Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 425 in total

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  1. Our recent experiences with sarin poisoning cases in Japan and pesticide users with references to some selected chemicals
    Yokoyama K
    Neurotoxicology, 2007 Mar;28(2):364-73.
    PMID: 16730798
    Attention has been paid to neurobehavioral effects of occupational and environmental exposures to chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals and organic solvents. The area of research that includes neurobehavioral methods and effects in occupational and environmental health has been called "Occupational and Environmental Neurology and Behavioral Medicine." The methods, by which early changes in neurological, cognitive and behavioral function can be assessed, include neurobehavioral test battery, neurophysiological methods, questionnaires and structured interview, biochemical markers and imaging techniques. The author presents his observations of neurobehavioral and neurophysiological effects in Tokyo subway sarin poisoning cases as well as in pesticide users (tobacco farmers) in Malaysia in relation to Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS). In sarin cases, a variety effects were observed 6-8 months after exposure, suggesting delayed neurological effects. Studies on pesticide users revealed that organophosphorus and dithiocarbamate affected peripheral nerve conduction and postural balance; subjective symptoms related to GTS were also observed, indicating the effects of nicotine absorbed from wet tobacco leaves. In addition, non-neurological effects of pesticides and other chemicals are presented, in relation to genetic polymorphism and oxidative stress.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nervous System/drug effects
  2. Latent class analysis of substance use among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: Findings from the Asian Internet MSM Sex Survey
    Lim SH, Cheung DH, Guadamuz TE, Wei C, Koe S, Altice FL
    Drug Alcohol Depend, 2015 Jun 1;151:31-7.
    PMID: 25865907 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.02.040
    BACKGROUND: High prevalence of substance use among men who have sex with men (MSM) may drive the HIV epidemic in Malaysia but patterns of substance use among Malaysian MSM have not been examined. Our study investigated specific Malaysian MSM risk groups to determine the association between their substance use and sexual risk behaviors.
    METHODS: Data from Malaysian respondents (n=1235) in a large, multinational online survey of Asian MSM in 2010 were used to identify latent classes of substance use. Subsequent covariates were included in a joint model to predict class membership.
    RESULTS: The 3-class model was identified as the best fitting model, which included: (1) 'negligible substance use' for those reporting none or using any substance sparingly; (2) 'soft substance use' for those using poppers, ecstasy and drinking before sex; and (3) 'amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use' for those using stimulants (methamphetamine, ecstasy), erectile dysfunction drugs and recreational drug use before sex. Men in the 'ATS use' category were significantly less likely to not know their HIV status (AOR: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.14,0.66), more likely to have had more than 6 male sex partners (AOR: 4.83, 95% CI: 1.92-12.2), to have group sex (AOR:4.07, 95% CI: 2.31-7.15), to report inconsistent condom use (AOR:2.01, 95% CI: 1.12-3.60), to be HIV-infected (AOR:3.92, 95% CI: 1.63-8.42) and to have had any sexually transmitted infections (AOR:3.92, 95% CI:1.70, 9.08), compared to men in the 'negligible substance use' category.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified subgroups of Malaysian MSM with distinct substance use patterns and HIV-related risk profiles, which provides implication for targeting HIV prevention in this subpopulation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Stimulants
  3. Fulltext Deep vein thrombosis as a rare presentation in a female with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis
    Wan Ghazali WS, Mohammad N, Ismail AM
    Arch Rheumatol, 2017 Jun;32(2):171-174.
    PMID: 30375559 DOI: 10.5606/ArchRheumatol.2017.6108
    This article aims to report a case of a young female patient with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis complicated with pulmonary renal syndrome, multiple relapses, and who later developed venous thromboembolism. Pulmonary renal syndrome is a well- recognized and lethal complication; however, incidence of venous thromboembolism has not been well-described. In this article, we described a 38-year-old Malay female patient admitted in 2008 with three-month history of peripheral neuropathy of lower limbs and right ankle ulcers. Initial inflammatory markers were high and perinuclear Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies were positive. She was diagnosed as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis and started on intravenous methylprednisolone with methotrexate. She presented with relapse of skin vasculitis complicated with pulmonary renal syndrome after being stable for one year. She was intubated and proceeded with plasmapheresis and hemodialysis. She completed six cycles of cyclophosphamide. Renal biopsy revealed chronic changes consistent with end stage renal disease. She further relapsed in 2011 with nasal blockage, epistaxis, and nasal deviation. Chest X-ray revealed lung nodules. Prednisolone was increased, her symptoms settled, and she was discharged with azathioprine. She was readmitted at the end of the same year due to two-day history of right deep vein thrombosis and she later succumbed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sepsis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
  4. Anti-depressant activity of Erythrina variegata bark extract and regulation of monoamine oxidase activities in mice
    Martins J, Brijesh S
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2019 Oct 07.
    PMID: 31600560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112280
    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Erythrina variegata, commonly referred to as 'tiger's claw' or 'Indian coral tree' and 'Parijata' in Sanskrit, belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a plant native to the coast of India, China, Malaysia, East Africa, Northern Australia and distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In traditional medicine, 'Paribhadra' an Indian preparation, makes use of the leaves and bark of E. variegata to destroy pathogenic parasites and relieve joint pains. E. variegata is known to exhibit anxiolytic and anti-convulsant activities. Folkore medicine also suggests that E. variegata barks act on the central nervous system. However, there is a lack of data demonstrating this. The anti-depressant activity of E. variegata bark has not been reported in literature.

    AIM OF THE STUDY: Our study focuses on previously unreported anti-depressant activity of E. variegata bark ethanolic extract (EBE) and determination of its mechanism of action possibly through regulation of monoamine oxidase activity in mouse brain homogenates.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: EBE was characterized using standard protocols for phytochemical analysis, followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Anti-depressant activity of EBE (50, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) was evaluated in Swiss white albino mice using acute and chronic forced swim test (FST) models. Furthermore, the potential use of the extract as an adjunct to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), escitalopram, was evaluated using the chronic unpredictable mild stress test model wherein inhibitory effects on monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B were assessed by spectrophotometric-chemical analysis in mouse whole brain homogenates.

    RESULTS: The extract showed significant reduction in immobility time periods in both acute (200 mg/kg) and chronic (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) FST models. When used as an adjunct with escitalopram (15 mg/kg), the extract (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) showed significantly greater inhibition of MAO-A and B activities when compared to escitalopram alone (30 mg/kg). Phytochemical analysis of EBE revealed presence of sugars, steroids, glycosides, alkaloids and tannins. LC-MS and GC-MS analysis identified components such as 2-amino-3-methyl-1-butanol, phenylethylamine, eriodictyol, daidzein and pomiferin, N-ethyl arachidonoyl amine, inosine diphosphate, trimipramine, granisetron, 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, ethyl ester, tri-TMS and dodecane, previously reported for their anti-depressant activity.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study thus demonstrated potential for use of the E. variegata bark ethanolic extract as an adjunct to currently available SSRI treatment. The study also identified components present in E. variegata bark ethanolic extract that may be responsible for its anti-depressant activity. Furthermore, the study thus confirms the traditional use of E. variegata barks in improving CNS function through its anti-depressant like activity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Nervous System
  5. Fulltext Cytotoxicity and apoptotic activities of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol isomers on human cancer cells
    Lim SW, Loh HS, Ting KN, Bradshaw TD, Zeenathul NA
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2014;14:469.
    PMID: 25480449 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-469
    Tocotrienols, especially the gamma isomer was discovered to possess cytotoxic effects associated with the induction of apoptosis in numerous cancers. Individual tocotrienol isomers are believed to induce dissimilar apoptotic mechanisms in different cancer types. This study was aimed to compare the cytotoxic potency of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols, and to explore their resultant apoptotic mechanisms in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 and glioblastoma U87MG cells which are scarcely researched.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Central Nervous System Neoplasms/metabolism
  6. Neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame: What is the connection?
    Choudhary AK, Lee YY
    Nutr Neurosci, 2018 Jun;21(5):306-316.
    PMID: 28198207 DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1288340
    Aspartame (α-aspartyl-l-phenylalanine-o-methyl ester), an artificial sweetener, has been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems. Possible neurophysiological symptoms include learning problems, headache, seizure, migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The consumption of aspartame, unlike dietary protein, can elevate the levels of phenylalanine and aspartic acid in the brain. These compounds can inhibit the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are known regulators of neurophysiological activity. Aspartame acts as a chemical stressor by elevating plasma cortisol levels and causing the production of excess free radicals. High cortisol levels and excess free radicals may increase the brains vulnerability to oxidative stress which may have adverse effects on neurobehavioral health. We reviewed studies linking neurophysiological symptoms to aspartame usage and conclude that aspartame may be responsible for adverse neurobehavioral health outcomes. Aspartame consumption needs to be approached with caution due to the possible effects on neurobehavioral health. Whether aspartame and its metabolites are safe for general consumption is still debatable due to a lack of consistent data. More research evaluating the neurobehavioral effects of aspartame are required.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced*; Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis
  7. Expression of ADR-α1, 2 and ADR-β2 in cumulus cell culture of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome and poor responder who are a candidate for IVF: the novel strategic role of clonidine in this expression
    Zangeneh FZ, Bagheri M, Shoushtari MS, Naghizadeh MM
    J Recept Signal Transduct Res, 2021 Jun;41(3):263-272.
    PMID: 32878560 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1806320
    OBJECTIVE: Alpha and beta-adrenoceptors (ADR-α1, 2, and β2) play a regulatory role in the folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in the ovarian follicles. This study aimed to measure these adrenoceptors mRNA and its protein levels in cumulus cells (CCs) culture of poor ovarian reserve (POR) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) infertile women (IVF candidate) and the effect of clonidine treatment at CCs culture.

    METHODS: This case/control study was conducted in 2017 includes a control (donation oocytes) and two studies (PCO and POR) groups. The ovulation induction drugs were prescribed in all groups. After the oocyte puncture, the follicular fluid was collected and CCs were isolated were cultured. RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and designed the primer for the ADR-α1, 2 and ADR-β2 gene expression. The protein levels were investigated by Western Blot.

    RESULTS: The results showed a high level of three adrenergic expressions in PCO women compared to the control group (p-value system at the receptor levels in women with PCOS, and clonidine confirmed it by reducing this expression. In POR women, the reduction of ADR-α1, 2 expressions maybe lead to the aging process in the ovary.

    Matched MeSH terms: Sympathetic Nervous System
  8. Fulltext Amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) induced psychosis: A rising problems in Malaysia
    Ahmad, H.S.
    Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;17(2):1-4.
    MyJurnal
    The past decade has seen a marked increase in the popularity of ATS use, particularly methamphetamine, within East Asia,and the Pacific region. In Malaysia, the National Anti Drug Agency has identified 8,870 addicts (from January till August 2008) out of which 1,126 was ATS dependence. During the same period, the police have arrested 46,388 people under the Dangerous Drug Act 1952. They also has seize 283kg of syabu, 545kg of ecstacy powder, 66194 tablets of esctacy pills and 222,376 tablets of yaba pills from Jan till August this year. The occurrence of psychosis arising from the use of ATS was first reported in the late 1930's. With growing ATS use, particularly methamphetamine, ATS-induced psychosis has become a major impact on public health.Symptoms of ATS-induced psychosis: Methamphetamine use produces a variety of effects, ranging from irritability, to physical aggression, hyperawareness, hypervigilance, and psychomotor agitation. Repeated or high-dose use of the stimulant can cause drug-induced psychosis resembling paranoid schizophrenia, characterized by hallucinations, delusions and thought disorders. When used in long term, methamphetamine may lead to development of psychiatric symptoms due to dopamine depletion in the striatum. The most common lifetime psychotic symptoms among methamphetamine psychotic patients - as reported in a cross-country study involving Australia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand - are persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, strange or unusual beliefs and thought reading. Those patients were also reported to suffer from impaired speech, psychomotor retardation, depression and anxiety. An ATS psychosis can be distinguished from primary psychotic disorders by time. In ATS-induced psychosis symptoms usually resolve after the drug is discontinued. If symptoms do not resolve within 2 weeks after cessation of stimulant use, a primary psychiatric disorder should be suspected. When compared with other stimulants, such as cocaine, psychosis is induced more commonly by ATS, possibly due to the longer duration of action produced by amphetamines.For example, while smoking cocaine produces a high that lasts for 20-30 minutes, smoking methamphetamine produces a high that lasts 8-24 hours. Other symptoms of ATS-induced psychosis reported include affective blunting,(6) violent behavior, and self-mutilation and self-injurious behavior.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Stimulants
  9. Fulltext Prevalence of microvascular complications in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary healthcare clinics
    Wong WL, Valliappan VN, Leong MC, Aminudin SNA, Chew SCJ, Cheong AT
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):237-243.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Delayed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) increases the risk of presenting late with microvas- cular complications due to untreated long-standing hyperglycaemia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of microvascular complications in newly diagnosed T2D patients in primary healthcare clinics.
    Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in three government primary healthcare clinics in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Malaysian aged 18 years and above with newly diagnosed T2D (<6 months of diagnosis) were invited to participate in the study. Data collected included the sociodemographic characteristic and the clinical profile (weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid, glycaemic, urine albumin, microalbuminuria and renal profile). The assessment of nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy were performed using standard protocol. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the significant factors that contribute to the presence of microvascular complications.
    Results: A total of 162 newly diagnosed patients were recruited. The majority was women (64%). The mean age was 51 (SD 11) years. About one-third of the patients (27.7%) had developed at least one microvascular complication. Nephropathy was the commonest microvascular complication (19.2%), followed by peripheral neuropathy (8.6%) and retinopathy (6.5%). Poor glycaemic control was found to be a significant factor contributing to the presence of microvascular complications (OR 5.8, 95%CI:1.466, 23.288).
    Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of microvascular complications among the newly diagnosed T2D. There is a need to develop appropriate strategies to increase the awareness and early detection of T2D.
    Study site: three Klinik Kesihatan, Selangor, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
  10. Fulltext Effects of monochromatic infrared energy therapy on diabetic feet with peripheral sensory neuropathy: a randomised controlled trial
    Nawfar SA, Yacob NB
    Singapore Med J, 2011 Sep;52(9):669-72.
    PMID: 21947144
    INTRODUCTION: Peripheral diabetic neuropathy, which is a cause of increasing morbidity and mortality following foot ulcers and amputations, is a burden to health and the economy. Various adjunct treatments to improve neuropathy have been introduced into the market; one such treatment is monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) therapy, which claimed to produce promising results. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MIRE on diabetic feet with peripheral neuropathy.
    METHODS: A randomised controlled, single-blinded study was conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from February 2008 to October 2008. A total of 30 feet from 24 patients were studied. Neuropathy was screened using the Michigan neuropathy scoring instrument, followed by an assessment of the current perception threshold using a neurometer at frequencies of 2,000 Hz, 250 Hz and 5 Hz. The feet were randomised to receive either daily MIRE or sham treatment for a total of 12 treatments. Each foot was then reassessed using the neurometer at six weeks and three months following treatment.
    RESULTS: The data obtained was analysed using a non-parametric test to compare the pre- and post-treatment groups. No significant difference was found between the neuropathic foot of diabetic patients in both the MIRE and sham groups.
    CONCLUSION: No improvement of neuropathy was observed following MIRE treatment in the neuropathic feet of diabetic patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
  11. Fulltext Lifetime ATS use and increased HIV risk among not-in-treatment opiate injectors in Malaysia
    Chawarski MC, Vicknasingam B, Mazlan M, Schottenfeld RS
    Drug Alcohol Depend, 2012 Jul 1;124(1-2):177-80.
    PMID: 22266088 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.12.024
    Malaysia has been experiencing significant drug abuse problems since the 1970s, and drug abuse is the major driver of HIV transmission in Malaysia. We investigated risk factors for HIV associated with use of amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) among not-in-treatment opiate injectors in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Stimulants/administration & dosage
  12. The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the morphological characteristics of spinal motoneurons
    David P, Subramaniam K
    Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol., 2009 Sep;85(9):791-9.
    PMID: 19452514 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20593
    Clinical studies and research in animals have established that alcohol consumption during pregnancy produces irreversible developmental anomalies. Deficits in fine motor performance are often noted in infants diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome. However, the effects of alcohol on the spinal motoneurons have not been examined. In this study, the morphometric alterations in spinal motoneurons were assessed as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Depressants/toxicity*
  13. Influence of sympathetic and AT-receptor blockade on angiotensin II and adrenergic agonist-induced renal vasoconstrictions in spontaneously hypertensive rats
    Abdulla MH, Sattar MA, Khan MA, Abdullah NA, Johns EJ
    Acta Physiol (Oxf), 2009 Mar;195(3):397-404.
    PMID: 19183357 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2008.01895.x
    This study investigated the influence of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor and adrenergic blockade on the renal vasoconstrictions caused by Ang II and adrenergic agonists in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
    Matched MeSH terms: Sympathetic Nervous System/physiopathology
  14. Prenatal alcohol exposure and early postnatal changes in the developing nerve-muscle system
    David P, Subramaniam K
    Birth Defects Res. Part A Clin. Mol. Teratol., 2005 Nov;73(11):897-903.
    PMID: 16228975
    Extensive research on prenatal alcohol exposure has proven the potent teratogenicity of this substance of abuse. Children born to alcoholic mothers are often diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Those afflicted with FAS often have muscle weakness, muscle wasting, and atrophy. This study assessed the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing rat neuromuscular system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Depressants/toxicity*
  15. Fulltext EEG based evaluation of stereoscopic 3D displays for viewer discomfort
    Malik AS, Khairuddin RN, Amin HU, Smith ML, Kamel N, Abdullah JM, et al.
    Biomed Eng Online, 2015;14:21.
    PMID: 25886584 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-015-0006-8
    Consumer preference is rapidly changing from 2D to 3D movies due to the sensational effects of 3D scenes, like those in Avatar and The Hobbit. Two 3D viewing technologies are available: active shutter glasses and passive polarized glasses. However, there are consistent reports of discomfort while viewing in 3D mode where the discomfort may refer to dizziness, headaches, nausea or simply not being able to see in 3D continuously.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasympathetic Nervous System/physiology
  16. Tembusu-like flavivirus (Perak virus) as the cause of neurological disease outbreaks in young Pekin ducks
    Homonnay ZG, Kovács EW, Bányai K, Albert M, Fehér E, Mató T, et al.
    Avian Pathol, 2014;43(6):552-60.
    PMID: 25299764 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2014.973832
    A neurological disease of young Pekin ducks characterized by ataxia, lameness, and paralysis was observed at several duck farms in Malaysia in 2012. Gross pathological lesions were absent or inconsistent in most of the cases, but severe and consistent microscopic lesions were found in the brain and spinal cord, characterized by non-purulent panencephalomyelitis. Several virus isolates were obtained in embryonated duck eggs and in cell cultures (Vero and DF-1) inoculated with the brain homogenates of affected ducks. After exclusion of other viruses, the isolates were identified as a flavivirus by flavivirus-specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Inoculation of 2-week-old Pekin ducks with a flavivirus isolate by the subcutaneous or intramuscular route resulted in typical clinical signs and histological lesions in the brain and spinal cord. The inoculated virus was detected by RT-PCR from organ samples of ducks with clinical signs and histological lesions. With a few days delay, the disease was also observed among co-mingled contact control birds. Phylogenetic analysis of NS5 and E gene sequences proved that the isolates were representatives of a novel phylogenetic group within clade XI (Ntaya virus group) of the Flavivirus genus. This Malaysian Duck Tembusu Virus (DTMUV), named Perak virus, has moderate genomic RNA sequence similarity to a related DTMUV identified in China. In our experiment the Malaysian strain of DTMUV could be transmitted in the absence of mosquito vectors. These findings may have implications for the control and prevention of this emerging group of flaviviruses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nervous System Diseases/veterinary
  17. Fulltext Modelling person-to-person transmission in an Enterovirus A71 orally infected hamster model of hand-foot-and-mouth disease and encephalomyelitis
    Phyu WK, Ong KC, Wong KT
    Emerg Microbes Infect, 2017 Jul 12;6(7):e62.
    PMID: 28698666 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.49
    Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), which may be complicated by fatal encephalomyelitis. Although fecal-oral or oral-oral routes are important in person-to-person transmission, how viral shedding and exposure may predispose individuals to infection remains unknown. We investigated person-to-person transmission by using a model of HFMD and encephalomyelitis based on EV-A71 oral infection of 2-week-old hamsters. Animals (index animals) infected with 104 50% cell culture infective doses of virus uniformly developed severe disease four days post-infection (dpi), whereas littermate contacts developed severe disease after six to seven days of exposure to index animals. Virus was detected in oral washes and feces at 3-4 dpi in index animals and at three to eight days after exposure to index animals in littermate contact animals. In a second experiment, non-littermate contact animals exposed for 8 or 12 h to index animals developed the disease six and four days post-exposure, respectively. Tissues from killed index and contact animals, studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, exhibited mild inflammatory lesions and/or viral antigens/RNA in the squamous epithelia of the oral cavity, tongue, paws, skin, esophagus, gastric epithelium, salivary glands, lacrimal glands, central nervous system neurons, muscles (skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles) and liver. Orally shed viruses were probably derived from infected oral mucosa and salivary glands, whereas fecal viruses may have derived from these sites as well as from esophageal and gastric epithelia. Asymptomatic seroconversion in exposed mother hamsters was demonstrated. Our hamster model should be useful in studying person-to-person EV-A71 transmission and how drugs and vaccines may interrupt transmission.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Infections/virology
  18. Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in neuropsychiatric lupus: association with cerebritis in magnetic resonance imaging and resolution after intravenous immunoglobulin
    Lim KS, Cheong KL, Tan CT
    Lupus, 2010 May;19(6):748-52.
    PMID: 20133346 DOI: 10.1177/0961203309351539
    A 13-year-old girl with a known diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with seizures and psychosis. An electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed continuous, non-evolving periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in the left temporal region, which did not resolve with benzodiazepine. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan demonstrated a focal hyperintensity in the left medial temporal and left occipital lobes, left thalamus and bilateral cerebellar white matter, with evidence of vasculitis in the magnetic resonance angiography. Intravenous immunoglobulin was given because of failed steroid therapy, which resulted in a full resolution of clinical, EEG and MRI abnormalities. Lupus cerebritis should be considered as a possible aetiology in PLEDs, and immunoglobulin can be effective in neuropsychiatric lupus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System
  19. Fulltext Extent and patterns of drug abuse among children in Malaysia
    Navaratnam V, Aun LB, Spencer CP
    Bull Narc, 1979 Jul-Dec;31(3-4):59-68.
    PMID: 44684
    A field survey, based on a representative sample of children aged 12 to 16 years was carried out in three different areas of Malaysia. The data derived from the study have revealed that 10.5 per cent of them used drugs for non-medical reasons. Drug use was more common among boys (11.9 per cent) than girls (8.6 per cent). The highest frequency of drug was found in the youngest group--12-year-old children (13.5 per cent). The use of barbiturate and/or non-barbiturate sedatives (5.5 per cent) ranked first. This was followed in descending order by tranquillizers (4.5 per cent), simultants/amphetamines (3.9 per cent), heroin (3.6 per cent), morphine and/or opium (3.9 per cent), the hallucinogens (3.1 per cent) and cannabis (2.7 per cent).
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Stimulants
  20. Oleic Acid Coated Silver Nanoparticles Showed Better in Vitro Amoebicidal Effects against Naegleria fowleri than Amphotericin B
    Rajendran K, Anwar A, Khan NA, Aslam Z, Raza Shah M, Siddiqui R
    ACS Chem Neurosci, 2020 08 19;11(16):2431-2437.
    PMID: 31347828 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00289
    Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) which almost always results in death. N. fowleri is also known as "brain-eating amoeba" due to its literal infestation of the brain leading to an inflammatory response in the brain tissues. Currently, there is no single drug that is available to treat PAM, and most treatments are combinations of antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Recently nanotechnology has gained attention in chemotherapeutic research converging on drug delivery, while oleic acid (OA) has shown positive effects on the human immune system and inflammatory processes. In continuation of our recent research in which we reported the effects of oleic acid conjugated with silver nanoparticles (OA-AgNPs) against free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, in this report, we show their antiamoebic effects against N. fowleri. OA alone and its nanoconjugates were tested against the amoeba by using amoebicidal and host cell cytopathogenicity assays. Trypan blue exclusion assay was used to determine cell viability. The results revealed that OA-AgNPs exhibited significantly enhanced antiamoebic effects (P < 0.05) against N. fowleri as compared to OA alone. Evidently, lactate dehydrogenase release shows reduced N. fowleri-mediated host cell cytotoxicity. Based on our study, we anticipate that further studies on OA-AgNPs could potentially provide an alternative treatment of PAM.
    Matched MeSH terms: Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections
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