Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 148 in total

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  1. Fulltext Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects Induced by Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol in Rat CTX-TNA2 Astrocytes and Isolated Cortexes
    di Giacomo V, Chiavaroli A, Recinella L, Orlando G, Cataldi A, Rapino M, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 05 18;21(10).
    PMID: 32443623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103575
    Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are Cannabis sativa terpenophenols. Although CBD's effectiveness against neurological diseases has already been demonstrated, nothing is known about CBG. Therefore, a comparison of the effects of these compounds was performed in two experimental models mimicking the oxidative stress and neurotoxicity occurring in neurological diseases. Rat astrocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and cell viability, reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis occurrence were investigated. Cortexes were exposed to K+ 60 mM depolarizing stimulus and serotonin (5-HT) turnover, 3-hydroxykinurenine and kynurenic acid levels were measured. A proteomic analysis and bioinformatics and docking studies were performed. Both compounds exerted antioxidant effects in astrocytes and restored the cortex level of 5-HT depleted by neurotoxic stimuli, whereas sole CBD restored the basal levels of 3-hydroxykinurenine and kynurenic acid. CBG was less effective than CBD in restoring the levels of proteins involved in neurotransmitter exocytosis. Docking analyses predicted the inhibitory effects of these compounds towards the neurokinin B receptor. Conclusion: The results in the in vitro system suggest brain non-neuronal cells as a target in the treatment of oxidative conditions, whereas findings in the ex vivo system and docking analyses imply the potential roles of CBD and CBG as neuroprotective agents.
  2. Fulltext Anticancer properties of sulforaphane: current insights at the molecular level
    Asif Ali M, Khan N, Kaleem N, Ahmad W, Alharethi SH, Alharbi B, et al.
    Front Oncol, 2023;13:1168321.
    PMID: 37397365 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1168321
    Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate with multiple biomedical applications. Sulforaphane can be extracted from the plants of the genus Brassica. However, broccoli sprouts are the chief source of sulforaphane and are 20 to 50 times richer than mature broccoli as they contain 1,153 mg/100 g. SFN is a secondary metabolite that is produced as a result of the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin (a glucosinolate) by the enzyme myrosinase. This review paper aims to summarize and understand the mechanisms behind the anticancer potential of sulforaphane. The data was collected by searching PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This paper concludes that sulforaphane provides cancer protection through the alteration of various epigenetic and non-epigenetic pathways. It is a potent anticancer phytochemical that is safe to consume with minimal side effects. However, there is still a need for further research regarding SFN and the development of a standard dose.
  3. Fulltext GC-MS-based profiling and ameliorative potential of Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines fruit against cardiac and testicular toxicity: An In vivo study
    Alhassan HH, Al-Keridis LA, Ayub H, Alenazy FO, Alruwaili Y, Khan MR, et al.
    Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19324.
    PMID: 37664756 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19324
    Fruit of Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines (C. opaca) is a feed additive and is commonly used against cardiac dysfunction, fever, asthma, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ailments, and skin diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the metabolic profile and antioxidant potential of C. opaca fruit against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cardiotoxicity and testicular toxicity in rats. Gas Chromatoghraphy-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of C. opaca fruit for the identification of potential metabolic profile, followed by methanolic extract of C. opaca and its derived fractions including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol, and aqueous were used to assess the antioxidant potential of fruits. Ten groups of rats received different treatments and got evaluated for cardiac and testicular antioxidant enzymes, histological architecture, and serum hormonal levels. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract of C. opaca fruit showed the presence of some bioactive metabolites like cyclodecane, diethyl 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylate, tetrahydro-geraniol, S-[2-[N, N-Dimethylamino]ethyl]morpoline, 2,3-Methylenedioxyphenol, alpha-d-Glucopyranoside, 5,10-Diethoxy-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H, 6H-dipyrrolo [1,2-a; 1',2'-d] pyrazine and 1,3-Benzothiazol-2(3H)-one,3-(3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutyl) that corresponds the medicinal properties of C. opaca fruit. Prepared fractions of C. opaca fruits mitigated the toxicity induced by CCl4 in the heart and testicular tissues of rats. Oxidative stress was caused by the inhibition of activities of glutathione and other antioxidant enzymes of the body, while on the other hand elevating the levels of nitrite and hydrogen peroxide. Treatment with C. opaca fruit extract normalized the levels of enzymes, reproductive hormones, and free radicals thus restoring the histopathological and enzymatic biomarkers towards the normal group. The study supports the indigenous use of fruits as an alternative medicine against cardiac dysfunction by providing scientific evidence of protection against CCl4-induced injuries, and it also concludes the antioxidant defensive role in testicular tissues.
  4. Fulltext Evaluation of aspirin and clopidogrel resistance in patients with acute coronary syndrome by using adenosine diposphate test and aspirin test
    Ibrahim O, Oteh M, A Syukur A, Che Hassan HH, S Fadilah W, Rahman MM
    Pak J Med Sci, 2013 Jan;29(1):97-102.
    PMID: 24353516 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.291.2820
    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate aspirin and clopidogrel resistance/non-responders in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by using adenosine diposphate and aspirin tests.
    METHODOLOGY: In the study patients with ACS loaded with 300 mg of clopidogrel and 300 mg aspirin and patients on stable daily dose of 75 mg of clopidogrel (more than 3 days) underwent PCI. Response to clopidogrel and Aspirin was assessed by Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) Test (20 µmol/L) and Aspirin Test (Acetyl Acid) (ASP) 20 µmol/L, respectively, using the Multiplate Platelet Function Analyzer (Dynabyte Medical, Munich, Germany).
    RESULTS: Sixty four patients were included in this study out of which 57 were with ACS and 7 scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) electively. The proportion of Aspirin good responders and adequate responders were 76.56% and 18.75%, respectively while adequate response and good response to Clopidogrel accounted for 29.7 and 48.4%, respectively Hyperlipidaemia was only co-morbidity associated with higher AUC ADP value (p: 0.046). Hypertriglyceridaemia and serum calcium were weakly correlated with higher AUC ADP serum calcium r=0.08, triglyceride r=0.12. Patients admitted for scheduled PCI and on stable dose of 75mg clopidogrel exhibited lower AUC ADP value as compared to those admitted with acute coronary syndrome given loading dose of 300mg of Clopidogrel. Post loading dose measurement of anti-platelet therapy among ACS patients using the Multiplate Platelet Function Analyzer showed comparable results with other methods.
    Conclusions : As determined by Multiplate Platelet Function Analyzer, Aspirin resistance/non-responders in this study in acute coronary syndrome patients accounted for 4.69% while Non-responders in Clopidogrel was 21.9%.
    KEYWORDS: Acute coronary syndromes; Anti-platelet therapy; Aspirin; Clopidogrel; Hyperlipidaemia
  5. Calcium score of coronary artery stratifies the risk of obstructive coronary artery diseases
    Ibrahim O, Oteh M, Anwar IR, Che Hassan HH, Choor CK, Hamzaini AH, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2013;164(5):391-5.
    PMID: 24217823 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1601
    Coronary heart disease is a major health problem in Malaysia with high morbidity and mortality. Common primary screening tool of cardiovascular risk stratification is exercise treadmill test (ETT). This communication is to determine the performance of coronary artery calcium score a new method to stratify the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison to traditional ETT in patients having coronary artery diseases.
  6. Fulltext Detection of quorum sensing signal molecules and identification of an autoinducer synthase gene among biofilm forming clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp
    Anbazhagan D, Mansor M, Yan GO, Md Yusof MY, Hassan H, Sekaran SD
    PLoS One, 2012;7(7):e36696.
    PMID: 22815678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036696
    Quorum sensing is a term that describes an environmental sensing system that allows bacteria to monitor their own population density which contributes significantly to the size and development of the biofilm. Many gram negative bacteria use N-acyl-homoserine lactones as quorum sensing signal molecules. In this study, we sought to find out if the biofilm formation among clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. is under the control of autoinducing quorum sensing molecules.
  7. An improved method for the preparations of nanostructured lipid carriers containing heat-sensitive bioactives
    Hung LC, Basri M, Tejo BA, Ismail R, Nang HL, Abu Hassan H, et al.
    Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces, 2011 Oct 1;87(1):180-6.
    PMID: 21652183 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2011.05.019
    Heat-sensitive bioactive compounds such as β-carotene and tocols, are widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Their chemical stability in delivery systems is one of the major concerns in the production of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). A previously established high-temperature high-pressure homogenisation technique involved in the preparation of NLCs can cause degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. Therefore, a novel preparation process needs to be developed to minimise the degradation of heat-sensitive active compounds during the preparation of NLCs. In this work, modified methods A and B were designed to minimise the degradation of β-carotene and tocols during the production of NLCs. These methods improved the chemical stability of heat-sensitive bioactive compounds (β-carotene and tocols) significantly compared to the previously established method. The physical stability of the formulation was maintained throughout study duration.
  8. Fatigue experienced by patients receiving maintenance dialysis in hemodialysis units
    Letchmi S, Das S, Halim H, Zakariah FA, Hassan H, Mat S, et al.
    Nurs Health Sci, 2011 Mar;13(1):60-4.
    PMID: 21392194 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2011.00579.x
    The fatigue that is observed in patients who are undergoing dialysis is usually associated with an impaired quality of life. The present cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2009 in three hemodialysis units in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In this study, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Depression Anxiety and Stress Score 21 were used to determine the level of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress of patients who were undergoing dialysis. The data were obtained from a calculated sample of 116 and a total of 103 respondents participated in the study. A total of 56 (54.4%) and 47 (45.6%) respondents experienced a high level and a low level of fatigue, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the duration of treatment and the level of fatigue. The respondents who had been receiving treatment for > 2 years experienced more fatigue, compared to the respondents who had been undergoing hemodialysis for > 2 years. There was a significant difference in relation to the age of the participants regarding the level of fatigue. No significant relationship between the sex of the participants, anemia, depression, anxiety, stress, and the level of fatigue was observed. Special attention needs to be paid to both the younger and older adults who are receiving treatment. In addition, proper planning is needed for the patients regarding their daily activities in order to reduce fatigue. Nurses who work in hemodialysis units are recommended to provide exercise classes or group therapy in order to boost the energy levels among patients who are undergoing dialysis. Health professionals should provide appropriate treatment for patients who are experiencing fatigue in order to prevent any other complications that could arise.
  9. Fulltext Varicella-zoster virus seroprevalence in healthcare workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Sam IC, Tariman H, Chan YF, Bador MK, Yusof MY, Hassan H
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Dec;63(5):429-30.
    PMID: 19803311 MyJurnal
    Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections are a particular problem in healthcare settings. A survey of chickenpox was carried out amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) following potential ward exposures. A prior history of chickenpox was given by 61/98 (62.2%). Of 64 HCWs tested for VZV IgG, 10 (15.6%) were seronegative, indicating susceptibility. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of a history of prior chickenpox were 57.4%, 90%, 96.4%, and 31.0%, respectively. VZV screening of HCWs without a history of chickenpox, and vaccination of susceptible HCWs should be undertaken in this hospital.
  10. Rhodococcus equi--an emerging human pathogen in immunocompromized hosts: a report of four cases from Malaysia
    Puthucheary SD, Sangkar V, Hafeez A, Karunakaran R, Raja NS, Hassan HH
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):157-61.
    PMID: 16771229
    Rhodococcus equi, a recognized pathogen in horses, is emerging as a human opportunistic pathogen, especially in immunocompromized hosts. We describe four immunocompromized patients who had serious R. equi infections with an overall mortality of 75%. The natural habitat of R. equi is soil, particularly soil contaminated with animal manure. Necrotizing pneumonia is the commonest form of infection but extrapulmonary infections, such as wound infections and subcutaneous abscess, have also been described in humans. R. equi is cultured easily in ordinary non-selective media. Large, smooth, irregular colonies appear within 48 hours. It is a facultative, intracellular, nonmotile, non-spore forming, gram-positive coccobacillus, which is weakly acid-fast staining and bears a similarity to diphtheroids. It forms a salmon-colored pigment usually after 48 hours incubation. A particular characteristic of this organism is that it undergoes synergistic hemolysis with some bacteria on sheep blood agar. R. equi may be misidentified as diphtheroids, Mycobacterium species, or Nocardia. In vitro R. equi is usually susceptible to erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, aminoglycosides, rifampin, imipenem and meropenem. The organism can be difficult to eradicate, making treatment challenging. Increased awareness of the infection may help with early diagnosis and timely treatment.
  11. Fulltext Effect of compositions in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) on skin hydration and occlusion
    Loo Ch, Basri M, Ismail R, Lau H, Tejo B, Kanthimathi M, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2013;8:13-22.
    PMID: 23293516 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S35648
    To study the effects of varying lipid concentrations, lipid and oil ratio, and the addition of propylene glycol and lecithin on the long-term physical stability of nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLC), skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss.
  12. Advanced MRI applications and findings of malignant phyllodes tumour: review of two cases
    Alhabshi SM, Rahmat K, Abu Hassan H, Westerhout CJ, Chandran PA
    Jpn J Radiol, 2013 May;31(5):342-8.
    PMID: 23385379 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-013-0183-y
    Phyllodes tumour or cystosarcoma phyllodes is a rare stromal breast tumour that is usually benign but on rare occasions can turn malignant. Non-specificity of the imaging features on sonography and mammography makes it difficult to distinguish malignant from benign counterparts solely based on imaging. The final diagnosis is still highly dependent on histopathological assessment. Herein, we describe two cases of malignant phyllodes tumour with emphasis on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features using advanced MR applications.
  13. Improving the (18)F-fluoromethylcholine ((18)F-FCH) radiochemical yield via optimising the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (18)F-fluorine
    Hassan H, Abu Bakar S, Halim KN, Idris J, Ahmad Saad FF, Nordin AJ
    J Labelled Comp Radiopharm, 2015 Sep-Oct;58(11-12):458-9.
    PMID: 26395258 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3347
    (18)F-Fluoromethylcholine ((18)F-FCH) has been suggested as one of the reputable imaging tracers for diagnosis of prostate tumour in PET/CT examination. Nevertheless, it has never been synthesised in Malaysia. We acknowledged the major problem with (18)F-FCH is due to its relatively low radiochemical yield at the end of synthesis (EOS). Therefore, this technical note presents improved (18)F-FCH radiochemical yields after carrying out optimisation on azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (18)F-Fluorine.
  14. Fulltext Development of an instrument to measure medical students' perceptions of the assessment environment: initial validation
    Sim JH, Tong WT, Hong WH, Vadivelu J, Hassan H
    Med Educ Online, 2015;20:28612.
    PMID: 26511792 DOI: 10.3402/meo.v20.28612
    INTRODUCTION: Assessment environment, synonymous with climate or atmosphere, is multifaceted. Although there are valid and reliable instruments for measuring the educational environment, there is no validated instrument for measuring the assessment environment in medical programs. This study aimed to develop an instrument for measuring students' perceptions of the assessment environment in an undergraduate medical program and to examine the psychometric properties of the new instrument.
    METHOD: The Assessment Environment Questionnaire (AEQ), a 40-item, four-point (1=Strongly Disagree to 4=Strongly Agree) Likert scale instrument designed by the authors, was administered to medical undergraduates from the authors' institution. The response rate was 626/794 (78.84%). To establish construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal component analysis and varimax rotation was conducted. To examine the internal consistency reliability of the instrument, Cronbach's α was computed. Mean scores for the entire AEQ and for each factor/subscale were calculated. Mean AEQ scores of students from different academic years and sex were examined.
    RESULTS: Six hundred and eleven completed questionnaires were analysed. EFA extracted four factors: feedback mechanism (seven items), learning and performance (five items), information on assessment (five items), and assessment system/procedure (three items), which together explained 56.72% of the variance. Based on the four extracted factors/subscales, the AEQ was reduced to 20 items. Cronbach's α for the 20-item AEQ was 0.89, whereas Cronbach's α for the four factors/subscales ranged from 0.71 to 0.87. Mean score for the AEQ was 2.68/4.00. The factor/subscale of 'feedback mechanism' recorded the lowest mean (2.39/4.00), whereas the factor/subscale of 'assessment system/procedure' scored the highest mean (2.92/4.00). Significant differences were found among the AEQ scores of students from different academic years.
    CONCLUSIONS: The AEQ is a valid and reliable instrument. Initial validation supports its use to measure students' perceptions of the assessment environment in an undergraduate medical program.
    KEYWORDS: assessment environment; development; instrument; psychometric properties; validation
  15. Fulltext Fatal case of amoebic liver abscess in a child
    Ng KF, Tan KK, Ngui R, Lim YA, Amir A, Rajoo Y, et al.
    Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2015 Oct;8(10):878-80.
    PMID: 26522307 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2015.09.018
    We reported a case of amoebic liver abscess (ALA) in a 6-year-old Malaysian boy who presented with fever, lethargy, diarrhoea and right hypochondriac pain. On admission he was diagnosed with perforated acute appendicitis and a laparotomy was done. After surgery he developed acute respiratory distress. Ultrasonography, chest X-Ray and CT scan revealed two ALAs in the posterior segment of right lobe of liver, pleural effusion and collapsed consolidation of lungs bilaterally. Percutaneous liver abscesses drainage was done and intravenous Metronidazole was started. PCR carried out on the pus from the abscess was positive for Entamoeba histolytica. Patient however succumbed to the infection one week after admission.
  16. Convenient and Efficient Method for Quality Control Analysis of 18F-Fluorocholine: For a Small Scale GMP-based Radiopharmaceuticals Laboratory Set-up
    Hassan H, Abu Bakar S, Halim KN, Idris J, Nordin AJ
    Curr Radiopharm, 2016;9(2):128-36.
    PMID: 26013570
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer continues to be the most prevalent cancer in men in Malaysia. As time progresses, the prospect of PET imaging modality in diagnosis of prostate cancer is promising, with on-going improvement on novel tracers. Among all tracers, 18F-Fluorocholine is reported to be a reputable tracer and reliable diagnostic technique for prostate imaging. Nonetheless, only 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is available and used in most oncology cases in Malaysia. With a small scale GMP-based radiopharmaceuticals laboratory set-up, initial efforts have been taken to put Malaysia on 18F-Fluorocholine map. This article presents a convenient, efficient and reliable method for quality control analysis of 18F-Fluorocholine. Besides, the aim of this research work is to assist local GMP radiopharmaceuticals laboratories and local authority in Malaysia for quality control analysis of 18F-Fluorocholine guideline.

    METHODS: In this study, prior to synthesis, quality control analysis method for 18F-Fluorocholine was developed and validated, by adapting the equipment set-up used in 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18FFDG) routine production. Quality control on the 18F-Fluorocholine was performed by means of pH, radionuclidic identity, radio-high performance liquid chromatography equipped with ultraviolet, radio- thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography and filter integrity test.

    RESULTS: Post-synthesis; the pH of 18F-Fluorocholine was 6.42 ± 0.04, with half-life of 109.5 minutes (n = 12). The radiochemical purity was consistently higher than 99%, both in radio-high performance liquid chromatography equipped with ultraviolet (r-HPLC; SCX column, 0.25 M NaH2PO4: acetonitrile) and radio-thin layer chromatography method (r-TLC). The calculated relative retention time (RRT) in r-HPLC was 1.02, whereas the retention factor (Rf) in r-TLC was 0.64. Potential impurities from 18F-Fluorocholine synthesis such as ethanol, acetonitrile, dimethylethanolamine and dibromomethane were determined in gas chromatography. Using our parameters, (capillary column: DB-200, 30 m x 0.53 mm x 1 um) and oven temperature of 35°C (isothermal), all compounds were well resolved and eluted within 3 minutes. Level of ethanol and acetonitrile in 18F-Fluorocholine were detected below threshold limit; less than 5 mg/ml and 0.41 mg/ml respectively. Meanwhile, dimethylethanolamine and dibromomethane were undetectable.

    CONCLUSION: A convenient, efficient and reliable quality control analysis work-up procedure for 18FFluorocholine has been established and validated to comply all the release criteria. The convenient method of quality control analysis may provide a guideline to local GMP radiopharmaceutical laboratories to start producing 18F-Fluorocholine as a tracer for prostate cancer imaging.

  17. Optimising the Azeotropic Drying of 18F-Fluorine Wayto Improve the 18F-Fluorocholine Radiochemical Yield
    Hassan H, Bakar SA, Halim KN, Idris J, Saad FF, Nordin AJ
    Curr Radiopharm, 2016;9(2):121-7.
    PMID: 26239237
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: 18F-Fluorocholine has been suggested as one of the reputable imaging tracers for diagnosis of prostate tumour in Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography (PET/CT) modality. Nevertheless, it has never been synthesised in Malaysia. We acknowledged that the major problem with 18F-Fluorocholine is due to its relatively low radiochemical yield at the end of synthesis (EOS). Therefore, this article presents improved 18FFluorocholine radiochemical yields after carrying out optimisation on azeotropic drying of 18F-Fluorine.

    METHODS: In the previous study, the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine in the reactor was conducted at atmospheric pressure (0 atm) and shorter duration time. In this study, however, the azeotropic drying of non-carried-added (n.c.a) 18FFluorine was made at a high vacuum pressure (- 0.65 to - 0.85 bar) with an additional time of 30 seconds. At the end of the synthesis, the mean radiochemical yield was statistically compared between the two azeotropic drying conditions so as to observe whether the improvement made was significant to the radiochemical yield.

    RESULTS: From the paired sample t-test analysis, the improvement done to the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine was statistically significant (p < 0.05). With the improvement made, the 18F-Fluorcholine radiochemical yield was found to have increase by one fold.

    CONCLUSION: Improved 18F-Fluorocholine radiochemical yields were obtained after the improvement had been done to the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine. It was also observed that improvement made to the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine did not affect the 18F-Fluorocholine quality control analysis.

  18. Fulltext Culture-positive thoracic empyema in adults
    Liam CK, Pendek R, Navaratnam P, Hassan H, Puthucheary SD, Abdul Majid A, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 1990 Jun;45(2):169-76.
    PMID: 2152022
    Twenty-nine adult patients with culture-positive thoracic empyema were seen at the University Hospital Kuala Lumpur from 1984 to 1988. Cough, fever, chest pain, dyspnoea and weight loss were the common presenting symptoms. The empyema in 16 patients was associated with primary bronchopulmonary infections, nine occurred following thoracentesis of culture-sterile pleural effusions, two occurred as post-thoracic surgery complications, one following a subdiaphragmatic abscess and one as a result of a stab wound. The most common culture isolates were Streptococcus milleri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Closed tube thoracostomy, the most common form of drainage procedure employed, was able to effect a cure or control of the empyema in 11 out of 19 patients in whom it was used.
  19. Macrorestriction analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility profiling of Salmonella enterica at a University Teaching Hospital, Kuala Lumpur
    Tiong V, Thong KL, Yusof MY, Hanifah YA, Sam JI, Hassan H
    Jpn J Infect Dis, 2010 Sep;63(5):317-22.
    PMID: 20858996
    The genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance rates of clinical Salmonella isolates (2007-2008) at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, were investigated and the genetic diversity of the isolates was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP)-PCR. XbaI-PFGE analysis generated 57 profiles (Dice coefficient, F=0.08-1.00), whereas REP-PCR using the REP primer generated only 35 (F=0.34-1.00). PFGE was therefore the more discriminative and reproducible method for assessing the genetic diversity of salmonellae. The antibiograms of 78 Salmonella isolates were assessed against 19 antimicrobials using the disk diffusion method. Twenty serotypes were identified, with the most common being S. Enteritidis (18%) followed by S. Typhimurium (14%), S. Paratyphi B var Java (9%), S. Weltevreden (9%), and S. Corvallis (9%). A total of 38 resistant profiles were defined, with 53.8% of the isolates being resistant to three or more antimicrobials. The highest resistance rates were observed for cephalothin (55.1%), tetracycline (47.4%), and nalidixic acid (35.9%). The presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains is a cause for concern as it may limit the treatment of severe salmonellosis. One multidrug-resistant S. Enteritidis strain was a putative extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer, based on a double disk diffusion analysis, and was resistant to ceftriaxone (MIC>32 microg/mL). The data generated by this study will contribute towards epidemiological monitoring and investigations of Salmonella infections in Malaysia.
  20. Fulltext Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics of Vitamin E: Nanoformulations to Enhance Bioavailability
    Mohd Zaffarin AS, Ng SF, Ng MH, Hassan H, Alias E
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2020;15:9961-9974.
    PMID: 33324057 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S276355
    Vitamin E belongs to the family of lipid-soluble vitamins and can be divided into two groups, tocopherols and tocotrienols, with four isomers (alpha, beta, gamma and delta). Although vitamin E is widely known as a potent antioxidant, studies have also revealed that vitamin E possesses anti-inflammatory properties. These crucial properties of vitamin E are beneficial in various aspects of health, especially in neuroprotection and cardiovascular, skin and bone health. However, the poor bioavailability of vitamin E, especially tocotrienols, remains a great limitation for clinical applications. Recently, nanoformulations that include nanovesicles, solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, and polymeric nanoparticles have shown promising outcomes in improving the efficacy and bioavailability of vitamin E. This review focuses on the pharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics of vitamin E and current advances in vitamin E nanoformulations for future clinical applications. The limitations and future recommendations are also discussed in this review.
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