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Phylogenetic relationships of megophryid frogs of the genus Leptobrachium (Amphibia, Anura) as revealed by mtDNA gene sequences

Matsui M, Hamidy A, Murphy RW, Khonsue W, Yambun P, Shimada T, et al.

Mol Phylogenet Evol, 2010 Jul;56(1):259-72.
PMID: 20302957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2010.03.014

By investigating genealogical relationships, we estimated the phylogenetic history and biogeography in the megophryid genus Leptobrachium (sensu lato, including Vibrissaphora) from southern China, Indochina, Thailand and the Sundaland. The genealogical relationships among the 30 named and unnamed taxa were estimated using 2009 bp of sequences from the mitochondrial DNA genes 12S rRNA, tRNA(val), and 16S rRNA using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods. The genus Leptobrachium was a well-supported monophyletic group that contained two major clades. One clade had three subclades primarily from disjunct regions including Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia and Java, and Thailand. The Bornean subclade included one species each from the Philippines and Sumatra. The other major clade consisted of two subclades, one from Indochina and the other from southern China (Vibrissaphora). Divergence times estimated an old evolutionary history of each subclade, one that could not be explained by the geohistory of Southeast Asian major landmasses.
Biocompatible and mucoadhesive bacterial cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels for oral protein delivery

Ahmad N, Amin MC, Mahali SM, Ismail I, Chuang VT

Mol Pharm, 2014 Nov 3;11(11):4130-42.
PMID: 25252107 DOI: 10.1021/mp5003015

Stimuli-responsive bacterial cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels were investigated for their potential use as an oral delivery system for proteins. These hydrogels were synthesized using electron beam irradiation without any cross-linking agents, thereby eliminating any potential toxic effects associated with cross-linkers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model protein drug, was loaded into the hydrogels, and the release profile in simulated gastrointestinal fluids was investigated. Cumulative release of less than 10% in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) demonstrated the potential of these hydrogels to protect BSA from the acidic environment of the stomach. Subsequent conformational stability analyses of released BSA by SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism, and an esterase activity assay indicated that the structural integrity and bioactivity of BSA was maintained and preserved by the hydrogels. Furthermore, an increase in BSA penetration across intestinal mucosa tissue was observed in an ex vivo penetration experiment. Our fabricated hydrogels exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and showed no sign of toxicity, indicating the safety of these hydrogels for in vivo applications.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase downregulation by RNA interference modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial energy production

Mohd Zain MZ, Ismail NH, Ahmad N, Sulong S, Karsani SA, Abdul Majid N

Mol Biol Rep, 2020 Oct;47(10):7735-7743.
PMID: 32959195 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05848-y

Telomerase is a cancer promoting ribonucleoprotein complex and is a potential therapeutic target for cancer. In this study, the effects of telomerase downregulation on the whole cell proteome were investigated. Understanding how the effect of downregulation on the whole proteome profile will generate a greater understanding of the possible roles played by telomerase in cancer. Downregulation was achieved by RNA interference (RNAi), targeting the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) subunits of telomerase. Transfection of TERT siRNA downregulates TERT gene expression and induced downregulation of telomerase activity. Investigation of the effect of silencing TERT in telomerase was further validated through proteomic analysis by performing 2-dimension electrophoresis (2DE) coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF. 12 protein spots in HeLa cells were reported to be significantly differentially expressed with 11 of them were upregulated and 1 downregulated. Through STRING analysis, differentially expressed proteins demonstrated strong associations with endoplasmic reticulum stress marker and mitochondrial energy production marker. In conclusions, the result exhibited novel integrated proteomic response involving endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial energy production in response to the TERT downregulation in cervical cancer cells.
Insecticidal Effects of Organotin(IV) Compounds on Plutella Xylostella (L.) Larvae. II. Inhibitory Potencies Against Acetylcholinesterase and Evidence for Synergism in Tests With Bacillus Thuringiensis(BER.) and Malathion

Ahmad NW, Huang TS, Balabaskaran S, Lo KM, Das VG

Met Based Drugs, 1994;1(1):1-17.
PMID: 18476213

Features of pesticide synergism and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (in vitro) were studied using a selected range of organotin compounds against the early 4th instar larvae of a highly resistant strain of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, a major universal pest of cruciferous vegetables.Fourteen triorganotin compounds were evaluated for their ability to enhance the toxicity of the microbial insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) and of the commercial insecticide, Malathion to Plutella xylostella larvae. Supplemental synergism was observed with triphenyl- and tricyclopentyltin hydroxides in combinations with Bacillus thuringiensis. Increased synergism was observed with an increase in the number of cyclopentyl groups on tin in the mixed series, Cyp(n) Ph(3-n) SnX, where X = OH, and 1-(1,2,4-triazolyl). The combination of (p-chlorophenyl)diphenyltin N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamate at LD(10) and LD(25) concentrations with sublethal concentrations of Malathion as well as of tricyclohexyltin methanesulphonate at the 0.01% (w/v) concentration with Malathion exerted strong synergistic effects (supplemental synergism) with toxicity index (T.I) values of 7.2, 19.8 and 10.1, respectively.Studies on the in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase prepared from the DBM larvae showed that while most of the triorganotin Compounds tested were without effect on the enzyme, compounds containing the thiocarbamylacetate or the dithiocarbamylacetate moieties demonstrated appreciable levels of inhibition, being comparable in efficacy to commercial grades of Malathion and Methomyl.
Fulltext Knowledge and preventive behaviour among pregnant women with latent toxoplasmosis in Malaysia

Ahmad N., Osman, E., Abdul Ghani, N.A., Leong, W.Y., Arzaee, M.Z., Seow, Y.Y., et al.

Medicine & Health, 2020;15(2):108-123.
MyJurnal

Toksoplasmosis pendam dapat menyebabkan pelbagai gangguan hormon dan tingkah laku dalam hos terjangkit. Kami berhasrat untuk mengkaji sero-prevalens Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) pendam serta hubungan antara jangkitan dengan pengetahuan dan tingkah laku dalam kalangan 400 ibu hamil. Sampel plasma diuji untuk kehadiran antibodi IgG T. gondii dan soal selidik berstruktur digunakan untuk merekodkan ciri-ciri sosio-demografi responden, maklumat umum dan pengetahuan mengenai faktor risiko, gejala, masa jangkitan, pengetahuan pencegahan serta tingkah laku pencegahan toksoplasmosis. Sero-prevalensi toksoplasmosis pendam dalam wanita hamil adalah 31.8%. Kajian menunjukkan, 69.5% daripada mereka mempunyai kurang pengetahuan mengenai toksoplasmosis. Walau bagaimanapun, majoritinya (99.8%) mengamalkan tingkah laku pencegahan. Analisis regresi logistik berganda menunjukkan wanita hamil dengan tahap pendidikan rendah mempunyai hampir dua kali lebih risiko (nisbah ods terlaras: 1.91, 95% SK 1.18, 3.10; p = 0.008) untuk T. gondii IgG seropositif. Wanita hamil yang mempunyai sejarah perubatan lalu mempunyai dua kali lebih kemungkinan (nisbah ods terlaras: 2.32, 95% SK 1.32, 4.06; p = 0.003) untuk T. gondii IgG seropositif. Selain itu, wanita yang tidak pasti mengenai mod penyebaran penyakit melalui pemindahan darah mempunyai empat kali lebih ods (nisbah ods terlaras: 3.93, 95% SK 1.54, 10.01; p = 0.004) untuk sero-prevalens kronik toksoplasmosis. Wanita yang tidak pasti mengenai keperluan menghindari kucing liar mempunyai nisbah ods terlaras: 0.42 (95% SK 0.24, 0.71, p = 0.001) untuk sero-prevalens kronik toksoplasmosis. Penterjemahan pengetahuan tentang toksoplasmosis kepada amalan tingkah laku pencegahan melalui program pendidikan kesihatan adalah penting untuk mengurangkan risiko penularan penyakit ini dalam kalangan wanita hamil.
Fulltext Correlation of iatrogenic mild hyperkalaemia and bradyarrhythmia: a problem of polypharmacy in elderly

Ahmad, N. H., Tan, T. L.

Medicine & Health, 2017;12(2):329-334.
MyJurnal

Mild hyperkalaemia does not typically cause cardiac symptoms. However, for an elderly patient on atrio-ventricular (AV) nodal blocker, even mild hyperkalaemia may result in disastrous outcome. We report a case of persistent bradyarrythmia caused by iatrogenic hyperkalaemia in a patient who had concomitant use of AV nodal medication. An 81-year-old lady with multiple comorbidities and a long list of medications presented with symptomatic bradyarrhythmia. She, in fact, had two AV nodal blockers in her prescription, a beta-blocker and amiodarone. Her potassium level was found to be mildly elevated due to acute renal failure. She remained bradycardic despite initial treatment and was subsequently dependant on intravenous isoproterenol until her renal function improved. This case highlights the different threshold for manifestation of hyperkalaemic symptoms in a growing group of patients: elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy.
Keywords: bradyarrythmia, bradycardia, elderly, hyperkalaemia, polypharmacy
Fulltext Risk perception and its predictors towards type 2 diabetes mellitus among students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Mohd Rawi SB, Low Yan Fay Z, Muhammad Khairus NFF, Annandan SK, Mohd Sani N, Mat Termizi MH, et al.

Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Oct 27;102(43):e35520.
PMID: 37904385 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035520

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become increasingly prevalent among young adults. Risk perception is believed to be an important determinant of preventive health behaviors; however, young adults remain unaware of the benefits. The current study aimed to examine Malaysian public university students' perceived risk of developing T2DM and its predictors. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 1078 healthy students at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The validated Malay version of the Questionnaire on Risk Perception of Developing Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia was used to assess their perceived risk of developing T2DM in the future. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data regarding the predictors of perceived risk to obtain the final model after controlling the potential confounders. . It was found that the majority of respondents (83.8%) perceived low risk of developing T2DM. Results from the multiple logistic regression indicated that respondents from non-health related faculties (OR, 1.71: 95% CI 1.162, 2.515), smoking (OR, 8.43: 95% CI 1.108, 64.130), consume fast food ≥ 3 times/month (OR, 1.56: 95% CI 1.104, 2.207), and snacking ≥ 3 times/week (OR, 1.79: 95% CI 1.262, 2.550) were significant positive predictors while family history of diabetes was a negative predictor (OR, 0.50: 95% CI 0.350, 0.695). Students who self-rated themselves as practising healthy lifestyles and actively seeking health information perceived a low risk of developing diabetes in the future. . The findings indicate that students perceived their risk as low even though they have the risk. This creates an urgent need to emphasize the necessity of diabetes prevention education, especially on socio-behavioral factors, to address the widespread misunderstandings among university students regarding diabetes risk factors to reduce diabetes incidence.
Fulltext Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Quarry Rock Dust Incorporated Steel Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete and Residual Properties after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures

Ibraheem M, Butt F, Waqas RM, Hussain K, Tufail RF, Ahmad N, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Nov 15;14(22).
PMID: 34832298 DOI: 10.3390/ma14226890

The purpose of this research is to study the effects of quarry rock dust (QRD) and steel fibers (SF) inclusion on the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (SG)-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) exposed to elevated temperatures. Such types of ternary mixes were prepared by blending waste materials from different industries, including QRD, SG, and FA, with alkaline activator solutions. The multiphysical models show that the inclusion of steel fibers and binders can enhance the mechanical properties of GPC. In this study, a total of 18 different mix proportions were designed with different proportions of QRD (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and steel fibers (0.75% and 1.5%). The slag was replaced by different proportions of QRD in fly ash, and SG-based GPC mixes to study the effect of QRD incorporation. The mechanical properties of specimens, i.e., compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were determined by testing cubes, cylinders, and prisms, respectively, at different ages (7, 28, and 56 days). The specimens were also heated up to 800 °C to evaluate the resistance of specimens to elevated temperature in terms of residual compressive strength and weight loss. The test results showed that the mechanical strength of GPC mixes (without steel fibers) increased by 6-11%, with an increase in QRD content up to 15% at the age of 28 days. In contrast, more than 15% of QRD contents resulted in decreasing the mechanical strength properties. Incorporating steel fibers in a fraction of 0.75% by volume increased the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of GPC mixes by 15%, 23%, and 34%, respectively. However, further addition of steel fibers at 1.5% by volume lowered the mechanical strength properties. The optimal mixture of QRD incorporated FA-SG-based GPC (QFS-GPC) was observed with 15% QRD and 0.75% steel fibers contents considering the performance in workability and mechanical properties. The results also showed that under elevated temperatures up to 800 °C, the weight loss of QFS-GPC specimens persistently increased with a consistent decrease in the residual compressive strength for increasing QRD content and temperature. Furthermore, the microstructure characterization of QRD blended GPC mixes were also carried out by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
Fulltext Serum Procalcitonin (PCT) - Is there a Role as an Early Biomarker in Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer (IDFU) Patients?

Omar J, Ahmad NS, Che-Soh N, Wan-Azman WN, Yaacob NM, Abdul-Ghani NS, et al.

Malays Orthop J, 2023 Jul;17(2):62-69.
PMID: 37583519 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2307.010

INTRODUCTION: Infected diabetic foot ulcers may lead to serious complications if not recognised in the early stage. Diagnosis of infection is particularly challenging at that stage; thus, a sensitive inflammatory biomarker may be helpful. We aimed to evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) as an early biomarker for infected diabetic foot ulcers (IDFU).
MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Klinik Rawatan Keluarga (KRK), Orthopedic clinic and wards in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from May 2020 to December 2020. A total of 264 participants were recruited and divided into three groups: 50 diabetic patients with no ulcers (control), 107 patients with non-infected diabetic foot ulcers (NIDFU), and 107 patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers (IDFU). The level of PCT was taken for all patients. Total white count (TWC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were taken only for IDFU patients. Diagnosis of infection was based on the Infectious Disease Society of America-International Working Group of Diabetic Foot (IDSA-IMWGDF), and the severity of infection was graded according to the Wagner Classification.
RESULTS: The level of PCT was higher in IDFU than in NIDFU and diabetic patient, with a median (IQR) of 0.355 (0.63) ng/mL, 0.077 (0.15) ng/mL and 0.028 (0.02) ng/mL, respectively. PCT and CRP showed moderate positive correlations in IDFU patients (p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity were 63.6% and 83.2%, respectively, at the best cut-off at 0.25 ng/mL.
CONCLUSION: PCT is a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of infection; however, it adds little value in the early diagnosis of IDFU in view of its low sensitivity.
Fulltext Aligning theory with practice: Child health programmes in Malaysia, a Narrative Review

Sutan R, Ahmad N

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:28.
PMID: 37205145 DOI: 10.51866/rv.210

INTRODUCTION: The Malaysian healthcare system, particularly for maternal and child health, has been well recognised to provide high-quality services and be at par with systems in other developed countries. Current health programmes and technological advancements effectively detect vulnerable groups of children, such as small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, antenatally. However, the postnatal care for SGA infants is not clearly evaluated, as this group of children is mostly classified as healthy in many medical contexts, especially in primary care settings. Available health programmes and healthcare service delivery must be continuously evaluated by implementing beneficial and relevant evidence-based theories.
METHOD: Articles, reports and guidelines used in providing mother and child health services in Malaysia published since 2000 were reviewed.
RESULTS: There was no specific monitoring strategy used for SGA infants without critical health issues in early childhood, as they were commonly treated as healthy infants. Several challenges in aligning theory with the current practice of healthcare service delivery and recommendations for dealing with such challenges were identified.
CONCLUSION: The alignment of theory with the current practice of service delivery should be tailored to the needs and demands parallel to the dynamic change in populations in the urbanisation era.
Fulltext Silent lacunar infarct with peduncular hallucinosis

Singh, J., Ahmad, N.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2016;25(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Objective: Lacunar infarct is a small infarct in the distal distribution of deep
penetrating vessels. A silent stroke is not associated with outward symptoms.
The objective of this report is to highlight a case of a silent young stroke
presenting with peduncular hallucinosis.

Methods: This gentleman was
thoroughly investigated and was found to have a lacunar infarct of the Pons
and Occipital Lobe. A further referral to Neurology thereafter; for an in
depth investigation into the cause of this silent young stroke.

Results:
Treatment with low dose antipsychotic resolved the complaints; while the
episode being transient.

Conclusion: Organic psychosis is responsive to
antidopaminergic agents, via action on the Ponto-Geniculo-Occipital
pathways.
Fulltext Knowledge and perception on blood safety issues among blood donors at the National Blood Centre: a pilot study [Abstract]

Tan PP, Mohamed Fauzi, H., Chang CT, Ahmad NH, Bahar B, Mangantig E, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(102):54-54.
MyJurnal

ABSTRACTS FOR INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES CONFERENCE 2019 (IHMSC 2019)
Held at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, 8-9th March, 2019
Introduction: Unsafe blood products cause transfusion-transmissible infections among blood receivers. The knowledge and perception of blood donors is important as it is associated with their donation behaviour and hence the safety of blood products. There was no previous study that assessed the knowledge and perception on blood safety issues among blood donors to date. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of blood
donors on blood safety issues.
Methods: This was a pilot study conducted to pilot test the self-developed questionnaire by the researchers. The questionnaire was available in the Malay language. One-hundred-thirty donors at the National Blood Centre were recruited to complete the self-administered questionnaire. Health sciences professionals, medical students and non-Malaysians were excluded in this study.
Results: A total of 130 donors comprising of 70 males (53.8%) and 60 females (46.2%) responded. The mean age of the respondents is 32.48±8.86 years. Most of the respondents were Malay (55.4%), single (49.2%), working in private sector (46.9%) and regular donor (68.5%). More than half of the respondents did not know that dengue, Zika and mad-cow disease can be contracted through blood transfusion. Ten percent of the respondents answered that bisexual people are eligible to donate blood. 40.7% of the donors agreed to check their HIV status through blood donation. Majority of the donors (60.7%) agreed that the donors’ blood is safe if the screening test is negative. Whereas, 33.9% of the donors disagreed that they shall be responsible if their blood causes infection.
Conclusion: Several knowledge gaps and inappropriate perception among the respondents were identified and these might affect the safety of the blood products. Targeted measures should be taken to rectify donors’ knowledge and perception in order to minimise inappropriate blood donor behaviours and reduce unsafe blood products.
Fulltext Functional specialisation and effective connectivity during self-paced unimanual and bimanual tapping of hand fingers: an extended analysis using dynamic causal modeling and Bayesian model selection for group studies

Ahmad, N. Z., Aini Ismafairus, A. H., Khairiah, A. H., Wan Ahmad Kamil, W. A., Mazlyfarina, M., Hanani, A. M.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(2):17-36.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This multiple-subject fMRI study continue to further investigate brain activation within and effective connectivity between the significantly (p
Fulltext Effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis among adults: a systematic review

Muhammad Aklil, A.R., Aznida, M.Z., Azman A., Muhammad Haneef, A., Nik Him, N.A.S., Syed Sharizman, S.A.R., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;3(2):46-56.
MyJurnal

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread re-emerging zoonoses in the world. Malaysia is known to
be an endemic country for human leptospirosis, with a case fatality rate of 2.11%, and an average annual
incidence rate of 7.80 cases per 100,000 individuals. This systematic review is conducted to determine
the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis among the adult populations who are highly
at risk of getting infected. A systematic search was performed for the relevant titles, abstracts and
keywords on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar from inception to November 2017 based
on the PICO strategy; which returned 126 studies. Screening of abstracts had shortlisted 19 studies and
data extraction was conducted for 8 studies which had been accepted after review of the full text. For
the evaluation of antibiotics prophylaxis effectiveness against leptospirosis, only trials and cohort studies
with risk ratio (RR) were selected. The articles were analyzed from the viewpoint of the dosage, adverse
effects, study settings and effectiveness of the antibiotic prophylaxis. Using fixed effects model, pooled
RR showed protective association between antibiotic prophylaxis use against the incidence of
leptospirosis (RR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.48). Antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis had been shown
to be effective in preventing the incidence of the disease among high-risk populations and carries
minimal adverse effects. It is recommended that the practice of antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis is
included in the standard protocol for leptospirosis prevention among people at high-risk, including
disaster response teams and patrons of eco-sports tourism activities; with the drug of choice being
doxycycline, either as a single 200 mg dose or weekly dose of 200 mg for the duration of exposure,
based on the setting, duration of event and resources available.
Investigation of the effect of sugar stereochemistry on biologically relevant lyotropic phases from branched-chain synthetic glycolipids by small-angle X-ray scattering

Zahid NI, Conn CE, Brooks NJ, Ahmad N, Seddon JM, Hashim R

Langmuir, 2013 Dec 23;29(51):15794-804.
PMID: 24274824 DOI: 10.1021/la4040134

Synthetic branched-chain glycolipids are suitable as model systems in understanding biological cell membranes, particularly because certain natural lipids possess chain branching. Herein, four branched-chain glycopyranosides, namely, 2-hexyl-decyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (α-Glc-OC10C6), 2-hexyl-decyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (β-Glc-OC10C6), 2-hexyl-decyl-α-D-galactopyranoside (α-Gal-OC10C6), and 2-hexyl-decyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (β-Gal-OC10C6), with a total alkyl chain length of 16 carbon atoms have been synthesized, and their phase behavior has been studied. The partial binary phase diagrams of these nonionic surfactants in water were investigated by optical polarizing microscopy (OPM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The introduction of chain branching in the hydrocarbon chain region is shown to result in the formation of inverse structures such as inverse hexagonal and inverse bicontinuous cubic phases. A comparison of the four compounds showed that they exhibited different polymorphism, especially in the thermotropic state, as a result of contributions from anomeric and epimeric effects according to their stereochemistry. The neat α-Glc-OC10C6 compound exhibited a lamellar (Lα) phase whereas dry α-Gal-OC10C6 formed an inverse bicontinuous cubic Ia3d (QII(G)) phase. Both β-anomers of glucoside and galactoside adopted the inverse hexagonal phase (HII) in the dry state. Generally, in the presence of water, all four glycolipids formed inverse bicontinuous cubic Ia3d (QII(G)) and Pn3m (QII(D)) phases over wide temperature and concentration ranges. The formation of inverse nonlamellar phases by these Guerbet branched-chain glycosides confirms their potential as materials for novel biotechnological applications such as drug delivery and crystallization of membrane proteins.
Physicochemical characterization of natural-like branched-chain glycosides toward formation of hexosomes and vesicles

Ahmad N, Ramsch R, Esquena J, Solans C, Tajuddin HA, Hashim R

Langmuir, 2012 Feb 7;28(5):2395-403.
PMID: 22168405 DOI: 10.1021/la203736b

Synthetic branched-chain glycolipids have become of great interest in biomimicking research, since they provide a suitable alternative for natural glycolipids, which are difficult to extract from natural resources. Therefore, branched-chain glycolipids obtained by direct syntheses are of utmost interest. In this work, two new branched-chain glycolipids are presented, namely, 2-hexyldecyl β(α)-D-glucoside (2-HDG) and 2-hexyldecyl β(α)-D-maltoside (2-HDM) based on glucose and maltose, respectively. The self-assembly properties of these glycolipids have been studied, observing the phase behavior under thermotropic and lyotropic conditions. Due to their amphiphilic characteristics, 2-HDG and 2-HDM possess rich phase behavior in dry form and in aqueous dispersions. In the thermotropic study, 2-HDG formed a columnar hexagonal liquid crystalline phase, whereas in a binary aqueous system, 2-HDG formed an inverted hexagonal liquid crystalline phase in equilibrium with excess aqueous solution. Furthermore, aqueous dispersions of the hexagonal liquid crystal could be obtained, dispersions known as hexosomes. On the other hand, 2-HDM formed a lamellar liquid crystalline phase (smectic A) in thermotropic conditions, whereas multilamellar vesicles have been observed in equilibrium with aqueous media. Surprisingly, 2-HDM mixed with sodium dodecyl sulfate or aerosol OT induced the formation of more stable unilamellar vesicles. Thus, the branched-chain glycolipids 2-HDG and 2-HDM not only provided alternative nonionic surfactants with rich phase behavior and versatile nanostructures, but also could be used as new drug carrier systems in the future.
Fulltext Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in Patients with TB-HIV Coinfection in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Selimin DS, Ismail A, Ahmad N, Ismail R, Mohd Azman NF, Azman A

J Trop Med, 2021;2021:9923378.
PMID: 34194511 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9923378

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to identify the characteristics, unsuccessful TB treatment rate, and determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among patients with TB-HIV coinfection in Kuala Lumpur.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The data of all patients with TB-HIV in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur from 2013 to 2017 were collected and reviewed. The data were retrieved from the national database (TB Information System) at the Kuala Lumpur Health Department from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018.
Results: Out of 235 randomly selected patients with TB-HIV, TB treatment outcome was successful in 57.9% (cured and completed treatment) and unsuccessful in 42.1% (died, failed, or lost to follow-up). Patients who did not receive DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) (adjusted odds ratio: 21.71; 95% confidence interval: 5.36-87.94) and those who received shorter treatment duration of <6 months (aOR: 34.54; 95% CI: 5.97-199.93) had higher odds for unsuccessful TB treatment outcome.
Conclusions: Nearly half of the patients with TB-HIV had unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. Therefore, it is important to ensure that such patients receive DOTS and continuous TB treatment of >6 months. It is crucial to strengthen and widen the coverage of DOTS, especially among high-risk groups, in healthcare settings. Strict follow-up by healthcare providers is needed for patients with TB-HIV to gain treatment adherence and for better rates of successful TB treatment.
Bio-corrosion behavior and mechanical characteristics of magnesium-titania-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites coated by magnesium-oxide flakes and silicon for use as resorbable bone fixation material

Khalajabadi SZ, Abu ABH, Ahmad N, Yajid MAM, Hj Redzuan NB, Nasiri R, et al.

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2018 Jan;77:360-374.
PMID: 28985616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.09.032

This study was aimed to improve of the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of Mg/15TiO2/5HA nanocomposite by silicon and magnesium oxide coatings prepared using a powder metallurgy method. The phase evolution, chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of uncoated and coated samples were characterized. Electrochemical and immersion tests used to investigate the in vitro corrosion behavior of the fabricated samples. The adhesion strength of ~36MPa for MgO and ~32MPa for Si/MgO coatings to substrate was measured by adhesion test. Fabrication a homogenous double layer coating with uniform thicknesses consisting micro-sized particles of Si as outer layer and flake-like particles of MgO as the inner layer on the surface of Mg/15TiO2/5HA nanocomposite caused the corrosion resistance and ductility increased whereas the ultimate compressive stress decreased. However, after immersion in SBF solution, Si/MgO-coated sample indicates the best mechanical properties compared to those of the uncoated and MgO-coated samples. The increase of cell viability percentage of the normal human osteoblast (NHOst) cells indicates the improvement in biocompatibility of Mg/15TiO2/5HA nanocomposite by Si/MgO coating.
Issues and Challenges in the Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Bahari NI, Ahmad N, Mahmud MH, Baharom M, Amir SM, Peng CS, et al.

J Prev (2022), 2023 Feb;44(1):105-125.
PMID: 36129587 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-022-00707-x

BACKGROUND: Primary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is possible in at-risk populations, and prevention programmes have been shown to be effective in real-world scenarios. Despite this evidence, diabetes prevalence has tripled in recent decades and is expected to reach 700 million patients by 2045, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. This review is aimed at identifying the issues and challenges in the primary prevention of T2DM.
METHODS: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE were systematically searched for published articles. Articles were screened based of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were: (1) published in 2010-2020, (2) full original article, (3) written in English, (4) qualitative, mixed-methods article, observational or interventional study. The exclusion criteria were: (1) animal study, (2) in vivo/in vitro study, (3) type 1 diabetes or gestational DM and (4) conference abstract, book chapter, report, and systematic review. Eligible articles were assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) by three assessors.
RESULTS: A total of 11 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis from the initial 620 articles. The issues and challenges seen in T2DM primary prevention followed three themes: healthcare program (sub-themes: lack of resources, community partnership, participation, health literacy), health provider (sub-themes: lack of implementation, health care staff, collaboration, availability), individual (sub-themes: awareness, communication, misbehaviour, family conflict).
CONCLUSION: Factors relating to healthcare programmes, health providers, and individual issues are the main challenges in T2DM primary prevention. By establishing sustainable preventative initiatives that address these issues and challenges in the primary prevention of T2DM, a reduction in T2DM prevalence could be achievable.
Fulltext An Overview of Phytochemical and Biological Activities: Ficus deltoidea Jack and Other Ficus spp

Ashraf K, Haque MR, Amir M, Ahmad N, Ahmad W, Sultan S, et al.

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2021;13(1):11-25.
PMID: 34084044 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_232_19

Ficus deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) is a well-known medicinal plant used in customary medication among the Malay people to reduce and mend sicknesses such as ulcers, psoriasis, cytotoxicity, cardioprotective, inflammation, jaundice, vitiligo, hemorrhage, diabetes, convulsion, hepatitis, dysentery injuries, wounds, and stiffness. Ficus deltoidea contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds from different phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, terpenes, carbohydrates, and proteins. The genus Ficus has several hundreds of species, which shows excellent therapeutic effects and a wide variety of helpful properties for human welfare. Searching information was collected by using electronic databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, SciFinder, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar. This review is, therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of Ficus and its important species. This summary could be beneficial for future research aiming to exploit the therapeutic potential of Ficus and its useful medicinal species.

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