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Fulltext Assessing the burden of pneumonia using administrative data from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines

Azmi S, Aljunid SM, Maimaiti N, Ali AA, Muhammad Nur A, De Rosas-Valera M, et al.

Int J Infect Dis, 2016 May 24;49:87-93.
PMID: 27235085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.05.021

To describe the incidence, mortality, cost, and length of stay (LOS) of hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in three Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Fulltext Cell viability and electrical response of breast cancer cell treated in aqueous graphene oxide solution deposition on interdigitated electrode

Ramli MM, Rosman AS, Mazlan NS, Ahmad MF, Halin DSC, Mohamed R, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 10 19;11(1):20702.
PMID: 34667216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00171-3

Breast cancer is one of the most reported cancers that can lead to death. Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment procedures, the possibility of cancer recurrences is still high in many cases. With that in consideration, researchers from all over the world are showing interest in the unique features of Graphene oxide (GO), such as its excellent and versatile physicochemical properties, to explore further its potential and benefits towards breast cancer cell treatment. In this study, the cell viability and electrical response of GO, in terms of resistivity and impedance towards the breast cancer cells (MCF7) and normal breast cells (MCF10a), were investigated by varying the pH and concentration of GO. Firstly, the numbers of MCF7 and MCF10a were measured after being treated with GO for 24 and 48 h. Next, the electrical responses of these cells were evaluated by using interdigitated gold electrodes (IDEs) that are connected to an LCR meter. Based on the results obtained, as the pH of GO increased from pH 5 to pH 7, the number of viable MCF7 cells decreased while the number of viable MCF10a slightly increased after the incubation period of 48 h. Similarly, the MCF7 also experienced higher cytotoxicity effects when treated with GO concentrations of more than 25 µg/mL. The findings from the electrical characterization of the cells observed that the number of viable cells has corresponded to the impedance of the cells. The electrical impedance of MCF7 decreased as the number of highly insulating viable cell membranes decreased. But in contrast, the electrical impedance of MCF10a increased as the number of highly insulating viable cell membranes increased. Hence, it can be deduced that the GO with higher pH and concentration influence the MCF7 cancer cell line and MCF10a normal breast cell.
Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in select countries-volume 4

Maaroufi A, Vince A, Himatt SM, Mohamed R, Fung J, Opare-Sem O, et al.

J Viral Hepat, 2017 10;24 Suppl 2:8-24.
PMID: 29105285 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12762

Due to the introduction of newer, more efficacious treatment options, there is a pressing need for policy makers and public health officials to develop or adapt national hepatitis C virus (HCV) control strategies to the changing epidemiological landscape. To do so, detailed, country-specific data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic HCV infection. In this study of 17 countries, a literature review of published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates was conducted, and inputs were validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Hong Kong to 2.4% in Taiwan, while the largest viraemic populations were in Nigeria (2 597 000 cases) and Taiwan (569 000 cases). Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely across the countries included in this analysis, as did the availability of reliable data. Addressing data gaps will be critical for the development of future strategies to manage and minimize the disease burden of hepatitis C.
Fulltext Ethnic differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome: results from a multi-ethnic population-based survey in Malaysia

Rampal S, Mahadeva S, Guallar E, Bulgiba A, Mohamed R, Rahmat R, et al.

PLoS One, 2012;7(9):e46365.
PMID: 23029497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046365

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing disproportionately among the different ethnicities in Asia compared to the rest of the world. This study aims to determine the differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome across ethnicities in Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country.
Association of metabolic syndrome with testosterone and inflammation in men

Wickramatilake CM, Mohideen MR, Pathirana C

Ann Endocrinol (Paris), 2015 Jul;76(3):260-3.
PMID: 26142486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2015.04.008

OBJECTIVE: There is limited data on the assessment of relationship between sex hormones, metabolic syndrome (MS) and inflammation. Therefore, our objective was to examine the relationship between metabolic syndrome, testosterone and inflammation.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study which included 309 subjects in the age range of 30-70years. Blood was analyzed for plasma glucose, serum lipids, total testosterone (TT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
RESULTS: There were 153 patients with metabolic syndrome and 156 without MS according to modified NCEP guidelines. Age, BMI, obesity, dyslipidaemia, smoking (OR=2.35, CI=1.35-4.09), LDL-Ch, low TT (OR=0.76, CI=0.38-1.52) and elevated hs-CRP (OR=1.56, CI=0.87-2.80) were significant independent predictors of MS (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The low testosterone and high hs-CRP levels are independent predictors of metabolic syndrome.
KEYWORDS: Hommes; Inflammation; Men; Metabolic syndrome; Syndrome métabolique; Testosterone; Testostérone
The full-length clone of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus and its application as an expression system for Hepatitis B surface antigen

Ooi A, Tan S, Mohamed R, Rahman NA, Othman RY

J Biotechnol, 2006 Feb 24;121(4):471-81.
PMID: 16271415

A cucumber green mosaic mottle virus (CGMMV) full-length clone was developed for the expression of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The expression of the surface displayed HBsAg by the chimeric virus was confirmed through a double antibody sandwich ELISA. Assessment of the coat protein composition of the chimeric virus particles by SDS-PAGE analysis showed that 50% of the coat proteins were fused to the HBsAg. Biological activity of the expressed HBsAg was assessed through the stimulation of in vitro antibody production by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC that were cultured in the presence of the chimeric virus showed up to an approximately three-fold increase in the level of anti HBsAg immunoglobulin thus suggesting the possible use of this new chimeric virus as an effective Hepatitis B vaccine.
Fulltext Cellular transcripts regulated during infections with Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza virus in 3 host systems

Balasubramaniam VR, Hassan SS, Omar AR, Mohamed M, Noor SM, Mohamed R, et al.

Virol J, 2011;8:196.
PMID: 21529348 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422X-8-196

Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is able to infect many hosts and the virus replicates in high levels in the respiratory tract inducing severe lung lesions. The pathogenesis of the disease is actually the outcome of the infection as determined by complex host-virus interactions involving the functional kinetics of large numbers of participating genes. Understanding the genes and proteins involved in host cellular responses are therefore, critical for the elucidation of the mechanisms of infection.
Erratum to: Asian-Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B: a 2012 update

Liaw YF, Kao JH, Piratvisuth T, Chan HL, Chien RN, Liu CJ, et al.

Hepatol Int, 2012 Oct;6(4):809-10.
PMID: 26201529 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-012-9386-z
Asian-Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B: a 2012 update

Liaw YF, Kao JH, Piratvisuth T, Chan HL, Chien RN, Liu CJ, et al.

Hepatol Int, 2012 Jun;6(3):531-61.
PMID: 26201469 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-012-9365-4

Large volume of new data on the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have become available since 2008. These include further studies in asymptomatic subjects with chronic HBV infection and community-based cohorts, the role of HBV genotype/naturally occurring HBV mutations, the application of non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis and quantitation of HBV surface antigen and new drug or new strategies towards more effective therapy. To update HBV management guidelines, relevant new data were reviewed and assessed by experts from the region, and the significance of the reported findings was discussed and debated. The earlier "Asian-Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B" was revised accordingly. The key terms used in the statement were also defined. The new guidelines include general management, indications for fibrosis assessment, time to start or stop drug therapy, choice of drug to initiate therapy, when and how to monitor the patients during and after stopping drug therapy. Recommendations on the therapy of patients in special circumstances, including women in childbearing age, patients with antiviral drug resistance, concurrent viral infection, hepatic decompensation, patients receiving immune suppression or chemotherapy and patients in the setting of liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma, are also included.
Fulltext APASL clinical practice guideline on hepatitis B reactivation related to the use of immunosuppressive therapy

Lau G, Yu ML, Wong G, Thompson A, Ghazinian H, Hou JL, et al.

Hepatol Int, 2021 Oct;15(5):1031-1048.
PMID: 34427860 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10239-x

BACKGROUND & AIM: Hepatitis B reactivation related to the use of immunosuppressive therapy remains a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in hepatitis B endemic Asia-Pacific region. This clinical practice guidelines aim to assist clinicians in all disciplines involved in the use of immunosuppressive therapy to effectively prevent and manage hepatitis B reactivation.
METHODS: All publications related to hepatitis B reactivation with the use of immunosuppressive therapy since 1975 were reviewed. Advice from key opinion leaders in member countries/administrative regions of Asian-Pacific Association for the study of the liver was collected and synchronized. Immunosuppressive therapy was risk-stratified according to its reported rate of hepatitis B reactivation.
RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend the necessity to screen all patients for hepatitis B prior to the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy and to administer pre-emptive nucleos(t)ide analogues to those patients with a substantial risk of hepatitis and acute-on-chronic liver failure due to hepatitis B reactivation.
Correction to: APASL clinical practice guideline on hepatitis B reactivation related to the use of immunosuppressive therapy

Lau G, Yu ML, Wong G, Thompson A, Ghazinian H, Hou JL, et al.

Hepatol Int, 2022 Jan 25.
PMID: 35076895 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10301-2
Resistance of Pseudomonas pseudomallei to normal human serum bactericidal action

Ismail G, Razak N, Mohamed R, Embi N, Omar O

Microbiol. Immunol., 1988;32(7):645-52.
PMID: 3193910

The effect of human normal serum (HNS) on Pseudomonas pseudomallei was determined. It is apparent from our data that the organism is resistant to the normal serum bactericidal mechanism. Ancillary experiments to confirm this serum-resistant property of P. pseudomallei were done by examining the effects of growth phase conditions of the bacteria (i.e., logarithmic and stationary phases) and different buffered systems used as diluent in our bactericidal assay. Results obtained showed similar degree of resistance to serum bactericidal killing by 5 strains of the organisms tested. The possible survival advantage of serum-resistance property to P. pseudomallei as bacterial pathogens known to invade the blood stream is discussed.
Succession patterns of fungi associated to wound-induced agarwood in wild Aquilaria malaccensis revealed from quantitative PCR assay

Mohamed R, Jong PL, Nurul Irdayu I

World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2014 Sep;30(9):2427-36.
PMID: 24840100 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-014-1668-2

Aquilaria malaccensis produces agarwood in response to wounding and fungal attack. However, information is limited regarding Aquilaria's interaction with its diverse fungal community. In this study, time-related changes of three natural fungal colonizers in two wounded wild A. malaccensis were tracked, beginning a few hours after wounding up to 12 months. Using species-specific primers derived from their nrITS sequences in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), we quantified the amount of Cunninghamella bainieri, Fusarium solani and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Because time is a major factor affecting agarwood quantity and quality, 14 wood samples were collected at different time points, i.e., 0-18 h, 2-13 days, 2-18 weeks, and 6-12 months after wounding. qPCR data revealed that the abundance of the three species decreased over time. The fungi were detected in high numbers during the first few hours and days after wounding (40- to 25,000-fold higher levels compared with initial counts) and in low numbers (<1- to 3,200-fold higher than initially) many months later. Consistent with its role in defense response, the accumulation of secondary metabolites at the wounding site could have caused the decline in fungal abundance. Succession patterns of the two trees were not identical, indicating that fungal populations may have been affected by tree environment and wound microclimate. Our results are important for understanding the diversity of microbial community in wild Aquilaria species and their association to wound-induced agarwood formation. Fungi could be secondary triggers to agarwood production in situations where trees are wounded in attempt to induce agarwood.
A systematic review of group therapy programs for smoking cessation in Asian countries

Mohamed R, Bullen C, Hairi FM, Nordin ASA

Tob Induc Dis, 2021;19:63.
PMID: 34413718 DOI: 10.18332/tid/140089

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths each year. Behavioral interventions such as group therapy, which provides counselling for smoking cessation, can be delivered in group form and smokers who receive cessation counselling are more likely to quit smoking compared to no assistance. We review the evidence of group-based counselling for smoking cessation for smokers in Asian countries.
METHODS: The review aims to determine the availability of group-based therapy for smoking cessation in Asian countries. The outcome measured was abstinence from smoking following group therapy. Electronic database searches in PubMed, OVID Medline, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO, using keywords such as: 'smoking', 'cigarette', 'tobacco', 'nicotine', 'group therapy' and 'cessation' (smok*, *cigarette*, tobacco, nicotine, group therap*, cessation) were used. The results were reported following PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines. Review Manager was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 21251 records were retrieved for screening the abstracts. In all, 300 articles for review were identified and assessed for eligibility. Nine articles, including Cochrane reviews, randomized control trials, cohort, observational and cross-sectional studies, were included in the final review. There were three observational qualitative studies, two prospective cohort studies, two crosssectional studies, one non-randomized quasi-experimental study and a single cluster-randomized, controlled trial. Group therapy was found to significantly increase the abstinence rate. Group therapy provided at the workplace, smoking cessation services, availability of pharmacotherapy, and socioeconomic status, appear to be key factors determining success.
CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of the use of group therapy for smoking cessation in Asian countries is still lacking despite publications in the Western population showed that group therapy was effective. Further research on group-based interventions for smoking cessation in Asian countries is required and direct one-to-one comparisons between group therapy and individual therapy for smokers who want to quit smoking, are needed.
Fulltext Structural and functional analyses of Burkholderia pseudomallei BPSL1038 reveal a Cas-2/VapD nuclease sub-family

Shaibullah S, Shuhaimi N, Ker DS, Mohd-Sharif N, Ho KL, Teh AH, et al.

Commun Biol, 2023 Sep 08;6(1):920.
PMID: 37684342 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05265-4

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a highly versatile pathogen with ~25% of its genome annotated to encode hypothetical proteins. One such hypothetical protein, BPSL1038, is conserved across seven bacterial genera and 654 Burkholderia spp. Here, we present a 1.55 Å resolution crystal structure of BPSL1038. The overall structure folded into a modified βαββαβα ferredoxin fold similar to known Cas2 nucleases. The Cas2 equivalent catalytic aspartate (D11) pairs are conserved in BPSL1038 although B. pseudomallei has no known CRISPR associated system. Functional analysis revealed that BPSL1038 is a nuclease with endonuclease activity towards double-stranded DNA. The DNase activity is divalent ion independent and optimum at pH 6. The concentration of monovalent ions (Na+ and K+) is crucial for nuclease activity. An active site with a unique D11(X20)SST motif was identified and proposed for BPSL1038 and its orthologs. Structure modelling indicates the catalytic role of the D11(X20)SST motif and that the arginine residues R10 and R30 may interact with the nucleic acid backbone. The structural similarity of BPSL1038 to Cas2 proteins suggests that BPSL1038 may represent a sub-family of nucleases that share a common ancestor with Cas2.
Fulltext Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of the hypothetical protein BPSL1038 from Burkholderia pseudomallei

Shaibullah S, Mohd-Sharif N, Ho KL, Firdaus-Raih M, Nathan S, Mohamed R, et al.

Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun, 2014 Dec 01;70(Pt 12):1697-700.
PMID: 25484229 DOI: 10.1107/S2053230X14025278

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the pathogenic bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the B. pseudomallei genome includes 5855 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), of which ∼25% encode hypothetical proteins. A pathogen-associated hypothetical protein, BPSL1038, was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized using vapour-diffusion methods. A BPSL1038 protein crystal that grew using sodium formate as precipitant diffracted to 1.55 Å resolution. It belonged to space group C2221, with unit-cell parameters a = 85.36, b = 115.63, c = 46.73 Å. The calculated Matthews coefficient (VM) suggests that there are two molecules per asymmetric unit, with a solvent content of 48.8%.
The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm: Volume 4

Chan HLY, Chen CJ, Omede O, Al Qamish J, Al Naamani K, Bane A, et al.

J Viral Hepat, 2017 10;24 Suppl 2:25-43.
PMID: 29105283 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12760

Factors influencing the morbidity and mortality associated with viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection change over time and place, making it difficult to compare reported estimates. Models were developed for 17 countries (Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar and Taiwan) to quantify and characterize the viremic population as well as forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2015 to 2030. Model inputs were agreed upon through expert consensus, and a standardized methodology was followed to allow for comparison across countries. The viremic prevalence is expected to remain constant or decline in all but four countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan and Oman); however, HCV-related morbidity and mortality will increase in all countries except Qatar and Taiwan. In Qatar, the high-treatment rate will contribute to a reduction in total cases and HCV-related morbidity by 2030. In the remaining countries, however, the current treatment paradigm will be insufficient to achieve large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality.
Transcriptome analysis of Burkholderia pseudomallei T6SS identifies Hcp1 as a potential serodiagnostic marker

Chieng S, Mohamed R, Nathan S

Microb Pathog, 2015 Feb;79:47-56.
PMID: 25616255 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.01.006

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is able to survive extreme environments and utilizes various virulence factors for survival and pathogenicity. To compete and survive within these different ecological niches, B. pseudomallei has evolved specialized pathways, including the Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs), that have a role in pathogenesis as well as interbacterial interactions. We examined the expression profile of B. pseudomallei T6SS six gene clusters during infection of U937 macrophage cells. T6SS-5 was robustly transcribed while the other five clusters were not significantly regulated proposing the utility of T6SS-5 as a potential biomarker of exposure to B. pseudomallei. Transcription of T6SS regulators VirAG and BprB was also not significant during infection when compared to bacteria grown in culture. Guided by these findings, three highly expressed T6SS genes, tssJ-4, hcp1 and tssE-5, were expressed as recombinant proteins and screened against melioidosis patient sera by western analysis and ELISA. Only Hcp1 was reactive by both types of analysis. The recombinant Hcp1 protein was further evaluated against a cohort of melioidosis patients (n = 32) and non-melioidosis individuals (n = 20) sera and the data clearly indicates a higher sensitivity (93.7%) and specificity (100%) for Hcp1 compared to bacterial lysate. The detection of anti-Hcp1 antibodies in patients' sera indicating the presence of B. pseudomallei highlights the potential of Hcp1 to be further developed as a serodiagnostic marker for melioidosis.
Fulltext Multiple-antigen ELISA for melioidosis--a novel approach to the improved serodiagnosis of melioidosis

Hara Y, Chin CY, Mohamed R, Puthucheary SD, Nathan S

BMC Infect Dis, 2013;13:165.
PMID: 23556548 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-165

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is endemic to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Clinical manifestations of disease are diverse, ranging from chronic infection to acute septicaemia. The current gold standard of diagnosis involves bacterial culture and identification which is time consuming and often too late for early medical intervention. Hence, rapid diagnosis of melioidosis is crucial for the successful management of melioidosis.
Immunization with the recombinant Burkholderia pseudomallei outer membrane protein Omp85 induces protective immunity in mice

Su YC, Wan KL, Mohamed R, Nathan S

Vaccine, 2010 Jul 12;28(31):5005-11.
PMID: 20546831 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.05.022

Burkholderia pseudomallei is resistant to a wide range of antibiotics, leading to relapse and recrudescence of melioidosis after cessation of antibiotic therapy. More effective immunotherapies are needed for better management of melioidosis. We evaluated the prophylactic potential of the immunogenic outer membrane protein Omp85 as a vaccine against murine melioidosis. Immunization of BALB/c mice with recombinant Omp85 (rOmp85) triggered a Th2-type immune response. Up to 70% of the immunized animals were protected against infectious challenge of B. pseudomallei with reduced bacterial load in extrapulmonary organs. Mouse anti-rOmp85 promoted complement-mediated killing and opsonophagocytosis of B. pseudomallei by human polymorphonuclear cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that B. pseudomallei Omp85 is potentially able to induce protective immunity against melioidosis.

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