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  1. Halim SA, Razali N, Mohd N
    Data Brief, 2020 Dec;33:106535.
    PMID: 34026955 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106535
    Pellet mixed with 5 wt% and 10 wt% of binders was tested. The pelleting process was performed using a pellet mill operated at 100 °C and at 50 MPa. The physical and chemical characteristics including hardness, high heating value and proximate analysis of pellet produces were obtained using durometer and through thermographic analysis and the results were reported in this paper. Bulk and unit density were determined according to ASABE standard. The dataset presented here are the data of palm kernel shell pellet prepared using two types of binder; (1) sago starch and (2) sodium acetate. The pelletization of palm kernel shell aimed to increase the density and strength of the palm kernel shell pellet and consequently provide better thermal degradation characteristics.
  2. Halim SA, Low JH, Chee YC, Alias MR
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 08;121(Pt A):108057.
    PMID: 34052638 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108057
    We report a case series of young adults who were admitted to hospital with seizures after regular kratom beverage consumption. This study aimed to determine kratom consumption habits and seizure characteristics and to explore whether chronic kratom ingestion without concomitant drug abuse leads to recurrent seizure or epilepsy. All patients underwent blood investigations, a brain computed tomography (CT) scan, electroencephalography, and urine testing for mitragynine and drug toxicology. Eleven participants who had a positive urine mitragynine test were included in the study. The longest duration of kratom consumption was 84 months: - most drank more than eight times per month (>200 mL/drink). Seizure developed within 10 minutes or up to 72 hours post-ingestion. Seizure occurred one to three times per year in most cases. Four patients had a focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure whereas the remaining participants had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Four patients mixed kratom with diphenhydramine syrup, and one patient took methamphetamine. Two patients had positive urine results for recreational drugs (opioid and amphetamine). This study provided indirect evidence that chronic kratom use with or without concomitant drug abuse can cause recurrent seizures in susceptible individuals, which may progress to epilepsy or require antiepileptic medication.
  3. Awang Senik NIS, Halim SA, Sapiai NA
    IDCases, 2023;33:e01824.
    PMID: 37434609 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01824
    Central nervous system (CNS) toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This organism typically causes disease in immunocompromised patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We reported a case of a 52-year-old woman with neurology symptoms and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain shows both eccentric and concentric target signs, which are typical signs in a patient with cerebral toxoplasmosis but rarely displayed in the same lesion. The MRI played a crucial role in diagnosing the patient and distinguishing CNS diseases commonly found in HIV patients. Our objective is to discuss the imaging findings that aided in the patient's diagnosis.
  4. Bador KM, Wee LD, Halim SA, Fadi MF, Santhiran P, Rosli NF, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2016 Jan-Mar;10(1 Suppl 1):S42-5.
    PMID: 26482049 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2015.09.009
    AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine if osteocalcin is related to adiposity and hyperglycaemia in metabolic syndrome irrespective of the presence of diabetes mellitus.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study of 90 patients (59 men and 31 women) with metabolic syndrome as defined by the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Based on medical history 50 out of 90 patients had a diabetes. Anthropometric data were collected and blood taken for measurement of osteocalcin, fasting lipids, fasting glucose and insulin resistance (using homeostatic model assessment index, HOMA-IR).
    RESULTS: Osteocalcin correlated negatively with fasting glucose (r=-0.366, p<0.001) and HOMA-IR (r=-0.305, p<0.05) but not with waist circumference (r=0.079), body mass index (r=0.028), total cholesterol (r=0.061) or triglycerides (r=0.009). Diabetics had higher HOMA-IR (p<0.01) and lower osteocalcin levels (p<0.01) than non-diabetics. Among diabetics, osteocalcin correlated with glucose only (r=-0.341, p=0.015). In non-diabetics, osteocalcin correlated with HOMA-IR (r=-0.359, p=0.023) via insulin (r=-0.402, p=0.010). Patients with impaired fasting glucose levels (5.6-6.9mmol/L) had the same HOMA-IR as diabetics (p=0.076) but not low osteocalcin (p=0.025).
    CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study of subjects with metabolic syndrome and central obesity, low osteocalcin was associated with diabetes but not adiposity.
    KEYWORDS: Adiposity; Central obesity; Diabetes; Metabolic syndrome; Osteocalcin
  5. Idris Z, Zakaria Z, Halim SA, Razak SA, Ghani ARI, Abdullah JM
    Childs Nerv Syst, 2021 05;37(5):1797-1802.
    PMID: 32949261 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04893-z
    The neural basis for epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently incompletely known. We reported a young girl with both epilepsy and ADHD, who had a calcified lesion in the right basolateral amygdalo-hippocampal region extending to the ventral striatum. The child underwent disconnecting surgery and biopsy of the lesion. Fascinatingly, the child's behavior changed immediately after the surgery from inattentive and impulsive to nearly normal behavior experiencing no more breakthrough seizures since after 3 years of surgery. The Schaltenbrand Wahren Brain Atlas revealed alveus, cornu ammonis, amygdala superficialis, and medium as the disconnected region in this surgery.
  6. Ab Halim SA, Lee SK, Mustangin M, Mohd Saleh MF, Shah SA, Md Isa N
    Malays J Pathol, 2020 Dec;42(3):415-422.
    PMID: 33361723
    INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the ninth most common malignancy among women. Although the disease prognosis is good, less favourable outcomes are predicted in those with higher disease stages and nodal metastasis. Oestrogen- α (ER-α) expression has been associated with aggressive presentation and greater disease progression and has been proposed as a predictor for lymph node metastases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between ER expression and clinicopathological features i.e. lymph node metastasis, tumour size, extrathyroidal extension, histological variants of PTC , age groups , ethnic and gender.

    METHODS: We studied ER-α expression in 84 cases of PTC obtained within an eight-year period (2011-2018) by immunohistochemical technique (IHC). Associations between ER-α expression and clinicopathological features were evaluated using Fisher's exact test. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

    RESULTS: ER-α was expressed in 13.1% of all the PTC cases examined (n=11/84). There were no associations observed between ER-α expression and lymph node metastasis (p=1.000), tumour size (p=0.970), extrathyroidal extension (p=0.677), variants of PTC (p=1.000), age groups (p=0.188), gender (p=0.725) or race (p=0.920).

    CONCLUSION: There was no evidence in this study to support the application of ER-α as prediction marker for lymph node metastasis or disease aggressiveness in PTC. Given that the scope of this study was limited to the protein expression of ER- α, we also propose the inclusion of molecular analysis of ESR1 gene expression, as well as inclusion of detailed clinical and radiological findings in future research investigating the role of ER-α in prognostication of PTC.

  7. Abd Rashid N, Mohammed SNF, Syed Abd Halim SA, Ghafar NA, Abdul Jalil NA
    Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2022 Nov 17;15(11).
    PMID: 36422549 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111419
    Honey and propolis have recently become the key target of attention for treating certain diseases and promoting overall health and well-being. A high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids found in both honey and propolis contributes to the antioxidant properties to scavenge free radicals. Honey and propolis also exhibited antibacterial effects where they act in two ways, namely the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acids following the enzymatic activities of glucose oxidase, which exerts oxidative damage on the bacteria. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of honey and propolis are mainly by reducing proinflammatory factors such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Their effects on pain were discovered through modulation at a peripheral nociceptive neuron or binding to an opioid receptor in the higher center. The aforementioned properties of honey have been reported to possess potential therapeutic topical application on the exterior parts of the eyes, particularly in treating conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and corneal injury. In contrast, most of the medicinal values of propolis are beneficial in the internal ocular area, such as the retina, optic nerve, and uvea. This review aims to update the current discoveries of honey and propolis in treating various ocular diseases, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-nociceptive properties. In conclusion, research has shown that propolis and honey have considerable therapeutic promise for treating various eye illnesses, although the present study designs are primarily animal and in vitro studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to translate this finding into a clinical setting.
  8. Halim SA, Bahar R, Abdullah WZ, Zon EM, Yusoff SM
    Oman Med J, 2023 Jul;38(4):e524.
    PMID: 37724319 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2023.86
    OBJECTIVES: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzymopathy worldwide. The fluorescent spot test (FST) is the conventional method for screening neonates for G6PD. However, it has limitations and quantitative assays such as the CareStart Biosensor 1 are being increasingly recommended. This study aimed to compare FST and CareStart Bioensor 1 in their ability to detect G6PD levels in neonates.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 455 neonates between June and December 2020. Two milliliters of cord blood were analyzed with CareStart Biosensor 1 and dried cord blood spots with FST. Data was recorded and statistically analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated to determine the performance of FST at specific G6PD cut-off values; Cohen's kappa analysis assessed the agreement between the two methods.

    RESULTS: The sensitivity of FST at 30% cut-off G6PD activity level was 91.0%, (95% CI: 57.0-100) and specificity of 97.0% (95% CI: 95.0-98.0). At 60% cut-off, the FST sensitivity sharply declined to 29.0% (95% CI: 19.0-40.0) with a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 98.0-100). The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 5.1% as measured by FST and 17.8% by Biosensor 1 (p < 0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS: In this study, FST missed a significant proportion of cases of intermediate G6PD levels. FST also misclassified several G6PD intermediate individuals as normal, rendering them susceptible to oxidative stress. Biosensor 1 reported a significantly higher prevalence of G6PD deficiency.

  9. Maher S, Choudhary MI, Saleem F, Rasheed S, Waheed I, Halim SA, et al.
    Biology (Basel), 2020 Jul 30;9(8).
    PMID: 32751610 DOI: 10.3390/biology9080197
    Withania coagulans (W. coagulans) is well-known in herbal medicinal systems for its high biological potential. Different parts of the plant are used against insomnia, liver complications, asthma, and biliousness, as well as it is reported to be sedative, emetic, diuretic, antidiabetic antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, cardiovascular, immuno-suppressive and central nervous system depressant. Withanolides present in W. coagulans have attracted an immense interest in the scientific field due to their diverse therapeutic applications. The current study deals with chemical and biological evaluation of chloroform, and n-butanol fractions of W. coagulans. The activity-guided fractionation of both extracts via multiple chromatographic steps and structure elucidation of pure isolates using spectroscopies (NMR, mass spectrometry, FTIR and UV-Vis) led to the identification of a new withanolide glycoside, withacogulanoside-B (1) from n-butanol extract and five known withanolides from chloroform extract [withanolid J (2), coagulin E (3), withaperuvin C (4), 27-hydroxywithanolide I (5), and ajugin E (6)]. Among the tested compounds, compound 5 was the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitor with IC50 = 66.7 ± 3.6 µM, followed by compound 4 (IC50: 407 ± 4.5 µM) and compound 2 (IC50: 683 ± 0.94 µM), while no antiglycation activity was observed with the six isolated compounds. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding potential and binding site interactions of these compounds as α-glucosidase inhibitors. Consequently, this study provides basis to discover specific antidiabetic compounds from W. coagulans.
  10. Taha M, Ismail NH, Khan A, Shah SA, Anwar A, Halim SA, et al.
    Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2015 Aug 15;25(16):3285-9.
    PMID: 26077497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.05.069
    We synthesized a series of novel 5-24 derivatives of oxindole. The synthesis started from 5-chlorooxindole, which was condensed with methyl 4-carboxybezoate and result in the formation of benzolyester derivatives of oxindole which was then treated with hydrazine hydrate. The oxindole benzoylhydrazide was treated with aryl acetophenones and aldehydes to get target compounds 5-24. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for urease inhibition; the compound 5 (IC50 = 13.00 ± 0.35 μM) and 11 (IC50 = 19.20 ± 0.50 μM) showed potent activity as compared to the standard drug thiourea (IC50 = 21.00 ± 0.01 μM). Other compounds showed moderate to weak activity. All synthetic compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques including (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, IR and EI MS. The molecular interactions of the active compounds within the binding site of urease enzyme were studied through molecular docking simulations.
  11. Shehzad MT, Khan A, Halim SA, Hameed A, Imran A, Iqbal J, et al.
    Future Med Chem, 2021 07;13(14):1185-1201.
    PMID: 34148377 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0060
    Aim: Indole is an important component of many drug molecules, and its conjugation with thiosemicarbazone moiety would be advantageous in finding lead compounds for the development of diabetic complications. Methodology: We have designed, synthesized and evaluated a series of 17 indole-thiosemicarbazones (3a-q) as aldose reductase (ALR2) and aldehyde reductase (ALR1) inhibitors. Results: After in vitro evaluation, all indole-thiosemicarbazones showed significant inhibition against both enzyme ALR1 and ALR2 with IC50 in range of 0.42-20.7 and 1.02-19.1 μM, respectively. The docking study was also carried out to consider the putative binding of molecules with the target enzymes. Conclusion: Compound 3f was found to be most active and selective for ALR2. The indole-thiosemicarbazones series described here has selective hits for diabetes-mellitus-associated complications.
  12. Lin-Wei O, Xian LLS, Shen VTW, Chuan CY, Halim SA, Ghani ARI, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Apr;28(2):48-62.
    PMID: 33958960 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.5
    The deep tendon reflex (DTR) is a key component of the neurological examination. However, interpretation of the results is a challenge since there is a lack of knowledge on the important features of reflex responses such as the amount of hammer force, the strength of contraction, duration of the contraction and relaxation. The tools used to elicit the reflexes also play a role in the quality of the reflex contraction. Furthermore, improper execution techniques during the DTR assessment may alter the findings and cloud the true assessment of the nervous system. Therefore, understanding the basic principles and the key features of DTR allows for better interpretation of the reflex responses. This paper discusses the brief history of reflexes, the development of the reflex hammer, and also the key features of a reflex response encompassing the amplitude of force needed to elicit a reflex response, the velocity of contraction, the strength of contraction, and the duration of contraction and relaxation phases. The final section encloses the techniques of eliciting DTR in the upper extremities, trunk, and lower extremities, and the interpretation of these reflexes.
  13. Syed Abd Halim SA, Yusoff MSB, Yaman MN, Razali SA, Tengku Muda TFM, Ramli RR, et al.
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2023 Aug;18(4):757-770.
    PMID: 36852241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.12.007
    OBJECTIVES: Anatomy is a fundamental pillar of medical knowledge that bridges basic medical science knowledge and clinical practice. However, integrated modern medical curricula have reduced the anatomy teaching content, and cadaveric dissection is no longer conducted. Medical graduates who lack anatomy knowledge are anticipated to be inadequately equipped for safe clinical practice. This study was aimed at exploring clinical year students' experiences regarding their anatomy learning during the preclinical phase in Malaysian medical schools. The findings reflect how the students' preclinical anatomy training prepared them for their clinical years of study.

    METHODS: A qualitative phenomenology study using the focus group discussion method was conducted on 30 final-year students from four public universities. Four focus group discussion sessions were conducted, and students' responses were transcribed and converted to electronic formats. The transcripts were analyzed thematically with ATLAS.ti software.

    RESULTS: The first-cycle coding of the text analysis generated 157 open codes based on the phrases used by the participants. The subsequent coding cycle produced 16 axial codes-groups of open codes with similar features. During the final coding cycle, the content and interrelations between the axial codes were categorized into six codes: (1) preclinical anatomy learning experience, (2) anatomy content and teaching, (3) anatomy-related competency, (4) the importance of anatomy knowledge in clinical practice, (5) the importance of early exposure to applied clinical anatomy, and (6) suggestions for future anatomy education.

    CONCLUSIONS: The six identified themes reflected students' perceptions of their anatomy learning experience, the challenges that they faced during their preclinical years, and their opinions regarding the anatomy knowledge and skills that are functionally relevant during the clinical years. Their responses also echoed the need to improve anatomy teaching and learning, thereby emphasizing the importance of early clinical integration and application.

  14. Talab F, Alam A, Zainab, Ullah S, Elhenawy AA, Shah SAA, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024 Feb 22.
    PMID: 38385366 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2319677
    This research work reports the synthesis of new derivatives of the hydrazone Schiff bases (1-17) based on polyhydroquinoline nucleus through multistep reactions. HR-ESIMS,1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy were used to structurally infer all of the synthesized compounds and lastly evaluated for prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitory activity. All the prepared products displayed good to excellent inhibitory activity when compared with standard z-prolyl-prolinal. Three derivatives 3, 15 and 14 showed excellent inhibition with IC50 values 3.21 ± 0.15 to 5.67 ± 0.18 µM, while the remaining 12 compounds showed significant activity. Docking studies indicated a good correlation with the biochemical potency of compounds estimated in the in-vitro test and showed the potency of compounds 3, 15 and 14. The MD simulation results confirmed the stability of the most potent inhibitors 3, 15 and 14 at 250 ns using the parameters RMSD, RMSF, Rg and number of hydrogen bonds. The RMSD values indicate the stability of the protein backbone in complex with the inhibitors over the simulation time. The RMSF values of the binding site residues indicate that the potent inhibitors contributed to stabilizing these regions of the protein, through formed stable interactions with the protein. The Rg. analysis assesses the overall size and compactness of the complexes. The maintenance of stable hydrogen bonds suggests the existence of favorable binding interactions. SASA analysis suggests that they maintained stable conformations without large-scale exposure to the solvent. These results indicate that the ligand-protein interactions are stable and could be exploited to design new drugs for disease treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
  15. Khan KM, Mesaik MA, Abdalla OM, Rahim F, Soomro S, Halim SA, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2016 Feb;64:21-8.
    PMID: 26637945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2015.11.004
    Benzothiazole and its natural or synthetic derivatives have been used as precursors for several pharmacological agents for neuroprotective, anti-bacterial, and anti-allergic activities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate effects of benzothiazole analogs (compounds 1-26) for their immunomodulatory activities. Eight compounds (2, 4, 5, 8-10, 12, and 18) showed potent inhibitory activity on PHA-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with IC50 ranging from 3.7 to 11.9 μM compared to that of the standard drug, prednisolone <1.5 μM. Some compounds (2, 4, 8, and 18) were also found to have potent inhibitory activities on the production of IL-2 on PHA/PMA-stimulated PBMCs with IC50 values ranging between <4.0 and 12.8 μM. The binding interaction of these compounds was performed through silico molecular docking. Compounds 2, 8, 9, and 10 significantly suppressed oxidative burst ROS production in phagocytes with IC50 values between <4.0 and 15.2 μM. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrites in murine macrophages cell line J774 were found to be inhibited by compounds 4, 8, 9, and 18 at a concentration of 25 μg/mL by 56%, 91%, 58%, and 78%, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 5, 8, 12, and 18 showed significant (P<0.05) suppressive activity on Th-2 cytokine, interleukin 4 (IL-4) with an IC50 range of <4.0 to 40.3 μM. Interestingly compound 4 has shown a selective inhibitory activity on IL-2 and T cell proliferation (naïve T cell proliferation stage) rather than on IL-4 cytokine, while compound 12 displayed an interference with T-cell proliferation and IL-4 generation. Moreover compound 8 and 18 exert non-selective inhibition on both IL-2 and IL-4 cytokines, indicating a better interference with stage leading to humoral immune response and hence possible application in autoimmune diseases.
  16. Salleh R, Man CS, Ahmad MH, Palaniveloo L, Zulkafly N, Ab Halim SA, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:73-78.
    PMID: 33370860 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14006
    AIM: Older persons are vulnerable to food insecurity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among older persons in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with two-stage stratified random sampling. In total, 3977 older persons participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a mobile device to obtain information about socio-demographic background, food insecurity, non-communicable diseases, social support and living arrangements. Descriptive and multiple complex sample logistic regression analyses were performed for data analysis.

    RESULTS: The overall prevalence of food insecurity among older persons was 10.4%. Older persons from rural areas with no or only primary and secondary education, income less than RM 2000 (USD 477.57), at risk of malnutrition and not receiving very high social support were more likely to be food-insecure.

    CONCLUSION: Approximately, one-tenth of Malaysian older adults were classified as food-insecure; particularly those living in rural areas from lower socio-economic status, not receiving very high social support and malnourished were more likely to be at risk. A specific nutrition program, such as meals on wheels and food vouchers, should be targeted toward older persons who are at risk to improve their malnutrition status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 73-78.

  17. Hooi LL, Fitzrol DN, Rajapathy SK, Chin TY, Halim SA, Kandasamy R, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Mar;24(2):87-93.
    PMID: 28894408 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.2.11
    Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was first introduced in 1987 to the developed world. As a developing country Malaysia begun its movement disorder program by doing ablation therapy using the Radionics system. Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia a rural based teaching hospital had to take into consideration both health economics and outcomes in the area that it was providing neurosurgical care for when it initiated its Deep Brain Stimulation program. Most of the patients were from the low to medium social economic groups and could not afford payment for a DBS implant. We concentrated our DBS services to Parkinson's disease, Tourette's Syndrome and dystonia patients who had exhausted medical therapy. The case series of these patients and their follow-up are presented in this brief communication.
  18. Yee AS, Tharakan J, Idris Z, Bhaskar S, Halim SA, Razak SA, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Dec;24(6):97-102.
    PMID: 29379392 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.6.12
    Epilepsy surgery has been performed by a few centres in Malaysia, including Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). To date, a total of 15 patients have undergone epilepsy surgery in HUSM. The epilepsy surgery included anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) with amygdalohippocampectomy (AH) and Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). The surgical outcomes of the patients were assessed using the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) outcome scale. The ILAE scores for patients who underwent ATL with AH were comparatively better than those who underwent VNS. One of the patient who underwent ATL with AH and frontal lesionectomy was found to have psychosis during follow up. Epilepsy surgery has proven to be an important treatment for medically resistant epilepsy. Thus it is important to raise public awareness regarding epilepsy and its treatment.
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