Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 97 in total

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  1. Inhibitory effect of doxycycline against dengue virus replication in vitro
    Rothan HA, Mohamed Z, Paydar M, Rahman NA, Yusof R
    Arch Virol, 2014 Apr;159(4):711-8.
    PMID: 24142271 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1880-7
    Doxycycline is an antibiotic derived from tetracycline that possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Antiviral activity of doxycycline against dengue virus has been reported previously; however, its anti-dengue properties need further investigation. This study was conducted to determine the potential activity of doxycycline against dengue virus replication in vitro. Doxycycline inhibited the dengue virus serine protease (DENV2 NS2B-NS3pro) with an IC50 value of 52.3 ± 6.2 μM at 37 °C (normal human temperature) and 26.7 ± 5.3 μM at 40 °C (high fever temperature). The antiviral activity of doxycycline was first tested at different concentrations against DENV2 using a plaque-formation assay. The virus titter decreased significantly after applying doxycycline at levels lower than its 50 % cytotoxic concentration (CC50, 100 μM), showing concentration-dependent inhibition with a 50 % effective concentration (EC50) of approximately 50 μM. Doxycycline significantly inhibited viral entry and post-infection replication of the four dengue serotypes, with serotype-specific inhibition (high activity against DENV2 and DENV4 compared to DENV1 and DENV3). Collectively, these findings underline the need for further experimental and clinical studies on doxycycline, utilizing its anti-dengue and anti-inflammatory activities to attenuate the clinical symptoms of dengue virus infection.
  2. Fulltext Comparison of serum specific IgE with skin prick test in the diagnosis of allergy in Malaysia
    Asha'ari ZA, Suhaimi Y, Yusof RA, Rushdan I, Maraina CH
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Aug;66(3):202-6.
    PMID: 22111441 MyJurnal
    We compared a newer serum specific IgE (SSIgE) test with skin prick testing (SPT) in the diagnosis of allergy in Malaysia. Ninety newly diagnosed allergic patients were enrolled for both tests. Using SPT as a clinical gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated for SSIgE for each of the common allergens tested. The highest positive results for both SPT and SSIgE were for house dust mite and cat. Compared to SPT, SSIgE showed better sensitivity but poorer specificity, low PPV and good NPV in all the allergens tested. Significant positive correlation was seen between the diameter of wheal and flare of SPT and the SSIgE results.
  3. Analysis of secondary structure predictions of dengue virus type 2 NS2B/NS3 against crystal structure to evaluate the predictive power of the in silico methods
    Othman R, Wahab HA, Yusof R, Rahman NA
    In Silico Biol. (Gedrukt), 2007;7(2):215-24.
    PMID: 17688447
    Multiple sequence alignment was performed against eight proteases from the Flaviviridae family using ClustalW to illustrate conserved domains. Two sets of prediction approaches were applied and the results compared. Firstly, secondary structure prediction was performed using available structure prediction servers. The second approach made use of the information on the secondary structures extracted from structure prediction servers, threading techniques and DSSP database of some of the templates used in the threading techniques. Consensus on the one-dimensional secondary structure of Den2 protease was obtained from each approach and evaluated against data from the recently crystallised Den2 NS2B/NS3 obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Results indicated the second approach to show higher accuracy compared to the use of prediction servers only. Thus, it is plausible that this approach is applicable to the initial stage of structural studies of proteins with low amino acid sequence homology against other available proteins in the PDB.
  4. Discriminating dengue-infected hepatic cells (WRL-68) using dielectrophoresis
    Yafouz B, Kadri NA, Rothan HA, Yusof R, Ibrahim F
    Electrophoresis, 2016 Feb;37(3):511-8.
    PMID: 26530354 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201500282
    Dielectrophoresis (DEP), the induced movement of dielectric particles placed in a nonuniform electric field, has been used as a potential technique for manipulation and separation of many biological samples without destructive consequences to the cell. Cells of the same genotype in different physiological and pathological states have unique morphological and structural features, therefore, it is possible to differentiate between them using their DEP responses. This paper reports the experimental discrimination of normal and dengue-infected human hepatic fetal epithelial cells (WRL-68 cells) based on their DEP crossover frequency, at which no resultant movement occurs in the cells in response to the DEP force. A microarray dot electrode was used to conduct the DEP experiments. The DEP forces applied to the cells were quantified by analyzing the light intensity shift within the electrode's dot region based on the Cumulative Modal Intensity Shift image analysis technique. The differences in dielectric properties between infected and uninfected cells were exploited by plotting a unique DEP spectrum for each set of cells. We observed that the crossover frequency decreased from 220 kHz for the normal WRL-68 cells to 140 kHz after infection with the dengue virus in a medium conductivity of 100 μS/cm. We conclude that the change in the DEP crossover frequency between dengue-infected cells and their healthy counterparts should allow direct characterization of these cell types by exploiting their electrophysiological properties.
  5. Fulltext Automatic Region-Based Brain Classification of MRI-T1 Data
    Yazdani S, Yusof R, Karimian A, Mitsukira Y, Hematian A
    PLoS One, 2016;11(4):e0151326.
    PMID: 27096925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151326
    Image segmentation of medical images is a challenging problem with several still not totally solved issues, such as noise interference and image artifacts. Region-based and histogram-based segmentation methods have been widely used in image segmentation. Problems arise when we use these methods, such as the selection of a suitable threshold value for the histogram-based method and the over-segmentation followed by the time-consuming merge processing in the region-based algorithm. To provide an efficient approach that not only produce better results, but also maintain low computational complexity, a new region dividing based technique is developed for image segmentation, which combines the advantages of both regions-based and histogram-based methods. The proposed method is applied to the challenging applications: Gray matter (GM), White matter (WM) and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) segmentation in brain MR Images. The method is evaluated on both simulated and real data, and compared with other segmentation techniques. The obtained results have demonstrated its improved performance and robustness.
  6. Fulltext Clustering and genetic differentiation of the normocyte binding protein (nbpxa) of Plasmodium knowlesi clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysia Borneo
    Ahmed MA, Fong MY, Lau YL, Yusof R
    Malar J, 2016;15(1):241.
    PMID: 27118390 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1294-6
    The zoonotic malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi has become an emerging threat to South East Asian countries particular in Malaysia. A recent study from Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) discovered two distinct normocyte binding protein xa (Pknbpxa) types of P. knowlesi. In the present study, the Pknbpxa of clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) were investigated for the presence of Pknbpxa types and natural selection force acting on the gene.
  7. Fulltext Genetic Diversity, Natural Selection and Haplotype Grouping of Plasmodium knowlesi Gamma Protein Region II (PkγRII): Comparison with the Duffy Binding Protein (PkDBPαRII)
    Fong MY, Rashdi SA, Yusof R, Lau YL
    PLoS One, 2016;11(5):e0155627.
    PMID: 27195821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155627
    BACKGROUND: Plasmodium knowlesi is a simian malaria parasite that has been reported to cause malaria in humans in Southeast Asia. This parasite invades the erythrocytes of humans and of its natural host, the macaque Macaca fascicularis, via interaction between the Duffy binding protein region II (PkDBPαRII) and the Duffy antigen receptor on the host erythrocytes. In contrast, the P. knowlesi gamma protein region II (PkγRII) is not involved in the invasion of P. knowlesi into humans. PkγRII, however, mediates the invasion of P. knowlesi into the erythrocytes of M. mulata, a non-natural host of P. knowlesi via a hitherto unknown receptor. The haplotypes of PkDBPαRII in P. knowlesi isolates from Peninsular Malaysia and North Borneo have been shown to be genetically distinct and geographically clustered. Also, the PkDBPαRII was observed to be undergoing purifying (negative) selection. The present study aimed to determine whether similar phenomena occur in PkγRII.

    METHODS: Blood samples from 78 knowlesi malaria patients were used. Forty-eight of the samples were from Peninsular Malaysia, and 30 were from Malaysia Borneo. The genomic DNA of the samples was extracted and used as template for the PCR amplification of the PkγRII. The PCR product was cloned and sequenced. The sequences obtained were analysed for genetic diversity and natural selection using MEGA6 and DnaSP (version 5.10.00) programmes. Genetic differentiation between the PkγRII of Peninsular Malaysia and North Borneo isolates was estimated using the Wright's FST fixation index in DnaSP (version 5.10.00). Haplotype analysis was carried out using the Median-Joining approach in NETWORK (version 4.6.1.3).

    RESULTS: A total of 78 PkγRII sequences was obtained. Comparative analysis showed that the PkγRII have similar range of haplotype (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) with that of PkDBPαRII. Other similarities between PkγRII and PkDBPαRII include undergoing purifying (negative) selection, geographical clustering of haplotypes, and high inter-population genetic differentiation (FST index). The main differences between PkγRII and PkDBPαRII include length polymorphism and no departure from neutrality (as measured by Tajima's D statistics) in the PkγRII.

    CONCLUSION: Despite the biological difference between PkγRII and PkDBPαRII, both generally have similar genetic diversity level, natural selection, geographical haplotype clustering and inter-population genetic differentiation index.

  8. Spatial analysis and source profiling of beta-agonists and sulfonamides in Langat River basin, Malaysia
    Sakai N, Mohd Yusof R, Sapar M, Yoneda M, Ali Mohd M
    Sci Total Environ, 2016 Apr 01;548-549:43-50.
    PMID: 26799806 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.040
    Beta-agonists and sulfonamides are widely used for treating both humans and livestock for bronchial and cardiac problems, infectious disease and even as growth promoters. There are concerns about their potential environmental impacts, such as producing drug resistance in bacteria. This study focused on their spatial distribution in surface water and the identification of pollution sources in the Langat River basin, which is one of the most urbanized watersheds in Malaysia. Fourteen beta-agonists and 12 sulfonamides were quantitatively analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A geographic information system (GIS) was used to visualize catchment areas of the sampling points, and source profiling was conducted to identify the pollution sources based on a correlation between a daily pollutant load of the detected contaminant and an estimated density of human or livestock population in the catchment areas. As a result, 6 compounds (salbutamol, sulfadiazine, sulfapyridine, sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethoxazole) were widely detected in mid catchment areas towards estuary. The source profiling indicated that the pollution sources of salbutamol and sulfamethoxazole were from sewage, while sulfadiazine was from effluents of cattle, goat and sheep farms. Thus, this combination method of quantitative and spatial analysis clarified the spatial distribution of these drugs and assisted for identifying the pollution sources.
  9. Fulltext Distinct genetic difference between the Duffy binding protein (PkDBPαII) of Plasmodium knowlesi clinical isolates from North Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia
    Fong MY, Rashdi SA, Yusof R, Lau YL
    Malar J, 2015;14:91.
    PMID: 25890095 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0610-x
    Plasmodium knowlesi is one of the monkey malaria parasites that can cause human malaria. The Duffy binding protein of P. knowlesi (PkDBPαII) is essential for the parasite's invasion into human and monkey erythrocytes. A previous study on P. knowlesi clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia reported high level of genetic diversity in the PkDBPαII. Furthermore, 36 amino acid haplotypes were identified and these haplotypes could be separated into allele group I and allele group II. In the present study, the PkDBPαII of clinical isolates from the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah in North Borneo was investigated, and compared with the PkDBPαII of Peninsular Malaysia isolates.
  10. Fulltext Association of dietary pattern with biochemical blood profiles and bodyweight among adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tehran, Iran
    Darani Zad N, Mohd Yusof R, Esmaili H, Jamaluddin R, Mohseni F
    J Diabetes Metab Disord, 2015;14:28.
    PMID: 25897421 DOI: 10.1186/s40200-015-0155-0
    BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to identify dietary patterns and evaluated their association with biochemical blood profiles and body weight among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 400 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tehran from March to August 2013. Biochemical blood profiles, socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, and dietary data were obtained. Dietary data from food frequency questionnaire were used to derive dietary patterns. Factor analysis was conducted to ascertain the dietary patterns, and analysis of covariance was fitted to assess the relation between blood profiles, body weight and adherence to dietary patterns.

    RESULTS: Three dietary patterns by factor analysis were identified, Vegetable & Poultry, Western and Semi-healthy. After control for potential confounders, body mass index (b = -0/03, p 

  11. Neurovirulence of four encephalitogenic dengue 3 virus strains isolated in Malaysia (1992-1994) is not attributed to their envelope protein
    Fong MY, Yusup R, Yusof R, Lam SK
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2004 Jun;98(6):379-81.
    PMID: 15099995
    The amino acid sequences of the envelope (E) protein of four encephalitogenic and five non-encephalitogenic dengue 3 virus strains isolated in Malaysia were determined and compared. Multiple sequence alignment revealed a high degree of similarity in the E protein of the strains suggesting that neurovirulence of these four encephalitogenic strains is not attributed to this protein.
  12. Fulltext Anxiety in Frontline and Non-Frontline Healthcare Providers in Kelantan, Malaysia
    Mohd Noor N, Che Yusof R, Yacob MA
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jan 20;18(3).
    PMID: 33498397 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030861
    In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare providers are exposed to psychological and mental health implications, including vicarious traumatization, anxiety, and depression. Gradual increases in the number of COVID-19 cases meant they were inadequately protected from contamination due to a shortage of protective equipment, excessive workloads, emotional exhaustion and frustration. These circumstances affect their work performance in delivering health services. This study aims to compare the levels of anxiety in frontline and non-frontline healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study applied a comparative cross-sectional design between May and July 2020 at the Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II. Convenient sampling was applied in the selection of eligible participants. The case report form contained two self-administered questionnaires, namely, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance were conducted using SPSS version 26. The number of participants recruited was 306, including 160 healthcare providers in the frontline group and 146 in the non-frontline group. The non-frontline healthcare providers reported a significantly higher anxiety mean score of 1.7 than the frontline providers after adjusting for gender, duration of employment, and social support. It indicates that non-frontline healthcare providers require psychological support similar to that of frontline healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  13. Averrhoa bilimbi pectin-based edible films: Effects of the linearity and branching of the pectin on the physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier properties of the films
    Shafie MH, Yusof R, Samsudin D, Gan CY
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Nov 15;163:1276-1282.
    PMID: 32673725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.109
    The potential of Averrhoa bilimbi pectin (ABP) as a source of biopolymer for edible film (EF) production was explored, and deep eutectic solvent (DES) (1% w/w) containing choline chloride-citric acid monohydrate at a molar ratio of 1:1 was used as the plasticizer. The EF-ABP3:1, which was produced from ABP with large branch size, showed a higher value of melting temperature (175.30 °C), tensile stress (7.32 MPa) and modulus (33.64 MPa). The EF-ABP3:1 also showed better barrier properties by obtaining the lowest water vapor transmission rates (1.10-1.18 mg/m2.s) and moisture absorption values (2.61-32.13%) depending on the relative humidity compared to other EF-ABPs (1.39-1.83 mg/m2.s and 3.48-51.50%, respectively) that have linear structure with smaller branch size. From these results, it was suggested that the galacturonic acid content, molecular weight, degree of esterification and pectin structure of ABP significantly influenced the properties of EFs. The interaction of highly branched pectin chains was stronger than the linear chains, thus reduced the effect of plasticizer and produced a mechanically stronger EF with better barrier properties. Hence, it was suggested that these EFs could be used as alternative degradable packaging/coating materials.
  14. Fulltext Identification of natural antimicrobial agents to treat dengue infection: In vitro analysis of latarcin peptide activity against dengue virus
    Rothan HA, Bahrani H, Rahman NA, Yusof R
    BMC Microbiol, 2014;14:140.
    PMID: 24885331 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-14-140
    Although there have been considerable advances in the study of dengue virus, no vaccines or anti-dengue drugs are currently available for humans. Therefore, new approaches are necessary for the development of potent anti-dengue drugs. Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with potent antiviral activities are potential hits-to-leads for antiviral drug discovery. We performed this study to identify and characterise the inhibitory potential of the latarcin peptide (Ltc 1, SMWSGMWRRKLKKLRNALKKKLKGE) against dengue virus replication in infected cells.
  15. Binding of tetrabutylammonium bromide based deep eutectic solvent to DNA by spectroscopic analysis
    Yusof R, Jumbri K, Ahmad H, Abdulmalek E, Abdul Rahman MB
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2021 May 15;253:119543.
    PMID: 33636491 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.119543
    The binding characteristics of DNA in deep eutectic solvents (DESs), particularly the binding energy and interaction mechanism, are not widely known. In this study, the binding of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) based DES of different hydrogen bond donors (HBD), including ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol (Gly), 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) and 1,5-pentanediol (1,5-PD), to calf thymus DNA was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found that the shorter the alkyl chain length (2 carbons) and higher EG ratios of TBABr:EG (1:5) increased the binding constant (Kb) between DES and DNA up to 5.75 × 105 kJ mol-1 and decreased the binding of Gibbs energy (ΔGo) to 32.86 kJ mol-1. Through displacement studies, all synthesised DESs have been shown to displace DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and were able to bind on the minor groove of Adenine-Thymine (AT)-rich DNA. A higher number of hydroxyl (OH) groups caused the TBABr:Gly to form more hydrogen bonds with DNA bases and had the highest ability to quench DAPI from DNA, with Stern-Volmer constants (Ksv) of 115.16 M-1. This study demonstrated that the synthesised DESs were strongly bound to DNA through a combination of electrostatic, hydrophobic, and groove binding. Hence, DES has the potential to solvate and stabilise nucleic acid structures.
  16. Discovery of small molecule inhibitors against the NS3/4A serine protease of Hepatitis C virus genotype 3 via highthroughput virtual screening and in vitro evaluations
    Sakhor W, Teoh TC, Yusof R, Lim SK, Razif MFM
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):609-625.
    PMID: 33612776 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.609
    The hepatitis C virus (HCV) consists of eight genotypes and 90 subtypes, with genotype (GT) 3 being the second most common globally and is linked to higher incidences of steatosis and rapid development of fibrosis and cirrhosis. The NS3/4A serine protease, a heterodimer complex of two HCV non-structural proteins, is an effective target for pharmaceutical intervention due to its essential roles in processing HCV polyproteins and inhibiting innate immunity. This study combines structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) of predefined compound libraries, pharmacokinetic prediction (ADME/T) and in vitro evaluation to identify potential low molecular weight (<500 Dalton) inhibitors of the NS3/4A serine protease (GT3). In silico screening of ZINC and PubChem libraries yielded five selected compounds as potential candidates. Dose-dependent inhibition of the NS3/4A serine protease and HCV replication in HuH-7.5 cells revealed that compound A (PubChem ID No. 16672637) exhibited inhibition towards HCV GT3 with an IC50 of 106.7µM and EC50 of 25.8µM, respectively. Thus, compound A may be developed as a potent, low molecular weight drug against the HCV NS3/4A serine protease of GT3.
  17. Rational drug discovery: Ellagic acid as a potent dual-target inhibitor against hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (HCV G3) NS3 enzymes
    Lim SK, Othman R, Yusof R, Heh CH
    Chem Biol Drug Des, 2021 01;97(1):28-40.
    PMID: 32657543 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13756
    Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) has served as a popular strategy for rational drug discovery. In this study, we aimed to discover novel benzopyran-based inhibitors that targeted the NS3 enzymes (NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase) of HCV G3 using a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches. With the aid of SBVS, six novel compounds were discovered to inhibit HCV G3 NS3/4A protease and two phytochemicals (ellagic acid and myricetin) were identified as dual-target inhibitors that inhibited both NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase in vitro (IC50  = 40.37 ± 5.47 nm and 6.58 ± 0.99 µm, respectively). Inhibitory activities against the replication of HCV G3 replicons were further assessed in a cell-based system with four compounds showed dose-dependent inhibition. Compound P8 was determined to be the most potent compound from the cell-based assay with an EC50 of 19.05 µm. The dual-target inhibitor, ellagic acid, was determined as the second most potent (EC50  = 32.37 µm) and the most selective in its inhibitory activity against the replication of HCV replicons, without severely affecting the viability of the host cells (selectivity index > 6.18).
  18. Characterization of bio-based plastic made from a mixture of Momordica charantia bioactive polysaccharide and choline chloride/glycerol based deep eutectic solvent
    Shafie MH, Samsudin D, Yusof R, Gan CY
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Oct 15;118(Pt A):1183-1192.
    PMID: 29944943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.103
    Momordica charantia bioactive polysaccharide (MCBP) was used as an alternative source for the production of bio-based plastics (BPs) with choline chloride/glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a plasticizer. In this study, MCBP was initially extracted using 0.1 M citric acid at temperature 80 °C for 2 h, precipitated using ethanol, and then lyophilized. Subsequently, seven BPs were prepared: MCBP without plasticizer (MCBP), with 1% (w/w) of glycerol (MCBP-G), or with 1% (w/w) of DES at different choline chloride/glycerol molar ratios (i.e. 1.5:1, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, and 1:3). The properties of these BPs were then investigated. Results showed that the tensile strains, stresses and moduli were in the range of 1.3-13.3%, 4.8-19.1 MPa and 132-2487 MPa, respectively. The melting temperatures were found in the range of 92.6-111.4 °C whereas the moisture absorptions and water vapour transmission rates (WVTR) of BPs were 1.4-6.5% and 3.6-5.4 mg/m2·s, respectively. The results also showed that these BPs exhibited bioactivities, such as microbial inhibitory activity (19.5-32.3 mm), free radical scavenging activity (10.3-18.3%) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 16.1-20.0 mM). In addition, it was observed that using DES as a plasticizer had improved the properties of BP, such as tensile strain (354.7-937.5%), melting temperature (4.6-20.3%), radical scavenging activity (0.6-88.6%), FRAP (0.9-18.7%) and antimicrobial activity (12.3-33.6%) compared to MCBP, due to the fact DES has caused different degrees of plasticization via hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds with the polymer chains, and induced a lower pH condition. Therefore, it was suggested that these BPs with DES could contribute to food preservation properties.
  19. Psychometric properties of the Malay version of motivation scales in drug treatment
    Shukri M, Min RM, Abdullah SS, Yusof RAM, Husain Z
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Oct;74(5):377-384.
    PMID: 31649212
    INTRODUCTION: In recognition of the role of motivation in drug use treatment, patient motivational screening instruments are needed for strategic planning and treatment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malay version of the Treatment Motivation Scale, and to compare the motivational levels of patients receiving substance abuse treatment with different modalities (inpatient vs. outpatient). The motivational scale consists of three scales: problem recognition, desire for help and treatment readiness.

    METHOD: A convenience sample of 102 patients was recruited from four Cure and Care Service Centres in Malaysia.

    RESULTS: Principal component analysis with varimax rotation supported two-factor solutions for each subscale: problem recognition, desire for help and treatment readiness, which accounted for 63.5%, 62.7% and 49.1% of the variances, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were acceptable for the overall measures (24 items: ∝ = 0.89), the problem recognition scale (10 items; ∝ = 0.89), desire for help (6 items; ∝ = 0.64) and treatment readiness scale (8 items; ∝ = 0.60). The results also indicated significant motivational differences for different modalities, with inpatients having significantly higher motivational scores in each scale compared to outpatients.

    CONCLUSION: The present study pointed towards the favourable psychometric properties of a motivation for treatment scale, which can be a useful instrument for clinical applications of drug use changes and treatment.

  20. Fulltext Endoplasmic reticulum: a focal point of Zika virus infection
    Mohd Ropidi MI, Khazali AS, Nor Rashid N, Yusof R
    J Biomed Sci, 2020 Jan 20;27(1):27.
    PMID: 31959174 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-0618-6
    Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. It is an arbovirus that can cause congenital abnormalities and is sexually transmissible. A series of outbreaks accompanied by unexpected severe clinical complications have captured medical attention to further characterize the clinical features of congenital ZIKV syndrome and its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ER-related proteins are essential in ZIKV genome replication. This review highlights the subcellular localization of ZIKV to the ER and ZIKV modulation on the architecture of the ER. This review also discusses ZIKV interaction with ER proteins such as signal peptidase complex subunit 1 (SPCS1), ER membrane complex (EMC) subunits, and ER translocon for viral replication. Furthermore, the review covers several important resulting effects of ZIKV infection to the ER and cellular processes including ER stress, reticulophagy, and paraptosis-like death. Pharmacological targeting of ZIKV-affected ER-resident proteins and ER-associated components demonstrate promising signs of combating ZIKV infection and rescuing host organisms from severe neurologic sequelae.
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