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Synthesis, Kinetics and Computational Explorations of 4-Phenylpiperazine Bearing N-(Aryl)-3-substituted-benzamides as Auspicious Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Zeb A, Abbasi MA, Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Siddiqui SZ, Hassan M, Javed Q, et al.

Chem Biodivers, 2024 Apr;21(4):e202400133.
PMID: 38363553 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400133

In the aimed research study, a new series of N-(aryl)-3-[(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]benzamides was synthesized, which was envisaged as tyrosinase inhibitor. The structures of these newly designed molecules were verified by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, EI-MS and CHN analysis data. These molecules were screened against tyrosinase and their inhibitory activity explored that these 3-substituted-benzamides exhibit good to excellent potential, comparative to the standard. The Kinetics mechanism was investigated through Lineweaver-Burk plots which depicted that molecules inhibited this enzyme in a competitive mode. Moreover, molecular docking was also performed to determine the binding interaction of all synthesized molecules (ligands) with the active site of tyrosinase enzyme and the results showed that most of the ligands exhibited efficient binding energy values. Therefore, it is anticipated that these molecules might serve as auspicious therapeutic scaffolds for treatment of the tyrosinase associated skin disorders.
Fulltext Kt/V: achievement, predictors and relationship to mortality in hemodialysis patients in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: results from DOPPS (2012-18)

AlSahow A, Muenz D, Al-Ghonaim MA, Al Salmi I, Hassan M, Al Aradi AH, et al.

Clin Kidney J, 2021 Mar;14(3):820-830.
PMID: 33777365 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfz195

BACKGROUND: Dialysis adequacy, as measured by single pool Kt/V, is an important parameter for assessing hemodialysis (HD) patients' health. Guidelines have recommended Kt/V of 1.2 as the minimum dose for thrice-weekly HD. We describe Kt/V achievement, its predictors and its relationship with mortality in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates).
METHODS: We analyzed data (2012-18) from the prospective cohort Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study for 1544 GCC patients ≥18 years old and on dialysis >180 days.
RESULTS: Thirty-four percent of GCC HD patients had low Kt/V (<1.2) versus 5%-17% in Canada, Europe, Japan and the USA. Across the GCC countries, low Kt/V prevalence ranged from 10% to 54%. In multivariable logistic regression, low Kt/V was more common (P
2-Furoic piperazide derivatives as promising drug candidates of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's diseases: In vitro and in silico studies

Abbasi MA, Hassan M, Ur-Rehman A, Siddiqui SZ, Hussain G, Shah SAA, et al.

Comput Biol Chem, 2018 Dec;77:72-86.
PMID: 30245349 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2018.09.007

The heterocyclic compounds have been extensively reported for their bioactivity potential. The current research work reports the synthesis of some new multi-functional derivatives of 2-furoic piperazide (1; 1-(2-furoyl)piperazine). The synthesis was initiated by reacting the starting compound 1 with 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) in a basic, polar and protic medium to obtain the parent sulfonamide 3 which was then treated with different electrophiles, 4a-g, in a polar and aprotic medium to acquire the designed molecules, 5a-g. These convergent derivatives were evaluated for their inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Acarbose was used as a reference standard for α-glucosidase inhibition while eserine for AChE and BChE inhibition. Some of the synthesized compounds were identified as promising inhibitors of these three enzymes and their bioactivity potentials were also supported by molecular docking study. The most active compounds among the synthetic analogues might be helpful in drug discovery and development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and Alzhiemer's diseases.
Ensemble-based, high-throughput virtual screening of potential inhibitor targeting putative farnesol dehydrogenase of Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae)

Zifruddin AN, Mohamad Yusoff MA, Abd Ghani NS, Nor Muhammad NA, Lam KW, Hassan M

Comput Biol Chem, 2023 Apr;103:107811.
PMID: 36645937 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107811

Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) bagworm is a leaf-eater caterpillar ubiquitously found as a damaging pest in oil palm plantations, specifically in Malaysia. Various strategies have been implemented, including the usage of chemical insecticides. However, the main challenges include the development of insecticide resistance and its detrimental effects on the environment and non-target organisms. Therefore, a biorational insecticide is introduced by targeting the juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthetic pathway, which is mainly present in the insect and vital for the insect's growth, diapause, metamorphosis, and adult reproduction. This study aimed to investigate the potential inhibitor for the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the JH pathway known as farnesol dehydrogenase. A 255 amino acids sequence encoded for the putative M. plana farnesol dehydrogenase (MpFolDH) open reading frame had been identified and isolated. The three-dimensional structure of MpFolDH was predicted to have seven β- sheets with α-helices at both sides, showing typical characteristics for classical short-chain dehydrogenase and associated with oxidoreductase activity. Then, the ensemble-based virtual screening was conducted based on the ZINC20 database, in which 43 768 compounds that fulfilled pesticide-likeness criteria were screened by site-specific molecular docking. After a short molecular dynamics simulation (5 ns) was conducted towards 102 compounds, only the top 10 compounds based on their most favourable binding energy were selected for a more extended simulation (100 ns). Based on the protein-ligand stability, protein compactness, residues rigidity, binding interaction, binding energy throughout the 100 ns simulation, and physicochemical analysis, ZINC000408743205 was selected as a potential inhibitor for this enzyme. Amino acids decomposition analysis indicates Ile18, Ala95, Val198 and Val202 were the critical contributor residues for MpFolDH-inhibitors(s) complex.
Fulltext Awareness and Attitude Toward Epidural Analgesia During Labor Among Pregnant Women in Taif City: A Hospital-Based Study

Abdelhafeez AM, Alomari FK, Al Ghashmari HM, Newera A, Alshehri HO, Alzulfi FM, et al.

Cureus, 2023 Nov;15(11):e49367.
PMID: 38146556 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49367

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the awareness and attitudes towards epidural analgesia (EA) among pregnant women in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The rationale was to identify potential barriers to the acceptance and use of EA, which is an effective pain management option during labor. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey at a single healthcare center in Taif City. The participants, pregnant women visiting the center, were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data collection was facilitated by a questionnaire distributed through a quick response (QR) code. The questionnaire assessed demographic information, awareness levels, previous exposure to EA, and personal attitudes toward its use during labor. Data analysis focused on quantifying the levels of awareness and identifying patterns in attitudes. Results The results revealed a low level of awareness about EA among the participants, with a significant proportion having never been exposed to it before the survey. Attitudes towards EA were varied, with some expressing openness to its use and others displaying apprehension or resistance, which appeared to be influenced by cultural perceptions and a lack of information. Conclusions The study highlighted a substantial lack of awareness and varied attitudes towards EA among pregnant women in Taif City. Educational interventions are necessary to increase awareness and address cultural misconceptions. The study's limited scope and potential sample bias suggest the need for broader culturally tailored research to inform strategies for improving the acceptance and utilization of labor analgesia.
The Gulf Achievement of Cholesterol Targets in Out-Patients Study (GULF ACTION): Design, Rationale, and Preliminary Results

Albackr HB, Al Waili K, Almahmeed W, Jarallah MA, Amin MI, Alrasadi K, et al.

Curr Vasc Pharmacol, 2023;21(4):285-292.
PMID: 37431901 DOI: 10.2174/1570161121666230710145604

AIM: To assess the current dyslipidemia management in the Arabian Gulf region by describing the demographics, study design, and preliminary results of out-patients who achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals at the time of the survey.
BACKGROUND: The Arabian Gulf population is at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at younger ages. There is no up-to-date study regarding dyslipidemia management in this region, especially given the recent guideline-recommended LDL-C targets.
OBJECTIVE: Up-to-date comprehensive assessment of the current dyslipidemia management in the Arabian Gulf region, particularly in view of the recent evidence of the additive beneficial effects of ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors on LDL-C levels and cardiovascular outcomes.
METHODS: The Gulf Achievement of Cholesterol Targets in Out-Patients (GULF ACTION) is an ongoing national observational longitudinal registry of 3000 patients. In this study, adults ≥18 years on lipidlowering drugs for over three months from out-patients of five Gulf countries were enrolled between January 2020 and May 2022 with planned six-month and one-year follow-ups.
RESULTS: Of the 1015 patients enrolled, 71% were male, aged 57.9±12 years. In addition, 68% had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), 25% of these patients achieved the LDL-C target, and 26% of the cohort were treated using combined lipid-lowering drugs, including statins.
CONCLUSION: The preliminary results of this cohort revealed that only one-fourth of ASCVD patients achieved LDL-C targets. Therefore, GULF ACTION shall improve our understanding of current dyslipidemia management and "guideline gaps" in the Arabian Gulf region.
Fulltext Molecular docking of alpha-enolase to elucidate the promising candidates against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection

Hassan M, Baig AA, Attique SA, Abbas S, Khan F, Zahid S, et al.

Daru, 2021 Jun;29(1):73-84.
PMID: 33537864 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-020-00384-3

PURPOSE: To predict potential inhibitors of alpha-enolase to reduce plasminogen binding of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) that may lead as an orally active drug. S. pneumoniae remains dominant in causing invasive diseases. Fibrinolytic pathway is a critical factor of S. pneumoniae to invade and progression of disease in the host body. Besides the low mass on the cell surface, alpha-enolase possesses significant plasminogen binding among all exposed proteins.
METHODS: In-silico based drug designing approach was implemented for evaluating potential inhibitors against alpha-enolase based on their binding affinities, energy score and pharmacokinetics. Lipinski's rule of five (LRo5) and Egan's (Brain Or IntestinaL EstimateD) BOILED-Egg methods were executed to predict the best ligand for biological systems.
RESULTS: Molecular docking analysis revealed, Sodium (1,5-dihydroxy-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-hydroxy-dioxidophosphanium (SF-2312) as a promising inhibitor that fabricates finest attractive charges and conventional hydrogen bonds with S. pneumoniae alpha-enolase. Moreover, the pharmacokinetics of SF-2312 predict it as a therapeutic inhibitor for clinical trials. Like SF-2312, phosphono-acetohydroxamate (PhAH) also constructed adequate interactions at the active site of alpha-enolase, but it predicted less favourable than SF-2312 based on binding affinity.
CONCLUSION: Briefly, SF-2312 and PhAH ligands could inhibit the role of alpha-enolase to restrain plasminogen binding, invasion and progression of S. pneumoniae. As per our investigation and analysis, SF-2312 is the most potent naturally existing inhibitor of S. pneumoniae alpha-enolase in current time.
Fulltext Data on RNA-seq analysis of the cocoa pod borer pest Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Nor Muhammad NA, Ramlee IA, Mohd Nor D, Satyavenathan MV, Rahmat NL, Awang A, et al.

Data Brief, 2021 Feb;34:106638.
PMID: 33365368 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106638

Cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao L.) is part of the global cocoa and chocolate industry valued at 44 billion US dollars in 2019. Cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella is a major pest of cocoa in Malaysia and Indonesia that is responsible for the decline for cocoa production. They have been detected since 1980s. Unfortunately, current control strategies are inefficient for CPB management. Although biotechnological alternatives, including RNA interference (RNAi), have been proposed in recent years to control insect pests, characterizing the genetics of the target pest is essential for successful application of these emerging technologies. We generated a comprehensive RNA-seq dataset (135,915,430 clean reads) for larva and adult stages of CPB by using the Illumina HiseqTM 4000 system to increase the understanding of CPB in relation to molecular features. The CPB transcriptome was assembled de novo and annotated. The final assembled produced 249,280 unigenes, of which 75,929 unigenes annotated against NCBI NR database and were distributed among 156 KEGG pathways. The raw data were uploaded to SRA database and the BioProject ID is PRJNA553611. The transcriptomic dataset we present are the first reports of transcriptome information in CPB that is valuable for further exploration and understanding of CPB molecular pathways.
Fulltext Data on ectoparasites infestation on small mammals from different habitats in east-coast Peninsular Malaysia

Ahmad NII, Rahim NAA, Roslan A, Adrus M, Ahamad M, Hassan M, et al.

Data Brief, 2020 Jun;30:105621.
PMID: 32395585 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105621

This data article presents on the ectoparasites infestation on small mammals in Peninsular Malaysia. The dataset on ectoparasites infestation is important because it raises a major medical concern regarding the spread of potentially zoonotic disease from wildlife to human. Tick and chigger are the primary ectoparasites as reservoirs of vector-borne diseases found on small mammals in Malaysia. These small mammals that are infested with ectoparasites occupy various types of habitats, including human settlements, could be of community health risks as the carriers of potentially zoonotic diseases. Field samplings were conducted from February 2015 to February 2016 in three different ecological habitats of mixed dipterocarp forest, coastal forest and insular forest, in Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 35 and 22 species of bats and rodents respectively were captured and examined for ectoparasites. Twenty-three species of bats and 16 species of small mammal were recorded as hosts for at least one species of ectoparasites. These findings show that the highest ectoparasite infestation occurred on bat community.
Histopathology and cytopathology of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in cultured Penaeus monodon from peninsular Malaysia with emphasis on pathogenesis and the mechanism of white spot formation

Wang YG, Hassan MD, Shariff M, Zamri SM, Chen X

Dis Aquat Organ, 1999 Dec 22;39(1):1-11.
PMID: 11407399

Since 1994, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been detected in cultured shrimp Penaeus monodon in Peninsular Malaysia. The gross signs, target organs and histo-cytopathology for the viral infection were studied and it was found to infect most organs and tissues including oocytes, but not hepatopancreatocytes and epithelial cells of the midgut, which were regarded as refractory tissues. Based on a time-sequence of ultrastructural cytopathology, 4 cytopathic profiles and 6 phases of viral morphogenesis were described. The virions were elliptical to short rods with trilamilar envelopes that measured 305 +/- 30 x 127 +/- 11 nm. Viral nucleosomes were often present singly in infected nuclei and were associated with the early stages of viral replication. The structure of WSSV pathognomonic white, cuticular lesions was examined at the microscopic and ultrastructural levels and the mechanism of their formation appeared to be related to the disruption of exudate transfer from epithelial cells to the cuticle via cuticular pore canals.
DNA fragmentation, an indicator of apoptosis, in cultured black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon infected with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

Sahtout AH, Hassan MD, Shariff M

Dis Aquat Organ, 2001 Mar 9;44(2):155-9.
PMID: 11324818

Fifty black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon from commercial cultivation ponds in Malaysia were examined by Tdt-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence assay and agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA extracts for evidence of DNA fragmentation as an indicator of apoptosis. From these specimens, 30 were grossly normal and 20 showed gross signs of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. Of the 30 grossly normal shrimp, 5 specimens were found to be positive for WSSV infection by normal histology and by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. All of the specimens showing gross signs of WSSV infection were positive for WSSV by normal histology, while 5 were positive by nested PCR only (indicating light infections) and 15 were positive by 1-step PCR (indicating heavy infections). Typical histological signs of WSSV infection included nuclear hypertrophy, chromatin condensation and margination. None of the 25 grossly normal shrimp negative for WSSV by 1-step PCR showed any signs of DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay or agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA extracts. The 10 specimens that gave PCR-positive results for WSSV by nested PCR only (i.e., 5 grossly normal shrimp and 5 grossly positive for WSSV) gave mean counts of 16 +/- 8% TUNEL-positive cells, while the 25 specimens PCR positive by 1-step PCR gave mean counts of 40 +/- 7% TUNEL-positive cells. Thus, the number of TUNEL positive cells present in tissues increased with increasing severity of infection, as determined by gross signs of white spots on the cuticle, the number of intranuclear inclusions in histological sections, and results from single and nested PCR assays. DNA extracts of PCR-positive specimens tested by agarose gel electrophoresis showed indications of DNA fragmentation either as smears or as 200 bp ladders. Given that DNA fragmentation is generally considered to be a hallmark of apoptosis, the results suggested that apoptosis might be implicated in shrimp death caused by WSSV.
A new bacterial white spot syndrome (BWSS) in cultured tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon and its comparison with white spot syndrome (WSS) caused by virus

Wang YG, Lee KL, Najiah M, Shariff M, Hassan MD

Dis Aquat Organ, 2000 May 25;41(1):9-18.
PMID: 10907134

This paper describes a new bacterial white spot syndrome (BWSS) in cultured tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. The affected shrimp showed white spots similar to those caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), but the shrimp remained active and grew normally without significant mortalities. The study revealed no evidence of WSSV infection using electron microscopy, histopathology and nested polymerase chain reaction. Electron microscopy indicated bacteria associated with white spot formation, and with degeneration and discoloration of the cuticle as a result of erosion of the epicuticle and underlying cuticular layers. Grossly the white spots in BWSS and WSS look similar but showed different profiles under wet mount microscopy. The bacterial white spots were lichen-like, having perforated centers unlike the melanized dots in WSSV-induced white spots. Bacteriological examination showed that the dominant isolate in the lesions was Bacillus subtilis. The occurrence of BWSS may be associated with the regular use of probiotics containing B. subtilis in shrimp ponds. The externally induced white spot lesions were localized at the integumental tissues, i.e., cuticle and epidermis, and connective tissues. Damage to the deeper tissues was limited. The BWS lesions are non-fatal in the absence of other complications and are usually shed through molting.
Fulltext Dexibuprofen amide derivatives as potential anticancer agents: synthesis, in silico docking, bioevaluation, and molecular dynamic simulation

Ashraf Z, Mahmood T, Hassan M, Afzal S, Rafique H, Afzal K, et al.

Drug Des Devel Ther, 2019;13:1643-1657.
PMID: 31190743 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S178595

BACKGROUND: The amide derivatives of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been reported to possess antitumor activity. The present work describes the synthesis of dexibuprofen amide analogues (4a-j) as potential anticancer agents.
METHODS: The title amides (4a-j) were obtained by simple nucleophilic substitution reaction of dexibuprofen acid chloride with substituted amines in good yield and chemical structures were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral data.
RESULTS: The brine shrimp lethality assay results showed that all of the synthesized compounds are non-toxic to shrimp larvae. The inhibitory effects on tumor growth were evaluated and it was observed that N-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionamide (4e) and N-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionamide (4g) exhibited excellent antitumor activity compared to all other derivatives. The compound 4e bearing 2,5-dichloro substituted phenyl ring and 4g possesses 2-chloro substituted phenyl ring exhibited 100% inhibition of the tumor growth. The anticancer activity was evaluated against breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and it was observed that derivative 4e exhibited excellent growth inhibition of cancer cells with IC50 value of 0.01±0.002 µm, which is better than the standard drugs. The docking studies against breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein BRCA1 (PDBID 3K0H) exhibited good binding affinities, which are in good agreement with the wet lab results. The compounds 4e and 4g showed the binding energy values of -6.39 and -6.34 Kcal/mol, respectively. The molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was also carried out to evaluate the residual flexibility of the best docking complexes of compounds 4e and 4g. The MD simulation analysis assured that the 4e formed a more stable complex with the target protein than the 4g. The synthesized amide derivatives exhibited were devoid of gastrointestinal side effects and no cytotoxic effects against human normal epithelial breast cell line (MCF-12A) were found.
CONCLUSION: Based upon our wet lab and dry lab findings we propose that dexibuprofen analogue 4e may serve as a lead structure for the design of more potent anticancer drugs.
Synthesis, Antioxidant and In-Silico Studies of Potent Urease Inhibitors: N-(4-{[(4-Methoxyphenethyl)-(substituted)amino]sulfonyl}phenyl)acetamides

Abbasi MA, Raza H, Rehman AU, Siddiqui SZ, Nazir M, Mumtaz A, et al.

Drug Res (Stuttg), 2019 Feb;69(2):111-120.
PMID: 30086567 DOI: 10.1055/a-0654-5074

In this study, a new series of sulfonamides derivatives was synthesized and their inhibitory effects on DPPH and jack bean urease were evaluated. The in silico studies were also applied to ascertain the interactions of these molecules with active site of the enzyme. Synthesis was initiated by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-ethanamine (1: ) with 4-(acetylamino)benzenesulfonyl chloride (2): in aqueous sodium carbonate at pH 9. Precipitates collected were washed and dried to obtain the parent molecule, N-(4-{[(4-methoxyphenethyl)amino]sulfonyl}phenyl)acetamide (3): . Then, this parent was reacted with different alkyl/aralkyl halides, (4A-M: ), using dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent and LiH as an activator to produce a series of new N-(4-{[(4-methoxyphenethyl)-(substituted)amino]sulfonyl}phenyl)acetamides (5A-M: ). All the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, EI-MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and CHN analysis data. All of the synthesized compounds showed higher urease inhibitory activity than the standard thiourea. The compound 5 F: exhibited very excellent enzyme inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 0.0171±0.0070 µM relative to standard thiourea having IC50 value of 4.7455±0.0546 µM. Molecular docking studies suggested that ligands have good binding energy values and bind within the active region of taget protein. Chemo-informatics properties were evaluated by computational approaches and it was found that synthesized compounds mostly obeyed the Lipinski' rule.
Knowledge and practice on medication adherence among Type II diabetes mellitus patients

Jamaludin TSS, Mohammad NM, Hassan M, Nurumal MS

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S372-S376.
PMID: 33849203 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.09.028

This study aimed to survey the level of knowledge and practice on medication adherence among Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 220 DM patients by using a convenience sampling method. It was found that 64.5% of studied participants have a high level of knowledge with good practice toward medication adherence. There was a significant association between sociodemographic characteristics with the level of knowledge and practice toward medication adherence. This study finding provides information to health care providers to improve their patient's care by playing their important role in promoting the importance of knowledge on medication adherence for a better quality of life to the DM patients. Not only a physician but also the nurse could enhance health education for their patient on medication adherence during the follow-up appointment.
Characteristics and health implications of fine particulate matter near urban road site in Islamabad, Pakistan

Hussain S, Siddique A, Hassan M, Rasool K, Shahzad A, Asad Naqvi SA, et al.

Environ Res, 2024 Apr 02;252(Pt 1):118862.
PMID: 38574984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118862

The escalating issue of air pollution has become a significant concern in urban regions, including Islamabad, Pakistan, due to the rise in air pollutant emissions driven by economic and industrial expansion. To gain a deeper understanding of air pollution, a study was conducted during winter 2022-2023, assessing physical, chemical, and biological factors in Islamabad. The findings revealed that the average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was notably greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, reaching 133.39 μg/m³. Additionally, the average concentration of bacteria (308.64 CFU/m³) was notably greater than that of fungi (203.55 CFU/m³) throughout the study. Analytical analyses, including SEM-EDS and FTIR, showed that the PM2.5 in Islamabad is composed of various particles such as soot aggregates, coal fly ash, minerals, bio-particles, and some unidentified particles. EF analysis distinguished PM2.5 sources, enhancing understanding of pollutants origin, whereas Spearman's correlation analysis elucidated constituent interactions, further explaining air quality impact. The results from the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) indicated a gradual increase in the total elemental composition of PM2.5 from autumn to winter, maintaining high levels throughout the winter season. Furthermore, a significant variation was found in the mass concentration of PM2.5 when comparing samples collected in the morning and evening. The study also identified the presence of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in PM2.5 samples, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenolic compounds, with notable variations in their concentrations. Utilizing health risk assessment models developed by the US EPA, we estimated the potential health risks associated with PM2.5 exposure, highlighting the urgency of addressing air quality issues. These findings provide valuable insights into the sources and composition of PM2.5 in Islamabad, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of air quality and its potential environmental and health implications.
Occurrence of human respiratory syncytial virus in summer in Japan

Shobugawa Y, Takeuchi T, Hibino A, Hassan MR, Yagami R, Kondo H, et al.

Epidemiol Infect, 2017 Jan;145(2):272-284.
PMID: 27682641

In temperate zones, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) outbreaks typically occur in cold weather, i.e. in late autumn and winter. However, recent outbreaks in Japan have tended to start during summer and autumn. This study examined associations of meteorological conditions with the numbers of HRSV cases reported in summer in Japan. Using data from the HRSV national surveillance system and national meteorological data for summer during the period 2007-2014, we utilized negative binomial logistic regression analysis to identify associations between meteorological conditions and reported cases of HRSV. HRSV cases increased when summer temperatures rose and when relative humidity increased. Consideration of the interaction term temperature × relative humidity enabled us to show synergistic effects of high temperature with HRSV occurrence. In particular, HRSV cases synergistically increased when relative humidity increased while the temperature was ⩾28·2 °C. Seasonal-trend decomposition analysis using the HRSV national surveillance data divided by 11 climate divisions showed that summer HRSV cases occurred in South Japan (Okinawa Island), Kyushu, and Nankai climate divisions, which are located in southwest Japan. Higher temperature and higher relative humidity were necessary conditions for HRSV occurrence in summer in Japan. Paediatricians in temperate zones should be mindful of possible HRSV cases in summer, when suitable conditions are present.
Fulltext Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Malaysia: "Where are we now?"

Raihan R, Mohamed R, Radzi Abu Hassan M, Md Said R

Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol, 2017 Jan-Jun;7(1):65-67.
PMID: 29201775 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1214

Malaysia is a country where an estimated 1 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and an estimated 2.5% of the adult population are positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Effective nationwide vaccine coverage seems to be a highly effective measure to prevent new HBV infection. Treatment of HCV infection is also a regular practice in Malaysia. These measures highlight the possibility to reach the World Health Organization elimination target by 2030. To achieve this target, the Health Ministry and other nongovernmental organizations, such as My Commitment to Cure (MyC2C) are working together to develop a strategic road map to reach the global elimination target in Malaysia by 2030. How to cite this article: Raihan R, Mohamed R, Hasan MRA, Rosaida MS. Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Malaysia: "Where are we now?" Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):65-67.
Knowledge, management and perceived barriers to treatment of molar-incisor hypomineralisation in general dental practitioners and dental nurses in Malaysia

Hussein AS, Ghanim AM, Abu-Hassan MI, Manton DJ

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent, 2014 Oct;15(5):301-7.
PMID: 24569938 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-014-0115-2

Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a global dental problem, yet little is known about the knowledge of the general dental practitioners (GDPs) and dental nurses (DNs) regarding this defect in South East Asia.
Synthesis of α, β-unsaturated carbonyl based compounds as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors: characterization, molecular modeling, QSAR studies and effect against amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity

Bukhari SN, Jantan I, Masand VH, Mahajan DT, Sher M, Naeem-ul-Hassan M, et al.

Eur J Med Chem, 2014 Aug 18;83:355-65.
PMID: 24980117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.06.034

A series of novel carbonyl compounds was synthesized by a simple, eco-friendly and efficient method. These compounds were screened for anti-oxidant activity, in vitro cytotoxicity and for inhibitory activity for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. The effect of these compounds against amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity was also investigated. Among them, compound 14 exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity (18.39 μM) while six compounds (1, 3, 4, 13, 14, and 19) were found to be the most protective against Aβ-induced neuronal cell death in PC12 cells. Compounds 4 and 14, containing N-methyl-4-piperidone linker, showed high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity as compared to reference drug donepezil. Molecular docking and QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) studies were also carried out to determine the structural features that are responsible for the acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

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