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  1. Fulltext Treatment Outcomes of Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Pakistan: A Countrywide Retrospective Record Review
    Abubakar M, Ahmad N, Ghafoor A, Latif A, Ahmad I, Atif M, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:640555.
    PMID: 33867989 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.640555
    Background: The current study is conducted with the aim to the fill the gap of information regarding treatment outcomes and variables associated with unsuccessful outcome among XDR-TB patients from Pakistan. Methods: A total of 404 culture confirmed XDR-TB patients who received treatment between 1st May 2010 and June 30, 2017 at 27 treatment centers all over Pakistan were retrospectively followed until their treatment outcomes were reported. A p-value <0.05 reflected a statistical significant association. Results: The patients had a mean age 32.9 ± 14.1 years. The overall treatment success rate was 40.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]:35.80-45.60%). A total of 155 (38.4%) patients were declared cured, 9 (2.2%) completed treatment, 149 (36.9%) died, 60 (14.9%) failed treatment and 31 (7.7%) were lost to follow up (LTFU). The results of the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the patients' age of >60 years (OR = 4.69, 95%CI:1.57-15.57) and receiving high dose isoniazid (OR = 2.36, 95%CI:1.14-4.85) had statistically significant positive association with death, whereas baseline body weight >40 kg (OR = 0.43, 95%CI:0.25-0.73) and sputum culture conversion in the initial two months of treatment (OR = 0.33, 95%CI:0.19-0.58) had statistically significant negative association with death. Moreover, male gender had statistically significant positive association (OR = 1.92, 95%CI:1.04-3.54) with LTFU. Conclusion: The treatment success rate (40.6%) of XDR-TB patients in Pakistan was poor. Providing special attention and enhanced clinical management to patients with identified risk factors for death and LTFU in the current cohort may improve the treatment outcomes.
  2. Fulltext Investigation on Hamburg Wheel-Tracking Device Stripping Performance Properties of Recycled Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures
    Rafiq W, Bin Napiah M, Hartadi Sutanto M, Salah Alaloul W, Nadia Binti Zabri Z, Imran Khan M, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Oct 22;13(21).
    PMID: 33105633 DOI: 10.3390/ma13214704
    Moisture damage in hot mix asphalt pavements is a periodic but persistent problem nowadays, even though laboratory testing is performed to identify different moisture-susceptible mixtures. In this study, a Hamburg Wheel Tracking device (HWTD) was used for rutting tests which were conducted on control and a high percentage of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), i.e., 30%, 50% and 100% of virgin mixtures, under air dry and water-immersed conditions. Similarly, the extracted bitumen from RAP was tested for binder physical properties. Results showed that the asphalt mixtures containing RAP have less rut depth as compared to the control mix both in air dry and immersion conditions and hence showed better anti-rutting properties and moisture stability. Stripping performance of control and RAP containing mixtures was also checked, concluding that the RAP mixture was greatly dependent on the interaction between the binder (virgin plus aged) and aggregates.
  3. Prevalence and factors of T-score discordance between hip and spine among middle-aged and elderly Malaysians
    Chan CY, Subramaniam S, Mohamed N, Ima-Nirwana S, Muhammad N, Fairus A, et al.
    Arch Osteoporos, 2020 09 12;15(1):142.
    PMID: 32918631 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-020-00821-5
    T-score discordance between hip and spine is a common problem in the diagnosis of osteoporosis based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Not much information on the prevalence and risk factors of this problem is available in Malaysia. Our study found that factors like age, height, physical activity and menopausal status should be taken into account in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

    INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: T-score discordance between hip and spine is a common problem in bone mineral density assessment. A difference ≥ 1 standard deviation (SD) (regardless of diagnostic class) is considered minor, and a difference more than one diagnostic class is considered major discordance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors of hip and spine T-score discordance in a population aged ≥ 40 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, subjects answered a demographic questionnaire and underwent body composition and bone health assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were used to assess the prevalence of T-score discordance among the subjects.

    RESULTS: A total of 786 Malaysians (382 men, 404 women) subjects were recruited. The prevalence of minor and major discordance was 30.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Overall, factors related to T-score discordance were advanced age, decreased height, and being physically active. Sub-analysis showed that decreased height and being physically active predicted T-score discordance in men, being menopausal and Indian (vs Chinese) were predictors in women.

    CONCLUSIONS: T-score discordance between hip and spine is common among Malaysian middle-aged and elderly population. Diagnosis of osteopenia/osteoporosis should be based on the T-score of more than one skeletal site as per the current recommendations.

  4. Fulltext Optical pH Sensor Based on Immobilization Anthocyanin from Dioscorea alata L. onto Polyelectrolyte Complex Pectin-Chitosan Membrane for a Determination Method of Salivary pH
    Safitri E, Humaira H, Murniana M, Nazaruddin N, Iqhrammullah M, Md Sani ND, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 14;13(8).
    PMID: 33919956 DOI: 10.3390/polym13081276
    A simple optical pH sensor based on immobilization, Dioscorea alata L. anthocyanin methanol extract, onto a pectin-chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (pectin-chitosan PEC), has been successfully fabricated. The optical pH sensor was manufactured as a membrane made of pectin-chitosan PEC and the extracted anthocyanin. This sensor has the highest sensitivity of anthocyanin content at 0.025 mg/L in phosphate buffer and 0.0375 mg/L in citrate buffer. It also has good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (%RSD) of 7.7%, and gives a stable response at time values greater than 5 min from exposure in a buffer solution, and the sensor can be utilized within five days from its synthesis. This optical pH sensor has been employed to determine saliva pH of people of different ages and showed no significant difference when compared to a potentiometric method.
  5. Fulltext Interventional Pulmonology and COVID-19: Experience from a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital
    Huan NC, Ng KL, Tang JT, Kua HN, Daut UN, Muhammad NA, et al.
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2020 12;49(12):1013-1017.
    PMID: 33463660 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020364
    The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has presented multiple challenges to global healthcare services, dictating changes in almost every aspect of daily medical practice. Performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) in the field of interventional pulmonology can lead to profound formation of aerosols, leading to a high risk of infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). We share our experiences on performing AGPs in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on changes in AGP practices. In a pandemic, HCWs ought to adapt to the ever-changing situation and use available resources to provide the best possible healthcare to patients, ensure safety of staff, and continue medical education of future pulmonologists.
  6. Fulltext Synthesis, anti-leishmanial and molecular docking study of bis-indole derivatives
    Taha M, Uddin I, Gollapalli M, Almandil NB, Rahim F, Farooq RK, et al.
    BMC Chem, 2019 Dec;13(1):102.
    PMID: 31410413 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-019-0617-4
    We have synthesized new series of bisindole analogs (1-27), characterized by 1HNMR and HR-EI-MS and evaluated for their anti-leishmanial potential. All compounds showed outstanding inhibitory potential with IC50 values ranging from 0.7 ± 0.01 to 13.30 ± 0.50 µM respectively when compared with standard pentamidine with IC50 value of 7.20 ± 0.20 µM. All analogs showed greater potential than standard except 10, 19 and 23 when compared with standard. Structure activity relationship has been also established for all compounds. Molecular docking studies were carried out to understand the binding interaction of active molecules.
  7. Fulltext Gene expression patterns distinguish breast carcinomas from normal breast tissues: the Malaysian context
    Pau Ni IB, Zakaria Z, Muhammad R, Abdullah N, Ibrahim N, Aina Emran N, et al.
    Pathol Res Pract, 2010 Apr 15;206(4):223-8.
    PMID: 20097481 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2009.11.006
    Genomic and transcriptomic alterations that affect cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion, commonly occur in breast oncogenesis. Epidemiological evidence has proven that the risk of breast cancer predisposition varies among different ethnicities. This study aims to identify the transcriptome changes that commonly occur during the transition of normal breast epithelium to carcinoma in three local ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians). The gene expression patterns of 43 breast carcinomas with 43 patient-matched normal breast tissues were investigated using Affymetrix U133A GeneChip (containing 22,283 probe sets targeting approximately 18,400 different transcripts) and analyzed with GeneSpring GX10. Our findings revealed a total of 33 significantly differentially expressed genes, which showed>2-fold change at a 99.9% confidence interval level (p<0.001). The significantly differentially expressed genes included CD24, CD36, CD9, TACSTD1, TACSTD2, HBB, LEP, LPL, AKR1C1, AKR1C2 and AKR1C3. Our results indicate that the vast majority of gene expression changes, from normal breast epithelial to carcinoma, found in our three major ethnic populations are similar to those in the Caucasian population. Further study of the differentially expressed genes identified in our present study is needed to search for potential breast tumor biomarkers. This will eventually help to improve the therapeutic and treatment strategies for breast cancer patients in the future.
  8. Sustainable mixed matrix membranes containing porphyrin and polysulfone polymer for acid gas separations
    Saqib S, Rafiq S, Muhammad N, Khan AL, Mukhtar A, Ullah S, et al.
    J Hazard Mater, 2021 06 05;411:125155.
    PMID: 33858108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125155
    The synergetic effect of nitrogen-rich and CO2-philic filler and polymer in mixed matrix-based membranes (MMMs) can separate CO2 competently. The introduction of well-defined nanostructured porous fillers of pores close to the kinetic diameter of the gas molecule and polymer matrix compatibility is a challenge in improving the gas transportation characteristics of MMMs. This study deals with the preparation of porphyrin filler and the polysulfone (PSf) polymer MMMs. The fillers demonstrated uniform distribution, uniformity, and successful bond formation. MMMs demonstrated high thermal stability with a glass transition temperature in the range of 480-610 °C. The porphyrin filler exhibited microporous nature with the presence of π-π bonds and Lewis's basic functionalities between filler-polymer resulted in a highly CO2-philic structure. The pure and mixed gas permeabilities and selectivity were successfully improved and surpass the Robeson's upper bound curve's tradeoff. Additionally, the temperature influence on CO2 permeability revealed lower activation energies at higher temperatures leading to the gas transport facilitation. This can be granted consistency and long-term durability in polymer chains. These results highlight the unique properties of porphyrin fillers in CO2 separation mixed matrix membranes and offer new knowledge to increase comprehension of PSf performance under various contents or environments.
  9. Genome-wide screening of vaccine targets prioritization and reverse vaccinology aided design of peptides vaccine to enforce humoral immune response against Campylobacter jejuni
    Zeb A, Ali SS, Azad AK, Safdar M, Anwar Z, Suleman M, et al.
    Comput Biol Med, 2021 06;133:104412.
    PMID: 33934066 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104412
    Campylobacter jejuni, gram-negative bacteria, is an infectious agent of foodborne disease-causing bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Miller Fisher syndrome in humans. Campylobacter spp. with multidrug resistance to fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, and erythromycin are reported. Hence, an effective vaccine candidate would provide long-term immunity against C. jejuni infections. Thus, we used a subtractive proteomics pipeline to prioritize essential proteins, which impart a critical role in virulence, replication and survival. Five proteins, i.e. Single-stranded DNA-binding protein, UPF0324 membrane protein Cj0999c, DNA translocase FtsK, 50S ribosomal protein L22, and 50S ribosomal protein L1 were identified as virulent proteins and selected for vaccine designing. We reported that the multi-epitopes subunit vaccine based on CTL, HTL and B-cell epitopes combination possess strong antigenic properties and associates no allergenic reaction. Further investigation revealed that the vaccine interacts with the immune receptor (TLR-4) and triggered the release of primary and secondary immune factors. Moreover, the CAI and GC contents obtained through codon optimization were reported to be 0.93 and 53% that confirmed a high expression in the selected vector. The vaccine designed in this study needs further scientific consensus and will aid in managing C. jejuni infections.
  10. Fulltext A simple optical pH sensor based on pectin and Ruellia tuberosa L-derived anthocyanin for fish freshness monitoring
    Nazaruddin N, Afifah N, Bahi M, Susilawati S, Sani NDM, Esmaeili C, et al.
    F1000Res, 2021;10:422.
    PMID: 34527216 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.52836.2
    A simple optical pH sensor using the active compound anthocyanin (ACN), derived Ruellia tuberosa L. flower immobilized in a pectin membrane matrix, was been fabricated and employed to monitor the freshness of tilapia fish at room temperature and 4 oC storage. The quantitative pH values were measured based on the UV-Vis spectroscopy absorbance. The optimum pectin weight and ACN concentrations were 0.1% and 0.025 mg/L. The sensor showed good sensitivity at 0.03 M phosphate buffer solution. The sensor's reproducibility was evaluated using 10 replicate sensors where a standard deviation of 0.045 or relative standard deviation of 9.15 was achieved. The sensor displayed an excellent response after 10 minutes of exposure, possessing a response stability for 10 consecutive days. The decrease in pH value of the Tilapia fish from 7.3 to 5 was observed in a 48 hour test, which can be used as the parameter when monitoring fish freshness. Overall, this reported optical pH sensor has a novelty as it could be used to monitor the rigor mortis phase of fish meat, which is useful in food industry.
  11. Genetic structure of the dengue vector Aedes albopictus (Skuse) from different developed settlements in Penang Island, Malaysia based on microsatellite markers
    Muhammad NAF, Kassim NFA, Ab Majid AH, Wajidi MFF, Jamsari AFJ, Dieng H, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1049-1063.
    PMID: 33601852
    The medically important mosquito, Aedes albopictus is native to Asia and has become a major health concern in most Asian countries including Malaysia. Being recognized as a dengue vector, a clearer understanding of how mosquito populations are geographically connected, may therefore represent a profound yet significant understanding of control strategies. There are no documented reports on the genetic structure of Ae. albopictus populations from different developed settlements inferred from microsatellite DNA markers in Malaysia, particularly in Penang Island (Northern Peninsular Malaysia). Here, we assessed the molecular population genetics of Ae. albopictus in terms of their allelic variation, genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 42 mosquitoes were sampled from Jelutong, Batu Maung and Balik Pulau which represented urban, suburban and rural areas in Penang Island respectively and analysed for polymorphism at six microsatellite loci. All of the microsatellite markers were successfully amplified and were polymorphic, showing low genetic structure among geographic populations (FST= 0.0362). It is supported with admixture individuals observed in STRUCTURE and FCA and this suggests that high gene flow has been experienced between populations. These findings implicate passive dispersal through human-aided transportation; as a factor shaping the genetic structure of Ae. albopictus populations in Penang Island.
  12. Detecting adulteration of stingless bee honey using untargeted 1H NMR metabolomics with chemometrics
    Yong CH, Muhammad SA, Aziz FA, Nasir FI, Mustafa MZ, Ibrahim B, et al.
    Food Chem, 2021 Aug 09;368:130808.
    PMID: 34419793 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130808
    As stingless bee honey (SBH) is gaining in popularity in the Malaysian market, it is now prone to adulteration. The higher price of SBH compared to floral honey has led to the use of unusual adulterants such as vinegar and even floral honey to mimic the unique taste and appearance of SBH. Since the current AOAC 998.12 method fails to detect these adulterants as their δ13C values are in the range for C3 plants, untargeted 1H NMR metabolomics was proposed. Principal component analysis of SBH 1H NMR fingerprints was able to distinguish authentic SBHs from adulterated ones down to 1% adulteration level for selected adulterants. Discriminant analysis showed promising results in distinguishing the preliminary datasets of authentic SBHs from the adulterated ones, including discriminating SBHs adulterated with different adulterants derived from C3 and C4 plants. Hence, to assure any emerging adulterant can be detected, all 1H NMR regions should be considered.
  13. Biology-oriented drug synthesis (BIODS), in vitro urease inhibitory activity, and in silico studies on ibuprofen derivatives
    Seraj F, Kanwal, Khan KM, Khan A, Ali M, Khalil R, et al.
    Mol Divers, 2021 Feb;25(1):143-157.
    PMID: 31965436 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-019-10032-x
    Novel ibuprofen derivatives 1-19 including ibuprofen hydrazide 1, and substituted thiourea derivatives 2-19 were synthesized and characterized by EI-MS, FAB-MS, HREI-MS, HRFAB-MS, 1H-, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The synthetic molecules 1-19 were examined for their in vitro urease inhibition and were found to display a diversified degree of inhibitory potential in the range of IC50 = 2.96-178 μM as compared to the standard thiourea (IC50 = 21.32 ± 0.22 μM). Out of nineteen, thirteen derivatives 2-4, 6, 7, 9, 11-15, 17, and 18 demonstrated remarkable inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 2.96 ± 1.11 to 16.1 ± 1.07 μM, compound 5 exhibited moderate inhibition with IC50 value of 37.3 ± 0.41 μM, whereas, compounds 1, 8, and 10 demonstrated weak inhibition against urease enzyme. Almost all structural features are participating in the activity; however, limited structure-activity relationship was discussed on the basis of different structural features, i.e., different functional groups and their positions at aryl part. In addition, molecular docking study was performed in order to understand the ligands binding interactions with the active site of urease enzyme.
  14. Fulltext Insights into Alexandrium minutum Nutrient Acquisition, Metabolism and Saxitoxin Biosynthesis through Comprehensive Transcriptome Survey
    Akbar MA, Yusof NYM, Sahrani FK, Usup G, Ahmad A, Baharum SN, et al.
    Biology (Basel), 2021 Aug 25;10(9).
    PMID: 34571703 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090826
    The toxin-producing dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum is responsible for the outbreaks of harmful algae bloom (HABs). It is a widely distributed species and is responsible for producing paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. However, the information associated with the environmental adaptation pathway and toxin biosynthesis in this species is still lacking. Therefore, this study focuses on the functional characterization of A. minutum unigenes obtained from transcriptome sequencing using the Illumina Hiseq 4000 sequencing platform. A total of 58,802 (47.05%) unigenes were successfully annotated using public databases such as NCBI-Nr, UniprotKB, EggNOG, KEGG, InterPRO and Gene Ontology (GO). This study has successfully identified key features that enable A. minutum to adapt to the marine environment, including several carbon metabolic pathways, assimilation of various sources of nitrogen and phosphorus. A. minutum was found to encode homologues for several proteins involved in saxitoxin biosynthesis, including the first three proteins in the pathway of saxitoxin biosynthesis, namely sxtA, sxtG and sxtB. The comprehensive transcriptome analysis presented in this study represents a valuable resource for understanding the dinoflagellates molecular metabolic model regarding nutrient acquisition and biosynthesis of saxitoxin.
  15. Fulltext Acute kidney injury following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a tertiary public hospital in Malaysia: an analysis of 1228 consecutive cases
    Hiew KC, Sachithanandan A, Muhammad Nor MA, Badmanaban B, Jasid AM, Ismail F, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2016 Jun;71(3):126-30.
    PMID: 27495886 MyJurnal
    Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery is well established but the reported incidence is variable due to varying definitions and criteria. Furthermore there is a paucity of such data from Southeast Asia.
  16. Synthesis, in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and molecular docking studies of new thiazole derivatives
    Khan KM, Qurban S, Salar U, Taha M, Hussain S, Perveen S, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2016 10;68:245-58.
    PMID: 27592296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2016.08.010
    Current study based on the synthesis of new thiazole derivatives via "one pot" multicomponent reaction, evaluation of their in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and in silico studies. All synthetic compounds were fully characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and EIMS. CHN analysis was also performed. These newly synthesized compounds showed activities in the range of IC50=9.06±0.10-82.50±1.70μM as compared to standard acarbose (IC50=38.25±0.12μM). It is worth mentioning that most of the compounds such as 1 (IC50=23.60±0.39μM), 2 (IC50=22.70±0.60μM), 3 (IC50=22.40±0.32μM), 4 (IC50=26.5±0.40μM), 6 (IC50=34.60±0.60μM), 7 (IC50=26.20±0.43μM), 8 (IC50=14.06±0.18μM), 9 (IC50=17.60±0.28μM), 10 (IC50=27.16±0.41μM), 11 (IC50=19.16±0.19μM), 12 (IC50=9.06±0.10μM), 13 (IC50=12.80±0.21μM), 14 (IC50=11.94±0.18μM), 15 (IC50=16.90±0.20μM), 16 (IC50=12.60±0.14μM), 17 (IC50=16.30±0.29μM), and 18 (IC50=32.60±0.61μM) exhibited potent inhibitory potential. Molecular docking study was performed in order to understand the molecular interactions between the molecule and enzyme. Newly identified α-glucosidase inhibitors except few were found to be completely non-toxic.
  17. A new approach of probe sonication assisted ionic liquid conversion of glucose, cellulose and biomass into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
    Sarwono A, Man Z, Muhammad N, Khan AS, Hamzah WSW, Rahim AHA, et al.
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2017 Jul;37:310-319.
    PMID: 28427638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2017.01.028
    5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has been identified as a promising biomass-derived platform chemical. In this study, one pot production of HMF was studied in ionic liquid (IL) under probe sonication technique. Compared with the conventional heating technique, the use of probe ultrasonic irradiation reduced the reaction time from hours to minutes. Glucose, cellulose and local bamboo, treated with ultrasonic, produced HMF in the yields of 43%, 31% and 13% respectively, within less than 10min. The influence of various parameters such as acoustic power, reaction time, catalysts and glucose loading were studied. About 40% HMF yield at glucose conversion above 90% could be obtained with 2% of catalyst in 3min. Negligible amount of soluble by-product was detected, and humin formation could be controlled by adjusting the different process parameters. Upon extraction of HMF, the mixture of ionic liquid and catalyst could be reused and exhibited no significant reduction of HMF yield over five successive runs. The purity of regenerated [C4C1im]Cl and HMF was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, indicating neither changes in the chemical structure nor presence of any major contaminants during the conversion under ultrasonic treatment. 13C NMR suggests that [C4C1im]Cl/CrCl3 catalyses mutarotation of α-glucopyranose to β-glucopyranose leading to isomerization and finally conversion to HMF. The experimental results demonstrate that the use of probe sonication technique for conversion to HMF provides a positive process benefit.
  18. A study of physicians' experiences with recommending HPV vaccines to adolescent boys
    Wong LP, Edib Z, Alias H, Mohamad Shakir SM, Raja Muhammad Yusoff RNA, Sam IC, et al.
    J Obstet Gynaecol, 2017 Oct;37(7):937-943.
    PMID: 28641049 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2017.1317239
    Assessing physicians' experiences in HPV vaccine recommendation and delivery to adolescent boys is essential to providing an understanding of the issues of vaccine acceptance and an insight for policymakers to enhance HPV vaccinations among adolescent boys. Between January and April 2014 a mail survey was conducted using physicians in Malaysia known to provide either one or both HPV vaccine (Gardasil and Cervarix) immunisation services. A total of 357 completed questionnaires were received (response rate 22.5%). Of these, 335 physicians see adolescent boys aged 11 to 18 years old in their practice. Only 26.3% (n = 88) recommended the HPV vaccine to these boys. A total of 46.6% (n = 41) have successfully given the HPV vaccine to adolescent boys. A lack of proper guidelines from the health authorities regarding the recommendation of HPV vaccine to the boys (37.2%) and a lack of awareness of the availability of the vaccine for boys (32.8%) were the most commonly cited reasons for non-recommendation. Impact statement Recommending the HPV vaccine for adolescent boys remains a challenge for physicians. Our study provides evidence of challenges and barriers faced by Malaysian physicians who recommend the HPV vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) in their practices. In this study, physicians reported HPV vaccine uptake by adolescent boys was very poor. A lack of proper guidelines from the health authorities regarding the recommendation of HPV vaccine to boys and a lack of awareness of the availability of the vaccine for boys were the most commonly cited reasons for non-recommendation. Physicians viewed that support and encouragement from the health authorities are needed to promote the recommendation of the HPV vaccine to adolescent boys. Physicians were also of the opinion that the lay public should be educated about the availability of the HPV vaccine for boys, and its benefits, safety and efficacy, and the high susceptibility of boys to getting HPV infections. The findings provide insights that could be helpful to policymakers or high-level decision-makers of the potential strategies to enhance HPV uptake among adolescent boys.
  19. Unravelling proximate cues of mass flowering in the tropical forests of South-East Asia from gene expression analyses
    Yeoh SH, Satake A, Numata S, Ichie T, Lee SL, Basherudin N, et al.
    Mol Ecol, 2017 Oct;26(19):5074-5085.
    PMID: 28749031 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14257
    Elucidating the physiological mechanisms of the irregular yet concerted flowering rhythm of mass flowering tree species in the tropics requires long-term monitoring of flowering phenology, exogenous and endogenous environmental factors, as well as identifying interactions and dependencies among these factors. To investigate the proximate factors for floral initiation of mast seeding trees in the tropics, we monitored the expression dynamics of two key flowering genes, meteorological conditions and endogenous resources over two flowering events of Shorea curtisii and Shorea leprosula in the Malay Peninsula. Comparisons of expression dynamics of genes studied indicated functional conservation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and LEAFY (LFY) in Shorea. The genes were highly expressed at least 1 month before anthesis for both species. A mathematical model considering the synergistic effect of cool temperature and drought on activation of the flowering gene was successful in predicting the observed gene expression patterns. Requirement of both cool temperature and drought for floral transition suggested by the model implies that flowering phenologies of these species are sensitive to climate change. Our molecular phenology approach in the tropics sheds light on the conserved role of flowering genes in plants inhabiting different climate zones and can be widely applied to dissect the flowering processes in other plant species.
  20. Draft Genome Sequence of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Bataviae Strain LepIMR 22 Isolated from a Rodent in Johor, Malaysia
    Amran F, Mohd Khalid MK, Mohamad S, Mat Ripen A, Ahmad N, Goris MG, et al.
    Genome Announc, 2016;4(5).
    PMID: 27609924 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00956-16
    Leptospira interrogans serovar Bataviae was recently identified as one of the persistent Leptospira serovars in Malaysia. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the L. interrogans serovar Bataviae strain LepIMR 22 isolated from kidney of a rodent in Johor, Malaysia.
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