Isolation and characterization of DNA aptamers against the HlyE antigen of Salmonella Typhi.

Aptamers have emerged as prominent ligands in clinical diagnostics because they provide various advantages over antibodies, such as quicker generation time, reduced manufacturing costs, minimal batch-to-batch variability, greater modifiability, and improved thermal stability. In the present study, we isolated and characterized DNA aptamers that can specifically bind to the hemolysin E (HlyE) antigen of Salmonella Typhi for future development of typhoid diagnostic tests. The DNA aptamers against Salmonella Typhi HlyE were isolated using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), and their binding affinity and specificity were assessed utilizing enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA).

Antibiotic use in a co-infection of respiratory syncytial virus and pathogenic bacteria in children in a resource-limited setting in northeast Peninsular Malaysia.

To investigate co-infection of bacterial isolates associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children aged less than two years who were admitted to hospital with confirmed lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in Kelantan, Malaysia. The demographic data, clinical history, case management, haematological as well as infectious parameters (white blood cell differential and count, plus C-reactive protein, CRP) of the patients were systematically recorded. Less than one-third of cases were RSV-positive (21.

Deep learning techniques for Alzheimer's disease detection in 3D imaging: A systematic review.

Background And Aims: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative neurological condition that worsens over time and leads to deterioration in cognitive abilities, reduced memory, and, eventually, a decrease in overall functioning. Timely and correct identification of Alzheimer's is essential for effective treatment. The systematic study specifically examines the application of deep learning (DL) algorithms in identifying AD using three-dimensional (3D) imaging methods.

Classification of Alzheimer disease using DenseNet-201 based on deep transfer learning technique.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain illness that causes gradual memory loss. AD has no treatment and cannot be cured, so early detection is critical. Various AD diagnosis approaches are used in this regard, but Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides the most helpful neuroimaging tool for detecting AD.

A portable label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor for rapid detection of Typhi.

A highly accurate, rapid, portable, and robust platform for detecting serovar Typhi ( Typhi) is crucial for early-stage diagnosis of typhoid to avert and control the outbreaks of this pathogen, which threaten global public health. This study presents a proof-of-concept for our developed label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor system for Typhi detection, which employs a printed circuit board gold electrode (PCBGE), integrated with a portable potentiostat reader. Initially, the functionalized DNA biosensor and target detection were characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods using a benchtop potentiostat.

Establishing transducers-dependent sensorineural acuity level normative data among young Malaysian adults.

Introduction: The sensorineural acuity level (SAL) test was developed as an alternative assessment to estimate bone conduction (BC) thresholds in cases where masking problems occur in pure tone audiometry (PTA). Nevertheless, prior to its clinical application, the respective SAL normative data must be made available. As such, the present study was carried out to establish SAL normative data using an insert earphone and two different commercially available bone transducers.

Validation study on a prediction formula to estimate the weight of children & adolescents with special needs aged 2-18 years old.

Background: This study aims to validate two predictive formulas of weight estimating strategies in children with special needs, namely the Cattermole formula and the Mercy formula.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study with a universal sampling of children and adolescents with special needs aged 2-18 years old, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was conducted at Community-Based Rehabilitation in Central Zone Malaysia. Socio-demographic data were obtained from files, and medical reports and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, humeral length, and mid-upper arm circumference) were collected using standard procedures.

Dataset of gallic acid quantification and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of different solvent extractions from Kacip Fatimah ( Benth. & Hook. f.) leaves.

The article presents data on the quantification of gallic acid (GA) and the assessment of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Kacip Fatimah ( Benth. & Hook. f.

Disseminated Staphylococcus aureus Infection in an Adolescent Patient Following a Traditional Phlebotomy Procedure.

 well-known Islamic medicine-based alternative treatment, and it has been widely practiced with the aim of treating certain health issues in various countries. Unfortunately, this therapy can lead to certain complications, including life-threatening infections. We report a case of a 12-year-old male patient who developed a disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection following therapy.

Surgical Technique for Varus Deformity Correction of Below-Knee Stump in a Paediatric Patient.

Paediatric amputation is one of the treatment options for various indications, namely, trauma, infection, tumour and congenital problems, and some may be born with congenital problems. It differs from adult amputation as they have higher physical demands, and special complications may arise. Stump overgrowth by far is the commonest complication in paediatric transosseous amputation, while varus deformity of the tibia stump was reported sparsely in the literature.

A Rare Case of Salter-Harris Type I Growth Plate Injury in a Patient Undergoing Limb-Lengthening Procedure.

Growth plate injuries over the distal femur typically occur due to high-energy trauma. It is commonly associated with serious complications such as growth disturbance. Its occurrence in children undergoing limb-lengthening procedures is uncommon.

Effect of Temperatures on Drying Kinetics, Extraction Yield, Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Activity of (Scheff.) Boerl. (Mahkota Dewa) Fruits.

(Scheff.) Boerl. or 'Mahkota Dewa' is a popular plant found in Malaysia as it is a valuable source of phytochemicals and therapeutic properties.

A decade of amphibian studies (Animalia, Amphibia) at Sekayu lowland forest, Hulu Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia.

Amphibians of Sekayu lowland forest have been studied more than a decade, with discoveries of new records of species showing no sign of abating between the years 2003 to 2020, indicating the remarkably rich diversity of anurans in this forest. Despite ceaseless anthropogenic activities in this area, this study successfully recorded 52 species of amphibians from 32 genera in the lowland forest of Sekayu. The species composition consisted of a single species from the family Ichthyophiidae and 51 species of anurans of 31 genera and six families.

From Active Participant to Active Researcher: What Do Young People Understand about Research?

This paper discusses the outcomes of an initiative to empower young people as active researchers. It highlights participants' understandings of their role as researchers in terms of the meaning of research, the research processes, and the participants' competences, knowledge, and skills. It describes a process that a group of 15 child councillors aged between 15 and 17 years went through that was aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills to conduct their research.

A Tracer Study on Child Participation in Child Councillor Programmes Aimed towards Development of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative.

The Child Friendly Cities Initiative introduced by UNICEF aims to help local governments realise child rights by utilising the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as its foundation. Using Lundy's model of child participation, which focuses on spaces, voice, audience, and influence, this study assesses young people's participation as child councillors in two programmes in one city in Malaysia. Ten young people who were former child councillors in one state in Malaysia participated in this study.

A Numerical Study on the Effect of Tool Speeds on Temperatures and Material Flow Behaviour in Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding of Thin AA7075-T6 Sheets.

A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model was created to simulate and analyze the effect of tool rotational speeds (RS) and plunge rate (PR) on refill friction stir spot welding (refill FSSW) of AA7075-T6 sheets. The numerical model was validated by comparing the temperatures recorded at a subset of locations with those recorded at the exact locations in prior experimental studies from the literature. The peak temperature at the weld center obtained from the numerical model differed by an error of 2.

A Comprehensive Review of Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing (FSAM) of Non-Ferrous Alloys.

Additive manufacturing is a key component of the fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) that has received increased attention over the last three decades. Metal additive manufacturing is broadly classified into two types: melting-based additive manufacturing and solid-state additive manufacturing.

Denosumab-induced hypocalcemia post bariatric surgery-a severe and protracted course: a case report.

Background: Denosumab is known to cause abnormalities in calcium homeostasis. Most of such cases have been described in patients with underlying chronic kidney disease or severe vitamin D deficiency. Previous bariatric surgery could also contribute to hypocalcemia and deterioration in bone health.

A label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor used a printed circuit board gold electrode (PCBGE) to detect SARS-CoV-2 without amplification.

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) motivates continuous efforts to develop robust and accurate diagnostic tests to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Detection of viral nucleic acids provides the highest sensitivity and selectivity for diagnosing early and asymptomatic infection because the human immune system may not be active at this stage. Therefore, this work aims to develop a label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection using a printed circuit board-based gold substrate (PCBGE).

Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for the Detection of A Scoping Review.

The development of rapid, accurate, and efficient detection methods for Salmonella can significantly control the outbreak of salmonellosis that threatens global public health. Despite the high sensitivity and specificity of the microbiological, nucleic-acid, and immunological-based methods, they are impractical for detecting samples outside of the laboratory due to the requirement for skilled individuals and sophisticated bench-top equipment. Ideally, an electrochemical biosensor could overcome the limitations of these detection methods since it offers simplicity for the detection process, on-site quantitative analysis, rapid detection time, high sensitivity, and portability.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Two-year Experience and Response of a Teaching Hospital in Malaysia and the Effect on Postgraduate Orthopaedic Training.

As the number of COVID-19-related infections and deaths increased exponentially in the during 2020, few countries were equipped to manage and curb this novel coronavirus. Initially there was no proven cure or vaccine to this novel virus (SARS-Cov-2), leaving the authorities with no choice but to impose quarantines at the short-term expense of their economies. As we gain more knowledge on this novel virus, the tried-and-tested method of selective testing of the symptomatic patients, used successfully in almost all infectious respiratory diseases, has been replaced with trace-and-test method, as most of the infected patients remained asymptomatic.

Utilizing Electrochemical-Based Sensing Approaches for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Clinical Samples: A Review.

The development of precise and efficient diagnostic tools enables early treatment and proper isolation of infected individuals, hence limiting the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The standard diagnostic tests used by healthcare workers to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have some limitations, including longer detection time, the need for qualified individuals, and the use of sophisticated bench-top equipment, which limit their use for rapid SARS-CoV-2 assessment. Advances in sensor technology have renewed the interest in electrochemical biosensors miniaturization, which provide improved diagnostic qualities such as rapid response, simplicity of operation, portability, and readiness for on-site screening of infection.

Characteristics and Microbiological Profile of Patients with Diabetic Foot Infections in Kuantan, Pahang.

Introduction: The number of people suffering from diabetic foot infection (DFI) has increased precipitously over the years in Malaysia, owing to increased population, urbanisation, the surge of number of people with obesity and physical inactivity. As one of the most dreaded complications of diabetes mellitus, DFI is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We aim to study the microbiological profile of patients with DFI at a university hospital in Kuantan, Pahang.

Abnormal glucose tolerance in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus: a 4-year follow-up study.

Background: Adoption of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) varies worldwide. Early detection of women at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following GDM enables initiation of measures to delay disease onset.

Objectives: To determine the 4-year cumulative incidence and risk factors for developing abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) among women with previous GDM using modified IADPSG criteria.