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  1. Chee YC, Ong BH
    SAGE Open Med Case Rep, 2018;6:2050313X18773649.
    PMID: 29760923 DOI: 10.1177/2050313X18773649
    Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an acquired acute autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy that commonly presents with limb weakness and occasional cranial nerve, respiratory and autonomic involvement. Although the classic description of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is that of a demyelinating neuropathy with ascending weakness, predominant bilateral finger drop as presenting feature has rarely been reported. A characteristic pattern of weakness involving the extensor components of the fingers known as "finger drop sign" has been first described to be specific in acute motor axonal neuropathy form of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the literature. We report a case of acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy, which showed characteristic pattern of predominant finger extensor weakness, and provide a summary of all reported cases to date. While previous reports suggested that this is a sign that carries good prognosis, our case report suggested otherwise as the patient succumbed to respiratory and autonomic complications. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of this peculiar sign.
  2. Chee YC, Ong BH
    BMJ Neurol Open, 2019;1(1):e000009.
    PMID: 33681769 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2019-000009
    Objective: Heading disorientation is a type of pure topographical disorientation. Reported cases have been very few and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. We report an unusual presentation of a 60-year-old man with recurrent transient heading disorientation heralding an acute posterior cerebral artery infarction.

    Design: Case report.

    Conclusion: Acquired injury to the right retro-splenial region can result in a specific variant of topographical disorientation known as heading disorientation that may present as an atypical transient ischaemic attack-like symptom heralding acute cerebral infarction.

  3. Giam YC, Ong BH, Tan T
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 1987 Oct;16(4):658-62.
    PMID: 3446008
    Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) or Type II reaction is an immune complex syndrome seen in multibacillary leprosy. 20 patients with histological confirmation of ENL in leprosy were studied from 1982 to 1986. These patients had a range of clinical signs, from fever, tender dusky nodules, bullae, ulcers to lymphadenopathy, arthralgia and neuritis. The four major histological patterns are: a) classical pattern showing heavy infiltrations of neutrophils in three cases, b) sub-epidermal bulla pattern with marked oedema of the upper dermis, and collections of neutrophils in five cases, c) vasculitis pattern, affecting superficial and mid-dermal vessels, leading to epidermal necrosis, bulla formation and ulceration. Dilated vessels, congestion, lumenal fibrin clots and fibrinoid necrosis of vessels were seen, d) non-specific picture in nine cases with mild oedema, infiltration with neutrophils, and two cases with minimal reaction had chronic ENL with clinical vasculitis. All the five cases with vasculitis showed C1q, C3 and fibrinogen in the vessels. Comparing ENL reactions reported in Asia, our pattern is similar to that of Malaysians with the majority showing sub-epidermal oedema. Vasculitis is more common in India. Oedema with collagen necrosis as seen in acute ENL with iritis in New Guinea. The Lucio's phenomenon was not seen in any of the countries in Asia.
  4. Low PL, Yong BE, Ong BH, Matsumoto M, Tou TY
    J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2011 Mar;11(3):2640-3.
    PMID: 21449444
    The substrate effects on surface morphologies, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of the sputter-deposited FePt thin films on Corning 1737, normal glass, and Si wafer substrates, respectively, were investigated. High in-plane coercivities of 10 kOe were obtained for the air-annealed films on Corning 1737 and Si wafer, where both films similarly have granular-like morphologies. Besides, increasing grain size and surface roughness of all the FePt films with the post-anneal temperature were observed. Moreover, partially separated grains were seen in the film on Si wafer, where the formation of Fe silicides during post-anneal is suspected, in which has enhanced the magnetic ordering.
  5. Kamali KZ, Alagarsamy P, Huang NM, Ong BH, Lim HN
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:396135.
    PMID: 25136664 DOI: 10.1155/2014/396135
    Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized by the solid transformation of ferrous hydroxide and ferrihydrite in hydrothermal condition. The as-prepared α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, PL, XRD, Raman, TEM, AFM, FESEM, and EDX analysis. The experimental results indicated the formation of uniform hematite nanoparticles with an average size of 45 nm and perfect crystallinity. The electrochemical behavior of a GC/α-Fe2O3 electrode was studied using CV and EIS techniques with an electrochemical probe, [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) redox couple. The electrocatalytic activity was investigated toward DA oxidation in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8) by varying different experimental parameters. The chronoamperometric study showed a linear response in the range of 0-2 μM with LoD of 1.6 μM for DA. Square wave voltammetry showed a linear response in the range of 0-35 μM with LoD of 236 nM for DA.
  6. Low LE, Tan LT, Goh BH, Tey BT, Ong BH, Tang SY
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2019 Apr 15;127:76-84.
    PMID: 30639596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.01.037
    Stimuli-responsive drug release and controlled delivery play crucial roles in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and lowering over-dosage induced side effects. In this paper, we report magnetically-triggered drug release and in-vitro anti-colon cancer efficacy of Fe3O4@cellulose nanocrystal (MCNC)-stabilized Pickering emulsions containing curcumin (CUR). The loading efficiency of CUR in the micron-sized (≈7 μm) MCNC-stabilized Pickering emulsions (MCNC-PE) template was found to be 99.35%. The drug release profiles showed that the exposure of MCNC-PE to external magnetic field (EMF) (0.7 T) stimulated the release of bioactive from MCNC-PE achieving 53.30 ± 5.08% of the initial loading over a 4-day period. The MTT assay demonstrated that the CUR-loaded MCNC-PE can effectively inhibits the human colon cancer cells growth down to 18% in the presence of EMF. The formulation also resulted in 2-fold reduction on the volume of the 3-D multicellular spheroids of HCT116 as compared to the control sample. The MCNC particle was found to be non-toxic to brine shrimp up to a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Our findings suggested that the palm-based MCNC-PE could be a promising yet effective colloidal drug delivery system for magnetic-triggered release of bioactive and therapeutics.
  7. Low LE, Tey BT, Ong BH, Chan ES, Tang SY
    Carbohydr Polym, 2017 Jan 02;155:391-399.
    PMID: 27702526 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.08.091
    We studied the formation of palm olein-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsion stabilized by Fe3O4-cellulose nanocrystals (MCNC) nanocomposites obtained by ultrasound assisted in-situ co-precipitation method. The synthesized MCNC nanocomposites successfully stabilized Pickering emulsion with dual responses. The magnetic tests revealed a direct-relation between attractability of MCNC-stabilized Pickering emulsions and the emulsion droplet diameter. The Pickering emulsions were stable under pH ranging from 3 to 6. The stability substantially reduced around pH 8-10, and regained slowly when approaching pH 13. From microscopic and mastersizer analysis, monodisperse emulsion droplets were noticed at pH 3-6, and 13, while polydisperse emulsion were obtained at pH 8-12. The Pickering emulsions prepared at pH 6 are stable up to 14 days, while Pickering emulsions at pH 8 experienced coalescence. In this study, the dual stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsion stabilized by MCNC may hold potentials for biomedical and drug delivery as new generation of smart nanotherapeutic carrier.
  8. Ng JC, Tan CY, Ong BH, Matsuda A, Basirun WJ, Tan WK, et al.
    J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2019 Nov 01;19(11):7236-7243.
    PMID: 31039881 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2019.16717
    Small sized electrocatalysts, which can be obtained by rapid nucleation and high supersaturation are imperative for outstanding methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Conventional microwave synthesis processes of electrocatalysts include ultrasonication, stirring, pH adjustment, and microwave irradiation of the precursor mixture. Ethylene glycol (EG), which serves as a reductant and solvent was added during the ultrasonication or stirring stage. However, this step and pH adjustment resulted in unintended multi-stage gradual nucleation. In this study, the microwave reduction approach was used to induce rapid nucleation and high supersaturation in order to fabricate small-sized reduced graphene oxide-supported palladium (Pd/rGO) electrocatalysts via the delayed addition of EG, elimination of the pH adjustment step, addition of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), prior microwave irradiation of the EG mixed with Na₂CO₃, and addition of room temperature precursor mixture. Besides its role as a second reducing agent, the addition of Na₂CO₃ was primarily intended to generate an alkaline condition, which is essential for the high-performance of electrocatalysts. Moreover, the microwave irradiation of the EG and Na₂CO₃ mixture generated highly reactive free radicals that facilitate rapid nucleation. Meanwhile, the room temperature precursor mixture increased supersaturation. Results showed improved electrochemically active surface area (78.97 m² g-1, 23.79% larger), MOR (434.49 mA mg-1, 37.96% higher) and stability.
  9. Chew SH, Achmad Sankala HB, Chew E, Md Arif MHB, Mohd Zain NR, Hashim H, et al.
    Mult Scler Relat Disord, 2023 Nov;79:104992.
    PMID: 37717306 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104992
    BACKGROUND: Differentiating tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDL) from neoplasms of the central nervous system continues to be a diagnostic dilemma in many cases.

    OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to examine and contrast the clinical and radiological characteristics of TDL, high-grade gliomas (HGG) and primary CNS lymphoma (CNSL).

    METHOD: This was a retrospective review of 66 patients (23 TDL, 31 HGG and 12 CNSL). Clinical and laboratory data were obtained. MRI brain at presentation were analyzed by two independent, blinded neuroradiologists.

    RESULTS: Patients with TDLs were younger and predominantly female. Sensorimotor deficits and ataxia were more common amongst TDL whereas headaches and altered mental status were associated with HGG and CNSL. Compared to HGG and CNSL, MRI characteristics supporting TDL included relatively smaller size, lack of or mild mass effect, incomplete peripheral rim enhancement, absence of central enhancement or restricted diffusion, lack of cortical involvement, and presence of remote white matter lesions on the index scan. Paradoxically, some TDLs may present atypically or radiologically mimic CNS lymphomas.

    CONCLUSION: Careful evaluation of clinical and radiological features helps in differentiating TDLs at first presentation from CNS neoplasms.

  10. Tai MS, Viswanathan S, Rahmat K, Nor HM, Kadir KA, Goh KJ, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2016 12 13;6:38802.
    PMID: 27958312 DOI: 10.1038/srep38802
    Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) causes significant morbidity and mortality. The primary objective was to re-examine the concept of "TB zone" and "ischaemic zone" in cerebral infarction in patients with tuberculous meningitis. The secondary objective was to evaluate cerebral infarction, vasculitis and vasospasm in tuberculous meningitis infections. Between 2009 and 2014, TBM patients were recruited. Neuroimaging was performed and findings of cerebral infarction, vasculitis and vasospasm were recorded. Infarcts were classified based on arterial supply and Hsieh's classification. Fifty-one TBM patients were recruited of whom 34 patients (67%) had cerebral infarction. Based on Hsieh's classification, 20 patients (59%) had infarcts in both "TB zone" and "ischaemic zones". 12 patients (35%) had infarcts in "ischaemic zone" and two (6%) patients had infarcts in "TB zone". In terms of vascular supply, almost all patients (35/36) had infarcts involving perforators and cortical branches. 25 patients (73%) and 14 patients (41%) had infarcts supplied by lateral lenticulostriate and medial lenticulostriate arteries respectively. 15 patients (37%) had vasculitis. Vasospasm was present in six patients (15%). 29 patients (85%) with cerebral infarction also had leptomeningeal enhancement (p = 0.002). In summary, infarcts involved mainly perforators and cortical branches, rather than "TB zone" versus "ischaemic zone".
  11. Albart SA, Yusof Khan AHK, Wan Zaidi WA, Muthuppalaniappan AM, Kandavello G, Koh GT, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 May;78(3):389-403.
    PMID: 37271850
    INTRODUCTION: About 20 to 40% of ischaemic stroke causes are cryptogenic. Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is a subtype of cryptogenic stroke which is diagnosed based on specific criteria. Even though patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked with the risk of stroke, it is found in about 25% of the general population, so it might be an innocent bystander. The best way to treat ESUS patients with PFO is still up for discussion.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Therefore, based on current evidence and expert opinion, Malaysian expert panels from various disciplines have gathered to discuss the management of ESUS patients with PFO. This consensus sought to educate Malaysian healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage PFO in ESUS patients based on local resources and facilities.

    RESULTS: Based on consensus, the Malaysian expert recommended PFO closure for embolic stroke patients who were younger than 60, had high RoPE scores and did not require long-term anticoagulation. However, the decision should be made after other mechanisms of stroke have been ruled out via thorough investigation and multidisciplinary evaluation. The PFO screening should be made using readily available imaging modalities, ideally contrasttransthoracic echocardiogram (c-TTE) or contrasttranscranial Doppler (c-TCD). The contrast-transesophageal echocardiogram (c-TEE) should be used for the confirmation of PFO diagnosis. The experts advised closing PFO as early as possible because there is limited evidence for late closure. For the post-closure follow-up management, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for one to three months, followed by single antiplatelet therapy (APT) for six months, is advised. Nonetheless, with joint care from a cardiologist and a neurologist, the multidisciplinary team will decide on the continuation of therapy.

  12. Viswanathan S, Appiwatanakul M, Nayak A, Islam B, Khatri B, Pangeran D, et al.
    Ther Apher Dial, 2019 Jun;23(3):289-297.
    PMID: 30927331 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.12806
    In conjunction with the third regional Southeast Asian (SEA) therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 clinicians and researchers from SEA and South Asian countries attended the inaugural strategy meeting for the establishment of a regional TPE consortium for neurological disorders. The primary objective was to establish regional collaboration to improve delivery of TPE services in SEA. A pre-meeting survey was conducted to gather insights on disease spectrum, contextual practice challenges, and the need for a regional TPE consensus. Challenges identified include limited healthcare funding in support of diagnostic workup, TPE therapy, as well as development of clinical infrastructure and expertise capacity building. There was favorable interest in developing a working plan contextualized to this region. Strategies to overcome challenges were discussed. This included the need for a comprehensive referral system and network of regional TPE centers suited to local needs, supported by innovative TPE delivery programs.
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