Displaying publications 341 - 360 of 367 in total

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  1. Lekkala R, Ng YH, Feroz SR, Norazmi NAZB, Ali AH, Hasbullah SA, et al.
    Eur J Med Chem, 2024 Sep 05;279:116828.
    PMID: 39244861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116828
    In this work, a series of nineteen novel pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-4-aminoquinoline hybrids were synthesized as potent antimalarial agents by covalently linking the scaffolds of 4-aminoquinoline and pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles via an ethyl linker and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Molecular docking was used to test each hybrid's and standard chloroquine's ability to bind to Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (PfLDH), an important enzyme in the parasite's glycolytic pathway. The hybrid compounds had a stronger binding affinity than the standard chloroquine (CQ). The schizontical antimalarial test of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-4-aminoquinoline hybrid compound shows that all nineteen hybrid compounds were potent with the IC50 values ranging from 0.0151 to 0.301 μM against the CQ-sensitive 3D7 P. falciparum strain, and were active against the CQ-resistant K1 P. falciparum strain with the IC50 values ranging from 0.01895 to 2.746 μM. All the tested hybrid compounds were less potent than the standard drug chloroquine dipaspate (CQDP) against the CQ-sensitive 3D7 strain. In contrast, nine of the nineteen hybrids (16d, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16l, 16n, 16o, 16r, and 16s) displayed superior antimalarial activity than the CQDP against the CQ-resistant K1 P. falciparum strain. Among all the tested hybrids, 16c against the 3D7 strain and 16h against the K1 strain were the most promising antimalarial agents with 0.0151 and 0.01895 μM of IC50 values, respectively. In addition, the compounds were selective, showing moderate to low cytotoxic activity against a human normal liver WRL68 cell line. The synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-4-aminoquinoline hybrids introduces new chemical entities that have the potential to exhibit potent antimalarial activity. It could address the ongoing challenge of drug resistance in malaria treatment.
  2. Ooi ECW, Md Isa Z, Abdul Manaf MR, Ahmad Fuad AS, Ahmad A, Mustapa MN, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(9):e0308403.
    PMID: 39240890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308403
    As health systems transition to ICD-11, it is essential to gauge the readiness and improve existing transition efforts. Assessing the intention to use ICD-11 and factors influencing it is imperative to encourage the use of ICD-11 among the medical record officers (MROs) and assistant medical record officers (AMROs). This study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire on the factors influencing the intention to use ICD-11 among MROs and AMROs in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This study comprised a questionnaire development and validation involving 292 participants nationwide from Ministry of Health Malaysia facilities. The questionnaire was developed based on items adapted from the literature. Forward and backward English-Malay translation was done. Then, the questionnaire was examined for content validity, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, face validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and confirmatory factor analyses. The final version of the questionnaire consists of eleven domains represented by 50 items. The content validity index and modified kappa were excellent for all domains. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sampling adequacy value was appropriate, with a value of 0.790. The questionnaire also demonstrated good internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's alpha values between 0.850 and 0.992. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a reasonable fit for this eleven-factor model. In conclusion, this questionnaire provides a reliable tool for investigating the intention to use ICD-11 among MROs and AMROs. Positive findings from the psychometric properties support the validity of the questionnaire. This instrument can potentially support personnel in charge of ICD codification, guide the ICD-11 transition at various levels and facilitate research on support dynamics among the MROs and AMROs.
  3. Ooi ECW, Md Isa Z, Abdul Manaf MR, Ahmad Fuad AS, Sidek HF, Mustapa MN, et al.
    Health Inf Manag, 2024 Nov 23.
    PMID: 39578964 DOI: 10.1177/18333583241295717
    BACKGROUND: The transition of systems to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases 11th Version (ICD-11) allows access to comprehensive data that accurately portray the complexity of morbidity and mortality data in Malaysia.

    OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate Malaysia's experience in implementing ICD-11, from data collection to downstream data use applications.

    METHOD AND IMPLEMENTATION: We describe improvements to existing data source systems and downstream data applications. For non-HIS and HIS (ICD-10) systems, data were manually entered into the health management information system equipped with ICD-11 or automatically mapped from ICD-10 to ICD-11. Following these system improvements, we collected and reported ICD-11 data from all hospitals nationwide, regardless of the individual systems' status in ICD-11 use.

    DISCUSSION: Lessons learnt related to legacy systems; ICD-11 releases and system updates; mapping; reporting; human resources and related applications.

    CONCLUSION: With careful planning, standardisation of the collection and use of ICD-11 data can be accomplished with limited resources and in a complex environment with heterogeneous systems.

    IMPLICATIONS: Use of ICD-11 data in downstream data applications improves data quality to answer specific business or research questions.

  4. Magosso E, Ansari MA, Gopalan Y, Abu Bakar MR, Karim Khan NA, Wong JW, et al.
    PMID: 21073069
    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide and a frequent finding on ultrasound examination. NAFLD is considered as the liver component of metabolic syndrome and is linked to accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. No data from systematic studies regarding the prevalence of NAFLD are available for the Malaysian population. One hundred eighty untreated hypercholesterolemic volunteers underwent blood and ultrasound examinations to evaluate their livers. NAFLD was diagnosed in 102 subjects (56.7%) with similar prevalences between sexes. Of the 102 positive subjects 82 (80.4%) were graded as mild, 17 (16.7%) as moderate and 3 (2.9%) as severe fatty liver cases. Elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were found in 13 of 180 subjects (7.2%), while elevated AST and ALT levels were seen in 30 (16.7%) and 22 (12.2%) of the180 subjects, respectively.
  5. Tok PSK, Wong LP, Liew SM, Razali A, Mahmood MI, Chinnayah T, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(9):e0289222.
    PMID: 37676902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289222
    BACKGROUND: Loss to follow-up (LTFU) is an unsuccessful treatment outcome for tuberculosis (TB) patients. In Malaysia, LTFU affects around 1 in 20 TB patients. Integration of qualitative research methods and evidence will provide a better understanding of LTFU and its underlying issues. In this study, we qualitatively explored TB patients' experiences in receiving treatment and their reasons for leaving TB care.

    METHOD: In-depth interviews of 15 patients with a history of LTFU were conducted from January to September 2020. Interview guides were developed to explore TB patients' experiences while receiving treatment, including challenges faced and reasons for treatment interruption. Data were thematically analysed using the framework method.

    RESULTS: We identified 11 emerging themes that occurred at four levels of interaction with TB patients. First, at the patient personal level, TB beliefs referring to patients' perception of illness and wellness, patients' perceived role of traditional and complementary medicine, and substance abuse were important. Second, the healthcare system and treatment factors that were highlighted included the organisation of care and treatment, interaction with healthcare professionals, particularly in communication and counselling, and TB medications' side effects. Third, structural factors including financial burden, logistical and transportation issues and work-related factors were identified to be barriers to treatment continuation. Fourth, the interpersonal level interaction of patients should not be neglected; this includes family relationships and support as well as peer influence.

    CONCLUSION: Study findings put forth issues and challenges faced by TB patients while receiving treatment and underscore areas where actions can be taken. This will contribute to informing the development and implementation of future TB control strategies that are responsive to TB patients' needs and concerns, to effectively address LTFU and ensure better treatment completion rates among TB patients in Malaysia.

  6. Zuber SH, Hadi MFRA, Samson DO, Jayamani J, Rabaiee NA, Aziz MZA, et al.
    J Med Phys, 2023;48(4):358-364.
    PMID: 38223797 DOI: 10.4103/jmp.jmp_75_23
    PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the percentage depth dose (PDD) of a phantom material made from soy-lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. particleboard coated with a gloss finish by using Monte Carlo Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE) simulation.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The particleboard was fabricated using a hot pressing technique at target density of 1.0 g·cm-3 and the elemental fraction was recorded for the simulation. The PDD was simulated in the GATE simulation using the linear accelerator Elekta Synergy model for the water phantom and Rhizophora phantom, and the results were compared with the experimental PDD performed by several studies. Beam flatness and beam symmetry were also measured in this study.

    RESULTS: The simulated PDD for Rhizophora and water was in agreement with the experimental PDD of water with overall discrepancies of 0% to 8.7% at depth ranging from 1.0 to 15.0 cm. In the GATE simulation, all the points passed the clinical 3%/3 mm criterion in comparison with water, with the final percentage of 2.34% for Rhizophora phantom and 2.49% for the water phantom simulated in GATE. Both the symmetries are all within the range of an acceptable value of 2.0% according to the recommendation, with the beam symmetry of the water phantom and Rhizophora phantom at 0.58% and 0.28%, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide the necessary foundation to confidently use the phantom for radiotherapy purposes, especially in treatment planning.

  7. Irfandi R, Raya I, Ahmad A, Fudholi A, Riswandi, Santi S, et al.
    Mol Divers, 2024 Oct;28(5):3199-3214.
    PMID: 37884781 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10747-y
    Cisplatin is a cancer medication widely used today, but it still poses some problems due to its toxic properties in the body. To overcome this issue, a new complex has been developed as a potential anticancer drug prospect by minimizing its toxic consequences. A novel Zn(II)IleDTC complex containing isoleucine dithiocarbamate ligands has been produced and analyzed using a range of analytical and spectroscopic methods. The Zn(II) IleDTC complex were characterized using various methods, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, determination of melting point, conductivity, and HOMO-LUMO analysis. Furthermore, computational NMR spectrum analysis was conducted in this study. Molecular docking studies was conducted to evaluate the potential of Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate as an HIF1 inhibitor. The results showed that the Zn complex exhibited a good docking score of -6.6 and formed hydrogen bonds with ARG 17, VAL264, and GLU15, alkyl bonds with TRP27 and LEU32, and Pi-Alkyl bonds with PRO41 and ARG44. This suggests that the Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate complex could be a promising candidate for cancer treatment with potential HIF1 inhibition properties. To assess the dynamic stability and efficacy of protein-ligand interactions over time, molecular dynamics simulations was conducted for both individual proteins and protein complexes. The cytotoxicity evaluation of Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate against MCF-7 cells obtained an IC50 value of 362.70 µg/mL indicating moderate cytotoxicity and morphological changes of cancer cells causing cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. The Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate complex may have promising potential as an anticancer compound due to its significant inhibitory effect on the breast cancer cell line (MCF7). According to the ADMET study, the complex exhibits drug-like characteristics with low toxicity, further supporting its potential as a viable drug candidate.
  8. Widowati W, Ginting CN, Lister INE, Girsang E, Amalia A, Wibowo SHB, et al.
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2020 Oct;31(3):127-144.
    PMID: 33214860 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.3.9
    Skin aging is a complex natural process characterised by gradual diminishment of structural integrity and physiological imbalance of the skin tissue. Since the oxidative stress is tightly corelated to the skin aging process, the usage of antioxidant may serve as favourable strategies for slowing down the skin aging process. Mangosteen is an important fruit commodity and its extract had been extensively studied and revealing various biological activities. Present study aimed to assess the antioxidant and antiaging activity of mangosteen peel extract (MPE) and its phytochemical compounds. MPE and its compounds were subjected to ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroperoxide (H2O2) scavenging, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase assay. MPE has the highest FRAP 116.31 ± 0.60 μM Fe(II) μg-1 extract, IC50 of MPE on H2O2 scavenging activity was 54.61 μg mL-1. MPE also has the highest anti elastase activity at IC50 7.40 μg mL-1. Alpha-mangostin showed potent anti-collagenase activity (IC50 9.75 μg mL-1). While gamma-mangostin showed potent anti-hyaluronidase (IC50 23.85 μg mL-1) and anti-tyrosinase (IC50 50.35 μg mL-1). MPE and its compounds were evaluated in vitro for antioxidant and antiaging activities. Current findings may provide scientific evidence for possible usage of mangosteen extract and its compounds as antioxidant and antiaging agent.
  9. Harapan H, Mudatsir M, Yufika A, Nawawi Y, Wahyuniati N, Anwar S, et al.
    Vaccine, 2019 03 07;37(11):1398-1406.
    PMID: 30739794 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.01.062
    BACKGROUND: Understanding people's perceptions of the economic benefits of a potential Zika vaccine (ZV) is critical to accelerating its introduction into either public sector programs or private market. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptance and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a hypothetical ZV and the associated explanatory variables in Indonesia.

    METHODS: We conducted a health facility-based cross-sectional study in Aceh and West Sumatra province from 1 February to 13 June 2018. Patients who visited outpatient departments, have had children or were expecting their first child, were approached and interviewed to collect information on acceptance, WTP, demographic and socio-economic variables and attitudes towards childhood vaccines. Associations of explanatory variables influencing acceptance and WTP were assessed using logistic regression and linear regression analysis, respectively.

    RESULTS: In total, 956 respondents were included in the final analysis of acceptance, of whom 338 (35.3%) expressed their WTP. We found that 757 (79.1%) of the respondents were likely to be vaccinated and to recommend their partner to be vaccinated. Higher educational attainment, having a job, having heard about Zika and a good attitude towards childhood vaccination were associated with ZV acceptance in the univariate analyses. In the multivariate analysis, attitude towards childhood vaccination was the strongest predictor for ZV vaccination. We found the geometric mean and median of WTP was US$ 13.1 (95% CI: 11.37-15.09) and US$ 7.0 (95% CI: 4.47-10.98), respectively. In the final model, having heard about Zika, having a job, and higher income were associated with a higher WTP.

    CONCLUSION: Although the acceptance rate of the ZV is relatively high in Indonesia, less than 40% of respondents are willing to pay, underscoring the need for a low-cost, high-quality vaccine and public sector subsidies for Zika vaccinations in the country.

  10. Harapan H, Mudatsir M, Yufika A, Nawawi Y, Wahyuniati N, Anwar S, et al.
    Viruses, 2018 11 18;10(11).
    PMID: 30453663 DOI: 10.3390/v10110648
    One of the crucial steps during trials for Zika and other vaccines is to recruit participants and to understand how participants' attitudes and sociodemographic characteristics affect willingness to participate (WTP). This study was conducted to assess WTP, its explanatory variables, and the impact of financial compensation on WTP in Indonesia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in eleven regencies in the Aceh and West Sumatra provinces of Indonesia. Participants were recruited via a convenience sampling method and were interviewed. The associations between explanatory variables and WTP were assessed using a two-step logistic regression analysis. A total of 1,102 parents were approached, and of these 956 (86.8%) completed the interview and were included in analysis. Of those, 144 (15.1%) were willing to participate in a Zika vaccine trial without a financial compensation. In the multivariate analysis, WTP was tied to an age of more than 50 years old, compared to 20⁻29 years (odds ratio (OR): 5.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37⁻10.53), to being female (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.11⁻4.37), and to having heard about Zika (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.59⁻3.65). Participants' WTP increased gradually with higher financial compensation. The rate of WTP increased to 62.3% at the highest offer (US$ 350.4), and those who were still unwilling to participate (37.7%) had a poorer attitude towards childhood vaccination. This study highlights that pre-existing knowledge about Zika and attitudes towards childhood vaccination are important in determining community members being willing to participate in a vaccine trial. Financial incentives are still an important factor to enhance participant recruitment during a vaccine trial.
  11. Abu Bakar MR, Abdul Kadir A, Abdul Wahab SZ, Abdul Karim AH, Nik Hussain NH, Mohd Noor N, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(7):e0133514.
    PMID: 26222158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133514
    AIM: To compare the mean of anteroposterior (AP) measurements of the uterus in longitudinal and oblique transverse planes, and the pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) of the uterine artery and superficial skin wound artery between patients taking Channa striatus and placebo.

    BACKGROUND: Channa striatus, also known as haruan, is a fresh water snakehead fish consumed in many parts of Southeast Asia. Channa striatus is also normally consumed by women postpartum to promote wound healing as well as to reduce post-operative pain.

    METHODOLOGY: This study is a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in women after Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS). Subjects were randomised to either a Channa striatus or a placebo group and were given a daily dosage of 500 mg of Channa striatus extract or 500 mg maltodextrin, respectively, for six weeks post LSCS. The anteroposterior measurements of the uterus in the longitudinal and oblique transverse planes, and the pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) of the uterine and superficial skin wound arteries were assessed using pelvic Gray-scale ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound at baseline (Day 3) and at two weeks, four weeks and six weeks post-operatively.

    RESULTS: Sixty-six subjects were randomised into the study with 33 in the Channa striatus group and 33 in the placebo group. No significant differences were detected in terms of the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistive index (RI) of the uterine and superficial skin wound arteries between the Channa striatus and placebo groups. However, in the Channa striatus group, the AP measurements of the uterus on the longitudinal and oblique transverse planes were significantly lower compared to the placebo group (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively).

    CONCLUSION: Daily intake of Channa striatus extract results in marked differences compared to placebo in terms of uterine involution and recovery in women post LSCS.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.isrctn.com 11960786.

  12. Ahmad M, Md Din NSB, Tharumalay RD, Che Din N, Ibrahim N, Amit N, et al.
    PMID: 33007836 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197156
    Background: The effect of circadian disruption on the bio-psychological clock system has been widely studied. However, the mechanism and the association of circadian rhythm disruption with mental health and physiological responses are still unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on mental health and physiological responses among shift workers and the general population. Methods: A total of 42 subjects participated in this quasi-experimental study. Participants were divided into a group of shift workers (n = 20) and a general population group (n = 22). Polysomnography tests, blood tests (cortisol, triglycerides and glucose), and psychological tests (Abbreviated Profile of Mood States, General Health Questionnaire-28, Working Memory and Processing Speed Indexes of the Wechsler Adult Intelligent Scale (WAIS-IV) were used to examine the effects of circadian rhythm disruption. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between circadian rhythm disruption and mood (r = 0.305, p < 0.05). The findings of this study also indicated that there was a significant effect of circadian rhythm disruption on mood (F(2,40) = 8.89, p < 0.001, η2 =0.182), processing speed (F(2,40) = 9.17, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.186) and working memory (F(2,40) = 4.963, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.11) in shift workers and the general population. Conclusions: Our findings showed that circadian rhythm disruption affects mood and cognitive performance, but it does not significantly affect psychological wellbeing and physiological responses. Future studies are warranted to examine moderator and mediator variables that could influence the circadian rhythm disruption.
  13. Rashidbenam Z, Jasman MH, Tan GH, Goh EH, Fam XI, Ho CCK, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2021 Mar 25;22(7).
    PMID: 33805910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073350
    Long urethral strictures are often treated with autologous genital skin and buccal mucosa grafts; however, risk of hair ingrowth and donor site morbidity, restrict their application. To overcome this, we introduced a tissue-engineered human urethra comprising adipose-derived stem cell (ASC)-based self-assembled scaffold, human urothelial cells (UCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). ASCs were cultured with ascorbic acid to stimulate extracellular matrix (ECM) production. The scaffold (ECM) was stained with collagen type-I antibody and the thickness was measured under a confocal microscope. Results showed that the thickest scaffold (28.06 ± 0.59 μm) was achieved with 3 × 104 cells/cm2 seeding density, 100 μg/mL ascorbic acid concentration under hypoxic and dynamic culture condition. The biocompatibility assessment showed that UCs and SMCs seeded on the scaffold could proliferate and maintain the expression of their markers (CK7, CK20, UPIa, and UPII) and (α-SMA, MHC and Smootheline), respectively, after 14 days of in vitro culture. ECM gene expression analysis showed that the ASC and dermal fibroblast-based scaffolds (control) were comparable. The ASC-based scaffold can be handled and removed from the plate. This suggests that multiple layers of scaffold can be stacked to form the urothelium (seeded with UCs), submucosal layer (ASCs only), and smooth muscle layer (seeded with SMCs) and has the potential to be developed into a fully functional human urethra for urethral reconstructive surgeries.
  14. Yong VW, Tan YJ, Ng YD, Choo XY, Sugumaran K, Chinna K, et al.
    Parkinsonism Relat Disord, 2020 08;77:28-35.
    PMID: 32615497 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.06.015
    INTRODUCTION: Although weight loss is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), longitudinal studies assessing weight and body composition changes are limited.

    METHODS: In this three-year longitudinal study, 125 subjects (77 PD patients and 48 spousal/sibling controls) underwent clinical, biochemical and body composition assessments using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

    RESULTS: Patients were older than controls (65.6 ± 8.9 vs. 62.6 ± 7.1, P = 0.049), with no significant differences in gender, comorbidities, dietary intake and physical activity. Clinically significant weight loss (≥5% from baseline weight) was recorded in 41.6% of patients, with a doubling of cases (6.5 to 13.0%) classified as underweight at study end. Over three years, patients demonstrated greater reductions in BMI (mean -1.2 kg/m2, 95%CI-2.0 to -0.4), whole-body fat percentage (-2.5% points, 95%CI-3.9 to -1.0), fat mass index (FMI) (-0.9 kg/m2, 95%CI-1.4 to -0.4), visceral fat mass (-0.1 kg, 95%CI-0.2 to 0.0), and subcutaneous fat mass (-1.9 kg, 95%CI-3.4 to -0.5) than in controls, with significant group-by-time interactions after adjusting for age and gender. Notably, 31.2% and 53.3% of patients had FMI<3rd (severe fat deficit) and <10th centiles, respectively. Muscle mass indices decreased over time in both groups, without significant group-by-time interactions. Multiple linear regression models showed that loss of body weight and fat mass in patients were associated with age, dyskinesia, psychosis and constipation.

    CONCLUSIONS: We found progressive loss of weight in PD patients, with greater loss of both visceral and subcutaneous fat, but not muscle, compared to controls. Several associated factors (motor and non-motor disease features) were identified for these changes, providing insights on possible mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

  15. Abdul Manaf MR, Mohammed Nawi A, Mohd Tauhid N, Othman H, Abdul Rahman MR, Mohd Yusoff H, et al.
    PMID: 34682645 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010903
    The current academic landscape has overwhelmed faculties and with demands to adopt tech-savvy teaching modes and accelerate scholarly works, administrative duties, and outreach programs. Such demands have deteriorated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among university employees. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with HRQoL among university employees in a Malaysian public university. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 employees from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) between April and June 2019. A self-administered questionnaire that consisted of socio-demographic items, risky health behaviors, health-related information, and validated scales for measuring employees' physical inactivity, psychological states, and HRQoL was utilized. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using SPSS version 23.0. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were yielded to determine the factors associated with different domains of HRQoL. Mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS MACRO (Model 4). Statistical significance was set to p < 0.05. Physical HRQoL scored the highest, while environmental HRQoL had the lowest score among the employees. Physical HRQoL was influenced by age, service duration, comorbid conditions, BMI, chronic diseases, and anxiety. Factors associated with psychological HRQoL were age, service duration, depression, and stress. Age, service duration, and chronic diseases affected employees' social relationship HRQoL, while environmental HRQoL was associated with age, occupation type, chronic diseases, and depression. Socio-demographics, risky health behaviors, health profiles, and psychological attributes were significantly associated with employees' HRQoL. Age was the only positively correlated factor across all HRQoL domains, while other factors deteriorated employees' HRQoL.
  16. Huei TJ, Lip HTC, Hong LC, Fang CZ, Ann CS, Rou LH, et al.
    World J Surg, 2022 03;46(3):497-503.
    PMID: 35013777 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-021-06408-6
    BACKGROUND: Acute care surgery is an important component of health care in the developed nations. However, in Malaysia, acute care surgery is yet to be recognized as a specific subspecialty service. Due to high demands of limited ICU beds, some patients have to be ventilated in the wards. This study aims to describe the outcomes of acute surgical patients that required mechanical ventilation.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all mechanically ventilated surgical patients in the wards, in a tertiary hospital, in 2020. Sixty-two patients out of 116 patients ventilated in surgical wards fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Demography, surgical diagnosis and procedures and physiologic, biochemical and survival data were analyzed to explore the outcomes and predictors of mortality.

    RESULTS: Twenty-two out of 62 patients eventually gained ICU admission. Mean time from intubation to ICU entry and mean length of ICU stay were 48 h (0 to 312) and 10 days (1 to 33), respectively. Survival for patients admitted to ICU compared to ventilation in the acute surgery wards was 54.5% (12/22) vs 17.5% (7/40). Thirty-four patients underwent surgery, and the majority were bowel-related emergency operations. SAPS2 score validation revealed AUC of 0.701. More than half of patients with mortality risk 

  17. Manaf MRA, Shaharuddin MA, Nawi AM, Tauhid NM, Othman H, Rahman MRA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Nov 12;18(22).
    PMID: 34831628 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211874
    Mental health conditions are a major part of workers' health that predisposes to poor self-motivation for sustaining productivity. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among staff in a Malaysian public university and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 459 staff from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) between April and June 2019. A questionnaire that consisted of items on socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, employment description, lifestyle risk behaviors, personal medical history, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress was administered to participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS version 22.0. The prevalence of perceived symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the respondents was 28.7%, 50.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. Over one-quarter (26.5%) of the participants presented symptoms of two or more mental disorders. Women, those aged less than 40 years old, and non-academic professionals were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms, while those with medical conditions that required hospitalizations sustained anxiety symptoms. Perceived stress was more likely to be prevalent among staff with secondary education or less and smokers. Proactive support for staff needs to be offered in sustaining their emotional well-being.
  18. Abdullah HR, Ang AL, Froessler B, Hofmann A, Jang JH, Kim YW, et al.
    Singapore Med J, 2020 Jun;61(6):287-296.
    PMID: 31044255 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019037
    Preoperative anaemia is common in the Asia-Pacific. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a risk factor that can be addressed under patient blood management (PBM) Pillar 1, leading to reduced morbidity and mortality. We examined PBM implementation under four different healthcare systems, identified challenges and proposed several measures: (a) Test for anaemia once patients are scheduled for surgery. (b) Inform patients about risks of preoperative anaemia and benefits of treatment. (c) Treat IDA and replenish iron stores before surgery, using intravenous iron when oral treatment is ineffective, not tolerated or when rapid iron replenishment is needed; transfusion should not be the default management. (d) Harness support from multiple medical disciplines and relevant bodies to promote PBM implementation. (e) Demonstrate better outcomes and cost savings from reduced mortality and morbidity. Although PBM implementation may seem complex and daunting, it is feasible to start small. Implementing PBM Pillar 1, particularly in preoperative patients, is a sensible first step regardless of the healthcare setting.
  19. Manaf MRA, Nawi AM, Tauhid NM, Othman H, Rahman MRA, Yusoff HM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 Apr 14;11(1):8132.
    PMID: 33854087 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87248-1
    Public health systems are concerned with the commensurate rise of metabolic syndrome (MetS) incidence across populations worldwide, due to its tendency to amplify greater risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases within communities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and its associated risk factors among staffs in a Malaysian public university. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 staffs from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) between April and June 2019. MetS was defined according to JIS "Harmonized" criteria. A questionnaire that consisted of items on socio-demographics, lifestyle risk behaviors and personal medical history information was administered to participants. Subsequently, a series of physical examination and biochemical assessment was conducted at the hall or foyer of selected faculties in the university. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS version 22.0. Multivariate models were yielded to determine the risk factors associated with MetS. Statistical significance was set at P 
  20. Raya I, Kartina D, Wijaya RI, Irfandi R, Abdalrazaq EA, Prihantono P, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2023 Dec 01;24(12):4155-4165.
    PMID: 38156851 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.12.4155
    OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is a malignancy originating from the cervix and often caused by oncogenic Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), specifically subtypes 16 and 18. Anticancer drugs are chemotherapeutic compounds used for cancer treatment. Therefore, this research aims to synthesize and characterize Zinc (II) dichloroethylenediamine (Zn(en)Cl2) complex, as well as determine its antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells. The Zn(en)Cl2 complex was successfully synthesized, and the antiproliferative activity was tested.

    METHODS: The synthesis involved reacting ethylenediamine and KCl with Zn metal. The complex formed was characterized using a conductometer, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and XRD, while the activity was measured against HeLa cells.

    RESULT: The synthesis yielded a 56.12% conversion with a melting point of 198-200 oC and a conductivity value of 2.02 mS/cm. The Zn(en)Cl2 complex showed potential activity against HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 898.35 µg/mL, which was evidenced by changes in the morphological structure of HeLa cells. Its interaction with DNA targets was investigated by employing molecular docking.

    CONCLUSION: The observed data indicated that the Zn(en)Cl2 complex bound to DNA at the nitrogenous base Guanine (DG) by coordinate covalent bonds. Interestingly, DG maintained interaction with the complex until the end of the docking simulation. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted, and the results showed that Zn(en)Cl2 remained bound to the DNA binding pocket all through the process.

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