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  1. A bioactive cycloartane triterpene from Garcinia hombroniana
    Jamila N, Khan N, Khan I, Khan AA, Khan SN
    Nat Prod Res, 2016 Jun;30(12):1388-97.
    PMID: 26158779 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1060594
    The dichloromethane bark extract of Garcinia hombroniana yielded one new cycloartane triterpene; (22Z,24E)-3β-hydroxycycloart-14,22,24-trien-26-oic acid (1) together with five known compounds: garcihombronane G (2), garcihombronane J (3), 3β acetoxy-9α-hydroxy-17,14-friedolanostan-14,24-dien-26-oic acid (4), (22Z, 24E)-3β, 9α-dihydroxy-17,14-friedolanostan-14,22,24-trien-26-oic acid (5) and 3β, 23α-dihydroxy-17,14-friedolanostan-8,14,24-trien-26-oic acid (6). Their structures were established by the spectral techniques of NMR and ESI-MS. These compounds together with some previously isolated compounds; garcihombronane B (7), garcihombronane D (8) 2,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxy-6-methoxybenzophenone (9), volkensiflavone (10), 4''-O-methyll-volkensiflavone (11), volkensiflavone-7-O-glucopyranoside (12), volkensiflavone-7-O-rhamnopyranoside (13), Morelloflavone (14), 3''-O-methyl-morelloflavone (15) and morelloflavone-7-O-glucopyranoside (16) were evaluated for cholinesterase enzymes inhibitory activities using acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. In these activities, compounds 1-9 showed good dual inhibition on both the enzymes while compounds 10-16 did not reasonably contribute to both the cholinesterases inhibitory effects.
  2. Fulltext A tale of two construct validation analysis: Rasch model and exploratory factor analysis approach for Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) among Malaysian male workers
    Rosnah I, Mohd Zali MN, Noor Hassim I, Azmi MT
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Jun;70(3):169-76.
    PMID: 26248780 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: This study aims for construct validation using two approaches, i.e., exploratory factor analysis and Rasch Model.
    METHODS: A cross sectional of 313 male workers from multiple worksites had completed self-administered Malay translated version of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire- R21. Data quality was assessed by misfit person criteria, dimensionality, summary statistic, item measure and rating (partial credit) scale followed by exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability assessment.
    RESULTS: The dual approaches of construct validation analysis were complement to each other. Rasch analysis supported the theoretical constructs of three eating behaviour dimensions among respondents. In contrary to exploratory factor analysis, it did show presence of a newfound factor (∝=0.04) came up from the separation of the cognitive restrain and uncontrolled eating however, the correlation between the two respective sub-factors were fair (r=0.39) and weak (r= -0.08). Both analyses had detected three problematic items but those items were psychometrically fit for used for current study setting. The data had adequate psychometric properties. Cronbach's alpha for cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating were 0.66, 0.79 and 0.87 respectively. Rating scale quality was conformed to standard criteria.
    CONCLUSION: Malay version TFEQ-R21 with promising psychometric properties and valid measures for eating behaviour dimensions among male workers aged between 20 to 60 years old is now available. Further development should focus on the items in relation to Malaysian cultural adaptation before its use for daily practice in future setting.
  3. Fulltext Hurthle cells in fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid: a potential diagnostic dilemma?
    Wong YP, Md Isa N, Md Zin RR, Noor Akmal S
    Malays J Pathol, 2015 Apr;37(1):49-52.
    PMID: 25890614 MyJurnal
    Hurthle cells are not uncommonly encountered in thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears. They are easily recognized by their distinct cytomorphology in cytological preparations, i.e. large, polygonal cells displaying uniform, rounded nuclei, often prominent nucleoli and abundant granular cytoplasm. Hurthle cells can be seen in both non-neoplastic and neoplastic thyroid lesions which can pose diagnostic dilemma to cytopathologists, especially when the lesions are focally sampled. We describe a case of solitary thyroid nodule in a 46-year-old male, whose aspirates comprised predominantly of Hurthle cells exhibiting nuclear features suspicious of papillary carcinoma, which turned out to be Hurthle cell carcinoma on subsequent histological sections. The potential diagnostic pitfalls of Hurthle cell lesions and associated conditions in thyroid FNA are discussed. The presence of Hurthle cell change in a wide variety of thyroid lesions can be diagnostically challenging. However, accurate diagnosis can still be made with careful observation of the predominant cell population, nuclear features and whether there is abundant colloid or lymphocytes in the background.
  4. Hydrophobic modification of cellulose isolated from Agave angustifolia fibre by graft copolymerisation using methyl methacrylate
    Rosli NA, Ahmad I, Abdullah I, Anuar FH, Mohamed F
    Carbohydr Polym, 2015 Jul 10;125:69-75.
    PMID: 25857961 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.03.002
    Graft copolymerisation of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto Agave angustifolia was conducted with ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as the redox initiator. The maximum grafting efficiency was observed at CAN and MMA concentrations of 0.91 × 10(-3) and 5.63 × 10(-2)M, respectively, at 45°C for 3h reaction time. Four characteristic peaks at 2995, 1738, 1440, and 845 cm(-1), attributed to PMMA, were found in the IR spectrum of grafted cellulose. The crystallinity index dropped from 0.74 to 0.46, while the thermal stability improved upon grafting. The water contact angle increased with grafting yield, indicating increased hydrophobicity of cellulose. SEM images showed the grafted cellulose to be enlarged and rougher. The changes in the physical nature of PMMA-grafted cellulose can be attributed to the PMMA grafting in the amorphous regions of cellulose, causing it to expand at the expense of the crystalline component.
  5. Psychometric properties of the revised Malay version Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey using confirmatory factor analysis among postpartum mothers
    Norhayati MN, Aniza AA, Nik Hazlina NH, Azman MY
    Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2015 Dec;7(4):398-405.
    PMID: 25808643 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12184
    Social support is an essential component for the physical and emotional well-being of postpartum mothers. The objective of this study is to determine the psychometric properties of the revised Malay version Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Social Support Survey using a confirmatory validity approach.
  6. Detection of Legionella pneumophila antigens in patients' sera using monoclonal antibodies
    Normaznah Y, Saniah K, Noor Rain A, Norazah A, Azizah MR, Sabiha P
    Malays J Pathol, 1998 Dec;20(2):95-8.
    PMID: 10879269
    Three monoclonal antibodies (McAb) were produced against soluble antigens of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 which was cultured on BCYE agar. The McAbs were all of the IgM isotype. The McAbs were used in the McAb-based ELISA for detection of circulating L. pneumophila antigens in 186 sera collected from patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of atypical pneumonia. The normal reference optical (OD) density value of each of the McAbs was determined using 44 sera collected from healthy blood donors. The antigen positivity rates for the McAbs 1C7.2B, 2B2.10F and 2B2.11E were 11.3%, 7.7% and 22.2% respectively. Antigen positivity of the McAb 2B2.10F was significantly higher in the younger age group (p < 0.05). There is no significant association between the antigen positivity with age and sex for all the McAbs. There was no cross-reaction demonstrated between the McAbs with other bacterial antigens.
  7. Fulltext Fusarium solani keratitis. First report from Malaysia
    Singh H, Jamal F, Marahakim MN, Chin CS
    Med J Malaysia, 1981 Jun;36(2):89-91.
    PMID: 7343825
    The first culture-proven case zn Malaysia of fungal keratitis, due to Fusarium solani, is presented, followed by a brief discussion of mycotic keratitis.
  8. The effects of exclusion of dietary egg and milk in the management of asthmatic children: a pilot study
    Yusoff NA, Hampton SM, Dickerson JW, Morgan JB
    J R Soc Promot Health, 2004 Mar;124(2):74-80.
    PMID: 15067979 DOI: 10.1177/146642400412400211
    Current understanding of the use of exclusion diets in the management of asthma in children is limited and controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of excluding eggs and milk on the occurrence of symptoms in children with asthma and involved 22 children aged between three and 14 years clinically diagnosed as having mild to moderate disease. The investigation was single blind and prospective, and parents were given the option of volunteering to join the 'experiment' group, avoiding eggs, milk and their products for eight weeks, or the 'control' group, who consumed their customary food. Thirteen children were recruited to the experimental group and nine to the control group. A trained paediatrician at the beginning and end of the study period assessed the children. A seven-day assessment of food intake was made before, during and immediately after the period of dietary intervention in both groups. A blood sample was taken from each child for determination of food specific antibodies and in those children who could do so, the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured. Based on the recommended nutrient intake (RNI), the mean percentage energy intake of the children in the experimental group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. After the eight-week study period and compared with baseline values, the mean serum anti-ovalbumin IgG and anti-beta lactoglobulin IgG concentrations were statistically significantly reduced (p < 0.05) for both in the experimental group. In contrast, the values for anti-ovalbumin IgG in the control group were significantly increased and those for anti-beta lactoglobulin IgG were practically unchanged. The total IgE values were unchanged in both groups. Over the study period, the PEFR in those children in the experimental group able to perform the test was significantly increased, but no such change was noted in the children in the control group who could do the test. These results suggest that even over the short time period of eight weeks, an egg- and milk-free diet can reduce atopic symptoms and improve lung function in asthmatic children.
    Study site: Outpatient Department, Royal County Hospital and the Frimley Children’s Centre, United Kingdom
  9. Immunohistochemical expression of pi class glutathione S-transferase and alpha-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease
    Yusof YA, Yan KL, Hussain SN
    Anal. Quant. Cytol. Histol., 2003 Dec;25(6):332-8.
    PMID: 14714299
    To determine whether tumor marker pi glutathione transferase (GST-pi) is expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other chronic liver diseases and to compare its expression with that of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
  10. Fulltext Logged peat swamp forest supports greater macrofungal biodiversity than large-scale oil palm plantations and smallholdings
    Shuhada SN, Salim S, Nobilly F, Zubaid A, Azhar B
    Ecol Evol, 2017 09;7(18):7187-7200.
    PMID: 28944010 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3273
    Intensive land expansion of commercial oil palm agricultural lands results in reducing the size of peat swamp forests, particularly in Southeast Asia. The effect of this land conversion on macrofungal biodiversity is, however, understudied. We quantified macrofungal biodiversity by identifying mushroom sporocarps throughout four different habitats; logged peat swamp forest, large-scale oil palm plantation, monoculture, and polyculture smallholdings. We recorded a total of 757 clusters of macrofungi belonging to 127 morphospecies and found that substrates for growing macrofungi were abundant in peat swamp forest; hence, morphospecies richness and macrofungal clusters were significantly greater in logged peat swamp forest than converted oil palm agriculture lands. Environmental factors that influence macrofungi in logged peat swamp forests such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed, soil pH, and soil moisture were different from those in oil palm plantations and smallholdings. We conclude that peat swamp forests are irreplaceable with respect to macrofungal biodiversity. They host much greater macrofungal biodiversity than any of the oil palm agricultural lands. It is imperative that further expansion of oil palm plantation into remaining peat swamp forests should be prohibited in palm oil producing countries. These results imply that macrofungal distribution reflects changes in microclimate between habitats and reduced macrofungal biodiversity may adversely affect decomposition in human-modified landscapes.
  11. Gut bacteria of animals/pests living in polluted environments are a potential source of antibacterials
    Akbar N, Siddiqui R, Sagathevan KA, Khan NA
    Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2019 May;103(10):3955-3964.
    PMID: 30941460 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09783-2
    The morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infections have remained significant despite chemotherapeutic advances. With the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, the situation has become a serious threat to the public health. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel antibacterials. The majority of antibiotics available in the market are produced by bacteria isolated from soil. However, the low-hanging fruit has been picked; hence, there is a need to mine bacteria from unusual sources. With this in mind, it is important to note that animals and pests such as cockroaches, snake, crocodiles, and water monitor lizard come across pathogenic bacteria regularly, yet flourish in contaminated environments. These species must have developed methods to defend themselves to counter pathogens. Although the immune system is known to possess antiinfective properties, gut bacteria of animals/pests may also offer a potential source of novel antibacterial agents, and it is the subject of this study. This paper discusses our current knowledge of bacteria isolated from land and marine animals with antibacterial properties and to propose untapped sources for the isolation of bacteria to mine potentially novel antibiotic molecules.
  12. Fulltext Subtractive inhibition assay for the detection of Campylobacter jejuni in chicken samples using surface plasmon resonance
    Masdor NA, Altintas Z, Shukor MY, Tothill IE
    Sci Rep, 2019 09 20;9(1):13642.
    PMID: 31541137 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49672-2
    In this work, a subtractive inhibition assay (SIA) based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for the rapid detection of Campylobacter jejuni was developed. For this, rabbit polyclonal antibody with specificity to C. jejuni was first mixed with C. jejuni cells and unbound antibody was subsequently separated using a sequential process of centrifugation and then detected using an immobilized goat anti-rabbit IgG polyclonal antibody on the SPR sensor chip. This SIA-SPR method showed excellent sensitivity for C. jejuni with a limit of detection (LOD) of 131 ± 4 CFU mL-1 and a 95% confidence interval from 122 to 140 CFU mL-1. The method has also high specificity. The developed method showed low cross-reactivity to bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (7.8%), Listeria monocytogenes (3.88%) and Escherichia coli (1.56%). The SIA-SPR method together with the culturing (plating) method was able to detect C. jejuni in the real chicken sample at less than 500 CFU mL-1, the minimum infectious dose for C. jejuni while a commercial ELISA kit was unable to detect the bacterium. Since the currently available detection tools rely on culturing methods, which take more than 48 hours to detect the bacterium, the developed method in this work has the potential to be a rapid and sensitive detection method for C. jejuni.
  13. Chronic granulomatous mastitis: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations
    Azlina AF, Ariza Z, Arni T, Hisham AN
    World J Surg, 2003 May;27(5):515-8.
    PMID: 12715214 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-003-6806-1
    To review the clinical presentation, histopathological features, and optimal treatment of chronic granulomatous mastitis, the authors conducted a retrospective study of 25 women admitted to a teaching hospital in Malaysia between January 1998 and December 2000 who met the required histologic criteria. The primary outcome measures were morbidity and recurrence of the disease. Thirteen patients presented with a breast mass clinically mimicking breast cancer, and 12 patients had breast induration and abscess formation. In addition, 8 of these patients had recurrent breast disease. Clinical and imaging diagnosis has often been difficult and inconclusive, so histopathology remains the optimal diagnostic tool. Of interest, 50% of patients experience recurrences, and long-term follow-up is therefore necessary. The authors concluded that, because chronic granulomatous mastitis is a rare benign breast condition that may be misdiagnosed as breast carcinoma, complete resection should be accomplished whenever possible. Steroid therapy may be an adjuvant for optimal treatment. Awareness among surgeons and pathologists should also be emphasized to avoid unnecessary misdiagnosis and treatment.
  14. Fulltext Traumatic transnasal penetrating injury with cerebral spinal fluid leak
    Teng TS, Ishak NL, Subha ST, Bakar SA
    EXCLI J, 2019;18:223-228.
    PMID: 31217785 DOI: 10.17179/excli2018-1971
    CSF leak in penetrating skull base injury is relatively rare compared to close head injury involving skull base fracture. We report a 5-year-old boy presented with epistaxis and impacted pencil into the left nostril. The child was hemodynamically stable without any neurological deficit. Intraoperatively, there was a nasal septal defect posteriorly with anterior skull base fracture associated with CSF leak. The pencil was removed from the left nostril and the CSF leak was repaired using harvested abdominal fat under the same setting. Computed Tomography (CT) of the brain showed right cribriform plate fracture with small pneumocranium. Postoperatively, a prophylactic antibiotic was given for seven days and he was discharged well. Subsequent clinic visits up to one-year postoperative period showed no recurrence of the CSF leak. History taking, physical examination and CT imaging give valuable diagnostic values in managing the penetrating skull base injury. Early intervention for removal of the foreign body and repair of the CSF leak is advocated to prevent catastrophic complication.
  15. Awareness, potential factors, and post-amputation care of stump flexion contractures among transtibial amputees
    Ghazali MF, Abd Razak NA, Abu Osman NA, Gholizadeh H
    Turk J Phys Med Rehabil, 2018 Sep;64(3):268-276.
    PMID: 31453521 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2018.1668
    Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of awareness of transtibial amputee patients on stump contractures and their compliance with efforts implemented to prevent the condition.

    Patients and methods: This study included 50 unilateral transtibial amputees (26 males, 24 females; mean age 55.4±14.7 years; range, 18 to 78 years) who met the respondent criteria of the study. The respondents were randomly selected and were issued with a questionnaire.

    Results: The majority of the transtibial amputees were aware of stump contracture complications. It was found that they also preferred methods of prevention which required less effort, was cost-effective, and were also practical.

    Conclusion: More focus should be placed on contracture prevention methods which were most complied with by the patients. This is because the effectiveness of a prevention method is highly influenced by patients' compliance with the method. Patients with a higher risk of developing stump contractures should be also given more attention in post-amputation care.

  16. Effectiveness of home-based carer-assisted in comparison to hospital-based therapist-delivered therapy for people with stroke: A randomised controlled trial
    Nordin NAM, Aziz NA, Sulong S, Aljunid SM
    NeuroRehabilitation, 2019;45(1):87-97.
    PMID: 31450518 DOI: 10.3233/NRE-192758
    BACKGROUND: The benefits of engaging informal carers or family in the delivery of therapy intervention for people with stroke have not been well researched.

    OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of a home-based carer-assisted in comparison to hospital-based therapist-delivered therapy for community-dwelling stroke survivors.

    METHODS: An assessor blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted on 91 stroke survivors (mean age 58.9±10.6 years, median time post-onset 13.0 months, 76.5% males) who had completed individual rehabilitation. The control group received hospital-based group therapy delivered by physiotherapists as out-patients and the test group was assigned to a home-based carer-assisted therapy. Targeted primary outcomes were physical functions (mobility, balance, lower limb strength and gait speed). A secondary outcome index was health-related quality of life. An intention-to-treat analysis was used to evaluate outcomes at week 12 of intervention.

    RESULTS: Both therapy groups improved significantly in all the functional measures; mobility (p  0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: The home-based carer-assisted therapy is as effective as the hospital-based therapist-delivered training in improving post-stroke functions and quality of life.

  17. Fulltext Auditory Localization Performances in Subjects with Simulated Unilateral Conductive Hearing Loss
    Zakaria MN, Mohamad WNW, Wahab NAA, Maamor N
    J Audiol Otol, 2019 Apr;23(2):118-119.
    PMID: 30518192 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2018.00416
  18. Ventilator-associated events in children: A review of literature
    Mohd Ali NA, Jauncey-Cooke J, Bogossian F
    Aust Crit Care, 2019 01;32(1):55-62.
    PMID: 30554940 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2018.11.063
    BACKGROUND: The complexity and variation in ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) definitions in paediatrics may pose threats to the reliable identification of VAP. The revision of the surveillance definition to ventilator-associated event (VAE) has been mandated in adult populations, to overcome these issues. However, the evidence for application of the definition is unknown in children.

    OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence on the application of the new VAE surveillance definition in paediatric population and examine the potential challenges in clinical practice.

    REVIEW METHODS: A systematic approach was used to locate and synthesise the relevant paediatric literature. Studies were appraised according to epidemiological appraisal instrument (EAI) and the grades of evidence in the National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines.

    RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality of study methods was above 50% on the EAI. The overall grade of evidence was assessed as C (satisfactory). The incidence of VAE in children ranged from 1.1 to 20.9 per 1000 ventilator days as a result of variations in surveillance criteria across included studies. There is little agreement between the new VAE and PNU/VAP surveillance definition in the identification of VAP. Challenges in the application of VAE surveillance were related to; the difference in modes of ventilation used in children versus adults, inconclusive criteria tailored to paediatric samples and a lack of data that support for automatic data extraction applied in paediatric studies.

    CONCLUSION: This review demonstrated promising evidence using the new VAE surveillance definition to define the VAE in children, but the level of the evidence is low. Before the possibility of real implementation in clinical settings, challenges related to VAE paediatric specific criteria' and the value of automated data collection need to be considered.

  19. Isolation, Expansion, and Characterization of Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell: Method to Identify Functional Passages for Experiments
    Aung SW, Abu Kasim NH, Ramasamy TS
    Methods Mol Biol, 2019;2045:323-335.
    PMID: 31201682 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2019_242
    The therapeutic potential of human mesenchymal stromal stem cells (hMSCs) for cell-based therapeutic is greatly influenced by the in vitro culture condition including the culture conditions. Nevertheless, there are many technical challenges needed to be overcome prior to the clinical use including the quantity, quality, and heterogeneity of the cells. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a stem cell culture procedure or protocol for cell expansion in order to generate reproducible and high-quality cells in accordance with good manufacturing practice for clinical and therapeutic purposes. Here we assessed the MSCs characteristic of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stromal cells in in vitro culture according to the criteria established by the International Society for Cellular Therapy. Besides, the viability of the WJMSCs was determined in order to increase the confidence that the cells are employed to meet the therapeutic efficacy.
  20. Premature ejaculation and its associated factors among men attending a primary healthcare clinic in Kelantan, Malaysia
    Ahmad Zamree MR, Shaiful Bahari I, Faridah MZ, Norhayati MN
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Apr;13(2):173-179.
    PMID: 31435320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.10.001
    Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of premature ejaculation and its associated factors among men attending a primary healthcare clinic in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 18- to 60-year-old sexually active men during at least the past 6 months. Patients with unstable psychiatric illnesses, mental retardation, and illiteracy were excluded. A questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, Malay version Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and Malay version International Index Erectile Function-5 were distributed. Premature ejaculation was defined as a Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score of 9 and above. Descriptive analysis and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.

    Results: A total of 294 of 313 eligible men responded, with a response rate of 93.9%. The prevalence of premature ejaculation was 21.4% (n = 63). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that mild [adj. OR (95% CI): 5.6 (1.89, 16.91); P = 0.002], mild-moderate [adj. OR (95% CI): 8.2 (2.72, 24.46); P 
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