MACB CKD Task Force updated recommendations for reporting estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria in adults.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common clinical condition with significant health risks for patients and is widely recognised as a major public health concern. Laboratory medicine plays a crucial role in both diagnosing and managing CKD, as diagnosis and staging rely on estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and evaluating albuminuria (or proteinuria). It was evident that the laboratory assessment of CKD in Malaysia is not standardised.

Twelve tips for designing and implementing an academic coaching program.

Coaching has become increasingly popular as a mechanism to support learning across the health professions education (HPE) continuum. While there is a growing body of literature in this area, there is minimal guidance related to the design and implementation of academic coaching in health professional courses. This paper seeks to contribute to this literature by presenting guidance for academic developers who are considering introducing academic coaching into a health professional course.

Common as well as unique methylation-sensitive DNA regulatory elements in three mammalian SLC9C1 genes.

The SLC9C1 gene (which encodes the NHE10 protein) is essential for male fertility in both mice and humans, however the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its testis/sperm-specific gene expression have yet to be studied. Here we identify and characterize DNA regulatory elements of the SLC9C1 gene across three mammalian species: mouse, rat, and human. First, in silico analysis of these mammalian SLC9C1 genes identified a CpG island located upstream of the transcription start site in the same relative position in all three genes.

Common as well as unique methylation-sensitive DNA regulatory elements in three mammalian SLC9C1 genes.

The SLC9C1 gene (which encodes the NHE10 protein) is essential for male fertility in both mice and humans, however the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its testis/sperm-specific gene expression have yet to be studied. Here we identify and characterize DNA regulatory elements of the SLC9C1 gene across three mammalian species: mouse, rat, and human. First, analysis of these mammalian SLC9C1 genes identified a CpG island located upstream of the transcription start site in the same relative position in all three genes.

Usefulness of Next-Generation Sequencing in Excluding Bovine Leukemia Virus as a Cause of Adult Camel Leukosis in Dromedaries.

Adult camel leukosis is an emerging hematological and neoplastic disease in dromedaries. It has been hypothesized that bovine leukemia virus (BLV) or its genetic variants may be associated with adult camel leukosis. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect all possible viruses in five lung samples from five dromedaries with histopathological evidence of adult camel leukosis and four tissue samples from two control dromedaries.

Revolutionizing the effect of Azadirachta indica extracts on edema induced changes in C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in albino rats: in silico and in vivo approach.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to determine the in vivo and in silico anti-inflammatory effect of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) in carrageenan-induced rats and its blood biomarkers. A.

A Review of OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics Residency Program Websites for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Elements.

Background: Residency program websites have become a central source of information for applicants due to a shift toward virtual interviewing. Applicants, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, place strong value on programs that present commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The DEI content of residency program websites for primary care specialties has been largely unexplored.

Miscibility, thermal degradation and rheological analysis of epoxy/MABS blends.

The effect of the addition of the methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MABS) copolymer on the miscibility, thermal degradation and rheological properties of epoxy systems is described. Epoxy resin/MABS blends containing 5, 10, 15 and 20 phr MABS were prepared using the solution mixing technique. Homogenous blends obtained using this technique have undergone a polymerization reaction induced phase separation process by the introduction of the curing agent 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS).

The effect of online and in-person team-based learning (TBL) on undergraduate endocrinology teaching during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Team-based learning (TBL) combines active and collaborative learning, while incorporating aspects of the flipped classroom approach and problem-based learning. The COVID-19 pandemic presented certain challenges in the delivery of TBL in class. In this study, we investigated the impact of TBL on the academic performance of final year Biomedical Sciences' undergraduate students in the context of an "Endocrine Disorders" study block.

A national audit of estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria and the MACD CKD task force recommendations.

Introduction: The Malaysian Association of Clinical Biochemists (MACB) established a Task Force for Chronic Kidney Disease. A survey was undertaken by the Task Force on the reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin by hospital laboratories in Malaysia in both the government and private sectors.

Materials And Methods: An e-mail invitation to participate in an online survey was sent to hospital laboratories in Malaysia (n=140).

Facile Synthesis of Dihydroquinolines via Palladium Catalyzed Sequential Amination and Cyclisation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Alcohols.

Quinolines and its derivatives are significant class of heterocyclic compounds which are identified as the key component in many natural products and biologically important molecules. We describe herein a facile method for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives from Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) Alcohols Palladium Catalyzed intramolecular aryl amination followed by allylic amination pathway. The reaction between a series of MBH alcohols and amino compounds (Tosyl, aliphatic and aromatic amines) under optimized reaction conditions with Pd(PPh)Cl/DPPP catalyst system, afforded the corresponding 1,2-dihydroquinolines upto 95 % isolated yield.

Reference intervals for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) in infants' day 14-30 of life and a comparison with other studies.

Objectives Established reference intervals of thyroid function in neonates are important; however, studies often consist of a small sample size or lack of clinical information. We aim to define reference intervals for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) for infants aged 14-30 days. We also reviewed follow-up TSH for infants with initial values 10-20 mIU/L.

An overview of viscoelastic phase separation in epoxy based blends.

The viscoelastic effects during reaction induced phase separation play an important role in toughening epoxy-based blends. The large difference in molecular weight/glass transition temperature between the blend components before the curing reaction results in dynamic asymmetry, causing viscoelastic effects during phase separation accompanying the curing reaction. This review will focus on the key factors responsible for viscoelastic phase separation in epoxy-based blends and hybrid nanocomposites.

Enantioselective synthesis of 2-methyl indolines by palladium catalysed asymmetric C(sp3)-H activation/cyclisation.

The first example of the enantioselective methyl C-H activation by an intramolecular ArPdX species and subsequent cyclisation was developed. Palladium catalysts using commercially available chiral diphosphines yield good ee's (up to 93% ee) in the synthesis of 2-methyl indolines from 2-halo N-isopropyl anilides. This approach was also employed for the synthesis of enantioenriched cyclohexyl fused indolines with moderate enantioselectivities.

Palladium catalyzed 1,8-conjugate addition to heptafulvene via bis-π-allyl palladium complexes.

The palladium catalyzed 1,8-conjugate addition of heptafulvene, an antiaromatic conjugated 8π-electron system, is discussed. The method is utilized for the concise synthesis of bis-functionalized cycloheptatriene (CHT) derivatives. This is the first report on the palladium catalyzed bisfunctionalization of a cyclic cross conjugated system.

An audit of management of patients with borderline increased plasma-free metanephrines.

Background: Measurement of plasma-free metanephrine plus normetanephrine (PFM) is the best screening test for phaeochromocytoma. While clearly raised levels are diagnostic, borderline increases may be associated with factors such as stress and medications, and should prompt a repeat study after interfering factors are withdrawn.

Methods: PFM results reported by a teaching hospital laboratory over a 12-month period were extracted from the laboratory information system.

Studies on the evolution of ZnO morphologies in a thermohydrolysis technique and evaluation of their functional properties.

The transformation of ZnO morphologies in an in situ thermohydrolysis technique using hexamethylene tetramine is studied with and without surfactants. The photocatalytic and photoluminescence properties of these morphologically tuned ZnO morphologies are studied and the results presented. In the absence of any surfactants, the HMTA assisted in situ hydrolysis resulted in microtube and multipod morphologies.

Salt taste perception and relationship with blood pressure in type 2 diabetics.

Patients with type 2 diabetes (normotensives, n=59; hypertensives, n=56) and matched controls (n=60) had salt taste perception determined using graded NaCl solutions ( 0-400 mmol 1(-1)). Diabetic hypertensives, diabetic normotensives and controls differed significantly in taste threshold to NaCl recognition (F=4.4, P=0.

Iodine assisted palladium catalyzed ring opening of bicyclic hydrazines with organoboronic acids: stereoselective synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes and alkylidene cyclopentenes.

A novel reactivity of organoboronic acids with bicyclic hydrazines leading to the stereoselective formation of trans-vicinal disubstituted cyclopentenes in good to excellent yield is discussed. The reaction of cyclopentadiene and fulvene derived azabicyclic alkenes with organoboronic acids afforded the trans-3,4-disubstituted cyclopentenes and alkylidene cyclopentenes in good to excellent yields. The products, having a broad range of substituents, are important intermediates in the synthesis of a number of pharmaceutically important molecules.

Duplication of the rectum: report of four cases and review of the literature.

Rectal duplications are rare anomalies. Recently, we observed four cases of rectal duplication, each presenting with different clinical features including chronic constipation, a prolapsing rectal "polyp, " a "growth" from the vulva, and acute retention of urine. The variety of clinical presentations may lead to delay in diagnosis and multiple operations.