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Fulltext Health status and genetic compositions of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging in Brunei Bay

Joseph J, Nishizawa H, Jalimin SN, Othman R, Jaaman SA, Bali J, et al.

PLoS One, 2023;18(11):e0293979.
PMID: 37943882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293979

Long-term monitoring of sea turtle aggregations is critical for understanding the impacts of environmental changes on their population health and habitat suitability. Brunei Bay is a significant foraging ground for green turtles in the South China Sea. We analyzed the body size, hematology and body condition of green turtles for their health status in their foraging ground in Brunei Bay over a period of nine years (2011-2019). Additionally, we used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to evaluate changes in the size and genetic composition of green turtle aggregations. Our findings revealed that the size composition of the green turtle population varied seasonally, but there were no significant temporal changes in genetic and size compositions. Hematology parameters and Fulton's body condition index were consistent with those reported for apparently healthy green turtles. Furthermore, we found that blood reference intervals indicated the turtles were healthy. These results provide valuable baseline data for future comparisons with other foraging aggregations and for long-term monitoring of green turtles in Brunei Bay.
Fulltext Systematic review with meta-analysis: Prevalence, risk factors, and challenges for urinary schistosomiasis in children (USC)

Masdor NA, Kandayah T, Amsah N, Othman R, Hassan MR, Rahim SSSA, et al.

PLoS One, 2023;18(8):e0285533.
PMID: 37590252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285533

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that causes significant public health problems in tropical countries. Schistosoma haematobium species are blamable for causing urinary schistosomiasis. The infected person, specifically children, may be carrying the disease. This systematic review aimed to identify the current knowledge of urinary Schistosmiasis in children or USC on its epidemiology, risk factors, and challenges to spread the understanding of controlling the disease and reducing the complications.
METHOD: In November 2021, a systematic computer-aided literature review was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The results were updated in February 2022. We only used papers that have at least the abstract available in English. Relevant articles were screened, duplicates were deleted, eligibility criteria were applied, and studies that met the criteria were reviewed. The keywords Human Schistosoma infections, prevalence, risk factors and challenges were included. The protocol for the review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022311609). Pooled prevalence rates were calculated using the programme R version 4.2.1. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and p-value. A narrative approach was used to describe risk factors and challenges. Studies were selected and finalised based on the review question to prioritise. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
RESULTS: A total of 248 publications met the requirements for inclusion. Fifteen articles were included in this review, with the result showing high heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in children is 4% (95% confidence interval (CI)). Age, poor socioeconomic status, education, exposure to river water, and poor sanitation are the risk factors identified in this review. Challenges are faced due to limitations of clean water, lack of water resources, and poor hygiene.
CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors such as poor knowledge and practices must be addressed immediately. Healthcare providers and schools could accomplish engaging in practical promotional activities. Communicating the intended messages to raise community awareness of urinary schistosomiasis is critical.
Effects of Alkoxy Chain Length and 1-Hydroxy Group on Anticolorectal Cancer Activity of 2-Bromoalkoxyanthraquinones

Mekzali NW, Chee CW, Abdullah I, Lee YK, Rashid NN, Lee VS, et al.

Med Chem, 2023;19(9):897-905.
PMID: 37046198 DOI: 10.2174/1573406419666230410134213

BACKGROUND: KRAS and p53 are two of the most common genetic alterations associated with colorectal cancer. New drug development targeting these mutated genes in colorectal cancer may serve as a potential treatment avenue to the current regimen.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of alkoxy chain length and 1-hydroxy group on anticolorectal cancer activity of a series of 2-bromoalkoxyanthraquinones and corroborate it with their in silico properties.
METHODS: In vitro anticancer activity of 2-bromoalkoxyanthraquinones was evaluated against HCT116, HT29, and CCD841 CoN cell lines, respectively. Molecular docking was performed to understand the interactions of these compounds with putative p53 and KRAS targets (7B4N and 6P0Z).
RESULTS: 2-Bromoalkoxyanthraquinones with the 1-hydroxy group were proven to be more active than the corresponding counterparts in anticancer activity. Among the tested compounds, compound 6b with a C3 alkoxy chain exhibited the most promising antiproliferation activity against HCT116 cells (IC50 = 3.83 ± 0.05 μM) and showed high selectivity for HCT116 over CCD841 CoN cells (SI = 45.47). The molecular docking reveals additional hydrogen bonds between the 1-hydroxy group of 6b and the proteins. Compound 6b has adequate lipophilicity (cLogP = 3.27) and ligand efficiency metrics (LE = 0.34; LLE = 2.15) close to the proposed acceptable range for an initial hit.
CONCLUSION: This work highlights the potential of the 1-hydroxy group and short alkoxy chain on anticolorectal cancer activity of 2-bromoalkoxyanthraquinones. Further optimisation may be warranted for compound 6b as a therapeutic agent against colorectal cancer.
Fulltext Diagnostic Performance of Automated Blood Pressure Monitor for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation

Othman R, Suliman A, Yusof Z, W Isa WYH

Cureus, 2024 Jan;16(1):e53093.
PMID: 38414682 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53093

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of heart disease characterized by an irregular cardiac rhythm. The complications of AF are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and medical expenses. This emphasizes the significance of detecting AF early using a feasible device. Methods A total of 123 patients who attended cardiology and INR clinics were enrolled, with 51 of them having AF. The blood pressure of all patients was measured three times using the Rossmax X5, while a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was monitored simultaneously. Following that, a 12-lead ECG was performed on all patients. A cardiologist confirmed the irregular rhythm. Results Compared to the 12-lead ECG method, Rossmax X5 has an accuracy of 99.3%, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 98.6%. The positive and negative predictive values were also significant, which were 98.1% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion The Rossmax X5 automated blood pressure monitor has a high detection accuracy for AF. Therefore, Rossmax X5 can be recommended for use in the clinical setting as a screening tool for early AF detection.
Fulltext Platelet distribution width as an useful indicator of influenza severity in children

Zou S, Mohtar SH, Othman R, Hassan RM, Liang K, Lei D, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2024 Jan 02;24(1):9.
PMID: 38166827 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08890-w

PURPOSE: The present study aims to investigate the potential of platelet distribution width as an useful parameter to assess the severity of influenza in children.
METHODS: Baseline characteristics and laboratory results were collected and analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to joint detection of inflammatory markers for influenza positive children, and the scatter-dot plots were used to compare the differences between severe and non-severe group.
RESULTS: Influenza B positive children had more bronchitis and pneumonia (P