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Gene therapy: An updated overview on the promising success stories

Rashid RA, Ankathil R

Malays J Pathol, 2020 Aug;42(2):171-185.
PMID: 32860369

Gene therapy is a method of treatment of disease aimed at its molecular level. The progress of gene therapy, however, was as promising as it was tardy mainly due to the limitations in the resources and financial part of its development as well as owing to the rarity of most diseases it can offer its benefits to. The methods of gene therapy can vary depending on factors such as the physiology of tissue of interest, affinity of vectors to a certain type of cells, depth and accessibility of the tissue of interest, and size of the gene to be replaced or edited. The concept behind gene therapy has inspired scientists and clinicians alike leading to a rapid expansion of its clinical utility that has become so widespread to not only include diseases of monogenic origin, but also polygenic diseases, albeit not so commonly. This article delves into notable success stories of gene therapy which has been regarded as the beacon of medical novelty expected to blossom in the near future to provide a holistic, targeted, precise, and individualistic personalised-medicine as well as laying out the future hopes of gene therapy in the treatment of debilitating diseases such as solid tumours, AIDS, Tuberculosis, Diabetes Mellitus, psychiatric illnesses, which are still at a standstill, from a gene therapy point of view.
Fulltext On the Psychology of Argument: A Structural Analysis of Former Muslims' Postings Within Malaysian Social Media

Hashmi UM, Rashid RA, Munir R

Front Psychol, 2021;12:740558.
PMID: 34744911 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.740558

This research attempts to provide insights into the argumentation structures in the discussion of Islam on social media involving 14 Malaysian former Muslims. The social media accounts of the participants were observed for 12 months, from January to December 2019. A total of 368 postings put forth arguments related to Islamic authoritative discourse, the Quran and "Sunnah" of the Prophet Muhammad, to justify their renunciation of the Muslim religion. The analysis revealed that the Level 2 argument, which includes the claim, data to support the claim, and the warrant, was identified as the most common argument structure. Level 5, which has more than one rebuttal, was the least common argument structure. The analysis shows that most argument structures were at the lower levels (1-3) in that they offered no strong, clearly identifiable rebuttals. This study concludes that the arguments put forth by former Muslims, in the main, are loosely constructed rather than attempts to build a strong cumulative argumentation to support their reasons for abandoning the Muslim faith.
Fulltext Conceptualizing the complexity of reflective practice in education

Mohamed M, Rashid RA, Alqaryouti MH

Front Psychol, 2022;13:1008234.
PMID: 36337529 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1008234

In higher education, reflective practice has become a dynamic, participatory, and cyclical process that contributes to educators' professional development and personal growth. While it is now a prominent part of educators, many still find it challenging to apply the concept for it carries diverse meaning for different people in different contexts. This article attempts to (re)conceptualize the complexity of reflective practice in an educational context. Scholars in this field have taken different approaches to reflective practice, but all these approaches consist of four main components in common: (i) reflecting; (ii) planning for future action; (iii) acting; and (iv) evaluating the outcomes. We extend the existing literature by proposing a model which integrates these four components with three key aspects of reflection: problem-solving, action orientation, and criticality. The novelty of this model lies within its alignment of the three key aspects with different levels of criticality in a comprehensive framework with detailed descriptors provided. The model and its descriptors are useful in guiding individuals who directly or indirectly involve in critical reflection, especially educators, in appraising their levels of criticality and consequently engage in a meaningful reflection.
X-linked dyskeratosis congenita in Malaysia

Hamidah A, Rashid RA, Jamal R, Zhao M, Kanegane H

Pediatr Blood Cancer, 2008 Feb;50(2):432.
PMID: 17417794
Fulltext Acupuncture therapy for drug addiction

Motlagh FE, Ibrahim F, Rashid RA, Seghatoleslam T, Habil H

Chin Med, 2016;11:16.
PMID: 27053944 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-016-0088-7

Acupuncture therapy has been used to treat substance abuse. This study aims to review experimental studies examining the effects of acupuncture on addiction. Research and review articles on acupuncture treatment of substance abuse published between January 2000 and September 2014 were searched using the databases ISI Web of Science Core Collection and EBSCO's MEDLINE Complete. Clinical trial studies on the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for substance abuse were classified according to substance (cocaine, opioid, nicotine, and alcohol), and their treatment protocols, assessments, and findings were examined. A total of 119 studies were identified, of which 85 research articles addressed the efficacy of acupuncture for treating addiction. There were substantial variations in study protocols, particularly regarding treatment duration, frequency of electroacupuncture, duration of stimulation, and choice of acupoints. Contradictory results, intergroup differences, variation in sample sizes, and acupuncture placebo effects made it difficult to evaluate acupuncture effectiveness in drug addiction treatment. This review also identified a lack of rigorous study design, such as control of confounding variables by incorporating sham controls, sufficient sample sizes, reliable assessments, and adequately replicated experiments.
Fulltext Trace Level Detection of Bisphenol A Analogues and Parabens by LC-MS/MS in Human Plasma from Malaysians

Wiraagni IA, Mohd MA, Rashid RA, Haron DEBM

Biomed Res Int, 2020;2020:2581287.
PMID: 32420332 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2581287

In this study, a novel LC-MS/MS method was designed using a simple extraction procedure that was scientifically developed to capture the most relevant bisphenol A (BPA) analogues (BPB, BPF, BPS, and BPAF) and parabens (propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben) in human plasma. The LC-MS/MS method was validated using US FDA guidelines, and all validation requirements were satisfactory. This is the method that allows for the detection of plasma bisphenols and parabens in one run and is also the fastest BPA analogue and paraben detection technique for human plasma. The method was used to analyze samples from 150 healthy volunteers from Malaysia who enrolled in the study. No BPB was detected in any of the volunteers; however, 99.3% were positive for BPF. Only 24% and 10.7% of volunteers were positive for BPAF and BPS, respectively. A high percentage of volunteers were negative for propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben (56%, 68%, 86.7%, and 83.3%, respectively). These results suggest that persons in Malaysia are exposed to different BPA analogues and parabens, from both the daily use of products (cosmetic and plastic products) and the environment.
Fulltext Appropriating Shakespearean graphic novels for Malaysian classrooms to create correct gender representations

Ismail HH, Azizan M, Rashid RA, Asif M

Front Psychol, 2022;13:874960.
PMID: 36571040 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.874960

Public awareness on gender education may not be easily translated in living classrooms, which prompts new alternatives. In this study, we explored Shakespearean graphic novels in exposing Malaysian school students to gender-related issues. The two-fold research entails tracing the female presence in eight selected images from digital graphic novels that define the gender and place social expectations across the globe; and secondly, gathering teachers' perception of these selected graphic novels. The chosen images were divided into two categories-those published as the cover pages of graphic novels and those that were contested for the Graphic Shakespeare Competition established in 2016. These stereotypical images of women are inconsistent with the objective of achieving inclusivity and correct gender representations. The data analysed based on a semi-structured interview on six ESL teachers suggest that as much as the graphic novels are seen as valuable in pedagogical contexts and in exposing the students to learning English and gender representations through literature, the material selection, and pedagogical approaches, including determining the classroom activities must be cautiously considered in terms of their cultural appropriateness to ensure students' readiness and effective outcomes. Discussing these pertinent issues, especially in addressing gender (mis)representations relevant to education, helps pave a new route within the UN SDG Goal 5 where gender nuances and phrases ought to be carefully constructed in a new narrative that shapes global perception towards women.
Is suicide predictable?

Seghatoleslam T, Habi H, Rashid RA, Mosavi N, Asmaee S, Naseri A

Iran J Public Health, 2012;41(5):39-45.
PMID: 23113176

THE CURRENT STUDY AIMED TO TEST THE HYPOTHESIS: Is suicide predictable? And try to classify the predictive factors in multiple suicide attempts.
Empowering Malaysian dentists to tobacco dependence treatment conduct

Nordin AS, Kadir RA, Yahya NA, Zakaria H, Rashid RA, Habil MH

Int Dent J, 2014 Aug;64(4):206-12.
PMID: 24835463 DOI: 10.1111/idj.12110

As a signatory to the World Health Organisation 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Malaysia has policies in place and funded 300 public Quit clinics. Unfortunately, government dentists are not included to run tobacco dependence treatment. A cross-sectional exploratory survey was carried out to seek Malaysian dentists' opinion on their knowledge, perception and willingness to conduct tobacco dependence treatment. Participation was voluntary from those who attended a specially designed one-day, four-module workshop on tobacco cessation intervention. Data were collected using the Audience-Response-System equipment which tracked immediate responses covering four domains namely: smoking as a public health problem, smoking as an addiction, the role of dentists in the programme and confidence in conducting smoking cessation in the clinic. Sample comprised more female dentists (73.5%), mean age 33.6 (SD 8.99) years and with more than 3 years working experience. Findings indicated that the majority agreed Malaysia has a rising problem in the prevalence of smoking (71.6%) and predicted that it will affect mostly the young (81.9%). Only half of the dentists surveyed (58.9%) routinely recorded their patients' smoking habits. The majority (71.6%) believed that dentists are effective in helping their patient to stop smoking and 76.3% agreed that dentists should discuss the smoking habit with their patients; however, 60% agreed that doing so is too time consuming. In addition, only 24.7% knew of more ways to treat a smoking habit. The majority felt comfortable giving advice to patients about changing their habits (76.5%) or discussing treatment options (60.5%): 75% would opt for a combined programme of counselling and use of medication if they have to do, 15% would choose to go on counselling only, while 8% did not want to treat. In conclusion, the findings suggest that dentists have a strong potential to contribute significantly to providing smoking cessation treatment if adequately trained.
Fulltext Factors influencing late consultation among patients with rectal bleeding in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre

Hashim SM, Omar K, Fah TS, Rashid RA, Daud TI, Shah SA, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(5):1335-9.
PMID: 21198288

BACKGROUND: Patients' delay in the presentation with rectal bleeding had been identified as a factor for late diagnosis of colorectal cancer. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of delay in consulting a medical practitioner and identifying associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 80 patients with rectal bleeding, aged 40 and above, was conducted between December 2008 and June 2009 in the endoscopy unit, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. The self-administered questionnaire included data on sociodemographic, concern of rectal bleeding, whether patients sought initial advice, any self treatment prior to medical consultation and patients' opinion on causes of their own rectal bleeding.

RESULTS: The prevalence of delay in the presentation of rectal bleeding was 60%. Patients who were less worried (OR 9.6; 95% CI 3.3-27.5), who did not seek anyoneandapos;s advice (OR 11.8; 95% CI 3.8-36.8) and took some treatment before seeking medical consultation (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.0-24.1) were significantly more likely to delay. Multiple logistic regression revealed that less worry of rectal bleeding and not seeking anyoneandapos;s advice were important predictors (p<0.05). The majority of patients attributed their bleeding to benign causes.

CONCLUSION: A high proportion of patients with rectal bleeding in the high risk group delayed in seeking medical advice. Public education needs to focus on interventions to reduce the delay in presenting and diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma.
A mosque-based methadone maintenance treatment strategy: implementation and pilot results

Rashid RA, Kamali K, Habil MH, Shaharom MH, Seghatoleslam T, Looyeh MY

Int J Drug Policy, 2014 Nov;25(6):1071-5.
PMID: 25107831 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.07.003

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the rationale, implementation and operation of a "world first" Islamic inspired methadone maintenance treatment project delivered in a mosque setting and presents the outcome for the first group of participants. The project explored the viability of expanding addiction recovery services through the network of mosques in Muslim communities.
METHODS: The project combined methadone maintenance with peer and religious counseling. Participants consisted of 36 male Muslim heroin users who went through the project. Urine tests and self-reported measures on various dimensions relevant to drug use and quality of life were collected at baseline and 12 months.
RESULTS: The project had a 12 month retention rate of 80%. At 12 months all but one participant tested negative for opioids and other substances. Self-report measures showed significant reductions in the degree and variety of drug use, improvements in general health, and psychological and social functioning of participants. Qualitative data showed that availability of methadone, convenient location and religion were the main reasons drawing participants to the program.
CONCLUSIONS: Mosques are viable venues for offering medication assisted recovery services and offer an alternative approach for managing addiction in Muslim communities. The prospect of mobilizing community resources to offer community-oriented long-term recovery management programs in mosques and other places of worship deserves consideration.
KEYWORDS: Islamic intervention; MMT in mosque; Malaysia; Methadone maintenance
Fulltext Evaluation of Ocular Surface Disease in Asian Patients with Primary Angle Closure

Ling TE, Othman K, Yan OP, Rashid RA, Tet CM, Yaakob A, et al.

Open Ophthalmol J, 2017;11:31-39.
PMID: 28400889 DOI: 10.2174/1874364101711010031

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of ocular surface disease (OSD) and to determine the effects of topical pressure-lowering drugs on ocular surface disease in primary angle closure patients.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional comparative study comparing primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients (Group A) with primary angle closure and primary angle closure suspect (Group B). Group A was treated with topical pressure-lowering drugs; Group B was not. Data on ocular diagnosis and details of treatment were obtained from medical records. Ocular surface disease incidence was assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and from clinical signs using Schirmer's test, tear break-up time and corneal fluorescein stain. Predictive Analytic Software 20 and STATA analysis software were used for statistical analyses.
RESULTS: Group A demonstrated a higher rate of OSD (OSDI 52.3%, Schirmer's test 70.5%, tear break-up time (TBUT) 75%, corneal staining 77.3%) compared to Group B (OSDI 39.0%, Schirmer's test 73.2%, TBUT 58.5% and cornea staining 14.6%) except for Schirmer's test. There was a significant difference in mean score of OSDI (p=0.004), TBUT (p=0.008) and cornea staining (p<0.001) between two groups. Primary angle closure glaucoma treated with more than two medications and for more than three years had worse ocular surface disease parameters but without statistical significant difference.
CONCLUSION: Ocular surface disease is common in PACG patients treated with topical pressure-lowering drugs. Topical pressure-lowering drugs caused significant OSD symptoms and signs except for tear production in PACG patients. Thorough evaluation of ocular surface disease is important to ensure appropriate treatment and intervention in PACG patients.
Psychosocial Risk Factors Associated with Lifetime Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) Dependence in Drug Detention Centres: Perspectives from the Multiethnicity Study

Mamat R, Rashid RA, Sim MS, Ibrahim B, Wahab S, Ahmad A

J Psychoactive Drugs, 2023 Mar 20.
PMID: 36940284 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2190331

ATS dependence in Malaysia is growing tremendously across multiracial Malaysian groups, increasing concerns among public health experts and the community. This study highlighted the chronicity of ATS dependence and factors associated with ATS use. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were administered using ASSIST 3.0. A total of N = 327 multiracial people who use ATS were enrolled in this study. The study findings show that 190/327 (58.1%) respondents were ATS dependent. Malays reported the highest number of ATS-dependent (55.8%), followed by Bajau (21.6%) and Kadazan-Dusun (16.8%) ethnic. Across all races, three factors were significantly associated with the ATS dependence: respondents who had a lifetime history of needle sharing aOR = 0.023 (95% CI: 0.003, 0.183) and a lifetime history of heroin use aOR = 0.192 (95% CI: 0.093, 0.396) were at a reduced odd of ATS dependent. Meanwhile, being married reduced the likelihood of becoming dependent on ATS with aOR = 0.378 (95% CI: 0.206, 0.693) compared to being single or divorced. This study revealed that the use of ATS among multiracial Malaysians is alarmingly high, including those in detention centers. Comprehensive harm reduction strategies are urgently needed to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases and other negative health consequences associated with ATS use.
Prevalence of psilocybin use in vaping and associated factors: a study among amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use disorder in Malaysia

Mamat R, Rashid RA, Shin SM, Ibrahim B, Wahab S, Ahmad A

J Addict Dis, 2023 Aug 04.
PMID: 37540000 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2240932

BACKGROUND: The emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), including synthetic psilocybin, has raised concern among health experts due to the numerous health and socioeconomic consequences. The current trend is shifting to the hazardous use of synthetic psilocybin in vaping, and little is known about the prevalence of use, specifically among amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) users.
METHODS: Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted in drug detention centers between March and October 2022. The study was conducted using ASSIST 3.0 and obtained information on the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profiles. N = 355 ATS users were enrolled in this study.
RESULTS: The results show a high prevalence of psilocybin vaping among ATS users (182/355, 53.1%). Most of the respondents were males (85.1%) and unmarried (69.3%), with a mean age of 29.2 (SD = 7.3). Across all respondents, five factors were associated with psilocybin vaping: tobacco smoking, aOR =5.790 (95% CI: 1.723, 8.183); cannabis uses, aOR= 9.152 (95% CI: 2.693, 10.396); and alcohol use, aOR= 3.137 (95% CI: 1.461, 5.817). Respondents of the Malay race had higher odds of being involved in psilocybin vaping compared to other races, with aOR= 1.638 (0.043, 2.459). Meanwhile, a reduction in age by 1.9 will increase the likelihood of involvement in psilocybin vaping with aOR = 1.897 (95% CI: 0.857, 1.938).
CONCLUSION: Psilocybin in vaping is growing among ATS users and across all populations. Unfortunately, knowledge regarding the long-term effects on health is limited. Further studies should highlight the harmful effects of psilocybin and the potential risk of psilocybin vaping among the younger population.
Ocular burns and related injuries due to fireworks during the Aidil Fitri celebration on the East Coast of the Peninsular Malaysia

Rashid RA, Heidary F, Hussein A, Hitam WH, Rashid RA, Ghani ZA, et al.

Burns, 2011 Feb;37(1):170-3.
PMID: 20576358 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2010.05.019

This study aims to describe the epidemiology of ocular burns and related injuries due to fireworks during the Aidil Fitri celebration on the East Coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. A prospective analysis of all patients with ocular burns and related injuries due to fireworks attended three tertiary hospitals in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia during Aidil Fitri, which was from 10 September to 17 October 2008. We observed the demographic and injury characteristics, extent of the injuries and presenting visual symptoms. Thirty patients with 34 eyes with ocular burns and related injuries were identified. Patients ranged between 2 and 43 years of age. 70.00% of the patients were 12 years old and below. Of the 30 patients, 29 (96.67%) were male and the left eye was affected in 14 (46.70%). Thermal injuries accounted for 60.0% of the injuries whereas 40.0% were due to exploding firework. Burns to the eyelid and cornea (35.29%) were the most common injuries noted. Fifteen patients (50%) were bystanders whilst a majority of patients (96.67%) had no eye protection. At presentation, 15 (44.12%) eyes had a visual acuity of 6/6 to 6/9 in the injured eyes, while 3 out of 34 eyes (8.82%) had vision acuity 6/60 or worse. In conclusion, fireworks cause serious preventable ocular burns and related injuries especially in children who are the most affected age group. It affects mainly eyelid and anterior segment structures which result in moderate visual loss on presentation. Health education, public awareness and tighter legislation are essential preventive measures to limit the effect of fireworks to the public.
Fulltext SLC1A2 Gene Polymorphism Influences Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis

Yahya DN, Guad RM, Wu YS, Gan SH, Gopinath SCB, Zakariah HA, et al.

J Pers Med, 2023 Jan 31;13(2).
PMID: 36836504 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020270

SLC1A2 is a gene encoded for the excitatory amino acid transporter 2 which is responsible for glutamate reuptake from the synaptic cleft in the central nervous system. Recent studies have suggested that polymorphisms on glutamate transporters can affect drug dependence, leading to the development of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. Our study investigated the association of rs4755404 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the SLC1A2 gene with methamphetamine (METH) dependence and METH-induced psychosis and mania in a Malaysian population. The rs4755404 gene polymorphism was genotyped in METH-dependent male subjects (n = 285) and male control subjects (n = 251). The subjects consisted of the four ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun, and Bajau). Interestingly, there was a significant association between rs4755404 polymorphism and METH-induced psychosis in the pooled METH-dependent subjects in terms of genotype frequency (p = 0.041). However, there was no significant association between rs4755404 polymorphism and METH dependence. Also, the rs455404 polymorphism was not significantly associated with METH-induced mania for both genotype frequencies and allele frequencies in the METH-dependent subjects, regardless of stratification into the different ethnicities. Our study suggests that the SLC1A2 rs4755404 gene polymorphism confers some susceptibility to METH-induced psychosis, especially for those who carry the GG homozygous genotype.
Fulltext Polysubstance use among adolescents in Malaysia: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017

Rodzlan Hasani WS, Saminathan TA, Ab Majid NL, Miaw Yn JL, Mat Rifin H, Abd Hamid HA, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(1):e0245593.
PMID: 33476329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245593

BACKGROUND: Polysubstance use is defined as the use of more than one non-prescribed licit or illicit substance either concurrently or simultaneously. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of single substance users and polysubstance users and 'their associated factors among adolescents in Malaysia.
METHODS: This study was a secondary data analysis from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2017, a cross-sectional survey conducted among Malaysian school-going adolescents aged 13 to 17. The NHMS utilised a two-stage stratified cluster sampling. Multivariate Multinomial Logistic Regression analysis was applied.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of single substance use and polysubstance use among adolescents were 17.2% and 5.1% respectively. The multinomial model showed a higher likelihood of being single or polysubstance user among male (single user OR = 3.0, poly user OR = 4.6), others Bumiputeras vs Malay (single user OR = 1.7, poly user OR = 5.3), those who live with a single parent (single user OR = 1.2, poly user OR = 1.4), involved in truancy (single user OR = 1.7, poly user OR = 3.6) and being bullied (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 3.4), those who had lack of peer support (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 1.4), poor parental bonding (single user OR = 1.4, poly user OR = 1.8), depression (single user OR = 1.4, poly user OR = 3.2) and those who had no close friend (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 2.7).
CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted multiple significant associated factors of single and polysubstance use among adolescents in Malaysia. This result can assist in the development of specific intervention and prevention programs targeting high-risk groups.
Fulltext Myospila pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) in peninsular Malaysia and its occurrence on a monkey carrion

Zuha RM, Kurahashi H, Chin HC, Osman K, Rashid RA, Hassan RA, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2009 Aug;26(2):216-8.
PMID: 19901908

Myospila pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) was recorded for the first time in Malaysia during a forensic entomological study conducted at a forested area of Forensic Science Simulation Site, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor. This species can be differentiated from other species of its genus by having R1 setulose on dorsal surface and R4+5 more or less setulose dorsally and ventrally. The legs, including tarsi, are testaceous yellow and palpi blackish. Lateral and ventral surface of scutellum bare below the level of bristles and the third antennal segment is brownish yellow. Other features including the diverging of inner margin of lower squama from scutellum margin. This is also the first report on the occurence of M. pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) on animal carcass.

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