrate: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational study
    Tan SL, Tiekink ERT
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2020 Jan 01;76(Pt 1):25-31.
    PMID: 31921447 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989019016153
    The mol-ecular structure of the title bis-pyridyl substituted di-amide hydrate, C14H14N4O2·H2O, features a central C2N2O2 residue (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0205 Å) linked at each end to 3-pyridyl rings through methyl-ene groups. The pyridyl rings lie to the same side of the plane, i.e. have a syn-periplanar relationship, and form dihedral angles of 59.71 (6) and 68.42 (6)° with the central plane. An almost orthogonal relationship between the pyridyl rings is indicated by the dihedral angle between them [87.86 (5)°]. Owing to an anti disposition between the carbonyl-O atoms in the core, two intra-molecular amide-N-H⋯O(carbon-yl) hydrogen bonds are formed, each closing an S(5) loop. Supra-molecular tapes are formed in the crystal via amide-N-H⋯O(carbon-yl) hydrogen bonds and ten-membered {⋯HNC2O}2 synthons. Two symmetry-related tapes are linked by a helical chain of hydrogen-bonded water mol-ecules via water-O-H⋯N(pyrid-yl) hydrogen bonds. The resulting aggregate is parallel to the b-axis direction. Links between these, via methyl-ene-C-H⋯O(water) and methyl-ene-C-H⋯π(pyrid-yl) inter-actions, give rise to a layer parallel to (10); the layers stack without directional inter-actions between them. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces point to the importance of the specified hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, and to the significant influence of the water mol-ecule of crystallization upon the mol-ecular packing. The analysis also indicates the contribution of methyl-ene-C-H⋯O(carbon-yl) and pyridyl-C-H⋯C(carbon-yl) contacts to the stability of the inter-layer region. The calculated inter-action energies are consistent with importance of significant electrostatic attractions in the crystal.
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