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Thyroid function status evaluation in patient post-radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective study

Loh ZH, Mohamad S, Gan BC, Zakaria Z, Mohamad I

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Mar;78(2):197-201.
PMID: 36988530

INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is among the most common malignancy in Malaysia. Radiationinduced hypothyroidism has been reported in other countries. However, in Malaysia, no studies were ever done to determine the effect of radiation on hypothyroidism. The objective of this study is to evaluate the practice of taking thyroid function test (TFT) and determine hypothyroidism post-radiation in patients with NPC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study on the symptoms and results of TFT according to the dosage of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) given to patients with NPC. Data were traced and analysed.
RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were identified. All patients received IMRT with 33-35 fractions of radiotherapy (RT) with total dosage of 66-70 Gray given. Not all patients had their thyroid function status measured routinely. Twelve patients did have symptoms of hypothyroidism. TFT were obtained in this group but the results were normal. No correlation was found between RT and hypothyroidism.
CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between IMRT and the development of hypothyroidism. A prospective study with better control of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and longer follow-up period with TFT, is needed to demonstrate the consistency of these findings.
Fulltext Subthalamic Nucleus (STN)-Deep Brain Stimulation Reduces the Power of Mu and Beta Rhythms and Enhances Synchrony at the Motor Cortices in Parkinson's Disease: A Report of Two Cases

Zakaria Z, Idris Z, Abdul Halim S, Ghani ARI, Abdullah JM

Cureus, 2023 Feb;15(2):e35057.
PMID: 36942168 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35057

The motor circuit in Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the basal ganglia, thalamus, motor cortex, and cerebellum. Hence, subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation is commonly used in treating refractory Parkinson's patients. During the procedure, the local field potential (LPF) is commonly made along the trajectory of the STN. Two cases were assessed, where an electroencephalographic recording at the sensorimotor cortices was also performed with and without stimulation at the optimal STN electrode site. The 'on' stimulation state associated with clinical improvement correlated with a marked reduction in the late theta (7.5 Hz), alpha (10.5 Hz) (Mu wave), and beta (20 Hz) wave power. Besides, more synchronized and coherent brainwaves were noted when the stimulation was 'on'.
Fulltext Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli in broiler chicken farms in Malaysia

Lemlem M, Aklilu E, Mohammed M, Kamaruzzaman F, Zakaria Z, Harun A, et al.

PLoS One, 2023;18(5):e0285743.
PMID: 37205716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285743

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health threats globally. This challenge has been aggravated with the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in food animals and humans. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from broiler chickens in Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 320 cloacal swabs were collected from farms in different districts of Kelantan and were analyzed using routine bacteriology, antimicrobial susceptibility test, and molecular techniques for further identification and characterization of ESBL encoding genes. Based on PCR detection for the E. coli species-specific Pho gene, 30.3% (97/320) of isolates were confirmed as E. coli, and 84.5% (82/97) of the isolates were positive for at least one ESBL gene. Majority of the isolates, 62.9% (61/97) were harboring blaCTX-M followed by 45.4% (44/97) of blaTEM genes, while 16.5% (16/97) of the isolates were positive for both mcr-1 and ESBL genes. Overall, 93.8% (90/97) of the E. coli were resistant to three or more antimicrobials; indicating that the isolates were multi-drug resistance. 90.7% of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index value greater than 0.2, would also suggest the isolates were from high-risk sources of contamination. The MLST result shows that the isolates are widely diverse. Our findings provide insight into the alarmingly high distribution of antimicrobial resistant bacteria, mainly ESBL producing E. coli in apparently healthy chickens indicating the role of food animals in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, and the potential public health threats it may pose.
Editorial: Molecular pathogenesis of tropical veterinary diseases

Othman S, Zakaria Z, Abd Wahid ME

Front Vet Sci, 2023;10:1163154.
PMID: 37082136 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1163154
Fulltext The occurrence and molecular detection of mcr-1 and mcr-5 genes in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from poultry and poultry meats in Malaysia

Karim MR, Zakaria Z, Hassan L, Faiz NM, Ahmad NI

Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1208314.
PMID: 37601372 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1208314

The advent of antimicrobials-resistant (AMR), including colistin-resistant bacteria, poses a significant challenge to animal and human health, food safety, socio-economic growth, and the global environment. This study aimed to ascertain the colistin resistance prevalence and molecular mechanisms of colistin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. The colistin resistance was determined using broth microdilution assay, PCR; and Sanger sequencing of mcr genes responsible for colistin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae (n = 627), including Escherichia coli (436), Salmonella spp. (n = 140), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 51), obtained from chicken and chicken meats. Out of 627 Enterobacteriaceae, 8.6% of isolates exhibited colistin resistance phenotypically. Among these colistin resistant isolates, 9.3% (n = 37) were isolated from chicken meat, 7.2% (n = 11) from the cloacal swab of chicken and 7.9% (n = 6) from the litter samples. Overall, 12.96% of colistin-resistant isolates were positive with mcr genes, in which mcr-1 and mcr-5 genes were determined in 11.11% and 1.85% of colistin-resistant isolates, respectively. The E. coli isolates obtained from chicken meats, cloacal swabs and litter samples were found positive for mcr-1, and Salmonella spp. originated from the chicken meat sample was observed with mcr-5, whereas no mcr genes were observed in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from any of the collected samples. The other colistin resistance genes, including mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, mcr-6, mcr-7, mcr-8, mcr-9, and mcr-10 were not detected in the studied samples. The mcr-1 and mcr-5 genes were sequenced and found to be 100% identical to the mcr-1 and mcr-5 gene sequences available in the NCBI database. This is the first report of colistin resistance mcr-5 gene in Malaysia which could portend the emergence of mcr-5 harboring bacterial strains for infection. Further studies are needed to characterize the mr-5 harbouring bacteria for the determination of plasmid associated with mcr-5 gene.
Fulltext Multiclonal human origin and global expansion of an endemic bacterial pathogen of livestock

Yebra G, Harling-Lee JD, Lycett S, Aarestrup FM, Larsen G, Cavaco LM, et al.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2022 Dec 13;119(50):e2211217119.
PMID: 36469788 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211217119

Most new pathogens of humans and animals arise via switching events from distinct host species. However, our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological drivers of successful host adaptation, expansion, and dissemination are limited. Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen of humans and a leading cause of mastitis in dairy cows worldwide. Here we trace the evolutionary history of bovine S. aureus using a global dataset of 10,254 S. aureus genomes including 1,896 bovine isolates from 32 countries in 6 continents. We identified 7 major contemporary endemic clones of S. aureus causing bovine mastitis around the world and traced them back to 4 independent host-jump events from humans that occurred up to 2,500 y ago. Individual clones emerged and underwent clonal expansion from the mid-19th to late 20th century coinciding with the commercialization and industrialization of dairy farming, and older lineages have become globally distributed via established cattle trade links. Importantly, we identified lineage-dependent differences in the frequency of host transmission events between humans and cows in both directions revealing high risk clones threatening veterinary and human health. Finally, pangenome network analysis revealed that some bovine S. aureus lineages contained distinct sets of bovine-associated genes, consistent with multiple trajectories to host adaptation via gene acquisition. Taken together, we have dissected the evolutionary history of a major endemic pathogen of livestock providing a comprehensive temporal, geographic, and gene-level perspective of its remarkable success.
Fulltext Conversion rate and risk factors of conversion to open in laparoscopic appendicectomy

Pushpanathan NR, Hashim MNM, Zahari Z, Aziz SHSA, Zain WZW, Ramely R, et al.

Ann Coloproctol, 2022 Dec;38(6):409-414.
PMID: 34407370 DOI: 10.3393/ac.2020.00437.0062

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) has several advantages over conventional open appendicectomy (OA). However, about 5% to 10% of LA patients still need to be converted to open surgery. Identifying risk factors that contribute to conversion to OA allows for early identification of patients who may benefit from primary OA. This study aimed to determine the conversion rate of LA to OA and to identify its associated risk factors among patients with acute or perforated appendicitis.
METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was performed among patients with acute or perforated appendicitis who underwent LA between December 2015 and January 2017. With the use of multivariable logistic regression analyses, the predictors of conversion from laparoscopic to OA were investigated.
RESULTS: Out of 120 patients, 33 cases were converted to OA which gives a conversion rate of 27.5%. Among 33 patients who were converted to OA, 27 patients (81.8%) had perforated appendix, while in the LA group, perforated appendix cases consisted of 34.5% (P<0.001). Histopathology of the appendix was the predictor of conversion from LA to OA (adjusted odds ratio, 8.82; 95% confidence interval, 3.13-24.91; P<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The result from our study shows that the overall conversion rate for the study period was high. Patients with perforated appendicitis had a higher risk of conversion to OA. Therefore, preoperative diagnosis of perforated appendicitis may be paramount in predicting conversion to OA.
Fulltext Giant solitary juvenile polyp: from obstructed defecation syndrome to incontinence

Teoh ZH, Soh JY, Mohamad N, Zawawi N, Zakaria AD, Zakaria Z, et al.

Ann Coloproctol, 2022 Nov 25.
PMID: 36424815 DOI: 10.3393/ac.2022.00549.0078

Juvenile polyps (JPs) are the most common polyps in pediatric patients. We present the case of an 18-year-old male patient with a giant solitary JP resembling solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). The presenting history was rectal bleeding and symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome. Colonoscopy revealed a polypoidal mass at the anorectal junction, with biopsy-confirmed SRUS. The symptoms worsened, and a protruding mass from the anus caused fecal incontinence. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a huge pedunculated mass occupying the low rectum with local compression of the urinary bladder. Transanal excision of the anal tumor was performed due to bleeding. A histopathological examination showed a JP with high-grade dysplasia. A histological examination to differentiate JPs and SRUS could be challenging based on a superficial forceps biopsy. Therefore, an excision biopsy is usually warranted with the understanding that adenomatous or malignant transformation is found in 5.6% to 12% of all JPs.
Fulltext A GNAS Gene Mutation's Independent Expression in the Growth of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Afolabi HA, Salleh SM, Zakaria Z, Ch'ng ES, Mohd Nafi SN, Abdul Aziz AAB, et al.

Cancers (Basel), 2022 Nov 08;14(22).
PMID: 36428574 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225480

Globally, colorectal carcinoma CRC is the third most common cancer and the third most common reason for cancer-associated mortality in both genders. The GNAS mutations are significantly linked with poor prognosis and failed treatment outcomes in CRC. A systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple studies executed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria and registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021256452). The initial search includes a total of 271 publications; however, only 30 studies that merit the eligibility criteria were eventually chosen. Data analysis via OpenMeta Analyst and comprehensive meta-analysis 3.0 (CMA 3.0) software were used to investigate the prevalence of GNAS gene mutation among CRC patients. The meta-analysis consisted of 10,689 participants with most being males 6068/10,689 (56.8%). Overall, prevalence of GNAS mutations was 4.8% (95% CI: 3.1−7.3) with I2 = 94.39% and (p < 0.001). In 11/30 studies, the frequency of GNAS gene mutations was majorly in codons R201C [40.7% (95% CI: 29.2−53.2%)] and in codon R201H [39.7% (95% CI = 27.1−53.8)]. Overall prevalence of GNAS mutations was highest among the male gender: 53.9% (95% CI: 48.2−59.5%: I2 = 94.00%, (p < 0.001), tumour location (colon): 50.5% (95% CI: 33.2−67.6%: I2 = 97.93%, (p < 0.001), tumour grade (Well): 57.5% (95% CI: 32.4−79.2%: I2 = 98.10%, (p < 0.001) and tumour late stage: 67.9% (95% CI: 49.7−84.3%: I2 = 98.%, (p < 0.001). When stratified according to study location, a higher prevalence was observed in Japan (26.8%) while Italy has the lowest (0.4%). Overall prevalence of GNAS gene mutations was 4.8% with codons R201C and R201H being the most mutated, and the results conformed with numerous published studies on GNAS mutation.
Role of flavonoid-rich fraction from Persea americana (Mill.) in bacterial leakage of Staphylococcus aureus

Sulistyani N, Nurkhasanah -, Angelita L, Ridwan Rais I, Amiruddin Zakaria Z

Pak J Pharm Sci, 2022 Nov;35(6(Special)):1805-1811.
PMID: 36861247

This study aimed to determine the ability of Persea americana (Mill.) or avocado peels ethanolic extract and its fractions to cause bacterial cell leakage in Staphylococcus aureus. The interaction of antibacterial compound with bacterial cells induces several changes leading to the damage of membrane permeability, followed by intracellular bacterial cell leakage. The experiment started with the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration by micro dilution method. Following the determination of MIC and MBC values, the samples, at the concentrations of 1xMIC and 2xMIC, were tested and analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 260 and 280 nm to determine the leakage of bacteria cells. The value of K+ ion leakage was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry while the value of electrical conductivity was measured by conducto meter to determine the leakage of the cell membrane. The recorded MIC and MBC values of samples were 10% w/v. At the concentrations of 10% and 20% w/v, the samples caused an increase in nucleic acid, protein and DNA levels as well as an increase in extra cellular electrical conductivity. Prolonged exposure of the extract increased the leakage of bacterial cell contents and the electrical conductivity, indicating the damage of bacterial cell membrane.
Fulltext Efficacy and safety of pre-gastroscopy commercial carbohydrate-rich whey protein beverage vs. plain water: a randomised controlled trial

Lua BC, Md Hashim MN, Wong MS, Lee YY, Zakaria AD, Zakaria Z, et al.

Sci Rep, 2022 Oct 17;12(1):17355.
PMID: 36253448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22363-1

Clinical benefits and safety of carbohydrate loading pre-gastroscopy remain unclear. We aimed to determine the effects of a commercial carbohydrate-rich whey protein beverage versus plain water given pre-gastroscopy on gastric residual volume and well-being, and to determine adverse events. This was a single centre, single-blinded, parallel-group, sex-stratified randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized either to carbohydrate-rich whey protein beverage group (Resource®, Nestle Health Science) or control group (250 ml plain water) given pre-gastroscopy. Gastric contents were aspirated into a suction reservoir bottle to determine the gastric residual volume (GRV). Visual analogue scale (VAS) of well-being (anxiety, hunger, thirst, tiredness, and weakness) was compared before and after the intervention. Adverse events were also evaluated post-intervention. Of 369 screened, 78 participants (36 males, mean age 49 ± 14.3 years) were randomized. Compared with the control group, carbohydrate beverage was associated with significantly higher GRV (p
Fulltext A Comprehensive Review of the Recent Developments in Wearable Sweat-Sensing Devices

Ibrahim NFA, Sabani N, Johari S, Manaf AA, Wahab AA, Zakaria Z, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2022 Oct 10;22(19).
PMID: 36236769 DOI: 10.3390/s22197670

Sweat analysis offers non-invasive real-time on-body measurement for wearable sensors. However, there are still gaps in current developed sweat-sensing devices (SSDs) regarding the concerns of mixing fresh and old sweat and real-time measurement, which are the requirements to ensure accurate the measurement of wearable devices. This review paper discusses these limitations by aiding model designs, features, performance, and the device operation for exploring the SSDs used in different sweat collection tools, focusing on continuous and non-continuous flow sweat analysis. In addition, the paper also comprehensively presents various sweat biomarkers that have been explored by earlier works in order to broaden the use of non-invasive sweat samples in healthcare and related applications. This work also discusses the target analyte's response mechanism for different sweat compositions, categories of sweat collection devices, and recent advances in SSDs regarding optimal design, functionality, and performance.
Fulltext Valorization of discarded face mask for bioactive compound synthesis and photodegradation of dye

Kiong TC, Nordin N, Ahmad Ruslan NAA, Kan SY, Ismail NM, Zakaria Z, et al.

Environ Res, 2022 Oct;213:113737.
PMID: 35752328 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113737

To keep COVID-19 at bay, most countries have mandated the use of face masks in public places and imposed heavy penalties for those who fail to do so. This has inadvertently created a huge demand for disposable face masks and worsened the problem of littering, where a large number of used masks are constantly discarded into the environment. As such, an efficient and innovative waste management strategy for the discarded face mask is urgently needed. This study presents the transformation of discarded face mask into catalyst termed 'mask waste ash catalyst (MWAC)' to synthesise bisindolylmethanes (BIMs), alkaloids that possess antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral properties. Using commercially available aldehydes and indole, an excellent yield of reaction (62-94%) was achieved using the MWAC in the presence of water as the sole solvent. On the other hand, the FT-IR spectrum of MWAC showed the absorption bands at 2337 cm-1, 1415 cm-1 and 871 cm-1, which correspond to the signals of calcium oxide. It is then proposed that the calcium oxides mainly present in MWAC can protonate oxygen atoms in the carbonyl molecule of the aldehyde group, thus facilitating the nucleophile attack by indole which consequently improved the product yield. Moreover, the MWAC is also observed to facilitate the photodegradation of methylene blue with an efficiency of up to 94.55%. Our results showed the potential applications of the MWAC derived from discarded face masks as a sustainable catalyst for bioactive compound synthesis and photodegradation of dye compounds.
Fulltext The Prediction of Survival Outcome and Prognosis Factor in Association with Comorbidity Status in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Research-Based Study

Afolabi H, Salleh SM, Zakaria Z, Ch'ng ES, Mohd Nafi SN, Abdul Aziz AAB, et al.

Healthcare (Basel), 2022 Sep 05;10(9).
PMID: 36141305 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091693

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is rising exponentially in Asia, representing 11% of cancer worldwide. This study analysed the influence of CRC on patients’ life expectancy (survival and prognosis factors) via clinicopathology data and comorbidity status of CRC patients. Methodology: A retrospective study performed in HUSM using clinical data from the Surgery unit from 2015 to 2020. The demographic and pertinent clinical data were retrieved for preliminary analyses (data cleansing and exploration). Demographics and pathological characteristics were illustrated using descriptive analysis; 5-year survival rates were calculated using Kaplan−Meier methods; potential prognostic variables were analysed using simple and multivariate logistic regression analysis conducted via the Cox proportional hazards model, while the Charlson Comorbidity Scale was used to categorize patients’ disease status. Results: Of a total of 114 CRC patients, two-thirds (89.5%) were from Malay tribes, while Indian and Chinese had 5.3% each. The 50−69.9 years were the most affected group (45.6%). Overall, 40.4% were smokers (majorly male (95.7%)), 14.0% ex-smokers, and 45.6% non-smokers (p-value = 0.001). The Kaplan−Meier overall 5-year median survival time was 62.5%. From the outcomes, patients who were male and >70 years had metastasis present, who presented with per rectal bleeding and were classified as Duke C; and who has tumour in the rectum had the lowest survival rate. Regarding the prognosis factors investigated, “Gender” (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.62; 95% CI: 1.56−7.81, p-value = 0.040), “Presence of metastases” (HR: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.89−7.32, p-value = 0.010), “Metastasis site: Liver” (HR: 5.04; 95% CI: 1.71−19.05, p-value = 0.039), “Lymphovascular permeation” (HR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.99−5.92, p-value = 0.021), and “CEA-level” (HR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.49−5.80, p-value = 0.001) remained significant in the final model for multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. There was a significant mean association between tumour grades and the patient’s comorbidity status. Conclusions: Histopathological factors (gender, metastases presence, site of metastases, CEA level, and lymphovascular permeation) showed the best prognosis-predicting factors in CRC.
Bee bread attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis by activating Nrf2/Keap1 and modulating TNF-α/NF-κβ-associated mast cell migration and a mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway in the obese rat model

Othman ZA, Zakaria Z, Suleiman JB, Che Jalil NA, Wan Ghazali WS, Mohamed M

Food Funct, 2022 Aug 01;13(15):8119-8130.
PMID: 35796099 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo00949h

This study explores the anti-atherosclerotic effects of bee bread in the context of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis phenomena in an obesity animal model, and its vitamin composition. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with a normal diet (Normal group) and a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. After 6 weeks, obese rats that received the HFD were treated either with distilled water (Ob group), bee bread at 0.5 g per kg per day (Ob + Bb group), or orlistat at 10 mg per kg per day (Ob + Or group) concomitant with the HFD for another 6 weeks. Bee bread significantly improved atherosclerotic changes by enhancing the immunoexpressions of Nrf2/Keap1, impeding the immunoexpressions of NF-κβ downstream proteins, and intensifying Bcl-2 upregulation, attributed to the improvement in mast cell adherence and collagen deposition in the aortic wall of the Ob + Bb group. We have demonstrated that the treatment with bee bread attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis through its inhibition of vascular oxidative stress, and retardation of inflammatory reaction and apoptosis in obese rats, indicating its potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related vascular diseases. This could be partly attributed to the components of vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E that are present in bee bread, which need further study for the exact molecular mechanism of action.
A systematic literature review on the current detection tools for authentication analysis of cosmetic ingredients

Aziz AA, Nordin FNM, Zakaria Z, Abu Bakar NK

J Cosmet Dermatol, 2022 Jan;21(1):71-84.
PMID: 34658114 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14402

BACKGROUND: The use of cosmetic products is considered a necessity for beautification in our daily lives. Cosmetic products composed of natural oils or fats as a main ingredient for various beneficial properties. Fats and oils are composed of various type of fatty acids with different compositions. Hence, fatty acids profile can be an effective chemical fingerprint for authentication analysis of cosmetic products.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to enlighten the current detection tools developing for fatty acids profile authentication analyses of cosmetic ingredients based on the effectiveness, halal status, safety, advantages and disadvantages of the methods.
METHODOLOGY: The data were extracted from the scientific literatures published between October 2015 and 2020 in the Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, and analyzed with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).
FINDINGS: Based on the systemic literature reviews, essential oil, argan oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, and jojoba oil were among the mostly studied ingredients in cosmetics. Furthermore, a combination of more than one analytical instrument was utilized to profile fatty acids while the determination of the origin of the fatty acids is under scrutiny. The portable mass spectrometer combined with a direct inlet membrane (DIM) probe seems to be the best tool in terms of time consumption, cost, requires no sample preparation with high efficiency. The current review showed that the best cosmetic base is when the oil is composed of high concentration of fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic, stearic acid, and palmitic acids with concentration range from 19.7 - 46.30%, which offers various beneficial properties to cosmetic products.
Fulltext Virulence Gene Profile, Antimicrobial Resistance and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Salmonella enterica Subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis from Chickens and Chicken Products

Zakaria Z, Hassan L, Sharif Z, Ahmad N, Mohd Ali R, Amir Husin S, et al.

Animals (Basel), 2022 Jan 01;12(1).
PMID: 35011203 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010097

This study was undertaken to determine the virulence, antimicrobial resistance and molecular subtypes of Salmonella in the Central Region of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 45 Salmonella Enteritidis were detected from live chicken (cloacal swab), and chicken products (fresh and ready-to-eat meat) samples upon cultural isolation and serotyping. Similarly, an antimicrobial susceptibility test based on the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method as well as antimicrobial resistance AMR genes, virulence determinants and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) typing were conducted after the Whole Genome Sequencing and analysis of the isolates. The results indicate that sequence types ST1925 (63.7%), and ST11 (26.5%) were the predominant out of the seven sequence types identified (ST292, ST329, ST365, ST423 and ST2132). The phenotypic antimicrobial profile corresponds to the genotypic characterization in that the majority of the isolates that exhibited tetracycline, gentamycin and aminoglycoside resistance; they also possessed the tetC and blaTEM β-Lactam resistance genes. However, isolates from cloacal swabs showed the highest number of resistance genes compared to the chicken products (fresh and ready-to-eat meat) samples. Furthermore, most of the virulence genes were found to cluster in the Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI). In this study, all the isolates were found to possess SPI-1, which codes for the type III secretion system, which functions as actin-binding proteins (SptP and SopE). The virulence plasmid (VP) genes (spvB, spvC) were present in all genotypes except ST365. The findings of this study, particularly with regard to the molecular subtypes and AMR profiles of the Salmonella Enteritidis serotype shows multidrug-resistance features as well as genetic characteristics indicative of high pathogenicity.
Fulltext Pathogenicity of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type 1 in one-day-old specific pathogen-free chicks

Ahmad S, Hair-Bejo M, Hussein EA, Awad EA, Saeed MI, Liew PS, et al.

Open Vet J, 2022;12(6):839-850.
PMID: 36650863 DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i6.8

BACKGROUND: The studies about Salmonella infection in newly hatched chicks were not extensive.
AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) phage type (PT) 1 in one-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks.
METHODS: Seventy, one-day-old SPF chicks, were divided into SE group (30 chicks), mortality group (10 chicks), both orally inoculated (1.0 ml) with SE PT1 (1 × 108 colony-forming unit per 1.0 ml), and one control group (30 chicks). The chicks were sacrificed at 6 and 12 hours, and days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 post-inoculation (pi). Samples were collected for bacterial isolation, histological examination, and ultrastructural examination.
RESULTS: Starting from day 2 pi, the body weight in the SE group significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The SE isolation percentages from the liver, spleen, mid-intestinal content, cecal content, cecal tonsil, blood, and cloacal swab were 0.73, 0.77, 0.33, 0.33, 0.36, 0.40, and 0.30, respectively. The isolation percentage in the liver was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the blood and cloacal swab. The villi heights and crypt depths in the SE group were significantly (p < 0.05) greater and smaller, respectively. Ultrastructurally, erosion and necrosis were observed in the microvilli of the cecal tonsil. The bacteria were engulfed by macrophages at the interepithelial clefts of the M-like M cells.
CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the inoculation of SE PT 1 in one-day-old chicks caused a systemic infection with diarrhea, a decrease in the body weight and villi height in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and high bacterial loading in the liver with mild gross and histological lesions of organs, erosion, and necrosis of microvilli and low mortality. The bacteria entered the body system from the intestinal tract through the interepithelial clefts of the M-like M cells of the cecal tonsil.
Fulltext Hepatoprotective Effect of Bee Bread in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) Rats: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Zakaria Z, Othman ZA, Suleiman JB, Che Jalil NA, Ghazali WSW, Nna VU, et al.

Antioxidants (Basel), 2021 Dec 20;10(12).
PMID: 34943134 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10122031

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a pathological accumulation of hepatic lipid closely linked with many metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of bee bread on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in MAFLD rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into four groups (n = 7/group): normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), bee bread (HFD + Bb, HFD + 0.5 g/kg/day bee bread) and orlistat (HFD + Or, HFD + 10 mg/kg/day orlistat) groups. After 12 weeks, the HFD group demonstrated significantly higher body weight gain, serum levels of lipids (TG, TC, LDL), liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and adiponectin, liver lipids (TG, TC) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Furthermore, the HFD group showed significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, GST, GR, SOD, CAT) and GSH level, and increased liver oxidative stress (TBARS, NO), translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus, Keap1 expression and inflammation (TNF-α, NF-κβ, MCP-1) together with histopathological alterations (steatosis, hepatocyte hypertrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition), which indicated the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Bee bread significantly attenuated all these changes exerted by HFD feeding. In conclusion, our results suggest that bee bread might have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic effects that are beneficial in protecting liver progression towards NASH and fibrosis.
Knowledge and Attitude toward Medication Error among Pharmacists

Mamat R, Awang SA, Mohd Ariffin SA, Zakaria Z, Che Zam MH, Ab Rahman AF

Hosp Pharm, 2021 Dec;56(6):765-771.
PMID: 34732936 DOI: 10.1177/0018578720965414

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitude toward medication error (ME) among pharmacists working in public health care institutions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists working in public health care institutions. Respondents were randomly recruited from 5 hospitals and 25 primary healthcare clinics in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. A set of self-administered questionnaires was used to assess their knowledge and attitude, distributed as a web-based survey. Knowledge and attitude toward ME reporting were assessed using five-point Likert-scale. This study was conducted between May and July 2019. Results: A total of 186 respondents participated in the study. A majority of respondents were female (n = 144). About 90% of the respondents had good score on knowledge on ME. Only 25.4% of the respondents had favorable attitude toward ME reporting. Female pharmacists (P = .001), more experienced pharmacists (P = .012) and those working in primary health clinics (P = .014) were associated with more favorable attitude. Knowledge did not correlate well with attitude toward ME reporting (r = 0.08, P = .29). Conclusion: Despite having good knowledge on ME, the attitude toward ME reporting was still very poor among the pharmacists.

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