Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 928 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext A comparative analysis of microleakage of three root end filling materials - an in vitro study
    Saini, D., Nadig, G., Saini, R.
    Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2008;3(2):43-47.
    MyJurnal
    The main objective of a root end filling material is to provide an apical seal that prevents the movement of bacteria and the diffusion of bacterial products from the root canal system into periapical tissues. The aim of this study was to compare the microleakage of three root end filling materials Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Glass ionomer cement (GIC) and Silver GIC (Miracle Mix) using dye penetration technique under stereomicroscope. Forty-five extracted human maxillary central incisors were instrumented and obturated with gutta percha using lateral compaction technique. Following this, the teeth were stored in saline. After one week, teeth were apically resected at an angle of 90ï° to the long axis of the root and root end cavities were prepared. The teeth were divided into three groups of fifteen specimens each and were filled with Group I -MTA, Group II - GIC and Group III - Miracle Mix. The samples were coated with varnish and after drying, they were immersed in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 hours. The teeth were then rinsed, sectioned longitudinally and observed under stereomicroscope. The depth of dye penetration was measured in millimeters. Microleakage was found to be significantly less in MTA (0.83 mm) when compared to GIC (1.32 mm) (p < 0.001) and with Miracle Mix (1.39 mm) (p < 0.001) No significant difference was found when microleakage in Miracle Mix was compared to that of GIC (p = 0.752). Thus we concluded that MTA is a better material as root end filling material to prevent microleakage, in comparison to GIC and Miracle Mix.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  2. Fulltext Pentocin MQ1: A Novel, Broad-Spectrum, Pore-Forming Bacteriocin From Lactobacillus pentosus CS2 With Quorum Sensing Regulatory Mechanism and Biopreservative Potential
    Wayah SB, Philip K
    Front Microbiol, 2018;9:564.
    PMID: 29636737 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00564
    Micrococcus luteus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus are major food-borne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Emergence of antibiotic resistance and consumer demand for foods containing less of chemical preservatives led to a search for natural antimicrobials. A study aimed at characterizing, investigating the mechanism of action and regulation of biosynthesis and evaluating the biopreservative potential of pentocin from Lactobacillus pentosus CS2 was conducted. Pentocin MQ1 is a novel bacteriocin isolated from L. pentosus CS2 of coconut shake origin. The purification strategy involved adsorption-desorption of bacteriocin followed by RP-HPLC. It has a molecular weight of 2110.672 Da as determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and a molar extinction value of 298.82 M-1 cm-1. Pentocin MQ1 is not plasmid-borne and its biosynthesis is regulated by a quorum sensing mechanism. It has a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, exhibited high chemical, thermal and pH stability but proved sensitive to proteolytic enzymes. It is potent against M. luteus, B. cereus, and L. monocytogenes at micromolar concentrations. It is quick-acting and exhibited a bactericidal mode of action against its targets. Target killing was mediated by pore formation. We report for the first time membrane permeabilization as a mechanism of action of the pentocin from the study against Gram-positive bacteria. Pentocin MQ1 is a cell wall-associated bacteriocin. Application of pentocin MQ1 improved the microbiological quality and extended the shelf life of fresh banana. This is the first report on the biopreservation of banana using bacteriocin. These findings place pentocin MQ1 as a potential biopreservative for further evaluation in food and medical applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Positive Bacteria
  3. Fulltext Actinomycosis of Distal Phalanx Twenty Years after Flap Reconstruction of Index Finger: A Case Report
    Prashant N, Azuhairy A
    Malays Orthop J, 2018 Mar;12(1):48-50.
    PMID: 29725514 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1803.011
    Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous suppurative infection caused by anaerobic bacteria from genus Actinomyces which are normal flora of mouth, colon and vagina. Actinomycosis of upper extremity is rare. We report a case of actinomycosis of the distal phalanx of finger many years after flap reconstruction. The patient presented with two months' history of chronic discharging sinus from the tip of his right index finger, which had sustained a degloving injury 20 years previously. It had been treated with an anterior chest wall flap which had healed uneventfully but was bulky due to excess tissue from the donor site. Radiograph revealed osetomyelitis changes of distal phalanx. Debulking surgery with curettage of the distal phalanx was done. Wound healing was uneventful. He was treated with six weeks of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. The discharge from the distal phalanx cultured actinomycosis odontolyticus. Histopathology of the debrided tissue showed chronic inflammation. As far as we are aware, there are no reports of actinomycosis in a flap involving the finger treated previously with a chest wall skin flap. The infection was probably dormant for many years before manifesting as a discharging sinus. Although the finger flap was bulky, it was not problematic until it started to have serous discharge. With a thorough debridement of all infected tissue, six weeks of antibiotic was adequate. Ciprofloxacin was prescribed based on discharge culture sensitivity. Metronidazole was added as actinomycosis is anaerobic. Response was prompt as patient was not immunocompromised. At follow-up six months post-surgery the finger had recovered with good function. If not for the discharging sinus, patient would probably have tolerated his bulky finger for the rest of his life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria, Anaerobic
  4. Fulltext In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Against Selected Gram-negative Foodborne Pathogens
    Loo YY, Rukayadi Y, Nor-Khaizura MA, Kuan CH, Chieng BW, Nishibuchi M, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2018;9:1555.
    PMID: 30061871 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01555
    Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) used in this study were synthesized using pu-erh tea leaves extract with particle size of 4.06 nm. The antibacterial activity of green synthesized AgNPs against a diverse range of Gram-negative foodborne pathogens was determined using disk diffusion method, resazurin microtitre-plate assay (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration test (MBC). The MIC and MBC of AgNPs against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Salmonella Enteritidis were 7.8, 3.9, 3.9, 3.9 and 7.8, 3.9, 7.8, 3.9 μg/mL, respectively. Time-kill curves were used to evaluate the concentration between MIC and bactericidal activity of AgNPs at concentrations ranging from 0×MIC to 8×MIC. The killing activity of AgNPs was fast acting against all the Gram-negative bacteria tested; the reduction in the number of CFU mL-1 was >3 Log10 units (99.9%) in 1-2 h. This study indicates that AgNPs exhibit a strong antimicrobial activity and thus might be developed as a new type of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial infection including multidrug resistant bacterial infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Negative Bacteria
  5. Anti-infective activities of 11 plants species used in traditional medicine in Malaysia
    Nor Azman NS, Hossan MS, Nissapatorn V, Uthaipibull C, Prommana P, Jin KT, et al.
    Exp Parasitol, 2018 Nov;194:67-78.
    PMID: 30268422 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.09.020
    Treatment of drug resistant protozoa, bacteria, and viruses requires new drugs with alternative chemotypes. Such compounds could be found from Southeast Asian medicinal plants. The present study examines the cytotoxic, antileishmanial, and antiplasmodial effects of 11 ethnopharmacologically important plant species in Malaysia. Chloroform extracts were tested for their toxicity against MRC-5 cells and Leishmania donovani by MTT, and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain by Histidine-Rich Protein II ELISA assays. None of the extract tested was cytotoxic to MRC-5 cells. Extracts of Uvaria grandiflora, Chilocarpus costatus, Tabernaemontana peduncularis, and Leuconotis eugenifolius had good activities against L. donovani with IC50 
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects; Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects
  6. Fulltext Endogenous Endophthalmitis: A Five-year Review of Cases at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital, Kelantan, Malaysia
    Michael NDB, Gunaseelan S, Tuan Jaffar TN, Noordin Z, Hussein A
    Cureus, 2018 Jul 30;10(7):e3066.
    PMID: 30280062 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3066
    Background Endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) is a type of intraocular inflammation secondary to hematogenous spread from a distant infective source within the body and usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. Objectives The aim of this study was to profile the patient characteristics, sources of infection, microbial profiles, and visual outcomes of patients with EE in Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital in Kelantan, Malaysia. Materials and methods Data from 18 eyes of 17 patients diagnosed with EE and admitted to the eye ward of Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Factors analyzed included patient age, sources of infection, visual acuity, microbial profiles, and treatment outcomes. Results The mean age of the 17 patients was 53.2 years. Twelve patients (70.6%) had EE of left eye, four (23.5%) had EE of right eye, and one (5.9%) had EE involving both the eyes. Sixteen patients (91.1%) had at least one predisposing condition, the most common of which was diabetes mellitus in 15 patients (88.2%). A source of infection was identified in 12 of the 17 patients, with urinary tract infection being the most common (five patients, 29.4%). Organisms were successfully isolated from 10 (58.8%) patients, including seven (41.2%) with Gram-negative and three (17.6%) with Gram-positive organisms. All patients presented with a visual acuity worse than 6/60. Nine (52.9%) patients underwent vitrectomy, with only two of these patients achieving a final visual acuity better than 6/60. Eleven patients became nonperceptive to light, with four of them undergoing evisceration. Conclusions EE is a rare but often devastating ocular condition. Visual outcomes are often poor especially in patients infected with Gram-negative bacteria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  7. Fulltext Synthesis, biological evaluation and corrosion inhibition studies of transition metal complexes of Schiff base
    Kashyap S, Kumar S, Ramasamy K, Lim SM, Shah SAA, Om H, et al.
    Chem Cent J, 2018 Nov 20;12(1):117.
    PMID: 30460466 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-018-0487-1
    BACKGROUND: The transition metal complexes formed from Schiff base is regarded as leading molecules in medicinal chemistry. Because of the preparative availability and diversity in the structure of central group, the transition metals are important in coordination chemistry. In the present work, we have designed and prepared Schiff base and its metal complexes (MC1-MC4) and screened them for antimicrobial, anticancer and corrosion inhibitory properties.

    METHODOLOGY: The synthesized metal complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectral investigation (UV, IR, 1H and 13C-NMR) and were further evaluated for their antimicrobial (tube dilution) and anticancer (SRB assay) activities. In addition, the corrosion inhibition potential was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Antimicrobial screening results found complexes (MC1-MC4) to exhibit less antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial species compared to ofloxacin while the complex MC1 exhibited greater antifungal activity than the fluconazole. The anticancer activity results found the synthesized Schiff base and its metal complexes to elicit poor cytotoxic activity than the standard drug (5-fluorouracil) against HCT116 cancer cell line. Metal complex MC2 showed more corrosion inhibition efficiency with high Rct values and low Cdl values.

    CONCLUSION: From the results, we can conclude that complexes MC1 and MC2 may be used as potent antimicrobial and anticorrosion agents, respectively.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria
  8. Fulltext Simultaneous biological nitrification and desulfurization treatment of ammonium and sulfide-rich wastewater: Effectiveness of a sequential batch operation
    Sekine M, Akizuki S, Kishi M, Kurosawa N, Toda T
    Chemosphere, 2020 Apr;244:125381.
    PMID: 31805460 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125381
    Sulfide inhibition to nitrifying bacteria has prevented the integration of digestate nitrification and biogas desulfurization to simplify anaerobic digestion systems. In this study, liquid digestate with NaHS solution was treated using nitrifying sludge in a sequential-batch reactor with a long fill period, with an ammonium loading rate of 293 mg-N L-1 d-1 and a stepwise increase in the sulfide loading rate from 0 to 32, 64, 128, and 256 mg-S L-1 d-1. Batch bioassays and microbial community analysis were also conducted with reactor sludge under each sulfide loading rate to quantify the microbial acclimatization to sulfide. In the reactor, sulfide was completely removed. Complete nitrification was maintained up to a sulfide load of 128 mg-S L-1 d-1, which is higher than that in previous reports and sufficient for biogas treatment. In the batch bioassays, the sulfide tolerance of NH4+ oxidizing activity (the 50% inhibitory sulfide concentration) increased fourfold over time with the compositional shift of nitrifying bacteria to Nitrosomonas nitrosa and Nitrobacter spp. However, the sulfur removal rate of the sludge slightly decreased, although the abundance of the sulfur-oxidizing bacteria Hyphomicrobium increased by 30%. Therefore, nitrifying sludge was probably acclimatized to sulfide not by the increasing sulfide removal rate but rather by the increasing nitrifying bacteria, which have high sulfide tolerance. Successful simultaneous nitrification and desulfurization were achieved using a sequential-batch reactor with a long fill period, which was effective in facilitating the present acclimatization.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  9. Effects of Shape and Size of Cobalt Phosphate Nanoparticles against Acanthamoeba castellanii
    Anwar A, Chi Fung L, Anwar A, Jagadish P, Numan A, Khalid M, et al.
    Pathogens, 2019 Nov 22;8(4).
    PMID: 31766722 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040260
    T4 genotype Acanthamoeba are opportunistic pathogens that cause two types of infections, including vision-threatening Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and a fatal brain infection known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Due to the existence of ineffective treatments against Acanthamoeba, it has become a potential threat to all contact lens users and immunocompromised patients. Metal nanoparticles have been proven to have various antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Previously, different types of cobalt nanoparticles showed some promise as anti-acanthamoebic agents. In this study, the objectives were to synthesize and characterize the size, morphology, and crystalline structure of cobalt phosphate nanoparticles, as well as to determine the effects of different sizes of cobalt metal-based nanoparticles against A. castellanii. Cobalt phosphate octahydrate (CHP), Co3(PO4)2•8H2O, was synthesized by ultrasonication using a horn sonicator, then three different sizes of cobalt phosphates Co3(PO4)2 were produced through calcination of Co3(PO4)2•8H2O at 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C (CP2, CP4, CP6). These three types of cobalt phosphate nanoparticles were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Next, the synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to biological assays to investigate their amoebicidal, amoebistatic, anti-encystation, and anti-excystation effects against A. castellanii, as well as cell cytotoxicity. The overall results showed that 1.30 ± 0.70 µm of CHP microflakes demonstrated the best anti-acanthemoebic effects at 100 µg/mL, followed by 612.50 ± 165.94 nm large CP6 nanograins. However, amongst the three tested cobalt phosphates, Co3(PO4)2, the smaller nanoparticles had stronger antiamoebic effects against A. castellanii. During cell cytotoxicity analysis, CHP exhibited only 15% cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, whereas CP6 caused 46% (the highest) cell cytotoxicity at the highest concentration, respectively. Moreover, the composition and morphology of nanoparticles is suggested to be important in determining their anti-acathamoebic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of cobalt phosphate nanoparticles are still unidentified. Nevertheless, the results suggested that cobalt phosphate nanoparticles hold potential for development of nanodrugs against Acanthamoeba.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria
  10. Fulltext Chemical and antibacterial data of synthesized thioureido derivatives
    Kadir MA, Ramli R, Yusof MSM, Ismail N, Ngah N, Haris NSH
    Data Brief, 2019 Dec;27:104651.
    PMID: 31700958 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104651
    This paper provided comprehensive data on spectroscopic and antibacterial activities of thioureido compounds which are relevant with research article entitled "Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies and Antibacterial Activity of New Lauroyl Thiourea Amino Acid Derivatives" [1]. Based on the reported study, four new thioureido derivatives, namely 3-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)propionic acid (R1), 2-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)-3-methyl butyric acid (R2), (3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)acetic acid (R3) and 2-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)-3-phenyl propionic acid (R4) were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR), and Ultraviolet Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The preliminary results from antibacterial assay which were tested against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium are also described.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Negative Bacteria
  11. Changes in hepatic phosphoprotein levels in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei
    Maniam P, Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan, Noor Embi, Hasidah Mohd Sidek
    Sains Malaysiana, 2012;41:721-729.
    Hepatic phosphoprotein levels are altered in mouse liver as a manifestation of bacteria, virus or parasite infection. Identification of signaling pathways mediated by these hepatic proteins contribute to the current understanding of the mechanism of pathogenesis in malarial infection. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the changes in hepatic phosphoprotein levels during Plasmodium berghei infection. Our study revealed changes in levels of three hepatic phosphoproteins following P. berghei infection compared to non-infected controls. Peptide fragment sequence analysis using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) showed these hepatic proteins to be homologs to haemoglobin beta (HBB), class
    Pi glutathione S-tranferase (GSTPi) and carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII) proteins of Mus musculus species respectively from the NCBInr sequence database. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis predicted the involvement of these proteins in specific pathways in Mus musculus species; GSTPi in glutathione and drug metabolism and CAIII in nitrogen metabolism. This shows that P. berghei infection affects similar signaling pathways as those reported in other pathogenic infections such as that related to GSTPi and CAIII in response to oxidative stress.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  12. Fulltext Diet-induced metabolic changes of the human gut microbiome: importance of short-chain fatty acids, methylamines and indoles
    Abdul Rahim MBH, Chilloux J, Martinez-Gili L, Neves AL, Myridakis A, Gooderham N, et al.
    Acta Diabetol, 2019 May;56(5):493-500.
    PMID: 30903435 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-019-01312-x
    The human gut is a home for more than 100 trillion bacteria, far more than all other microbial populations resident on the body's surface. The human gut microbiome is considered as a microbial organ symbiotically operating within the host. It is a collection of different cell lineages that are capable of communicating with each other and the host and has an ability to undergo self-replication for its repair and maintenance. As the gut microbiota is involved in many host processes including growth and development, an imbalance in its ecological composition may lead to disease and dysfunction in the human. Gut microbial degradation of nutrients produces bioactive metabolites that bind target receptors, activating signalling cascades, and modulating host metabolism. This review covers current findings on the nutritional and pharmacological roles of selective gut microbial metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, methylamines and indoles, as well as discussing nutritional interventions to modulate the microbiome.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  13. Fulltext Elucidation of Antimicrobial Activity of Non-Covalently Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes
    Saleemi MA, Fouladi MH, Yong PVC, Wong EH
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Apr 03;13(7):6-6.
    PMID: 32260216 MyJurnal DOI: 10.3390/ma13071676
    Microorganisms have begun to develop resistance because of inappropriate and extensive use of antibiotics in the hospital setting. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to find a way to tackle these pathogens by developing new and effective antimicrobial agents. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted growing attention because of their remarkable mechanical strength, electrical properties, and chemical and thermal stability for their potential applications in the field of biomedical as therapeutic and diagnostic nanotools. However, the impact of carbon nanotubes on microbial growth has not been fully investigated. The primary purpose of this research study is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of CNTs, particularly double-walled and multi-walled nanotubes on representative pathogenic strains such as Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and fungal strain Candida albicans. The dispersion ability of CNT types (double-walled and multi-walled) treated with a surfactant such as sodium dodecyl-benzenesulfonate (SDBS) and their impact on the microbial growth inhibition were also examined. A stock concentration 0.2 mg/mL of both double-walled and multi-walled CNTs was prepared homogenized by dispersing in surfactant solution by using probe sonication. UV-vis absorbance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the characterization of CNTs dispersed in the surfactant solution to study the interaction between molecules of surfactant and CNTs. Later, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate how CNTs interact with the microbial cells. The antimicrobial activity was determined by analyzing optical density growth curves and viable cell count. This study revealed that microbial growth inhibited by non-covalently dispersed CNTs was both depend on the concentration and treatment time. In conclusion, the binding of surfactant molecules to the surface of CNTs increases its ability to disperse in aqueous solution. Non-covalent method of CNTs dispersion preserved their structure and increased microbial growth inhibition as a result. Multi-walled CNTs exhibited higher antimicrobial activity compared to double-walled CNTs against selected pathogens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Positive Bacteria
  14. Antimicrobial activity of fungal endophytes from vaccinium dunalianum var. Urophyllum
    Xin Tong, Xiao-ye Shen, Cheng-lin Hou
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1685-1692.
    Fungi associated with Vaccinium species play important roles in plant growth and disease control, especially in the final
    blueberry production. Vaccinium dunalianum var. urophyllum (Ericaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant in Southern
    China used to treat inflammation and microbial infections. The endophytic fungi from these plants are therefore anticipated
    as potential new sources of antimicrobials. In this report, the inhibitory effects of endophytes against clinical bacteria
    and yeast were comprehensively screened and 11 isolates indicated high bioactivity by the agar diffusion method. The
    corresponding crude extracts of these fungi under submerged fermentation also demonstrated distinct differences and
    n-butyl alcohol displayed the lowest extraction efficiency among the extracts. The ethyl acetate and dichloromethane
    extracts of filtrates from the Colletotrichum sp. VD001, Epicoccum nigrum VD021 and E. nigrum VD022 strains
    displayed good properties against pathogenic microorganisms according to disc diffusion assays and minimal inhibitory
    concentration (MIC). This study is the first indicating that cultivable endophytic fungi associated with blueberry plants
    produce potential compounds against clinical pathogens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  15. Immigrant Health Study. 3. Foreign workers' study microbiological investlgations. [Abstract]
    Lam SK, Ng KP, Ngeow YF, Puthucheary SD
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:61-62.
    During the study period, a total of 241 foreign workers were examined. The countries represented were Indonesia (103), Bangladesh (133), Myanmar (I), Pakistan (3) and others (1). The specimens collected were blood (238) and stool samples (173). The tests conducted on blood samples were for syphilis by RPR and TPHA, HIV, Hepatitis B, and from stool samples, enteric pathogens such as Salirzoirella spp, Shigelln spp. and Vibrio clrolerne. Table I shows the type of tests performed on the various nationalities and Table 2 the results of testing. Of the 230 blood samples tested by RPWPHA, five were positive, one from Indonesia (1.09%) and four from Bangladesh (3.79%). There was only one sample of blood out of 238 tested which was HIV positive (0.42%) and this was in an Indonesian. Twenty three workers were found to be Hepatitis B antigen positive (9.66%), 10 out of 102 (9.80%) from Indonesia and 13 out of 131 from Bangladesh (9.92%). As for the entric bacterial pathogens, only six out of 173 stool samples tested were positive, five for Saliizoilella Spp. and one for Slligdla sp. Of the five positives for Salmonella, one was from Indonesia and four from Bangladesh. The single isolate of Shigella was from Pakistan. From this pretiniinary study, it is obvious that hepatitis B is the most important problem among the workers from Indonesia and Bangladesh. The second of importance is venereal disease and enteric bacteria among Bangladesh workers. The other three national groups are too small to be analyzed. It is interesting to note that although these workers are supposed to have been screened for venereal diseases, a number of them were still found to be positive. However, we are not certain that these might not have been acquired locally. There was only one case of HIV detected but if the foreign workers continue with their pronliscuous lifestyle they are likely to pick up other sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and chlamydia1 infections. For those who were found to be stool positive for enteric pathogens, it is important to determine whether they are food-handlers as they will prove a significant risk for the spread of infections. Originally, it was intended to test blood samples for hepatitis C and E markers since the incidence in foreign countries from which the workers come are higher. However, due to the shortage of the samples, this had to be deferred. In the light that hepatitis carriage rate is the highest for the microbes tested, it is important to include these two markers in future studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  16. Phomopsidione-Loaded Chitosan Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Nanocomposite Dressing for Pressure Ulcers
    Chin IBI, Yenn TW, Ring LC, Lazim Y, Tan WN, Rashid SA, et al.
    J Pharm Sci, 2020 09;109(9):2884-2890.
    PMID: 32534882 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.06.005
    Pressure ulcers are commonly associated with microbial infections on the wounds which require an effective wound dressing for treatment. Thus far, the available silver dressing has shown tremendous result, however, it may cause argyria and complicate the internal organ function. Hence, our study aims to develop and characterize phomopsidione-loaded chitosan-polyethylene glycol nanocomposite hydrogel (C/PEG/Ph) as an antimicrobial dressing. Physically, the C/PEG/Ph hydrogel demonstrated a uniform light blue color, soft, flexible, and elastic, with no aggregation form. The evaluation via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) exposed the C/PEG/Ph hydrogel has a notable shift towards lower frequency at 1600 and 1554 cm-1. For drug release test, the phomopsidione attained plateau at 24 h, with a total release of 67.9 ± 6.4% from the C/PEG/Ph hydrogel. There was a null burst release effect discovered throughout the experimental period. The C/PEG/Ph hydrogel showed significant results against all 4 Gram-negative bacteria and 1 yeast, with 99.99-100% reduction of microbial growth. The findings revealed that the C/PEG/Ph hydrogel can potentially act as an antimicrobial dressing for pressure ulcers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Negative Bacteria
  17. Aspergillus terreus treated rice straw suppresses methane production and enhances feed digestibility in goats
    Mohd Azlan P, Jahromi MF, Ariff MO, Ebrahimi M, Candyrine SCL, Liang JB
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2018 Mar;50(3):565-571.
    PMID: 29150805 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1470-x
    The objectives of this study were to test the efficacy of producing lovastatin in rice straw treated with Aspergillus terreus in larger laboratory scale following the procedure previously reported and to investigate the effectiveness of the treated rice straw containing lovastatin on methane mitigation in goats. The concentration of lovastatin in the treated rice straw was 0.69 ± 0.05 g/kg dry matter (DM) rice straw. Our results showed that supplementation of lovastatin at 4.14 mg/kg BW reduced methane production by 32% while improving the DM digestibility by 13% (P bacteria and Ruminococcus albus were increased in the treatment group (P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  18. Microwaved bacterial cellulose-based hydrogel microparticles for the healing of partial thickness burn wounds
    Pandey M, Mohamad N, Low WL, Martin C, Mohd Amin MC
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2017 02;7(1):89-99.
    PMID: 27815776 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-016-0341-8
    Burn wound management is a complex process because the damage may extend as far as the dermis which has an acknowledged slow rate of regeneration. This study investigates the feasibility of using hydrogel microparticles composed of bacterial cellulose and polyacrylamide as a dressing material for coverage of partial-thickness burn wounds. The microparticulate carrier structure and surface morphology were investigated by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity profile of the microparticles showed cytocompatibility with L929 cells. Dermal irritation test demonstrated that the hydrogel was non-irritant to the skin and had a significant effect on wound contraction compared to the untreated group. Moreover, histological examination of in vivo burn healing samples revealed that the hydrogel treatment enhanced epithelialization and accelerated fibroblast proliferation with wound repair and intact skin achieved by the end of the study. Both the in vitro and in vivo results proved the biocompatibility and efficacy of hydrogel microparticles as a wound dressing material.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria
  19. Fulltext The distribution and characteristics of bacteria in recreational river water of a community resort in Baram, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
    Lihan, S., Tian, P.K,, Chiew, T.S., Ching, C.L., Shahbudin, A., Hussain, H., et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(5):2238-2245.
    MyJurnal
    Enterobacteriaceae is a large family within the Gram-negative bacteria that primarily inhabits in the gastrointestinal tract of human and animals. The bacteria within this group are readily survived in the environment with some species found living free in the water where energy sources are scarce, making them ideal indicators for faecal contamination of the river water. Some species within the family have been used as indicator for the presence of pathogenic bacteria whilst on the other hand some species have been directly associated with various diseases in human and animals. The main aim of this research study was to determine the distribution and characteristics of the Enterobacteriaceae in water samples collected from river and waterfalls within a community resort. The health risk associated with the bacteria was analysed with regard to their susceptibility to antibiotics. Samples were collected from surface water and water falling down directly from waterfalls of river within the community resort. The samples collected were plated onto Eosine Methylene Blue agar (EMBA) for the isolation of the Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterial colonies growing on the agar were randomly picked, purified, stocked and then identified using API 20E identification kit. DNA fingerprinting using (GTG)5-PCR was utilised to determine their genetic profiles before the isolates were grouped into a dendrogram using RAPDistance software package. The level of antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria isolates was analysed using disc diffusion technique. This study confirmed the presence of Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Pantoea and Serratia in the water samples with their single and multiple antibiotic resistance and susceptible characteristics. The dendrogram presented in this study shows genetic similarities and differences among the strains, suggesting while there is a potential for single distribution of a clone, there is also possibility of the distribution of different strains within species in the water environment. Therefore, awareness on the potential risk associated with genetically diverse intermediate and resistant enteric bacteria in the recreational water should be communicated to the public especially communities within the study area.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gram-Negative Bacteria
  20. Fulltext Respiratory microorganisms in acute pharyngitis patients: Identification, antibiotic prescription patterns and appropriateness, and antibiotic resistance in private primary care, central Malaysia
    Bo ZM, Tan WK, Chong CSC, Lye MS, Parmasivam S, Pang ST, et al.
    PLoS One, 2022;17(11):e0277802.
    PMID: 36395327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277802
    Acute pharyngitis (AP) is a common reason for private primary care consultations, thus providing an avenue for widespread antibiotic intake among the community. However, there is limited data on the antibiotic prescription appropriateness and resistance information in the Malaysian private primary care setting, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of isolated viruses and bacteria, antibiotic resistance patterns, antibiotic prescription patterns and appropriateness by general practitioners (GPs) and factors affecting antibiotic resistance and antibiotic prescription patterns. To investigate, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 patients presenting with AP symptoms at private primary care clinics in central Malaysia from 3rd January 2016 to 30th November 2016. Throat swabs were collected from 205 AP patients for two purposes: (i) the detection of four common respiratory viruses associated with AP via reverse-transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); and (ii) bacterial identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Bacterial isolates were then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility screening and McIsaac scoring was calculated post-prescription based on GP selection of criteria. Generalized estimating equations analysis with multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with presence of virus and antibiotic prescription. The results showed that 95.1% (195/205) of patients had at least one of the four viruses, with rhinovirus (88.5%) being the most prevalent, followed by adenovirus (74.9%), influenza A virus (4.6%) and enterovirus (2.1%). A total of 862 non-repetitive colonies were isolated from the culture of throat swabs from 205 patients who were positive for bacteria. From a total of 22 genera, Streptococcus constitutes the most prevalent bacteria genus (40.9%), followed by Neisseria (20%), Rothia (13.0%), Staphylococcus (11%) and Klebsiella (4.9%). Only 5 patients carried group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). We also report the presence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus or VRSA (n = 9, 10.1%) among which one isolate is a multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MDR-MRSA), while 54.1% (n = 111) were found to carry at least one antibiotic-resistant bacteria species. Application of the McIsaac scoring system indicated that 87.8% (n = 180) of patients should not be prescribed antibiotics as the majority of AP patients in this study had viral pharyngitis. The antibiotic prescription appropriateness by applying post-prescription McIsaac scoring was able to rule out GABHS pharyngitis in this sample with a GABHS culture-positive sensitivity of 40% (n = 2/5) and specificity of 90% (180/200). In conclusion, antibiotic-resistant throat isolates and over-prescription of antibiotics were observed and McIsaac scoring system is effective in guiding GPs to determine occurrences of viral pharyngitis to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescription.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Bacteria
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links