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Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 inhibitors from Piper sarmentosum Roxb. using molecular docking

Saw KC, Ahmad Mokhtar AM, Ismail NI

Trop Biomed, 2024 Jun 01;41(2):166-175.
PMID: 39154269 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.2.006

Nsp1 in SARS-CoV-2 is a key protein that increases the virus's pathogenicity and virulence by binding to the host ribosome and blocks the 40S ribosomal subunit channel, which effectively impedes the mRNA translation as well as crippling the host immune system. Previous studies revealed that the N-terminal in Nsp1 is part and parcel of Nsp1 efficiency, and mutations in its core residues have weakened the protein's. This knowledge persuades us to carry out the in silico screening on plant compounds of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. against the five target residues which are Glu36, Glu37, Arg99, Arg124 and Lys125. Potential compounds were tested for their druggability. As a result, we identified five out of 112 compounds including stigmasterol, N-feruloyltyramine, beta-Sitosterol, 13-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)- N-(2methylpropyl) trideca-2,4,12-trienamide and N-(2-methylpropyl) octadeca-2-4dienamide in Piper sarmentosum Roxb. as potential inhibitors for Nsp1. These compounds formed at least a hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding or π-cation interactions with the protein. Furthermore, SwissADME analysis and the number of bindings to the target residues suggest that N-feruloyltyramine is the ideal inhibitor candidate against SARS-CoV-2 at its N-terminal of Nsp1. Lastly, the interaction with N-feruloyltyramine increased flexibility in the loop regions of N-terminal Nsp1, especially residues 54 to 70, with residue 59 showing the highest fluctuation, potentially affecting the protein's stability and function due to the correlation between RMSF and protein function.
Fulltext The Effects of 12 Weeks Colostrum Milk Supplementation on the Expression Levels of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Metabolic Changes among Older Adults: Findings from the Biomarkers and Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis

Ooi TC, Ahmad A, Rajab NF, Sharif R

Nutrients, 2023 Jul 18;15(14).
PMID: 37513601 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143184

Senescence is a normal biological process that is accompanied with a series of deteriorations in physiological function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum milk supplementation on metabolic changes and the expression of various biomarkers on inflammation, antioxidant and oxidative damage, nutrient metabolism, and genomic stability among older adults. Older adults (50-69 years old) who participated in the 12-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial were instructed to consume the IgCo bovine colostrum-enriched skim milk or regular skim milk (placebo) twice daily. Following 12 weeks of intervention, participants in the intervention group had lower expression levels in pro-inflammatory mediators (CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α), with significant (p < 0.05) interaction effects of the group and time observed. However, no significant interaction effect was observed in the vitamin D, telomerase, 8-OHdG, MDA, and SOD activities. UPLC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that 22 metabolites were upregulated and 11 were downregulated in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. Glycerophospholipid metabolism, along with cysteine and methionine metabolism were identified as the potential metabolic pathways that are associated with bovine colostrum milk consumption. In conclusion, consuming bovine colostrum milk may induce metabolic changes and reduce the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators, thus improving the immune function in older adults.
Fulltext Detecting Diabetic Ketoacidosis with Infection: Combating a Life-Threatening Emergency with Practical Diagnostic Tools

Ahmad R, Narwaria M, Singh A, Kumar S, Haque M

Diagnostics (Basel), 2023 Jul 21;13(14).
PMID: 37510185 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142441

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening acute complication of diabetes mellitus and can lead to patient demise if not immediately treated. From the recent literature, the diabetic ketoacidosis mortality rate, depending on age, is 2-5%. Insulin discontinuation and infection remain the two most common triggers for diabetic ketoacidosis. About 50% of cases of ketoacidosis result from bacterial infections like urinary tract infections and pneumonia. It is also important to diagnose the presence of infection in diabetic ketoacidosis patients to prevent the excessive use of antibiotics, which may lead to antibiotic resistance. Although performing bacterial culture is confirmatory for the presence or absence of bacterial infection, the time required to obtain the result is long. At the same time, emergency treatment needs to be started as early as possible.
METHODS: This narrative review examines various septic markers to identify the appropriate tools for diagnosis and to distinguish between diabetic ketoacidosis with and without infection. Electronic databases were searched using the Google engine with the keywords "Diabetes Mellitus", "Diabetic Ketoacidosis", "Infection with Diabetic Ketoacidosis", "biomarkers for infection in Diabetic Ketoacidosis", "Procalcitonin", "Inflammatory cytokines in DKA", "Lactic acidosis in DKA", and "White blood cell in infection in DKA".
RESULTS: This narrative review article presents the options for diagnosis and also aims to create awareness regarding the gravity of diabetic ketoacidosis with infection and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis for appropriate management. Diabetes mellitus is a clinical condition that may lead to several acute and chronic complications. Acute diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition in which an excess production of ketone bodies results in acidosis and hypovolemia. Infection is one of the most common triggers of diabetic ketoacidosis. When bacterial infection is present along with diabetic ketoacidosis, the mortality rate is even higher than for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis without infection. The symptoms and biomarkers of diabetic ketoacidosis are similar to that of infection, like fever, C reactive protein, and white blood cell count, since both create an environment of systemic inflammation. It is also essential to distinguish between the presence and absence of bacterial infection to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics and prevent antimicrobial resistance. A bacterial culture report is confirmatory for the existence of bacterial infection, but this may take up to 24 h. Diagnosis needs to be performed approximately in the emergency room upon admission since there is a need for immediate management. Therefore, researching the possible diagnostic tools for the presence of infection in diabetic ketoacidosis patients is of great importance. Several of such biomarkers have been discussed in this research work.
Lactobacillus Spp.-Enhanced Memory is Strain-Dependent and Associated, in Part, with Amyloidogenic and anti-Oxidant/Oxidative Stress Interplay in Amyloid Beta Precursor Protein Transgenic Mice

Ahmad Alwi NA, Lim SM, Mani V, Ramasamy K

J Diet Suppl, 2023;20(5):717-734.
PMID: 35876040 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2022.2103608

This study explored mechanisms underpinning enhanced memory in amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice (male; 10-12 months; n = 6/group) supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum LAB12 (LAB12)/Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS). Morris Water Maze test was performed before brains were harvested for gene expression and biochemical studies. LAB-supplemented mice exhibited reduced escape latency and distance but significant increased time spent in platform zone. This was associated with downregulated beta-site APP cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) mRNA and significant reduced nitric oxide in brains. LAB12 also significantly increased glutathione. The LAB-enhanced memory is strain-dependent and could be mediated, in part, through amyloidogenic pathway and anti-oxidant/oxidative stress interplay.
Application of pesticide in paddy fields: a Southeast Asia case study review

Mohd Nizam SN, Haji Baharudin NS, Ahmad H

Environ Geochem Health, 2023 Aug;45(8):5557-5577.
PMID: 37380923 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01668-8

Pesticides are widely employed in rice crops since the ecosystem and surroundings of paddy promote insects, weeds, and fungal and bacterial pathogens. Each commonly utilised pesticide possesses different uses. For instance, fungicides control fungal issues, herbicides curb weed growth, and insecticides destroy and repel insects. Although several ways to categorise them exist, pesticides are typically classified according to their chemical compositions. Rice production remains one of the most dominant crops grown in most Southeast Asian countries as it is a staple food. Nonetheless, the crop is highly dependent on pesticides, leading to growing concerns over the potential adverse effects of pesticides on the environment and human health. Despite the availability of numerous studies on the subject, a comprehensive understanding of the specific effects of pesticides on paddy fields in Southeast Asia is still lacking. Consequently, reviewing existing knowledge is necessary for synthesising and identifying research gaps to better inform policymakers, farmers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The objectives of the present review paper were to review the interactions between pesticides and the environment by understanding the physical and chemical properties of the chemicals, compare pesticide transportation modes in air, water, and soil and how they affect the environment, and evaluate and discuss the effects of pesticides on non-targeted organisms. This study assessed pesticide innovation reported between 1945 and 2021 for a better understanding of the utilisation of the chemicals over time. The pesticides assessed in this study were classified based on their chemical compounds, such as organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroid. This review could provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between pesticides and the environment and their impacts on non-targeted organisms.
Strategies for strengthening toughened poly(lactic acid) blend via natural reinforcement with enhanced biodegradability: A review

Shahdan D, Rosli NA, Chen RS, Ahmad S, Gan S

Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Aug 11;251:126214.
PMID: 37572810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126214

The growing popularity of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) can be attributed to its favorable attributes, such as excellent compostability and robust mechanical properties. Two notable limitations of PLA are its high brittleness and slow biodegradation rate. Both of blending and copolymerization strategies work well to improve PLA's toughness while sacrificing the good tensile strength and modulus properties of PLA. One of the most effective and economical approaches to address this challenge is to incorporate natural reinforcing agents into the toughened PLA system, thereby simultaneously promoting the biodegradation rate of PLA. Nevertheless, the enhancement of tensile strength and modulus is accompanied by a notable decrease in elongation. Therefore, this review provides comprehensive information on the literature works related to the tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break and impact strength of the toughened PLA and its natural fiber reinforced composites. The impact of natural reinforcing agent on the tensile fracture mechanism as well as the synergistic effect on strengthening and toughening performance will be discussed. This review also focuses on the factors boosting the biodegradability of toughened PLA blend by using natural reinforcing fiber. Review presents potential future insights into the development of biodegradable and balanced strengthened-toughened PLA based advanced materials.
Comparative efficacy trials with alcohol added d-phenothrin formulations against Aedes aegypti under open-field condition

Megat Nabil Mohsin S, Ahmad N, Yusof YA

Pest Manag Sci, 2023 Oct;79(10):4094-4099.
PMID: 37300851 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7610

BACKGROUND: Evaporation inhibition of water-based space spray insecticides is necessary to prevent the drifting away of fog droplets and the release of insecticidal actives and to prolong suspension time. To address this problem, hygroscopic alcohols, namely propylene glycol and glycerol, were included as adjuvants in water-based d-phenothrin formulations. The performances of glycerol-added formulation (D1) and propylene glycol-added formulation (D2) in terms of droplet size and efficacy against larvae, pupae and adult Aedes aegypti in an open-field environment were examined and compared to the performance of a formulation without adjuvant (negative control).
RESULTS: No significant difference in droplet size was observed between the formulations and fogging methods. The efficacy of cold fogs was significantly higher than thermal fogs for all formulations. D2 was found to be most effective against adult Ae. aegypti, followed by D1 and the negative control. D1 and D2 provided complete knockdown and mortality in adult Ae. aegypti at 10 and 25 m for cold and thermal fogging, respectively. However, all d-phenothrin formulations possessed minimal efficacy on immature Ae. aegypti.
CONCLUSION: The incorporation of non-toxic alcohols as adjuvants in water-based space spray insecticides increased efficacy against adult Ae. aegypti, a major vector for dengue. Propylene glycol was discovered to induce higher adulticidal efficacy than glycerol. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Relations between clinical characteristics and cognitive deficits among adult patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder

Subhas N, Ang JK, Tan KA, Ahmad SNA

Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 2023 Sep;27(3):219-231.
PMID: 36448673 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2022.2149415

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the relations between clinical characteristics and cognitive deficits in adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) from a local outpatient psychiatric clinic in Malaysia.
METHODS: The present sample included 110 participants aged 20-60 years old. Participants were invited to provide their information on sociodemographic variables (age, gender, and educational level) and clinical characteristics (age at onset of depression and duration of illness) and to complete a series of cognitive performance measures including the Trail Making Tests A (psychomotor speed) and B (executive function), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (attention), and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (immediate free recall, acquisition phase, and delayed recall). The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Version 6.0 was used to confirm the diagnosis of MDD and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale was used to assess illness severity.
RESULTS: At the bivariate level, relations of age and educational level to all cognitive deficit domains were significant. At the multivariate level, only educational level and illness severity consistently and significantly predicted all cognitive deficits domains.
CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic modalities should be individualised whilst considering the impacts of cognitive deficits in an attempt to prevent further deterioration in psychosocial functioning of MDD patients.KEY POINTSCognitive deficits are an elemental component of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) persisting during a current major depressive episode or during remission, altering individuals' ability to process information and changes the way they perceive and interact with the environment.Cognitive deficits in MDD are evident among the upper-middle income groups in South-Eastern Asian countries warranting more local research as such deficits could lead to functional decline and work performance such as absenteeism and presenteeism.Therapeutic modalities should be individualised by taking the impacts of cognitive deficits into consideration to promote psychosocial functioning of MDD patients.
Fulltext Biocompatible and Biodegradable Surfactants from Orange Peel for Oil Spill Remediation

Wang PS, Ahmad A, Nazar M, Rahmah AU, Moniruzzaman M

Molecules, 2023 Aug 01;28(15).
PMID: 37570764 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155794

Oil spill remediation plays a vital role in mitigating the environmental impacts caused by oil spills. The chemical method is one of the widely recognized approaches in chemical surfactants. However, the most commonly used chemical surfactants are toxic and non-biodegradable. Herein, two biocompatible and biodegradable surfactants were synthesized from orange peel using the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) and organic solvent dimethylacetamide (CH3CN(CH3)2) as reaction media. The acronyms SOPIL and SOPOS refer to the surfactants prepared with BMIMCl and dimethylacetamide, respectively. The surface tension, dispersant effectiveness, optical microscopy, and emulsion stability test were conducted to examine the comparative performance of the synthesized surfactants. The Baffled flask test (BFT) was carried out to determine the dispersion effectiveness. The toxicity test was performed against zebrafish (Danio rerio), whereas the closed bottle test (CBT) evaluated biodegradability. The results revealed that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of SOPIL was lower (8.57 mg/L) than that of SOPOS (9.42 mg/L). The dispersion effectiveness values for SOPIL and SOPOS were 69.78% and 40.30%, respectively. The acute toxicity test demonstrated that SOPIL was 'practically non-toxic' with a median lethal concentration of more than 1000 mg/L after 96 h. The biodegradation rate was recorded as higher than 60% for both surfactants within 28 days, demonstrating their readily biodegradable nature. Considering these attributes, biocompatible and biodegradable surfactants derived from orange peel emerge as a promising and sustainable alternative for oil spill remediation.
Fulltext Effects of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Supplementation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Phang SCW, Ahmad B, Abdul Kadir K, M Palanisamy UD

Adv Nutr, 2023 Sep;14(5):1159-1169.
PMID: 37321474 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.06.006

There are a large number of studies that have reported benefits of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) in various populations with different health status. To date, no systematic reviews have examined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of TRF supplementations specifically in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the changes in HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), blood pressure, and serum Hs-CRP (C-reactive protein high sensitivity) levels at post-TRF supplementation. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, OVID Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception until March 2023 for RCTs supplementing TRF in patients with T2DM. A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis to estimate the pooled effect size. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias (RoB) Assessment Tool was utilized to evaluate the RoB in individual studies. The meta-analysis revealed that TRF supplementation at a dosage of 250-400 mg significantly decreased HbA1c (-0.23, 95% CI: -0.44, -0.02, P < 0.05, n = 754), particularly where the intervention duration is less than 6 mo (-0.47%, 95% CI: -0.90, -0.05, P < 0.05, n = 126) and where duration of diabetes is less than 10 y (-0.37, 95% CI: -0.68, -0.07, P < 0.05, n = 83). There was no significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum Hs-CRP (P > 0.05). The present meta-analysis demonstrated that supplementing with TRF in patients with T2DM decreased HbA1c but does not decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum Hs-CRP.
Interpositional Arthroplasty With Quadriceps Tendon in Patellofemoral Joint Osteoarthritis: An Alternative Way

Shamsuddin MAF, Ahmad Hanif KA, Mohd Nasir MN

Cureus, 2023 Aug;15(8):e43920.
PMID: 37746381 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43920

We present a case report of a 45-year-old Malay female prison officer with a diagnosis of lateral patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) in her right knee for whom conservative treatment failed. She was periodically followed up for the unresolving anterior right knee pain, and the patient was offered interpositional PFJ arthroplasty with the quadriceps tendon. A novel technique of interpositional PFJ arthroplasty using lateral inner section ipsilateral quadriceps tendon was applied. The approach and surgical technique were described in this case report. The aim of this study is to describe why this technique was chosen, step by step with images on how interpositional PFJ arthroplasty is done and its satisfactory outcome following a three-month follow up.
Fulltext A Review on the Protective Effects of Honey against Metabolic Syndrome

Ramli NZ, Chin KY, Zarkasi KA, Ahmad F

Nutrients, 2018 Aug 02;10(8).
PMID: 30072671 DOI: 10.3390/nu10081009

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of diseases comprising of obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. There are numerous pre-clinical as well as human studies reporting the protective effects of honey against MetS. Honey is a nutritional food low in glycemic index. Honey intake reduces blood sugar levels and prevents excessive weight gain. It also improves lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which leads to decreased risk of atherogenesis. In addition, honey enhances insulin sensitivity that further stabilizes blood glucose levels and protects the pancreas from overstimulation brought on by insulin resistance. Furthermore, antioxidative properties of honey help in reducing oxidative stress, which is one of the central mechanisms in MetS. Lastly, honey protects the vasculature from endothelial dysfunction and remodelling. Therefore, there is a strong potential for honey supplementation to be integrated into the management of MetS, both as preventive as well as adjunct therapeutic agents.
Inhibitory effects of Cinnamomum burmannii Blume stem bark extract and trans-cinnamaldehyde on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells; synergism with cisplatin

Daker M, Lin VY, Akowuah GA, Yam MF, Ahmad M

Exp Ther Med, 2013 Jun;5(6):1701-1709.
PMID: 23837058

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy that occurs in the epithelium of the nasopharynx. The standard treatment of NPC patients with locoregionally advanced stages is problematic and is often associated with toxicities. Therefore, it is essential to screen for naturally occurring compounds with strong apoptosis-inducing activity and minimal toxicity. This study investigated the effects of the standardized methanol extract of Cinnamomum burmannii Blume stem bark and its main constituent, trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), on human NPC cell lines. The content of TCA in C. burmannii methanol extract was standardized to be 13.61% w/w by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). NPC cell proliferation was clearly inhibited within 24 h of treatment, with TCA exhibiting greater activity than the methanol extract. TCA was more active against NPC cells compared with cisplatin. There was a pronounced downregulation of the proliferation markers, Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the TCA-treated cells; while morphological observation indicated the induction of apoptosis. Caspase activation and prominent DNA damage, which are markers of apoptosis induction were detected. TCA demonstrated the ability to scavenge nitric oxide. The simultaneous combination of TCA and cisplatin produced synergistic anti-proliferative effects. Collectively, these data indicate the potential use of TCA for the treatment of NPC.
Fulltext Cure & Care 1Malaysia Clinics: Measuring the Effectiveness via Dyads Lens Involving Receivers and Providers

Mustapha SZ, Ahmad Y, Aziz NA, Abd Hamid SNF

J Patient Exp, 2023;10:23743735231179070.
PMID: 37332831 DOI: 10.1177/23743735231179070

Drug treatment and rehabilitation programs are one of the initiatives to alleviate the global epidemic of drug addiction. The efforts were undertaken by everyone, particularly the government. However, the rising number of drug relapses among patients or clients ponders the effectiveness of the drug treatment and rehabilitation programs implemented in the country. This paper aims to study the drug relapse prevention initiatives and the effectiveness of the center in dealing with drug addiction issues. A case study of 4 drug treatment and rehabilitation centers, namely Cure & Care 1Malaysia Clinics in Selangor, Malacca, Penang, and Kelantan, was selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with 37 participants-26 clients and 11 providers, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis and NVivo version 12. The findings indicate that relapse prevention initiatives are a signal for the effectiveness of the center to reduce drug relapse cases. The implementation of drug treatment and rehabilitation programs was effective based on key aspects consisting of (1) knowledge and life skills learned; (2) staff reception; (3) individual changes; and (4) client acceptance. Therefore, by experiencing relapse prevention activities, it helps to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of drug treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Fulltext Spatial prediction of soil erosion risk using knowledge-driven method in Malaysia's Steepland Agriculture Forested Valley

Nasir Ahmad NSB, Mustafa FB, Muhammad Yusoff SY

Environ Dev Sustain, 2023 Apr 21.
PMID: 37362990 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03251-8

Soil is a fundamental resource with its value vital to the world's ecosystem. Due to the fact that soil is one of the bases of all terrestrial life, humans cannot survive without it. However, soil erosion has jeopardized soil sustainability and affected the environmental quality, leaving a bad impact if these issues were not tackled at an earlier phase. Many research has been done to predict soil erosion susceptibility areas using different methods. This research aims to classify the contributing factors of soil erosion according to the risk and generate a soil erosion risk prediction map in Cameron Highlands. Thus, this research focuses on a knowledge-driven method that uses Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to achieve the objectives. This technique consists of weighing the factors adopted by comparing pairs of factors that control erosion in this area through experts' opinions. 15 factors have been chosen to build the prediction map. Result shows that rainfall erosivity is the main factor contributing to soil erosion in Cameron Highlands which is 0.110, followed by land use (0.095), slope steepness (0.089), soil texture (0.079), NDVI (0.079), TWI (0.072), slope length (0.065), slope aspect (0.064), slope altitude (0.062), SPI (0.061), lithology (0.060), slope curvature (0.054), drainage density (0.049), distance to road (0.029) and distance to stream (0.025). The west part of the study area was exposed to a high risk of soil erosion. This research will give the decision-makers, policymakers and planners insight into minimizing the soil erosion problem and suggest better precautions and solutions to overcome this severe environmental problem in the more advanced phase.
Breaking through the steroid stigma: a single-centre study on topical corticosteroid perception and adherence in dermatology patients and caregivers

Kew CH, Ahmad Basir KF, Low DW, Loh KC

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):437-444.
PMID: 37518909

INTRODUCTION: Topical corticosteroid phobia is a common phenomenon that can result in poor treatment adherence and therapeutic failure.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and degree of topical corticosteroid phobia and its impact on treatment adherence in various dermatological conditions. Additionally, we explored the sources of information regarding topical corticosteroids.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 participants with topical corticosteroid usage experience. Topical corticosteroid phobia was assessed with the topical corticosteroid phobia (TOPICOP) scale, and treatment adherence was measured with the Elaboration d'un outil d'evaluation de l'observance des traitements medicamenteux (ECOB) score. Information sources regarding topical corticosteroids were identified, and their level of trust was assessed. The data were collected via questionnaires in three languages, namely English, Malay and Mandarin.
RESULTS: The study found that topical corticosteroid phobia was prevalent, with 98% of participants expressing a certain degree of phobia. The mean global TOPICOP score was 32.7 ± 6.7%. The mean score of each domain was 27.1 ± 17.2% for knowledge and belief, 35.7 ± 23.8% for fears and 40.8 ± 25.8% for behaviour. Patients/caregivers who have eczema, highly educated, severe disease, low tolerability to symptoms, previous adverse effects with topical corticosteroids and tend to traditional/non-steroidal alternative therapy usage had a significant association with topical corticosteroid phobia (p<0.05). Dermatologists were the most common and trusted source of information on topical corticosteroids.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the widespread topical corticosteroid phobia in dermatological practice. Dermatologists should take the lead in combating steroid phobia and provide patients with public awareness regarding topical corticosteroids to improve treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes.
Fulltext From Simple to Sinister: Kaposi Sarcoma Masquerading as a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Redzuwan NS, Ahmad Tarmizi NA, Mohd Khialdin S

Cureus, 2023 Sep;15(9):e45296.
PMID: 37846262 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45296

A young male in his early 30s presented with spontaneous left eye redness for three months associated with blood-stained eye discharge. There was no history of trauma, blood dyscrasias, or anticoagulant intake. On examination, visual acuity was normal in both eyes. An anterior segment examination of the left eye showed subconjunctival hemorrhage with a fleshy bright red conjunctival mass hidden in the inferotemporal fornix. Other parts of the ocular examination including the contralateral eye were unremarkable. Upon further inquiry, the patient revealed a history of a retroviral disease diagnosed eight years ago but had not pursued treatment. Systemic examination revealed a raised non-pigmented lesion of the tongue and a painless purplish plaque at the back. Investigations showed a high viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) load and confirmed the Kaposi sarcoma of the conjunctiva, tongue, and skin; cryptococcal meningitis; smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis; and late latent syphilis. He was comanaged by multidisciplinary teams. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was commenced. Treatment was a challenge considering the simultaneous presence of malignancy and a serious fungal infection of the brain in an immunosuppressed patient. Fortunately, three months post treatment, he showed remarkable improvement as there was almost a complete resolution of conjunctival Kaposi sarcoma. This case revealed an unusual presentation of Kaposi sarcoma affecting the conjunctiva, which could have been mistaken for simple subconjunctival hemorrhage in a young patient without informed comorbidity.
Fulltext Harnessing the power of AI: Advanced deep learning models optimization for accurate SARS-CoV-2 forecasting

Tariq MU, Ismail SB, Babar M, Ahmad A

PLoS One, 2023;18(7):e0287755.
PMID: 37471397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287755

The pandemic has significantly affected many countries including the USA, UK, Asia, the Middle East and Africa region, and many other countries. Similarly, it has substantially affected Malaysia, making it crucial to develop efficient and precise forecasting tools for guiding public health policies and approaches. Our study is based on advanced deep-learning models to predict the SARS-CoV-2 cases. We evaluate the performance of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bi-directional LSTM, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), CNN-LSTM, Multilayer Perceptron, Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN). We trained these models and assessed them using a detailed dataset of confirmed cases, demographic data, and pertinent socio-economic factors. Our research aims to determine the most reliable and accurate model for forecasting SARS-CoV-2 cases in the region. We were able to test and optimize deep learning models to predict cases, with each model displaying diverse levels of accuracy and precision. A comprehensive evaluation of the models' performance discloses the most appropriate architecture for Malaysia's specific situation. This study supports ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic by offering valuable insights into the application of sophisticated deep-learning models for precise and timely SARS-CoV-2 case predictions. The findings hold considerable implications for public health decision-making, empowering authorities to create targeted and data-driven interventions to limit the virus's spread and minimize its effects on Malaysia's population.
Fulltext Effectiveness of silica based sol-gel microencapsulation method for odorants and flavors leading to sustainable environment

Ashraf MA, Khan AM, Ahmad M, Sarfraz M

Front Chem, 2015;3:42.
PMID: 26322304 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2015.00042

Microencapsulation has become a hot topic in chemical research. Technology mainly used for control release and protection purposes. The sol-gel micro encapsulation approach for fragrance and aroma in porous silica-based materials leads to sustainable odorant and flavored materials with novel and unique beneficial properties. Sol-gel encapsulation of silica based micro particles considered economically cheap as capital investment in manufacturing is very low and environmentally friendly. Amorphous sol-gel SiO2 is non-toxic and safe, whereas the sol-gel entrapment of delicate chemicals in its inner pores results in pronounced chemical and physical stabilization of the entrapped active agents, thereby broadening the practical utilization of chemically unstable essential oils (EOs). Reviewing progress in the fabrication of diverse odorant and flavored sol-gels, shows us how different synthetic strategies are appropriate for practical application with important health and environmental benefits.
Fulltext Effectiveness of a Theory-Based Digital Animated Video Intervention to Reduce Intention and Willingness to Sext Among Diploma Students: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Mansor N, Ahmad N, Md Said S, Tan KA, Sutan R

J Med Internet Res, 2023 Oct 20;25:e48968.
PMID: 37862090 DOI: 10.2196/48968

BACKGROUND: Sexting refers to the exchange of sexually explicit digital content in the form of texts, photos, or videos. In recent years, sexting has become a public health concern. Surveys in Malaysia show a high prevalence of young adults engaged in sexting. Given that sexting is associated with sexual risk behavior, cyberbullying, and mental health issues, this behavior needs intervention to alleviate the resulting public health burden. However, there is a scarcity of theory-based intervention programs on the prevention of intention and willingness to sext among young adults.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and implement a sexting intervention module guided by the prototype willingness model (PWM), delivered using web-based animated video, and evaluate its effectiveness among diploma students from a public higher educational institution. The primary outcomes were intention and willingness to sext, while the secondary outcomes were knowledge, attitude, perceived norms, and prototype perceptions of sexting.
METHODS: This 2-armed, parallel, single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in a public higher educational institution in the state of Melaka, Malaysia. Diploma students from 12 programs were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Both groups answered a self-administered web-based questionnaire assessing the outcomes at the baseline. The intervention group received a newly developed intervention module based on the PWM in the form of 5 animated videos posted on a private YouTube platform, while the control group was put on the waitlist. The intervention group was encouraged to discuss any issues raised with the researchers via WhatsApp private chat after viewing the videos. All participants were observed immediately and 3 months postintervention. Data analysis was performed with SPSS (version 26; IBM Corp). A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
RESULTS: There were a total of 300 participants with an attrition rate of 8.3% (n=25). After adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, and the amount of time spent on the web, there were significant differences in the intention to sext (β=-.12; P=.002; Cohen d=0.23), willingness to sext (β=-.16; P

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