Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 559 in total

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  1. 1H NMR-based metabolomics and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS for the investigation of bioactive compounds from Lupinus albus fractions
    Hellal K, Mediani A, Ismail IS, Tan CP, Abas F
    Food Res Int, 2021 02;140:110046.
    PMID: 33648271 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.110046
    Lupinus albus or white lupine has recently received increase attention for its medicinal values. Several studies have described the hypoglycemic effect of the white lupine, which is known as a food plant with potential value for treatment of diabetes. This study provides useful information for the identification and quantification of compounds in L. albus fractions by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. In total, 35 metabolites were identified from L. albus fractions.Principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a multivariate projection method for visualizing the different composition of four different fractions. The bioactivities of fractions with different polarity obtained from the extract of L. albus seeds are reported. Among the fractions studied, the chloroform fraction (CF) exhibits a high free radical scavenging (DPPH) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 24.08 and 20.08 μg/mL, respectively. A partial least-squares analyses (PLS) model had been successfully performed to correlate the potential active metabolites with the corresponding biological activities. Metabolites containing proline, caprate, asparagine, lupinoisolone C, hydroxyiso lupalbigenin and some unknown compounds show high correlation with the bioactivities studied. Moreover, the structural identification in the active fraction was supported by ultrahigh-performance-liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. A total of 21 metabolites were tentatively identified from MS/MS data by comparison with previously reported data. Most of these compounds are isoflavonoids without known biological activity. This information may be useful for developing functional food from L. albus with potential application in the management of diabetes.
  2. Fulltext Diarylpentanoid (1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one) (MS13) Exhibits Anti-proliferative, Apoptosis Induction and Anti-migration Properties on Androgen-independent Human Prostate Cancer by Targeting Cell Cycle-Apoptosis and PI3K Signalling Pathways
    Abd Wahab NA, Abas F, Othman I, Naidu R
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:707335.
    PMID: 34366863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.707335
    Diarylpentanoids exhibit a high degree of anti-cancer activity and stability in vitro over curcumin in prostate cancer cells. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of a diarylpentanoid, 1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one (MS13) on cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative, apoptosis-inducing, anti-migration properties, and the underlying molecular mechanisms on treated androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, DU 145 and PC-3. A cell viability assay has shown greater cytotoxicity effects of MS13-treated DU 145 cells (EC50 7.57 ± 0.2 µM) and PC-3 cells (EC50 7.80 ± 0.7 µM) compared to curcumin (EC50: DU 145; 34.25 ± 2.7 µM and PC-3; 27.77 ± 6.4 µM). In addition, MS13 exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity against AIPC cells compared to curcumin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Morphological observation, increased caspase-3 activity, and reduced Bcl-2 protein levels in these cells indicated that MS13 induces apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent. Moreover, MS13 effectively inhibited the migration of DU 145 and PC-3 cells. Our results suggest that cell cycle-apoptosis and PI3K pathways were the topmost significant pathways impacted by MS13 activity. Our findings suggest that MS13 may demonstrate the anti-cancer activity by modulating DEGs associated with the cell cycle-apoptosis and PI3K pathways, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and cell migration as well as inducing apoptosis in AIPC cells.
  3. Fulltext T4-like coliphage ΦKAZ14 virulent to pathogenic and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli of poultry origin
    Ahmad KA, Mohanmmed AS, Abas F, Chin SC
    Virol Sin, 2015 Feb;30(1):73-5.
    PMID: 25662886 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-014-3541-8
  4. Uterine torsion in patient with major placenta previa
    Wan Adnan WF, Shamsudin F, Mohamad Zon E
    Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2021 Mar;258:467-469.
    PMID: 33483151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.12.007
  5. Fulltext Asthma symptoms and respiratory infections in Malaysian students-associations with ethnicity and chemical exposure at home and school
    Norbäck D, Hashim Z, Ali F, Hashim JH
    Environ Res, 2021 06;197:111061.
    PMID: 33785322 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111061
    Little is known on respiratory effects of indoor chemicals in the tropics. We investigated associations between asthma and respiratory infections in Malaysian students and chemical exposure at home and at school. Moreover, we investigated differences in home environment between the three main ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian). Totally, 462 students from 8 junior high schools in Johor Bahru participated (96% participation rate). The students answered a questionnaire on health and home environment. Climate, carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured inside and outside the schools. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study associations between exposure and health. Totally 4.8% were smokers, 10.3% had wheeze, 9.3% current asthma, and had 18.8% any respiratory infection in the past 3 months. Malay students had more dampness or mould (p 
  6. Fulltext A case of trauma related Acanthamoeba keratitis
    Kamel AG, Faridah H, Yusof S, Norazah A, Nakisah MA
    Trop Biomed, 2004 Dec;21(2):135-8.
    PMID: 16493405 MyJurnal
    Acanthamoeba is an uncommon cause of keratitis but one of the most severe because of the prolonged and painful course of the disease and poor visual outcome. Although contact lens use is the principal risk factor, about 10% of cases occur following trauma and exposure to contaminated soil or water. Two cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis involving women contact lens wearers have previously been reported in Malaysia but this is the first time, a non contact lens related Acanthamoeba keratitis is reported. The case involved a 28 year old Indonesian male construction worker who had a trauma of the right eye during work. His eye was struck by sand and dust particles after which he quickly washed with water from an open tank at the construction site. He experienced pain, redness, glaring and blurring of vision of the right eye three days later. The diagnosis was missed at initial presentation but culture of the corneal scraping had proven Acanthamoeba as the aetiological agent. The history and clinical findings of this trauma related Acanthamoeba keratitis are briefly discussed.
  7. Fulltext Role of Inflammatory Mediators, Macrophages, and Neutrophils in Glioma Maintenance and Progression: Mechanistic Understanding and Potential Therapeutic Applications
    Basheer AS, Abas F, Othman I, Naidu R
    Cancers (Basel), 2021 Aug 23;13(16).
    PMID: 34439380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164226
    Gliomas are the most common, highly malignant, and deadliest forms of brain tumors. These intra-cranial solid tumors are comprised of both cancerous and non-cancerous cells, which contribute to tumor development, progression, and resistance to the therapeutic regimen. A variety of soluble inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, and chemotactic factors) are secreted by these cells, which help in creating an inflammatory microenvironment and contribute to the various stages of cancer development, maintenance, and progression. The major tumor infiltrating immune cells of the tumor microenvironment include TAMs and TANs, which are either recruited peripherally or present as brain-resident macrophages (microglia) and support stroma for cancer cell expansion and invasion. These cells are highly plastic in nature and can be polarized into different phenotypes depending upon different types of stimuli. During neuroinflammation, glioma cells interact with TAMs and TANs, facilitating tumor cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Targeting inflammatory mediators along with the reprogramming of TAMs and TANs could be of great importance in glioma treatment and may delay disease progression. In addition, an inhibition of the key signaling pathways such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and TLRs, which are activated during neuroinflammation and have an oncogenic role in glioblastoma (GBM), can exert more pronounced anti-glioma effects.
  8. Fulltext Antioxidant Activity, α-Glucosidase Inhibition and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profile of Shmar (Arbutus pavarii Pamp)
    Buzgaia N, Lee SY, Rukayadi Y, Abas F, Shaari K
    Plants (Basel), 2021 Aug 11;10(8).
    PMID: 34451703 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081659
    The genus Arbutus (Ericaceae) has been traditionally used in folk medicine due to its phytomedicinal properties, especially Arbutus pavarii Pamp. However, this plant has not been evaluated for its efficacy, quality, and consistency to support the traditional uses, potentially in treating diabetes. Despite previous studies that revealed the biological activities of A. pavarii as antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory agents, scientific reports on the bioactive compounds that contribute to its health benefits are still scarce. Therefore, this research focused on the evaluation of antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the methanol crude extracts and various fractions of the leaf and stem bark, as well as on metabolite profiling of the methanol crude extracts. The extracts and fractions were evaluated for total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents, as well as the DPPH free radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Methanol crude extracts of the leaf and stem bark were then subjected to UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. To the best of our knowledge, the comparative evaluation of the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the leaf and stem bark of A. pavarii, as well as of the respective solvent fractions, is reported herein for the first time. Out of these extracts, the methanolic crude extracts and polar fractions (ethyl acetate and butanol fractions) showed significant bioactivities. The DPPH free radical and α-glucosidase inhibitions was highest in the leaf ethyl acetate fraction, with IC50 of 6.39 and 4.93 µg/mL, respectively, while the leaf methanol crude extract and butanol fraction exhibited the highest FRAP with 82.95 and 82.17 mmol Fe (II)/g extract. The UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis resulted in the putative identification of a total of 76 compounds from the leaf and stem bark, comprising a large proportion of plant phenolics (flavonoids and phenolic acids), terpenoids, and fatty acid derivatives. Results from the present study showed that the different parts of A. pavarii had potent antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, which could potentially prevent oxidative damage or diabetes-related problems. These findings may strengthen the traditional claim on the medicinal value of A. pavarii.
  9. Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting as Optic Neuritis
    Fadilah SA, Raymond AA, Cheong SK, Faridah A
    Hematology, 2001;6(4):267-9.
    PMID: 27414846 DOI: 10.1080/10245332.2001.11752124
    Leukemic infiltration of the optic nerve is rare [1]. [Camera, A., Piccirillo, G., Tranfa, F., Rosa, N., Frigeri, F., Martinelli, V., Rotoloi, B. (1993) "Optic nerve involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia", Leuk. Lymph. 11, 153-155]. Radiotherapy should be given urgently to all patients with optic nerve infiltrate to restore their vision [2]. [Rosenthal, A. (1983) "Ocular manifestation of leukemia", Ophthalmology 90, 899-905]. We report a case of a unilateral optic nerve relapse 7 months after diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a 17-year-old boy who had been off treatment for 6 weeks. The ocular symptoms was initially diagnosed as primary optic neuritis and treated with corticosteroids resulting in temporary clinical recovery. Radiation therapy for ocular leukemia that was commenced 2 months after the onset of symptoms failed to reverse the visual loss. The lack of a reliable and effective tool to diagnose ocular leukemia at an early stage has resulted in significant treatment delay and poor visual outcome.
  10. Effects of sonication on the extraction of free-amino acids from moromi and application to the laboratory scale rapid fermentation of soy sauce
    Goh KM, Lai OM, Abas F, Tan CP
    Food Chem, 2017 Jan 15;215:200-8.
    PMID: 27542468 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.07.146
    Soy sauce fermentation was simulated in a laboratory and subjected to 10min of sonication. A full factorial design, including different cycles, probe size, and amplitude was used. The composition of 17 free-amino acids (FAAs) was determined by the AccQ-Tag method with fluorescent detection. Main effect plots showed total FAAs extraction was favoured under continuous sonication at 100% amplitude using a 14mm diameter transducer probe, reaching 1214.2±64.3mg/100ml of total FAAs. Moreover, after 7days of fermentation, sonication treatment caused significantly higher levels (p<0.05) of glutamic acids (343.0±22.09mg/100g), total FAAs (1720.0±70.6mg/100g), and essential FAAs (776.3±7.0mg/100g) 3days sooner than the control. Meanwhile, enzymatic and microbial behaviours remained undisturbed. Collectively, the sonication to moromi resulted in maturation 57% faster than the untreated control.
  11. Comparative study of the antioxidant activities of some lipase-catalyzed alkyl dihydrocaffeates synthesized in ionic liquid
    Gholivand S, Lasekan O, Tan CP, Abas F, Wei LS
    Food Chem, 2017 Jun 01;224:365-371.
    PMID: 28159281 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.12.075
    The solubility limitations of phenolic acids in many lipidic environments are now greatly improved by their enzymatic esterification in ionic liquids (ILs). Herein, four different ILs were tested for the esterification of dihydrocaffeic acid with hexanol and the best IL was selected for the synthesis of four other n-alkyl esters with different chain-lengths. The effect of alkyl chain length on the anti-oxidative properties of the resulted purified esters was investigated using β-carotene bleaching (BCB) and free radical scavenging method DPPH and compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as reference compound. All four esters (methyl, hexyl, dodecyl and octadecyl dihydrocaffeates) exhibited relatively strong radical scavenging abilities. The scavenging activity of the test compounds was in the following order: methyl ester>hexyl ester⩾dodecyl ester>octadecyl ester>BHT while the order for the BCB anti-oxidative activity was; BHT>octadecyl ester>dodecyl ester>hexyl ester>methyl ester.
  12. Identification of the compositional changes in Orthosiphon stamineus leaves triggered by different drying techniques using 1 H NMR metabolomics
    Pariyani R, Ismail IS, Ahmad Azam A, Abas F, Shaari K
    J Sci Food Agric, 2017 Sep;97(12):4169-4179.
    PMID: 28233369 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8288
    BACKGROUND: Java tea is a well-known herbal infusion prepared from the leaves of Orthosiphon stamineus (OS). The biological properties of tea are in direct correlation with the primary and secondary metabolite composition, which in turn largely depends on the choice of drying method. Herein, the impact of three commonly used drying methods, i.e. shade, microwave and freeze drying, on the metabolite composition and antioxidant activity of OS leaves was investigated using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H NMR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate classification and regression analysis tools.

    RESULTS: A total of 31 constituents comprising primary and secondary metabolites belonging to the chemical classes of fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, terpenoids and phenolic compounds were identified. Shade-dried leaves were identified to possess the highest concentrations of bioactive secondary metabolites such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, orthosiphol and apigenin, followed by microwave-dried samples. Freeze-dried leaves had higher concentrations of choline, amino acids leucine, alanine and glutamine and sugars such as fructose and α-glucose, but contained the lowest levels of secondary metabolites.

    CONCLUSION: Metabolite profiling coupled with multivariate analysis identified shade drying as the best method to prepare OS leaves as Java tea or to include in traditional medicine preparation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

  13. Fulltext Green Tea Leaves Extract: Microencapsulation, Physicochemical and Storage Stability Study
    Zokti JA, Sham Baharin B, Mohammed AS, Abas F
    Molecules, 2016 Jul 26;21(8).
    PMID: 27472310 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21080940
    Green tea polyphenols have been reported to possess many biological properties. Despite the many potential benefits of green tea extracts, their sensitivity to high temperature, pH and oxygen is a major disadvantage hindering their effective utilization in the food industry. Green tea leaves from the Cameron Highlands Malaysia were extracted using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). To improve the stability, green tea extracts were encapsulated by spray-drying using different carrier materials including maltodextrin (MD), gum arabic (GA) and chitosan (CTS) and their combinations at different ratios. Encapsulation efficiency, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were determined and were found to be in the range of 71.41%-88.04%, 19.32-24.90 (g GAE/100 g), and 29.52%-38.05% respectively. Further analysis of moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, bulk density and mean particles size distribution of the microparticles were carried out and the results ranged from; 2.31%-5.11%, 0.28-0.36, 3.22%-4.71%, 0.22-0.28 g/cm³ and 40.43-225.64 µm respectively. The ability of the microparticles to swell in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) was determined as 142.00%-188.63% and 207.55%-231.77%, respectively. Release of catechin polyphenol from microparticles in SIF was higher comparable to that of SGF. Storage stability of encapsulated catechin extracts under different temperature conditions was remarkably improved compared to non-encapsulated extract powder. This study showed that total catechin, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity did not decrease significantly (p ≥ 0.05) under 4 °C storage conditions. The half-life study results were in the range of 35-60, 34-65 and 231-288 weeks at storage temperatures of 40 °C, 25 °C and 4 °C respectively, therefore, for improved shelf-life stability we recommend that microparticles should be stored at temperatures below 25 °C.
  14. Metabolite Variation in Lean and Obese Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Diabetic Rats via (1)H NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach
    Abu Bakar Sajak A, Mediani A, Maulidiani, Ismail A, Abas F
    Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2017 Jun;182(2):653-668.
    PMID: 27995574 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2352-9
    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered as a complex metabolic disease because it affects the metabolism of glucose and other metabolites. Although many diabetes studies have been conducted in animal models throughout the years, the pathogenesis of this disease, especially between lean diabetes (ND + STZ) and obese diabetes (OB + STZ), is still not fully understood. In this study, the urine from ND + STZ, OB + STZ, lean/control (ND), and OB + STZ rats were collected and compared by using (1)H NMR metabolomics. The results from multivariate data analysis (MVDA) showed that the diabetic groups (ND + STZ and OB + STZ) have similarities and dissimilarities for a certain level of metabolites. Differences between ND + STZ and OB + STZ were particularly noticeable in the synthesis of ketone bodies, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), and sensitivity towards the oral T2DM diabetes drug metformin. This finding suggests that the ND + STZ group was more similar to the T1DM model and OB + STZ to the T2DM model. In addition, we also managed to identify several pathways and metabolism aspects shared by obese (OB) and OB + STZ. The results from this study are useful in developing drug target-based research as they can increase understanding regarding the cause and effect of DM.
  15. Fulltext Frontal meningioma with psychiatric symptoms
    Hussin S, Yusoff SSM, Zin FM, Ghani ARI
    J Family Med Prim Care, 2018 6 20;7(1):252-254.
    PMID: 29915770 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_157_17
    Frontal meningioma is often asymptomatic and patient may present with psychiatric symptoms. We report a case of 45- year-old female patient with no premorbid medical illness presented with 6 months history of depressive symptoms and changes in personality. Her worsening cognitive impairment brought her to psychiatry clinic and led to further investigation with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) Brain. The result showed well defined markedly enhancing lesion in the frontal region measuring 5.5 cm X5.2 cm X 4.4 cm with mass effect to the adjacent brain parenchyma and associated surrounding edema. Diagnosis of bifrontal tumour-olfactory Groove Meningioma was made. Patient underwent bifrontal craniotomy and tumour excision. The quality of life improved after surgical excision.
  16. Fulltext Curcumin derivative, 2,6-bis(2-fluorobenzylidene)cyclohexanone (MS65) inhibits interleukin-6 production through suppression of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in histamine-induced human keratinocytes cell (HaCaT)
    Razali NA, Nazarudin NA, Lai KS, Abas F, Ahmad S
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2018 Jul 16;18(1):217.
    PMID: 30012134 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2223-8
    BACKGROUND: Histamine is a well-known mediator involved in skin allergic responses through up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Antihistamines remain the mainstay of allergy treatment, but they were found limited in efficacy and associated with several common side effects. Therefore, alternative therapeutic preferences are derived from natural products in an effort to provide safe yet reliable anti-inflammatory agents. Curcumin and their derivatives are among compounds of interest in natural product research due to numerous pharmacological benefits including anti-inflammatory activities. Here, we investigate the effects of chemically synthesized curcumin derivative, 2,6-bis(2-fluorobenzylidene)cyclohexanone (MS65), in reducing cytokine production in histamine-induced HaCaT cells.

    METHODS: Interleukin (IL)-6 cytokine production in histamine-induced HaCaT cells were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and cytotoxicity effects were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out to determine the inhibitory effects of MS65 on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.

    RESULTS: Histamine enhanced IL-6 production in HaCaT cells, with the highest production of IL-6 at 97.41 ± 2.33 pg/mL after 24 h of exposure. MS65 demonstrated a promising anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting IL-6 production with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 4.91 ± 2.50 μM and median lethal concentration (LC50) value of 28.82 ± 7.56 μM. In gene expression level, we found that MS65 inhibits NF-κB and MAPK pathways through suppression of IKK/IκB/NFκB and c-Raf/MEK/ERK inflammatory cascades.

    CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results suggest that MS65 could be used as a lead compound on developing new medicinal agent for the treatment of allergic skin diseases.

  17. Fulltext Metagenomic data on Anadara granosa associated bacterial communities using culture dependent approaches and 16S rRNA sequencing
    Zarkasi KZ, Halim MA, Nazari TF, Daud F
    Data Brief, 2018 Aug;19:514-519.
    PMID: 29900350 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.05.052
    This article contains data on the bacterial communities and its diversity associated with Anadara granosa. The A. granosa samples were obtained from two major estuaries in Penang, Malaysia using a culture dependent and 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing approaches. A. granosa, a commercial blood cockles and popular seafoods, is fragile to the surrounding environments. Thus, our research focused to better understand the bacterial communities and it diversity in the A. granosa, as well as on the generation of a metagenomic library from A. granosa to further understanding on it diversity. The bacteria Vibrionaceae (34.1%) was predominant in the A. granosa from both environments followed by Enterobacteriaceae (33.3%) and Bacillaceae (16.75%). Vibrio sp., Klebsiella sp., and Bacillus subtilis were the most abundant species present. The data generated in this research is the first metagenomic examination of A. granosa and will provide as a baseline to understand the bacterial communities associated with A. granosa and its surrounding natural environments.
  18. Volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue
    Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Ali F
    Sci Total Environ, 2017 Aug 15;592:153-160.
    PMID: 28319702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.215
    This paper studied associations between volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in schools in Malaysia and rhinitis, ocular, nasal and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue among students. Pupils from eight randomly selected junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia (N=462), participated (96%). VOC, formaldehyde and NO2 were measured by diffusion sampling (one week) and VOC also by pumped air sampling during class. Associations were calculated by multi-level logistic regression adjusting for personal factors, the home environment and microbial compounds in the school dust. The prevalence of weekly rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms were 18.8%, 11.6%, 15.6%, and 11.1%, respectively. Totally 20.6% had weekly headache and 22.1% fatigue. Indoor CO2 were low (range 380-690 ppm). Indoor median NO2 and formaldehyde concentrations over one week were 23μg/m3 and 2.0μg/m3, respectively. Median indoor concentration of toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and limonene over one week were 12.3, 1.6, 78.4 and 3.4μg/m3, respectively. For benzaldehyde, the mean indoor concentration was 2.0μg/m3 (median<1μg/m3). Median indoor levels during class of benzene and cyclohexane were 4.6 and 3.7μg/m3, respectively. NO2 was associated with ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and fatigue (p=0.01). Formaldehyde was associated with ocular (p=0.004), throat symptoms (p=0.006) and fatigue (p=0.001). Xylene was associated with fatigue (p<0.001) and benzaldehyde was associated with headache (p=0.03). In conclusion, xylene, benzaldehyde, formaldehyde and NO2 in schools can be risk factors for ocular and throat symptoms and fatigue among students in Malaysia. The indoor and outdoor levels of benzene were often higher than the EU standard of 5μg/m3.
  19. Melioidosis mimicking miliary tuberculosis
    Tan RZ, Mohd Nor F, Shafie S, Tan LJ
    Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 2019 03;15(1):151-154.
    PMID: 30293222 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-0026-3
    Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a gram-negative intracellular bacillus. Tuberculosis, also an infectious disease, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an acid fast bacillus. In both diseases, patients commonly present with fever and respiratory symptoms due to sepsis which might lead to respiratory failure or sudden death if left untreated. Not only are these two entities similar in clinical presentation, but the autopsy findings may mimic each other, giving rise to difficulties in determining the cause of death. We report a case of melioidosis and compare it to a typical case of miliary tuberculosis. Similarities between the cases on gross and histopathological examinations are discussed. In such circumstances, microbiological culture of bodily fluids and internal organs should be performed to ascertain the correct cause of death.
  20. Asymmetrical meta-methoxylated diarylpentanoids: Rational design, synthesis and anti-cancer evaluation in-vitro
    Leong SW, Chia SL, Abas F, Yusoff K
    Eur J Med Chem, 2018 Sep 05;157:716-728.
    PMID: 30138803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.039
    In the present study, a series of forty-five asymmetrical meta-methoxylated diarylpentanoids have been synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their in-vitro anti-cancer potential. Among the forty-five analogs, three compounds (20, 33 and 42) have been identified as lead compounds due to their excellent inhibition against five human cancer cell lines including SW620, A549, EJ28, HT1080 and MCF-7. Structure-activity relationship study on cytotoxicity of tested compounds suggested that the presence of meta-oxygenated phenyl ring played a critical role in enhancing their cytotoxic effects. Compounds 33 and 42 in particular, exhibited strongest cytotoxicity against tested cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 1.1 to 4.3 μM. Subsequent colony formation assay on SW620 cell line showed that both compounds 33 and 42 possessed strong anti-proliferative activity. In addition, flow cytometry based experiments revealed that these compounds could trigger intracellular ROS production thus inducing G2/M-phase cell arrest and apoptosis. All these results suggested that poly meta-oxygenated diarylpentnoid is a promising scaffold which deserved further modification and investigation in the development of natural product-based anti-cancer drug.
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