Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 22 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Azlan II, Asma A, Saim L
    Med J Malaysia, 2010 Jun;65(2):152-4.
    PMID: 23756804 MyJurnal
    Hearing loss and tinnitus are the main symptoms of otosclerosis. Little is known about the cause of tinnitus in otosclerosis and the factors influencing the effect of surgery on tinnitus. Though by surgery, we are able to inform patient about probable hearing gain and even benefit concerning bilateral hearing, it is however difficult to predict the course of tinnitus. The principle aim of stapes surgery is to restore hearing but some patients also report reduction in the severity of tinnitus and even complete cessation of it. We describe a case report of a 37 year old male who underwent a second stapes surgery. We wish to illustrate that for our patient, tinnitus represents a major disturbance and the patient is as much concerned with the improvement of hearing as with the improvement of tinnitus.
  2. Shariffuddin II, Wang CY
    Anaesthesia, 2008 Jan;63(1):82-5.
    PMID: 18086075
    We compared the performance of the Ambu AuraOnce Laryngeal Mask with that of the LMA Classic laryngeal mask airway during controlled anaesthesia. Forty patients requiring intermittent positive pressure ventilation were studied using a randomised crossover design. The mean (SD) oropharyngeal leak pressure for the Ambu device (19 (7.5) cmH2O) was significantly greater than for the LMA Classic (15 (5.2) cmH2O; p = 0.004), and the number of attempts for successful insertions was significantly less (39 (50%) vs 45 (56%), respectively; p = 0.02). There was one failure to obtain a patent airway with the Ambu Laryngeal Mask and none with the LMA Classic. Insertion of the Ambu Laryngeal Mask required more manipulations to achieve a patent airway than did the LMA Classic (6 (15%) vs 1 (2.5%), respectively; p = 0.045), but the time taken for insertion was similar between the two groups. The incidence of trauma, grade of fibreoptic view, peak airway pressure and quality of ventilation during maintenance of anaesthesia were similar in both groups.
  3. Muhamad, I. I., Md Katan, N. S., Shaharuddin, S., Abang Zaideld, D. N.
    MyJurnal
    The present study reports on the preparation processes and characterization of fibers from pineapple cores. The effects of different washing techniques (tap-water and hot-water washing) and particle sizes (0.2, 0.5 and 1 mm) on two important characteristics of dietary fiber, i.e. water holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC), were investigated. It was found that the washing pre-treatment significantly improved WHC. Meanwhile larger particle sizes of fiber gave better WHC and OHC for all types of fibers. Tap-water washing was the most appropriate pretreatment method compared to hot-water washing and unwashed method. However, there was no difference in morphologies of the fibers before and after being prewashed at different particle sizes. The fiber morphology was preserved best after the drying process using microwave freeze dryer (MFD) and microwave vacuum dryer (MVD). This study demonstrates the potential of pre-treatment and drying methods in functional fiber preparation for food enrichment.
  4. Loh PS, Shariffuddin II, Chaw SH, Mansor M
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 01;76(1):98-100.
    PMID: 33510117
    Around June 2020, many institutions restarted full operating schedules to clear the backlog of postponed surgeries because of the first wave in the COVID-19 pandemic. In an online survey distributed among anaesthestists in Asian countries at that time, most of them described their safety concerns and recommendations related to the supply of personal protective equipment and its usage. The second concern was related to pre-operative screening for all elective surgical cases and its related issues. The new norm in practice was found to be non-standardized and involved untested devices or workflow that have since been phased out with growing evidence. Subsequent months after reinstating full elective surgeries tested the ability of many hospitals in handling the workload of non-COVID surgical cases together with rising COVID-19 positive cases in the second and third waves when stay-at-home orders eased.
  5. Mohamad N, Ubaidillah, Mazlan SA, Imaduddin F, Choi SB, Yazid IIM
    PLoS One, 2018;13(4):e0191795.
    PMID: 29630595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191795
    In this study, a new magnetorheological (MR) grease was made featuring plate-like carbonyl iron (CI) particles, and its magnetic field-dependent rheological properties were experimentally characterized. The plate-like CI particles were prepared through high-energy ball milling of spherical CI particles. Then, three different ratios of the CI particles in the MR grease, varying from 30 to 70 wt% were mixed by dispersing the plate-like CI particles into the grease medium with a mechanical stirrer. The magnetic field-dependent rheological properties of the plate-like CI particle-based MR grease were then investigated using a rheometer by changing the magnetic field intensity from 0 to 0.7 T at room temperature. The measurement was undertaken at two different modes, namely, a continuous shear mode and oscillation mode. It was shown that both the apparent viscosity and storage modulus of the MR grease were heavily dependent on the magnetic field intensity as well as the CI particle fraction. In addition, the differences in the yield stress and the MR effect between the proposed MR grease featuring the plate-like CI particles and the existing MR grease with the spherical CI particles were investigated and discussed in detail.
  6. Imma II, Nizlan NM, Ezamin AR, Yusoff S, Shukur MH
    Malays Orthop J, 2017 Jul;11(2):30-35.
    PMID: 29021876 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1707.012
    Introduction: The aims of this study are to define the coracoid process anatomy in a Malaysian population, carried out on patients in Hospital Serdang with specific emphasis on the dimension of the base of coracoid process which is important in coraco-acromial (CC) ligament reconstruction, to define the average amount of bone available for use in coracoid transfer, and to compare the size of coracoid process based on gender and race, and with findings in previous studies. Materials and Methods: Fifteen pairs of computed tomography (CT) based 3-dimensional models of shoulders of patients aged between 20 to 60 years old were examined. The mean dimensions of coracoid were measured and compared with regards to gender and race. The data were also compared to previously published studies. Results: The mean length of the coracoid process was 37.94 ± 4.30 mm. Male subjects were found to have larger-sized coracoids in all dimensions as compared to female subjects. The mean tip of coracoid dimension overall was 19.99 + 1.93mm length × 10.03 + 1.48mm height × 11.63 + 2.12mm width. The mean base of coracoid dimension was 18.96 + 3.71mm length × 13.84 + 1.76mm width. No significant differences were observed with regards to racial denomination. The overall coracoid size measurements were found to be smaller compared to previous studies done on the Western population. Conclusion: This study may suggest that Malaysians have smaller coracoid dimension compared to Caucasians. The findings further suggest that the incidence of coracoid fracture and implants pull out in Malaysian subjects may be higher.
  7. Shariffuddin II, Teoh WH, Wahab S, Wang CY
    BMC Anesthesiol, 2018 01 05;18(1):3.
    PMID: 29304735 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-017-0464-6
    BACKGROUND: Ambulatory surgery has recently gain popularity, as it is a good method of optimizinghospital resources utilization. To support ambulatory surgery, anaesthetic goals nowrevolve around patients' early recovery with minimal pain and nausea, expedientdischarge home and prompt resumption of activities of daily living. In this study, weevaluated the effect of a single pre-induction dose of dexmedetomidine on anaestheticrequirements, postoperative pain and clinical recovery after ambulatory ureteroscopy andureteric stenting under general anaesthesia.

    METHODS: Sixty patients were randomised to receive IV dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg.kg-1 (Group DEX, n = 30) or IV saline (Group P, n = 30). General anaesthesia was maintained with Sevoflurane: oxygen: air, titrated to BIS 40-60. Pain intensity, sedation, rescue analgesics, nausea/vomiting and resumption of daily activities were recorded at 1 h, and postoperative day (POD) 1-5.

    RESULTS: Group DEX patients had significant reduction in sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), mean (SD) DEX vs. Placebo 0.6 (0.2) vs. 0.9 (0.1), p = 0.037; reduced postoperative resting pain at 1 h (VAS 0-10) (mean (SD) 1.00 (1.84) vs. 2.63 (2.78), p = 0.004), POD 1 (mean (SD) 1.50 (1.48) vs. 2.87 (2.72), p = 0.002), POD 2 (0.53 (0.97) vs. 1.73 (1.96), p = 0.001) and POD 3 (0.30 (0.75) vs. 0.89 (1.49), p = 0.001). DEX patients also had less pain on movement POD 1 (3.00 (2.12) vs. 4.30 (3.10), p = 0.043) and POD 2 (2.10 (1.98) vs. 3.10 (2.46), p = 0.040), with higher resumption of daily activities by 48 h compared to placebo, 87% vs. 63%, p = 0.04.

    CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a single dose of dexmedetomidine was a useful adjuvant in reducing MAC and postoperative pain (at 1 h and POD 1-3), facilitating faster return to daily activities by 48 h.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12617001120369 , 31st July 2017, retrospectively registered.

  8. Primasari EP, Sari DF, Syofiah PN, Muthia G, Hayati II
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):526-529.
    PMID: 37518927
    INTRODUCTION: Globally, there were around 22% of children under the age of 5 suffer from stunting. The Asian region contributes around 21.8% of the world's stunting cases. This study aims to looked at the differences in development between stunted and normal children at the age of 3-72 months.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This type of research used an analytic observational approach with a cross-sectional design. The research variables were the child development and stunting. The sample were 130 respondents. Data were analysed with chi-square test.

    RESULTS: The results showed that stunted children were 5.525 times more at risk of getting "deviated/doubtful" development screening results than normal children (OR= 5.525; 95% CI= 2.488-12.268; p-value <0.001).

    CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that there were developmental differences between stunted children and normal children.

  9. Shariffuddin II, Teoh WH, Tang E, Hashim N, Loh PS
    Anaesth Intensive Care, 2017 03;45(2):244-250.
    PMID: 28267947 DOI: 10.1177/0310057X1704500215
    Newer second generation supraglottic airway devices may perform differently in vivo due to material and design modifications. We compared performance characteristics of the Ambu® AuraGain™ and LMA Supreme™ Second Seal™ in 100 spontaneously breathing anaesthetised patients in this randomised controlled study. We studied oropharyngeal leak pressures (OLP) (primary outcome) and secondarily, ease of insertion, success rates, haemodynamic response, time to insertion, and complications of usage. We found no significant difference in OLP between the AuraGain versus the LMA Supreme, mean (standard deviation, SD) 24.1 (7.4) versus 23.6 (6.2) cmH2O, P=0.720. First-attempt placement rates of the AuraGain were comparable to the LMA Supreme, 43/50 (86%) versus 39/50 (78%), P=0.906, with an overall 98% insertion success rate for the AuraGain and 88% for the LMA Supreme after three attempts, P=0.112. However, the AuraGain was deemed subjectively harder to insert, with only 24/50 (48%) versus 37/50 (74%) of AuraGain insertions being scored 1 = easy (on a 5 point scale), P=0.013, and also took longer to insert, 33.4 (SD 10.9) versus 27.3 (SD 11.4) seconds, P=0.010. The AuraGain needed a smaller volume of air (16.4 [SD 6.8] versus 23.0 [SD 7.4] ml, P <0.001) to attain intracuff pressures of 60 cmH2O, facilitated more successful gastric tube insertion (100% versus 90.9%, P=0.046), and had significantly decreased sore throat incidence (10% versus 38%, P=0.020). One AuraGain and six LMA Supremes failed to be placed within the stipulated 120 seconds trial definition of 'success'; these patients had risk factors for failed supraglottic insertion. In conclusion, both devices had similar OLPs and performed satisfactorily. However, the AuraGain resulted in less postoperative sore throat despite being harder to and taking longer to, insert.
  10. Farah Haziqah MT, Nur Hikmah AM, Mat Hasan H, Hamdan A, Nik Him NAII
    Trop Biomed, 2019 Sep 01;36(3):687-693.
    PMID: 33597490
    An investigation was undertaken for screening and isolating nematophagous-fungi from the faecal samples of various grazing animals and soils in Malaysia. Total of 111 faeces and 50 soil samples were collected and the samples were cultured on 2% water agar plates. The growth of nematophagous-fungi was stimulated by sprinkling-baiting technique. The conidia of suspected nematophagous-fungi were inoculated on 2% water agar plates. All isolated were maintained on 2% cornmeal agar plates. Verticillium spp., Fusarium spp. and Arthrobotrys spp. were identified from the faecal and soil samples. 62.5% of the faecal samples and 100% of the soil samples were shown to be positive with nematophagous-fungi. This study highlights the present of nematophagous-fungi population in faecal and soil samples. Much study remains to be done to better understanding some fungi especially their mode of action and their predatory behaviour against parasitic nematodes.
  11. Antonov II, Dymnikov AB, Muraev AA, Ananyeva LA, Ivanov SY
    Sovrem Tekhnologii Med, 2022;14(4):43-48.
    PMID: 37179985 DOI: 10.17691/stm2022.14.4.05
    The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of barophoresis for the delivery of liquid-air drug substances to the gums using a mathematical model of the interaction of the drug mixture with periodontal tissues.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The solution to the problem was preceded by generation of a geometric CAD model of the device and nozzle for barophoresis, including the nozzle and injector geometry. The Ansys SpaceClaim software package was used to generate the CAD geometry.

    RESULTS: When solving the problem of finding the optimal distance from the nozzle to the gum surface, the numerical modeling showed that at a distance of 5 mm, the volume fraction of liquid in the mixture is 18-20%. The mixture actually breaks through the gum, filling 0.8 mm of the gum thickness and spreading symmetrically to the sides at a distance of up to 3 cm, forming a cavity. At a distance of 10 mm from the nozzle to the gum surface, the liquid volume fraction in the mixture close to the gum lies in a narrow range of values of 5 to 7%. The mixture touches the surface of the gums, penetrating slightly - at a distance of 0.30-0.45 mm. At a distance of 15 mm from the nozzle to the gum surface, the volume fraction of liquid in the mixture near the gum lies in the range of 2-5%. The mixture slightly touches the gum surface, getting inside at a distance of up to 0.2 mm, having practically no effect on the gum.

    CONCLUSION: The developed mathematical model confirmed the feasibility of application of barophoresis in the treatment of chronic generalized periodontitis. The optimal distance from the nozzle to the surface should be considered to be 10-15 mm. This distance is safe and allows the drug delivery to a depth of 0.45 mm.

  12. Liew SK, Lee JA, Tamam F, Ismail II, Mohamed-Saaid F, Chye PC
    Malays Orthop J, 2023 Mar;17(1):70-78.
    PMID: 37064627 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2303.009
    INTRODUCTION: The awareness of under-representation of female surgeons in orthopaedics has been increasing in this decade. We aim to investigate the reasons why female surgeons chose orthopaedic, the barriers that possibly hinder female surgeons into orthopaedics and analyse the obstacles that they encountered in their career in Malaysian context.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 101 registered female orthopaedic surgeons registered with the Malaysian Medical Council, during the period 1980 to 2020, were contacted for a cross-sectional survey, consisting of thirty-four questions on their experience in the orthopaedic career. Eighty-two responses were received (81.2%). Questions in this survey consisted of four sections: (1) demographic details, (2) current clinical practice environment, (3) orthopaedics training experience, and (4) career experience.

    RESULTS: A total of 49% of respondents had subspeciality training, highest in paediatric orthopaedic (30%). Enjoyment of manual tasks (64.6%) and professional satisfaction (64.6%) were the top reasons for choosing orthopaedic as a career. Primary barriers to orthopaedic were physical strength required (56.0%) and public gender bias (52.4%). Twenty-eight percent reported gender discrimination in career opportunities while 60% reported similar in daily work. Thirty-three percent reported verbal and 11% physical sexual harassment in their career. Forty-four percent of respondents reported benefits as female orthopaedic surgeon in their work.

    CONCLUSION: The reasons for Malaysian female orthopaedic surgeons to choose orthopaedic as their career and the barriers perceived to hinder other females from choosing orthopaedics were similar to reports worldwide with no exception to gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The support given by male colleagues to married female surgeons marked a unique phenomenon in Malaysian culture.

  13. Murtadha AH, Sharudin NA, Azahar IIM, Che Has AT, Mokhtar NF
    Mol Biol (Mosk), 2023;57(6):21-30.
    PMID: 38062971
    Epigenetic alterations associated with cancer have been shown to facilitate tumorigenesis and promote metastasis. In the study of cancer metastasis, epigenetics has been revealed to play a crucial role in supporting tumour immune evasion. As a result, epigenetic drugs have been identified as potential agents to activate anti-tumour immune responses and reverse tumour immunologically tolerant states. Mounting evidence is showing aberrant expression of MHC class I antigen processing molecules in cancers and their upregulation as a potential indicator for anti-tumour immunity. In this study, we demonstrate that the epigenetic drug Trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, can restore MHC I antigen presentation machinery (MHC I APM) genes in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Treatment with TSA resulted in the upregulation of MHC I, B2M, and PSMB9 in MCF-7 monolayer cells, and MHC I, B2M, PSMB9, PSMB8, TAP1, and TAP2 in MCF-7 spheroid cells. Interestingly, treatment with TSA also increased CD274 expression in these cells and enhanced the invasion ability of the MCF-7 spheroid. This aggressive behaviour was confirmed by increased expression of metastatic-related genes, nNav1.5 and MMP1. In summary, although the restoration of MHCIAPM expression was achieved by TSA, the upregulation of metastatic genes and CD274 also enhanced the invasion ability of breast cancer cells. These findings suggest the need for careful consideration when utilizing epigenetic drugs for breast cancer therapy.
  14. Ngu CYV, Tang IP, Ng BHK, Wong ASIIH, Liew DNS
    Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2021 Jun;73(2):226-232.
    PMID: 34150596 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02455-6
    Chordomas are rare and slow-growing locally destructive bone tumors that can develop in the craniospinal axis. It is commonly found in the sacrococcygeal region whereas only 25-35% are found in the clival region. Headache with neurological deficits are the most common clinical presentations. Complete surgical resection either via open or endoscopic endonasal approaches are the main mode of treatment. Here, we report a series of 5 cases of clival chordomas which was managed via endoscopic endonasal approaches in our center. A retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone endoscopic endonasal resection of clival chordoma in Sarawak General Hospital from 2014 to 2018. A total of 5 cases were operated on endoscopically via a combine effort of both the otorhinolaryngology team and the neurosurgical team during the study period from year 2013 to 2018. From our patient, 2 were female and 3 were male patients. The main clinical presentation was headache, squinting of eye and nasopharyngeal fullness. All our patient had endoscopic endonasal debulking of clival tumor done, with average of hospital stay from 9 - 23 days. Pos-operatively, patients were discharged back well. Endoscopic endonasal resection of clival chordomas gives good surgical resection results with low morbidity rates and therefore can be considered as a surgical option in centers where the surgical specialties are available.
  15. Khirul-Ashar NA, Ismail II, Hussin P, Nizlan NM, Harun MH, Mawardi M, et al.
    Malays Orthop J, 2024 Mar;18(1):26-32.
    PMID: 38638662 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2403.004
    INTRODUCTION: Corona Mortis (CMOR) is a term used to describe an anatomical vascular variant of retropubic anastomosis located posterior to superior pubic ramus. We aim to provide sufficient data on the incidence, morphology and mean location of 'crown of death' in Asian population. Other objectives include to assess the relationship between CMOR incidence with gender, race and age.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional cadaveric study involving 164 randomly selected fresh multiracial Asian hemipelves (82 cadavers). Hemipelves were dissected to expose and evaluate the vascular elements posterior to superior pubic rami. Data were analysed using Chi-Square, t-test and with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics v26 software.

    RESULTS: CMOR was found in 117 hemipelves (71.3%). No new morphological subtype was found. The mean distance of CMOR to symphysis pubis was 54.72mm (SD 9.35). Based on the results, it is evident that precaution needed to be taken at least within 55mm from symphysis pubis during any surgical intervention. The lack of statistically significant correlation between CMOR occurrence and gender, race and age suggest that the incidence of CMOR could be sporadic in manner.

    CONCLUSION: We conclude that CMOR is not just aberrant vessel as the incidence is high and this finding is comparable to other studies. The mean location of CMOR obtained in this study will guide surgeons from various disciplines in Asia to manage traumatic vascular injury and to perform a safe surgical procedure involving the pelvis area.

  16. Z I I, C J N, P Y L, N H
    PLoS One, 2020;15(12):e0242690.
    PMID: 33270663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242690
    INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy planning varies among women with diabetes. Observing that the literature examining the factors affecting diabetic women's pregnancy intentions in multi-ethnic Asian populations is limited, we sought to explore these factors to give a better perspective on these women's pregnancy planning.

    METHODS: This qualitative study used individual in-depth interviews to capture the views and experiences of non-pregnant diabetic women of reproductive age in four public health clinics in a southwestern state of peninsular Malaysia from May 2016 to February 2017. The participants were purposively sampled according to ethnicity and were interviewed using a semi-structured topic guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: From the 33 interviews that were analysed, four important factors influencing participants' decisions regarding pregnancy planning were identified. Participants' perception of poor pregnancy outcomes due to advanced age and medical condition was found to have an impact. However, despite these fears and negative relationships with doctors, personal, family and cultural influences supported by religious 'up to God' beliefs took centre stage in the pregnancy intention of some participants. Participants demonstrated a variety of understandings of pregnancy planning. They outlined some activities for pregnancy preparation, although many also reported limited engagement with pre-pregnancy care.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasised the known dilemma experienced by diabetic women considering their desire for an ideal family structure against their perceived pregnancy risks, heterogeneous religious beliefs and the impact of cultural demands on pregnancy intention. This study urges healthcare providers to increase their engagement with the women in pregnancy planning in a more personalised approach.

  17. Soylu H, Unal B, Aksu K, Avci S, Caylan AE, Ustunel I I
    Malays J Pathol, 2022 Dec;44(3):461-467.
    PMID: 36591713
    INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in American men. Apelin is an endogenous peptide identified as the ligand of the G protein-associated apelin receptor. Apelin and apelin receptor have many tissues distribution and they participate in pathological processes, such as cancer. Apelin stimulates cancer angiogenesis. However, there are insufficient data in the literature regarding the role of apelin/apelin receptor in normal tissue, highgrade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and prostatic adenocarcinoma tissues. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the apelin and apelin receptor expression levels in tissues of normal prostate tissue, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and prostatic adenocarcinoma.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 38 samples of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were used. Among 38 samples; 20 patients were with prostatic adenocarcinoma, 18 patients were with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adjacent normal prostatic tissue areas. The immunolocalisation of apelin and apelin receptor in these tissues were determined immunohistochemically.

    RESULTS: Apelin and apelin receptor expressions were higher in prostatic adenocarcinoma than normal prostate tissue and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Apelin receptor expression was also increased in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia compared to normal tissue.

    CONCLUSION: Apelin and apelin receptor are increase in the process of prostate carcinogenesis. This increase may adversely affect the clinical course of prostate cancer patients by stimulating angiogenesis, which is important for invasion and metastasis in prostate cancer.

  18. Mm R, Kk W, I I, Zz R, H A
    Pak J Med Sci, 2014 Sep;30(5):1068-71.
    PMID: 25225528 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.305.5224
    OBJECTIVE: Influenza is considered as an emerging disease until today. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalent genotypes of Influenza A virus in Malaysia.

    METHODS: Influenza A virus was identified from respiratory specimens by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of the identified isolates was performed and genotypes were detected.

    RESULTS: A total number of 505 throat swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined by rRT-PCR at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in which 65(12.87%) were positive for influenza A. The identified isolates were successfully genotyped by phylogenetic analysis. The identified influenza A genotypes were: H1N1 (42), H3N2 (20) and H5N1 (3).

    CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that 3 genotypes were circulating in Malaysia during 2011 in which H1N1 was the predominant. RESULTS added new genotype (H5N1) identification record in Malaysia that may be added in data base of WHO and CDC.

  19. Favaro L, Campanaro S, Fugaban JII, Treu L, Jung ES, d'Ovidio L, et al.
    Benef Microbes, 2023 Mar 14;14(1):57-72.
    PMID: 36815495 DOI: 10.3920/BM2022.0067
    Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria are proteinaceous antibacterial metabolites that normally exhibit bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against genetically closely related bacteria. In this work, the bacteriocinogenic potential of Pediococcus pentosaceus strain ST58, isolated from oral cavity of a healthy volunteer was evaluated. To better understand the biological role of this strain, its technological and safety traits were deeply investigated through a combined approach considering physiological, metabolomic and genomic properties. Three out of 14 colonies generating inhibition zones were confirmed to be bacteriocin producers and, according to repPCR and RAPD-PCR, differentiation assays, and 16S rRNA sequencing it was confirmed to be replicates of the same strain, identified as P. pentosaceus, named ST58. Based on multiple isolation of the same strain (P. pentosaceus ST58) over the 26 weeks in screening process for the potential bacteriocinogenic strains from the oral cavity of the same volunteer, strain ST58 can be considered a persistent component of oral cavity microbiota. Genomic analysis of P. pentosaceus ST58 revealed the presence of operons encoding for bacteriocins pediocin PA-1 and penocin A. The produced bacteriocin(s) inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus spp. and some Lactobacillus spp. used to determine the activity spectrum. The highest levels of production (6400 AU/ml) were recorded against L. monocytogenes strains after 24 h of incubation and the antimicrobial activity was inhibited after treatment of the cell-free supernatants with proteolytic enzymes. Noteworthy, P. pentosaceus ST58 also presented antifungal activity and key metabolites potentially involved in these properties were identified. Overall, this strain can be of great biotechnological interest towards the development of effective bio-preservation cultures as well as potential health promoting microbes.
  20. Pramanik A, Xu Z, Shamsuddin SH, Khaled YS, Ingram N, Maisey T, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2022 Mar 09;14(9):11078-11091.
    PMID: 35196008 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c21655
    Nanomedicines, while having been approved for cancer therapy, present many challenges such as low stability, rapid clearance, and nonspecificity leading to off-target toxicity. Cubosomes are porous lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles that have shown great premise as drug delivery vehicles; however, their behavior in vivo is largely underexplored, hindering clinical translation. Here, we have engineered cubosomes based on the space group Im3m that are loaded with copper acetylacetonate as a model drug, and their surfaces are functionalized for the first time with Affimer proteins via copper-free click chemistry to actively target overexpressed carcinoembryonic antigens on LS174T colorectal cancer cells. Unlike nontargeted cubosomes, Affimer tagged cubosomes showed preferential accumulation in cancer cells compared to normal cells not only in vitro (2D monolayer cell culture and 3D spheroid models) but also in vivo in colorectal cancer mouse xenografts, while exhibiting low nonspecific absorption and toxicity in other vital organs. Cancerous spheroids had maximum cell death compared to noncancerous cells upon targeted delivery. Xenografts subjected to targeted drug-loaded cubosomes showed a 5-7-fold higher drug accumulation in the tumor tissue compared to the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs, a significant decrease in tumor growth, and an increased survival rate compared to the nontargeted group. This work encompasses the first thorough preclinical investigation of Affimer targeted cubosomes as a cancer therapeutic.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links