MyMedR

Fulltext (E)-N'-(4-Chloro-benzyl-idene)-2-meth-oxy-benzohydrazide

Baharudin MS, Taha M, Ismail NH, Shah SA, Yousuf S

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2013 Feb 1;69(Pt 2):o276.

PMID: 23424549 DOI: 10.1107/S160053681300175X

In the title hydrazone derivative, C(15)H(13)ClN(2)O(2), the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 2.36 (2)°. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond is present. In the crystal, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains running parallel to the b axis.

Fulltext Potential of silver against human colon cancer: (synthesis, characterization and crystal structures of xylyl (Ortho, meta, &Para) linked bis-benzimidazolium salts and Ag(I)-NHC complexes: In vitro anticancer studies)

Iqbal MA, Haque RA, Nasri SF, Majid AA, Ahamed MB, Farsi E, et al.

Chem Cent J, 2013;7(1):27.

PMID: 23391345 DOI: 10.1186/1752-153X-7-27

Since the first successful synthesis of Ag(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complex in 1993, this class of compounds has been extensively used for transmetallation reactions where the direct synthesis using other metal ions was either difficult or impossible. Initially, silver(I)-NHC complexes were tested for their catalytic potential but could not get fame because of lower potential compare to other competent compounds in this field; however, these compounds proved to have vital antimicrobial activities. These encouraging biomedical applications further convinced researchers to test these compounds against cancer. The current work has been carried out with this aim.

Bacteria in expressed breastmilk from mothers of premature infants and maternal hygienic status

Dahaban NM, Romli MF, Roslan NR, Kong SS, Cheah FC

Breastfeed Med, 2013 Aug;8(4):422-3.

PMID: 23398139 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2012.0109

Polymer dual ring resonators for label-free optical biosensing using microfluidics

Salleh MH, Glidle A, Sorel M, Reboud J, Cooper JM

Chem Commun (Camb), 2013 Apr 18;49(30):3095-7.

PMID: 23396529 DOI: 10.1039/c3cc38228a

We demonstrate a polymer resonator microfluidic biosensor that overcomes the complex manufacturing procedures required to fabricate traditional devices. In this new format, we show that a gapless light coupling photonic configuration, fabricated in SU8 polymer, can achieve high sensitivity, label-free chemical sensing in solution and high sensitivity biological sensing, at visible wavelengths.

Fulltext Emergence of chikungunya seropositivity in healthy Malaysian adults residing in outbreak-free locations: chikungunya seroprevalence results from the Malaysian Cohort

Azami NA, Salleh SA, Shah SA, Neoh HM, Othman Z, Zakaria SZ, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2013;13:67.

PMID: 23379541 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-67

In 1998, Malaysia experienced its first chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak in the suburban areas followed by another two in 2006 (rural areas) and 2008 (urban areas), respectively. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of documented data regarding the magnitude of CHIKV exposure in the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of chikungunya virus infection in healthy Malaysian adults residing in outbreak-free locations.

Fulltext Towards an effective control programme of soil-transmitted helminth infections among Orang Asli in rural Malaysia. Part 2: Knowledge, attitude, and practices

Nasr NA, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ahmed A, Roslan MA, Bulgiba A

Parasit Vectors, 2013;6:28.

PMID: 23356968 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-28

In the first part of this study, we investigated the prevalence and associated key factors of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among Orang Asli children in rural Malaysia; an alarming high prevalence and five key factors significantly associated with infections were reported. Part 2 of this study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on STH infections among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia.

Fulltext Towards an effective control programme of soil-transmitted helminth infections among Orang Asli in rural Malaysia. Part 1: prevalence and associated key factors

Nasr NA, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ahmed A, Roslan MA, Bulgiba A

Parasit Vectors, 2013;6:27.

PMID: 23356952 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-27

Despite the continuous efforts to improve the quality of life of Orang Asli (Aborigines) communities, these communities are still plagued with a wide range of health problems including parasitic infections. The first part of this study aimed at determining the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and identifying their associated factors among rural Orang Asli children.

Fulltext A qualitative exploration of Malaysian cancer patients' perceptions of cancer screening

Farooqui M, Hassali MA, Knight A, Shafie AA, Farooqui MA, Saleem F, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2013;13:48.

PMID: 23331785 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-48

Despite the existence of different screening methods, the response to cancer screening is poor among Malaysians. The current study aims to examine cancer patients' perceptions of cancer screening and early diagnosis.

Fulltext Methodology of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), Malaysia, 2011

Omar A, Yusoff MF, Hiong TG, Aris T, Morton J, Pujari S

Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(2):297-305.

PMID: 26451348 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Malaysia participated in the second phase of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2011. GATS, a new component of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System, is a nationally representative household survey of adults 15 years old or above. The objectives of GATS Malaysia were to (i) systematically monitor tobacco use among adults and track key indicators of tobacco control and (ii) track the implementation of some of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC)-recommended demand related policies.
METHODS: GATS Malaysia 2011 was a nationwide cross-sectional survey using multistage stratified sampling to select 5112 nationally representative households. One individual aged 15 years or older was randomly chosen from each selected household and interviewed using handheld device. GATS Core Questionnaire with optional questions was pre-tested and uploaded into handheld devices after repeated quality control processes. Data collectors were trained through a centralized training. Manuals and picture book were prepared to aid in the training of data collectors and during data collection. Field-level data were aggregated on a daily basis and analysed twice a week. Quality controls were instituted to ensure collection of high quality data. Sample weighting and analysis were conducted with the assistance of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
RESULTS: GATS Malaysia received a total response rate of 85.3% from 5112 adults surveyed. Majority of the respondents were 25-44 years old and Malays.
CONCLUSIONS: The robust methodology used in the GATS Malaysia provides national estimates for tobacco used classified by socio-demographic characteristics and reliable data on various dimensions of tobacco control.
Study name: Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS-2011)

Fulltext (E)-2,4-Dimethyl-N'-(2-methyl-benzyl-idene)benzohydrazide

Taha M, Ismail NH, Jaafar FM, Khan KM, Yousuf S

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2013 Mar 1;69(Pt 3):o400.

PMID: 23476582 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536813004388

In the title benzoyl-hydrazide derivative, C17H18N2O, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 88.45 (8)° and the azomethine double bond adopts an E conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a chain along the b axis.

Fulltext Thermal stability engineering of Glomerella cingulata cutinase

Chin IS, Abdul Murad AM, Mahadi NM, Nathan S, Abu Bakar FD

Protein Eng. Des. Sel., 2013 May;26(5):369-75.

PMID: 23468570 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzt007

Cutinase has been ascertained as a biocatalyst for biotechnological and industrial bioprocesses. The Glomerella cingulata cutinase was genetically modified to enhance its enzymatic performance to fulfill industrial requirements. Two sites were selected for mutagenesis with the aim of altering the surface electrostatics as well as removing a potentially deamidation-prone asparagine residue. The N177D cutinase variant was affirmed to be more resilient to temperature increase with a 2.7-fold increase in half-life at 50°C as compared with wild-type enzyme, while, the activity at 25°C is not compromised. Furthermore, the increase in thermal tolerance of this variant is accompanied by an increase in optimal temperature. Another variant, the L172K, however, exhibited higher enzymatic performance towards phenyl ester substrates of longer carbon chain length, yet its thermal stability is inversely affected. In order to restore the thermal stability of L172K, we constructed a L172K/N177D double variant and showed that these two mutations yield an improved variant with enhanced activity towards phenyl ester substrates and enhanced thermal stability. Taken together, our study may provide valuable information for enhancing catalytic performance and thermal stability in future engineering endeavors.

Fulltext N'-[(E)-2,3-Dihy-droxy-benzyl-idene]-2-meth-oxy-benzohydrazide

Taha M, Baharudin MS, Ismail NH, Shah SA, Yousuf S

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2012 Dec 1;68(Pt 12):o3256.

PMID: 23468775 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536812042390

The title compound, C15H14N2O4 adopts an E conformation about the azomethine double bond. Intra-molecular N-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds generate S(6) rings and help to establish the molecular conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 17.84 (10)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by O-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional network with a herring-bone pattern arranged parallel to the bc plane.

Fulltext N'-[(E)-2-Hy-droxy-5-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene]-2-meth-oxy-benzohydrazide

Baharudin MS, Taha M, Ismail NH, Shah SA, Yousuf S

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2012 Dec 1;68(Pt 12):o3255.

PMID: 23468774 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536812042389

The mol-ecule of the title compound, C16H16N2O4, adopts an E conformation about the azomethine C=N double bond. The dihedral angle formed by the benzene rings is 18.88 (9)°. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond, which forms an S(6) ring. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked into chains parallel to [001] by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The chains are further connected into a three-dimensional network by π-π stacking inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances of 3.6538 (10) and 3.8995 (11) Å.

Cryptococcus humicolus meningitis: first case report in Malaysia

Ramli SR, Leong MC, Khaithir TM, Aziz MN, Loons LC, Rafia MH

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2012 Sep;43(5):1212-7.

PMID: 23431829

We report a case of Cryptococcus humicolus meningitis complicated by communicating hydrocephalus in an apparently immunocompetent 49-year-old psychiatric patient from a nursing home. He presented with a history of poor oral intake, weight loss, headache, vomiting, blurred vision, frequent falls and unsteady gait for the previous three months. He had a history of chronic cough, productive of whitish sputum for the previous month but no hemoptysis. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive for Cryptococcus humicolus. He was treated with intravenous amphotericin B and oral fluconazole and had clinical and microbiological improvement after three weeks of treatment. Unfortunately, the patient acquired nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and died due to overwhelming sepsis.

Fulltext Impact of hydrogen concentrations on the impedance spectroscopic behavior of Pd-sensitized ZnO nanorods

Kashif M, Ali ME, Ali SM, Hashim U, Hamid SB

Nanoscale Res Lett, 2013;8(1):68.

PMID: 23399029 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-8-68

ZnO nanorods were synthesized using a low-cost sol-gel spin coating technique. The synthesized nanorods were consisted of hexagonal phase having c-axis orientation. SEM images reflected perpendicular ZnO nanorods forming bridging network in some areas. The impact of different hydrogen concentrations on the Pd-sensitized ZnO nanorods was investigated using an impedance spectroscopy (IS). The grain boundary resistance (Rgb) significantly contributed to the sensing properties of hydrogen gas. The boundary resistance was decreased from 11.95 to 3.765 kΩ when the hydrogen concentration was increased from 40 to 360 ppm. IS gain curve showed a gain of 6.5 for 360 ppm of hydrogen at room temperature. Nyquist plot showed reduction in real part of impedance at low frequencies on exposure to different concentrations of hydrogen. Circuit equivalency was investigated by placing capacitors and resistors to identify the conduction mechanism according to complex impedance Nyquist plot. Variations in nanorod resistance and capacitance in response to the introduction of various concentrations of hydrogen gas were obtained from the alternating current impedance spectra.

Highly stable graphene-assisted tunable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser

Ahmad H, Latif AA, Abdul Khudus MI, Zulkifli AZ, Zulkifli MZ, Thambiratnam K, et al.

Appl Opt, 2013 Feb 1;52(4):818-23.

PMID: 23385923 DOI: 10.1364/AO.52.000818

A highly stable tunable dual-wavelength fiber laser (TDWFL) using graphene as a means to generate a highly stable output is proposed and generated. The TDWFL comprises a 1 m long, highly doped erbium-doped fiber (EDF) acting as the linear gain medium, with a 24-channel arrayed waveguide grating acting as a wavelength slicer as well as a tuning mechanism to generate different wavelength pairs. The tuned wavelength pairs can range from 0.8 to 18.2 nm. A few layers of graphene are incorporated into the laser cavity to induce the four-wave-mixing effect, which stabilizes the dual-wavelength output by suppressing the mode competition that arises as a result of homogenous broadening in the EDF.

The effects of L-arginine, D-arginine, L-name and methylene blue on channa striatus-induced peripheral antinociception in mice

Zakaria ZA, Sulaiman MR, Somchit MN, Jais AM, Ali DI

J Pharm Pharm Sci, 2005;8(2):199-206.

PMID: 16124931

To determine the involvement of nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway in aqueous supernatant of haruan (Channa striatus) fillet (ASH) antinociception using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test.

Simultaneous determination of preservatives (benzoic acid, sorbic acid, methylparaben and propylparaben) in foodstuffs using high-performance liquid chromatography

Saad B, Bari MF, Saleh MI, Ahmad K, Talib MK

J Chromatogr A, 2005 May 06;1073(1-2):393-7.

PMID: 15909546

A reversed-phased HPLC method that allows the separation and simultaneous determination of the preservatives benzoic (BA) and sorbic acids (SA), methyl- (MP) and propylparabens (PP) is described. The separations were effected by using an initial mobile phase of methanol-acetate buffer (pH 4.4) (35:65) to elute BA, SA and MP and changing the mobile phase composition to methanol-acetate buffer (pH 4.4) (50:50) thereafter. The detector wavelength was set at 254 nm. Under these conditions, separation of the four components was achieved in less than 23 min. Analytical characteristics of the separation such as limit of detection, limit of quantification, linear range and reproducibility were evaluated. The developed method was applied to the determination of 67 foodstuffs (mainly imported), comprising soft drinks, jams, sauces, canned fruits/vegetables, dried vegetables/fruits and others. The range of preservatives found were from not detected (nd)--1260, nd--1390, nd--44.8 and nd--221 mg kg(-1) for BA, SA, MP and PP, respectively.

Pre-ablative diagnostic whole-body scan following total thyroidectomy for well-differentiated thyroid cancer: is it necessary?

Teoh CM, Rohaizak M, Chan KY, Jasmi AY, Fuad I

Asian J Surg, 2005 Apr;28(2):90-6.

PMID: 15851360

This study reviewed the incidence of positive pre-ablative diagnostic scan after total thyroidectomy and the efficacy of the current ablative dose. The predictive factors for outcome using a standard ablative dose and postoperative complications of total thyroidectomy were also examined.

Declining Incidence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Brunei Darussalam: a Three Decade Study (1986-2014)

Chong VH, Telisinghe PU, Lim E, Abdullah MS, Idris F, Chong CF

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(16):7097-101.

PMID: 26514496

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is linked to Epstein Barr virus infection and is particularly common in the Far East, particularly among some Chinese groups. Certain ethnicities have been reported to have low incidence of NPC. This study looked at NPC in Brunei Darussalam over a three decade period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cancer registry from 1986 to 2014 maintained by the State Laboratory was retrospectively reviewed. The age standardized rates (ASR) and the age specific incidence rates (ASIR) were calculated. Non NPC tumors were excluded from the study.

RESULTS: Altogether, there were a total of 450 NPC cases diagnosed accounting for 4.4% of all total cancer cases over the study period, declining from 10.3% in 1986-1990 to 2.3% in 2011-2014. The most common tumor type was the undifferentiated carcinoma (96.4%). The case characteristics were mean age 50.4 ± 14.4 years old, male 69%, and predominately Malays 74.4%, followed by Chinese 16.7%. The mean age of diagnosis increased over the study period from 45.6 ± 17.1 years (1986-1989) to 54.1 ± 12.5 years (ANOVA, p<0.01 for trend). There were no differences in the mean age of diagnosis between the ethnic groups or genders. The ASR showed a declining trend from 11.1 per 100,000 in 1986-1990 to 5.95 per 100,000 in 2011-2014, similar trends been observedfor both genders. Among the age groups, declining trends were seen in all the other age groups apart from the >70 years group. The overall ASRs for the Malays and Chinese were 7.92/100,000 and 8.83/100,000 respectively, both showing declining trends.

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of NPC in Brunei Darussalam is comparable to rates reported from Singapore and Malaysia, but higher than rates reported from the other Southeast Asian nations. Unlike higher rates reported for Chinese compared to the Malays in other countries, the rates between the Malays and Chinese in our study was comparable. Importantly, the ASR is declining overall and for both genders and ethnic groups.

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