MyMedR

Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 92 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Morphometrics of nuchal ligament in greyhound in different neck and body positions

Ismail SMY, Murray CM, Olusa TAO, Ismail MM, Hailat NQ, Yen HH, et al.

Anat Histol Embryol, 2022 Jan;51(1):143-152.
PMID: 34882828 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12771

This study was conducted to describe the morphometrics of nuchal ligament and investigate the effects of different neck and body positions on the nuchal ligament in greyhounds. Nine adult greyhounds cadavers without any locomotion abnormalities were dissected through the neck musculature on the left side to expose the nuchal ligament. Three pins were placed to mark regions of interest on the nuchal ligament: at one cm cranial to the site of origin (the most dorsal point of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra), at the midpoint of the nuchal ligament and one cm caudal to the nuchal ligament site of insertion (close to the caudal aspect of the spinous process of the axis). Each cadaver was positioned on a masonite board and placed on a table on the floor in their lateral recumbency and seven different standardized body positions; P1-P7 were mimicked using goniometers and metal wires. Photographs were taken by positioning and fixing the camera above the nuchal ligament region. The length and widths (W1, W2 and W3) of nuchal ligament were measured using Image Pro software (Image-Pro Express version 5.0) on standardized photographs of each of seven different body and neck positions. The length of nuchal ligament in relation to the neutral position (P1) was less (- 7%, p > 0·05) in P6 (neck elevated) and increased in all other positions (+1%, p > 0·05 for P2, +19%, p 0·05 for P5, +40%, p
Mouse model of intracerebellar haemorrhage

Tijjani Salihu A, Muthuraju S, Aziz Mohamed Yusoff A, Ahmad F, Zulkifli Mustafa M, Jaafar H, et al.

Behav Brain Res, 2016 10 01;312:374-84.
PMID: 27327104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.034

The present study aimed to investigate the behavior and neuronal morphological changes in the perihaemorrhagic tissue of the mouse intracerebellar haemorrhage experimental model. Adult male Swiss albino mice were stereotactically infused with collagenase type VII (0.4U/μl of saline) unilaterally in to the cerebellum, following anaesthesia. Motor deficits were assessed using open field and composite score for evaluating the mouse model of cerebellar ataxia at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after collagenase infusion. The animals were sacrificed at the same time interval for evaluation of perihaematomal neuronal degeneration using haematoxylin and eosin staining and Annexin V-FITC/Propidium iodide assay. At the end of the study, it was found that infusion of 0.4U collagenase produces significant locomotor and ataxic deficit in the mice especially within the first week post surgery, and that this gradually improved within three weeks. Neuronal degeneration evident by cytoplasmic shrinkage and nuclear pyknosis was observed at the perihaematomal area after one day; especially at 3 and 7 days post haemorrhage. By 21 days, both the haematoma and degenerating neurons in the perihaematomal area were phagocytosed and the remaining neuronal cells around the scar tissue appeared normal. Moreover, Annexin-V/propidium iodide-positive cells were observed at the perihaematomal area at 3 and 7 days implying that the neurons likely die via apoptosis. It was concluded that a population of potentially salvageable neurons exist in the perihaematomal area after cerebellar haemorrhage throughout a wide time window that could be amenable to treatment.
Muscarinic receptor binding activity of polyoxygenated flavones from Melicope subunifoliolata

Chung LY, Yap KF, Goh SH, Mustafa MR, Imiyabir Z

Phytochemistry, 2008 May;69(7):1548-54.
PMID: 18334259 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.01.024

The bark extract of Melicope subunifoliolata (Stapf) T.G. Hartley showed competitive muscarinic receptor binding activity. Six polymethoxyflavones [melibentin (1); melisimplexin (3); 3,3',4',5,7-pentamethoxyflavone (4); meliternatin (5); 3,5,8-trimethoxy-3',4',6,7-bismethylenedioxyflavone (6); and isokanugin (7)] and one furanocoumarin [5-methoxy-8-geranyloxypsoralen (2)] were isolated from the bark extract. Compounds 2 and 6 were isolated for the first time from M. subunifoliolata. The methoxyflavones (compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) show moderate inhibition in a muscarinic receptor binding assay, while the furanocoumarin (compound 2) is inactive. The potency of the methoxyflavones to inhibit [(3)H]NMS-muscarinic receptor binding is influenced by the position and number of methoxy substitution. The results suggest these compounds are probably muscarinic modulators, agonists or partial agonists/antagonists.
Fulltext Natural history of asymptomatic gallstones: differential behaviour in male and female subjects

Sood S, Winn T, Ibrahim S, Gobindram A, Arumugam AA, Razali NC, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Dec;70(6):341-5.
PMID: 26988206 MyJurnal

OBJECTIVE: The natural history of asymptomatic (silent) gallstones has been inadequately studied. Existing information derives from studies based on oral cholecystography or relatively small sample sizes. We planned a retrospective cohort study in subjects with gallstones to determine conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic.
METHODS: We extracted data from computerised databases of one government hospital and two private clinics in Malaysia. Files were scrutinised to ensure that criteria for asymptomatic gallstones were fulfilled. Patients were called on telephone, further questioned to confirm that the gallstones at detection were truly asymptomatic, and asked about symptoms that were consistent with previously defined criteria for biliary colic. Appropriate ethical clearances were taken.
RESULTS: 213 (112 males) patients fulfilled the criteria for asymptomatic gallstones and could be contacted. 23 (10.8%) developed pain after an average follow up interval of 4.02 years (range 0.1-11 years). Conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic gallstones were high in the first two years of follow up, averaging 4.03±0.965 per year. Over time the conversion rates slowed, and by year 10 the annual conversion rate averaged only 1.38±0.29. Conversion rates were much higher for females compared to males (F:M hazard ratio 3.23, SE 1.54, p>z 0.014). The lifetime risks for conversion approached 6.15% for males, and 22.1% for females.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, asymptomatic gallstones are much more likely to convert to symptomatic in females than in males. Males in whom asymptomatic stones are discovered should be advised conservative treatment. Surgery may be preferable to conservative management if the subject is a young female.
m radiology records of Hospital
Study site: Computerised database, Hospital Selayang, Selangor; private clinics, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Neuromuscular blocking activity of a glycosidic extract of the plant Sarcolobus globosus

Mustafa MR, Hadi AH

Toxicon, 1990;28(10):1237-9.
PMID: 2264070

Crude glycoside extracts from the plant, Sarcolobus globosus, were tested on the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm, chick biventer cervicis and frog rectus abdominis preparations. Nerve-stimulated twitches were inhibited by the extract. The muscle paralysis was not similar to that by curare-like blockers as it was not reversed by neostigmine or by a tetanus. Although contractures to acetylcholine or carbachol were not affected by 0.6 mg/ml of the extract, higher concentration of the extracts (3 mg/ml) depressed the log dose-response curve of acetylcholine and carbachol. The results suggest that the neuromuscular blocking effect of the extracts is either dose-dependent or due to a mixture of toxins with presynaptic or postsynaptic actions.
New alkaloids from Phoebe scortechinii

Awang K, Mukhtar MR, Mustafa MR, Litaudon M, Shaari K, Mohamad K, et al.

Nat Prod Res, 2007 Jul 10;21(8):704-9.
PMID: 17616898

The leaves of the Phoebe scortechinii (Gamb.) Kochummen Comb. Nov. (Lauraceae), afforded one new proaporphine-tryptamine dimer; (-)-phoebescortechiniine (1), along with two known ones; phoebegrandine A and phoebegrandine B. The proaporphine, tetrahydropronuciferine (2), was isolated for the first time as a natural product. The alkaloids were elucidated primarily by means of high field NMR and HRMS.
New proaporphines from the bark of Phoebe scortechinii

Mukhtar MR, Hadi AH, Rondeau D, Richomme P, Litaudon M, Mustafa MR, et al.

Nat Prod Res, 2008;22(11):921-6.
PMID: 18629705 DOI: 10.1080/14786410701642821

The phytochemical study of the bark of Malaysian Phoebe scortechinii (Lauraceae) has resulted in the isolation and identification of two new proaporphine alkaloids; (+)-scortechiniine A (1) and (+)-scortechiniine B (2) together with two known proaporphines; (-)-hexahydromecambrine A (3), (-)-norhexahydromecambrine A (4), and one aporphine; norboldine (5). Structural elucidations of these alkaloids were performed using spectroscopic methods especially 1D and 2D (1)H and (13)C NMR.
Fulltext Nigella sativa and Its Protective Role in Oxidative Stress and Hypertension

Leong XF, Rais Mustafa M, Jaarin K

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2013;2013:120732.
PMID: 23533459 DOI: 10.1155/2013/120732

Hypertension increases the risk for a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. The increase in oxidative stress has been associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension. Increase of blood pressure is due to an imbalance between antioxidants defence mechanisms and free radical productions. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species reduces nitric oxide bioavailability leading to an endothelial dysfunction and a subsequent increase in total peripheral resistance. Hypertension can cause few symptoms until it reaches the advanced stage and poses serious health problems with lifelong consequences. Hypertensive patients are required to take drugs for life to control the hypertension and prevent complications. Some of these drugs are expensive and may have adverse reactions. Hence, it is timely to examine scientifically, complimentary therapies that are more effective and with minimal undesirable effects. Nigella sativa (NS) and its active constituents have been documented to exhibit antioxidant, hypotensive, calcium channel blockade and diuretic properties which may contribute to reduce blood pressure. This suggests a potential role of NS in the management of hypertension, and thus more studies should be conducted to evaluate its effectiveness.
Fulltext Non-Mixture Cure Model Estimation in Bladder Cancer Patients: A Novel Approach with Exponentiated Weibull Exponential Distribution

Omer ME, Mustafa M, Ali N, Abd Rahman NH

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2023 Dec 01;24(12):4167-4177.
PMID: 38156852 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.12.4167

OBJECTIVE: Cure models are frequently used in survival analysis to account for a cured fraction in the data. When there is a cure rate present, researchers often prefer cure models over parametric models to analyse the survival data. These models enable the ability to define the probability distribution of survival durations for patients who are at risk. Various distributions can be considered for the survival times, such as Exponentiated Weibull Exponential (EWE), Exponential Exponential (EE), Weibull and lognormal distribution. The objective of this research is to choose the most appropriate distribution that accurately represents the survival times of patients who have not been cured. This will be accomplished by comparing various non-mixture cure models that are based on the EWE distribution with its sub-distributions, and distributions distinct from those belonging to the EWE distribution family.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 85 patients diagnosed with superficial bladder tumours was selected to be used in fitting the non-mixture cure model. In order to estimate the parameters of the suggested model, which takes into account the presence of a cure rate, censored data, and covariates, we utilized the maximum likelihood estimation technique using R software version 3.5.7.
RESULT: Upon conducting a comparison of various parametric models fitted to the data, both with and without considering the cure fraction and without incorporating any predictors, the EE distribution yields the lowest AIC, BIC, and HQIC values among all the distributions considered in this study, (1191.921/1198.502, 1201.692/1203.387, 1195.851/1200.467). Furthermore, when considering a non-mixture cure model utilizing the EE distribution along with covariates, an estimated ratio was obtained between the probabilities of being cured for placebo and thiotepa groups (and its 95% confidence intervals) were 0.76130 (0.13914, 6.81863).
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that EE distribution is the optimal selection for determining the duration of survival in individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Fulltext Permeation Flux Prediction of Vacuum Membrane Distillation Using Hybrid Machine Learning Techniques

Ismael BH, Khaleel F, Ibrahim SS, Khaleel SR, AlOmar MK, Masood A, et al.

Membranes (Basel), 2023 Dec 05;13(12).
PMID: 38132904 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13120900

Vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) has attracted increasing interest for various applications besides seawater desalination. Experimental testing of membrane technologies such as VMD on a pilot or large scale can be laborious and costly. Machine learning techniques can be a valuable tool for predicting membrane performance on such scales. In this work, a novel hybrid model was developed based on incorporating a spotted hyena optimizer (SHO) with support vector machine (SVR) to predict the flux pressure in VMD. The SVR-SHO hybrid model was validated with experimental data and benchmarked against other machine learning tools such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), classical SVR, and multiple linear regression (MLR). The results show that the SVR-SHO predicted flux pressure with high accuracy with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.94. However, other models showed a lower prediction accuracy than SVR-SHO with R-values ranging from 0.801 to 0.902. Global sensitivity analysis was applied to interpret the obtained result, revealing that feed temperature was the most influential operating parameter on flux, with a relative importance score of 52.71 compared to 17.69, 17.16, and 14.44 for feed flowrate, vacuum pressure intensity, and feed concentration, respectively.
Perspectives of pharmacists on medication reviews- Exploring implementation research in service establishment in community settings

Mustafa M, Hatah E, Makmor-Bakry M

Res Social Adm Pharm, 2023 Apr;19(4):673-680.
PMID: 36529621 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.12.005

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists' roles have been evolving to include more patient-centered care services such as medication reviews that help patients receive the most benefits from their medication. In Malaysia, medication review is yet to be widely implemented in the community pharmacy setting for several reasons, including the non-dispensing separation healthcare system. To establish and implement a feasible medication review service model in Malaysia, it is important to gather community pharmacists' perspectives on such services.
AIM: To explore community pharmacists' perceptions of barriers, facilitators, and strategies for the implementation of a medication review service in Malaysia.
METHODS: A focus group discussion followed by semi-structured interviews were conducted among purposively sampled community pharmacists with an interest in medication review service. A framework analysis approach using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) was utilized to generate and analyze the data. After data mapping, the CFIR-ERIC (expert recommendations for implementing change) matching tool was used to generate the strategies according to the barriers identified.
RESULTS: Twenty community pharmacists participated in this study. Several barriers and facilitators to service implementation were identified based on the respondent's input. The CFIR-ERIC strategies matching tool analysis reported potential plans that can mitigate the barriers such as: identify and prepare champions, conduct local consensus discussions, conduct educational meetings, alter incentive/allowance structures, and develop a formal implementation blueprint.
CONCLUSION: Multifaceted strategies are required to ensure the successful implementation of medication review services in Malaysia. The findings of this study will assist in the development of a sustainable medication review service blueprint for the Malaysian community pharmacy setting.
Pneumocystis pneumonia among HIV patients in Malaysia

Asmal HS, Mustafa M, Abdullah S, Zaidah AR, Nurhaslindawati AR, Sarimah A, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2009 Nov;40(6):1293-7.
PMID: 20578464

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has become the most common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients with a CD4 count < or = 200. The incidence of PCP has declined as a result of prophylaxis and better highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The objective of this study was to review the demographic data of HIV patients diagnosed clinically as having PCP at the Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) in Malaysia. This was a prospective study. All HIV patients admitted to HRPZ II with respiratory symptoms were enrolled in this study after giving informed consent. Their demographic data were collected. The total number of HIV patients reviewed in this study was 107. Nearly 60% of patients were clinically diagnosed as having pneumocystis pneumonia based on their signs, symptoms and chest x-ray findings. A CD4 count was available in 83 out of 107 patients. The fifty-three percent of patients(44) had a CD4 < 200 and were clinically diagnosed as having pneumocystis pneumonia. Thirty percent had a CD4 < 200 but did not have clinical pneumocystis pneumonia. Sixteen point nine percent had a CD4 > 200 and had clinical pneumocystis pneumonia, three of whom had received HAART, four patients had received prophylaxis. Overall, 94 patients (87.8%) received prophylaxis for pneumocystis pneumonia. Thirty-three patients (30.8%) received HAART. The occurrence of pneumocystis pneumonia was common before full implementation of HAART. Pneumocystis pneumonia can occur in patients with a CD4 >200.
Fulltext Preparation and characterization of FsHA/FsCol beads: Cell attachment and cytotoxicity studies

Mudhafar M, Zainol I, Alsailawi HA, Zorah M, Karhib MM, Mahmood Mahdi N

Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e15838.
PMID: 37206015 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15838

The present study was conducted to prepare the fish scales' hydroxyapatite/collagen beads (FsHA/FsCol) and characterize their biological, physical, and chemical properties. A new method was used to prepare FsHA/FsCol composite beads by infiltrating the beads of FsHA in the solution of FsCol as a green method. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), used to evaluate the physical-chemical properties of the synthesized samples. Meanwhile, the cytotoxic and attachment studies of the FsHA/FsCol beads were used to investigate the biological features against the MG-63 human cell line. The results specified the efficiency of the new method, functional groups of FsCol were indicated to be present inside the beads of FsHA according to the XRD analysis which shows the functional peaks of FsCol. The SEM image were conformed successfully use starch as a porous agent to increasing the porous of the FsHA beads after adding 20 wt% of it. Alamar Blue assay has been used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of FsHA/FsCol beads the results were shown 87% average cell viability of the MG-63 human cell line on the beads and attached very well to the surface of the composites, indicating no toxicity being exerted by all the composites at high concentrations.
Fulltext Rapid biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using effective Cronobacter sakazakii MM045 (KT933253)

Umar ZD, Aziz NA, Zulkifli SZ, Mustafa M

MethodsX, 2017;4:104-117.
PMID: 28280689 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2017.02.003

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are complex and widely distributed environmental pollutants that can affect living ecosystems. This study was conducted to rapidly degrade phenanthrene and pyrene representing low and high molecular weight of PAHs, respectively. Cronobacter sakazakii MM045 (KT933253) was identified from used engine oil of contaminated soil. PAHs biodegradation was carried out using 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) assay. Biodegradation influencing factors including agitation, temperature, pH, inoculums volume and salinity were enhanced using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) by Central Composite Design (CCD). Phenanthrene and pyrene biodegrading metabolites were identified using gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer (GCMS). •Initial biodegradation indicated 75.2% and 54.3% phenanthrene and pyrene degraded by C. sakazakii MM045 within 24 h. After CCD optimisation, 100% degradation was achieved for each of the phenanthrene and pyrene, resulting in the formation of intermediate metabolites.•The identified phenanthrene metabolites were 3,4-dihydroxyphenathrene, phthalic acid, pyruvic acid, acetic acid and oxalic acid. Pyrene intermediates comprised pyrene cis-4,5-dihydrodiol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenanthrene, phthalic acid, pyruvic acid, acetic acid and lactic acid.•Cronbacter sakazakii MM045 was proven to be rapid and effective in degrading PAHs within 24 h despite the unavailability of existing literatures on PAHs biodegradation.
Rapid identification of cyclic tetrapyrrolic photosensitisers for photodynamic therapy using on-line hyphenated LC-PDA-MS coupled with photo-cytotoxicity assay

Tan PJ, Appleton DR, Mustafa MR, Lee HB

Phytochem Anal, 2012 Jan-Feb;23(1):52-9.
PMID: 21692117 DOI: 10.1002/pca.1324

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment modality that involves site-directed generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species by light-activated photosensitisers.
Fulltext Renal Dysfunction during Tenofovir Use in a Regional Cohort of HIV-Infected Individuals in the Asia-Pacific

Tanuma J, Jiamsakul A, Makane A, Avihingsanon A, Ng OT, Kiertiburanakul S, et al.

PLoS One, 2016;11(8):e0161562.
PMID: 27560968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161562

BACKGROUND: In resource-limited settings, routine monitoring of renal function during antiretroviral therapy (ART) has not been recommended. However, concerns for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-related nephrotoxicity persist with increased use.
METHODS: We investigated serum creatinine (S-Cr) monitoring rates before and during ART and the incidence and prevalence of renal dysfunction after starting TDF by using data from a regional cohort of HIV-infected individuals in the Asia-Pacific. Time to renal dysfunction was defined as time from TDF initiation to the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to <60 ml/min/1.73m2 with >30% reduction from baseline using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation or the decision to stop TDF for reported TDF-nephrotoxicity. Predictors of S-Cr monitoring rates were assessed by Poisson regression and risk factors for developing renal dysfunction were assessed by Cox regression.
RESULTS: Among 2,425 patients who received TDF, S-Cr monitoring rates increased from 1.01 to 1.84 per person per year after starting TDF (incidence rate ratio 1.68, 95%CI 1.62-1.74, p <0.001). Renal dysfunction on TDF occurred in 103 patients over 5,368 person-years of TDF use (4.2%; incidence 1.75 per 100 person-years). Risk factors for developing renal dysfunction included older age (>50 vs. ≤30, hazard ratio [HR] 5.39, 95%CI 2.52-11.50, p <0.001; and using PI-based regimen (HR 1.93, 95%CI 1.22-3.07, p = 0.005). Having an eGFR prior to TDF (pre-TDF eGFR) of ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2 showed a protective effect (HR 0.38, 95%CI, 0.17-0.85, p = 0.018).
CONCLUSIONS: Renal dysfunction on commencing TDF use was not common, however, older age, lower baseline eGFR and PI-based ART were associated with higher risk of renal dysfunction during TDF use in adult HIV-infected individuals in the Asia-Pacific region.
Resolution of Acanthosis Nigricans Following Curative Gastric Carcinoma Resection

Jagwani AV, Reynu R, Affirul CA, Mustafa MT, Kosai NR

Clin Ter, 2016;167(4):99-100.
PMID: 27598021 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2016.1937

We discuss a 48-year old, who presented with upper epigastrium pain associated with early satiety and significant weight loss. Physical examination revealed a thickening and darkening of skins around the skin folds, scalp, back and front of abdomen. A diagnosis of gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma was confirmed by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) and biopsy. The biopsy of the skin lesion revealed a diagnosis of acanthosis nigricans, He underwent a total gastrectomy followed by adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Recovery is unremarkable. Interestingly, the skin lesions disappear following our therapy. We believe this may be attributed to the treatment of the malignancy. We highlight the interesting association, pathophysiology and therapy.
Fulltext Self-reported symptom study of COVID-19 chemosensory dysfunction in Malaysia

Lee SH, Yeoh ZX, Sachlin IS, Gazali N, Soelar SA, Foo CY, et al.

Sci Rep, 2022 02 08;12(1):2111.
PMID: 35136124 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06029-6

Alterations in the three chemosensory modalities-smell, taste, and chemesthesis-have been implicated in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet emerging data suggest a wide geographic and ethnic variation in the prevalence of these symptoms. Studies on chemosensory disorders in COVID-19 have predominantly focused on Caucasian populations whereas Asians remain understudied. We conducted a nationwide, multicentre cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire on a cohort of RT-PCR-confirmed adult COVID-19 patients in Malaysia between 6 June and 30 November 2020. The aim of our study was to investigate their presenting symptoms and assess their chemosensory function using self-ratings of perceived smell, taste, chemesthesis, and nasal blockage. In this cohort of 498 patients, 41.4% reported smell and/or taste loss when diagnosed with COVID-19, which was the commonest symptom. Blocked nose, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal disturbances were independent predictors of smell and/or taste loss on multivariate analysis. Self-ratings of chemosensory function revealed a reduction in smell, taste, and chemesthesis across the entire cohort of patients that was more profound among those reporting smell and/or taste loss as their presenting symptom. Perceived nasal obstruction accounted for only a small proportion of changes in smell and taste, but not for chemesthesis, supporting viral disruption of sensorineural mechanisms as the dominant aetiology of chemosensory dysfunction. Our study suggests that chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 is more widespread than previously reported among Asians and may be related to the infectivity of viral strains.Study Registration: NMRR-20-934-54803 and NCT04390165.
Spontaneous, extra-dural haematoma causing spinal cord compression

Mustafa M, Subramanian N

Int Orthop, 1996;20(6):383-4.
PMID: 9049770

We describe a patient with acute compression of the spinal cord by a spontaneous extra-dural haematoma. This rare condition is often misdiagnosed. We believe that an urgent MRI scan is indicated in patients presenting with progressive neurological deficit following spinal trauma. This allows the diagnosis of extra-dural haematoma to be made rapidly and for prompt decompression of the cord.
Superhydrophobic nanocarbon-based membrane with antibacterial characteristics

Aljumaily MM, Alsaadi MA, Binti Hashim NA, Mjalli FS, Alsalhy QF, Khan AL, et al.

Biotechnol Prog, 2020 05;36(3):e2963.
PMID: 31943942 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2963

To overcome the biofouling challenge which faces membrane water treatment processed, the novel superhydrophobic carbon nanomaterials impregnated on/powder activated carbon (CNMs/PAC) was utilized to successfully design prepare an antimicrobial membrane. The research was conducted following a systematic statistical design of experiments technique considering various parameters of composite membrane fabrication. The impact of these parameters of composite membrane on Staphylococcus aureus growth was investigated. The bacteria growth was analyzed through spectrophotometer and SEM. The effect of CNMs' hydrophobicity on the bacterial colonies revealed a decrease in the abundance of bacterial colonies and an alteration in structure with increasing the hydrophobicity. The results revealed that the optimum preparative conditions for carbon loading CNMs/PAC was 363.04 mg with a polymer concentration of 22.64 g/100 g, and a casting knife thickness of 133.91 μm. These conditions have resulted in decreasing the number of bacteria colonies to about 7.56 CFU. Our results provided a strong evidence on the antibacterial effect and consequently on the antibiofouling potential of CNMs/PAC in membrane.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links