Presence of SARS-CoV-2-like coronaviruses in bats from east coast Malaysia.

Most of the public health importance coronaviruses, such as Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 are likely originated from bats and spread to humans through intermediate hosts; civet cats, dromedary camel and Malayan pangolin, respectively. SARS-CoV-2-like coronaviruses were detected in Thailand, which is neighbouring with Kelantan in East Coast Malaysia. To date, there is no report on the presence of public health concerns (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV) coronaviruses in bats from Malaysia. This study was aimed to elucidate the presence of these coronaviruses in bat samples from East Coast, Malaysia. A total of hundred seventy oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from three states of East Coast Malaysia. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted based on partial 3' Untranslated region (3'UTR) or ORF10 gene and the products were sequenced. The sequences were compared with all coronavirus sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information-GenBank (NCBI-GenBank) using NCBI-Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (NCBI-BLAST) software. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine the genetic relationship among the detected coronaviruses with the reference coronaviruses from the NCBI-GenBank. Our results showed that SARSCoV-2-like viruses were present in 3% (5/170) of the bats from East Coast Malaysia that have 98-99% sequence identities and are genetically related to SARS-CoV-2 from humans. This finding indicates the presence of SARS-CoV-2-like viruses in bats from East Coast Malaysia that may become a public health concern in the future.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2-like coronaviruses in bats from east coast Malaysia

@#Most of the public health importance coronaviruses, such as Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 are likely originated from bats and spread to humans through intermediate hosts; civet cats, dromedary camel and Malayan pangolin, respectively. SARS-CoV-2-like coronaviruses were detected in Thailand, which is neighbouring with Kelantan in East Coast Malaysia. To date, there is no report on the presence of public health concerns (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV) coronaviruses in bats from Malaysia. This study was aimed to elucidate the presence of these coronaviruses in bat samples from East Coast, Malaysia. A total of hundred seventy oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from three states of East Coast Malaysia. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted based on partial 3’ Untranslated region (3’UTR) or ORF10 gene and the products were sequenced. The sequences were compared with all coronavirus sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information-GenBank (NCBI-GenBank) using NCBI-Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (NCBI-BLAST) software. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine the genetic relationship among the detected coronaviruses with the reference coronaviruses from the NCBI-GenBank. Our results showed that SARSCoV-2-like viruses were present in 3% (5/170) of the bats from East Coast Malaysia that have 98-99% sequence identities and are genetically related to SARS-CoV-2 from humans. This finding indicates the presence of SARS-CoV-2-like viruses in bats from East Coast Malaysia that may become a public health concern in the future.

Data of characterization of electrospun waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers.

The identification and characterization of structural membrane properties, including pores, topography, morphology, and surface interactions, that give essential information for various applications. In this article, we provide a characterization of the electrospinning waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) by using the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Contact Angle (CA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) of Nanofibers. The data collected in this article is directly related to our previously published research article. The results were obtained to give information associated with the functionalized and surface modification of PET nanofibers.

The Temporal Association of Robotic Surgical Diffusion with Overtreatment of the Small Renal Mass.

PURPOSE: We evaluated contemporary practice patterns in the management of small renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 52,804 patients in the NCDB (National Cancer Database) who were diagnosed with a small renal mass (4 cm or less) between 2010 and 2014. Utilization trends of active surveillance, ablation and robotic, laparoscopic and open surgical techniques were compared among all comers, elderly patients 75 years old or older and individuals with competing health risks, defined as a Charlson index of 2 or greater. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with robotic renal surgery and active surveillance. RESULTS: Surgery remained the primary treatment modality across all years studied, performed in 75.0% and 74.2% of cases in 2010 and 2014, respectively. Although increases in active surveillance from 4.8% in 2010 to 6.0% in 2014 (p <0.001) and robotic renal surgery (22.1% in 2010 to 39.7% in 2014, p <0.001) were observed, the increase in the proportion of small renal masses treated with robotic partial and radical nephrectomy was greater than that of active surveillance (82.0% and 63.0%, respectively, vs 25.0%). Subgroup analyses in individuals 75 years old or older, or with a Charlson index of 2 or greater likewise revealed preferential increases in robotic surgery vs active surveillance. On multivariable analysis later year of diagnosis was associated with increased performance of robotic renal surgery compared to active surveillance (2014 vs 2010 OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.20-1.72, p <0.001) and nonrobotic procedural interventions (2014 vs 2010 OR 2.59, 95% CI 2.30-2.93, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgical extirpation has outpaced the adoption of active surveillance of small renal masses. This raises concern that the diffusion of robotic technology propagates overtreatment, particularly among elderly and comorbid individuals.

Sybr Green Real-Time PCR is a Useful Method in Screening for High Risk Human Papilloma Virus Types 16 and 18 in Neoplastic Cervical Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. HPV has been found in 99.7% of cervical cancers worldwide. In Malaysia, it is the second most common cancer among women in all major ethnic groups. The main purpose of this study was to establish the method of SyBrGreen Real-Time PCR and apply it for identification of multiple infections of the two high risk HPV subtypes. In this study, 57 positive samples for HPV 16 and HPV 18 were used to establish a simple and sensitive method to detect and identify HPV infection in the cervical neoplasia at different stages of the disease by using real-time ABICycler SyBrGreen 1 technology. The results showed 67 HPV genomes in 57 samples. HPV 16 genome was detected in 55/67 (82%) cases while HPV 18 was detected in 8/67 (12%) cases with 4 cases showing multiple infections of HPV 16 and HPV 18. HPV 16 was the most prevalent followed by HPV 18. Using SyBr Green Real-Time PCR techniques, the results showed that DNA melting curve for HPV 16 had a peak around 80.2ºC and Ct value of 20 cycles whereas the DNA melting curve for HPV 18 around 79.2ºC and Ct INTRODUCTION value of 22 cycles. In conclusion, a SyBr Green Real-Time PCR method has the potential for clinical usage in detection and identification of HPV infection in cervical neoplasia at different stages of the disease.

Immunomodulatory effects of damnacanthal isolated from roots of Morinda elliptica.

Morinda elliptica Ridley (Rubiaceae) has been used traditionally as a medicine to treat various diseases in Malaysia and southeast Asia. In the present study we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of damnacanthal isolated from the roots of Morinda elliptica. The immunomodulatory effect of this compound was evaluated by using the lymphocyte proliferation assay with mouse thymocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In addition, the effect of the compound on PBMC cell cycle progression was studied by using flow cytometry. The production of human interleukin-2 and human inteleukin-12 cytokines was also assessed using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The lymphocyte proliferation assay showed that damnacanthal was able to activate mouse thymocytes and PBMC at a low concentration (0.468 microg/mL). Moreover, the production of human interleukin-2 and human interleukin-12 cytokines in the culture supernatant from damnacanthal activated lymphocytes was markedly up-regulated at 24 h and sustained until 72 h with a slight decrease with time. A positive correlation was found between the level of these two cytokines and the MTT-based proliferation assay. Based on the above results, damnacanthal can act as an immunomodulatory agent which may be very useful for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Cigarette smoking among health care workers at King Hussein Medical Center.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking among health care workers (HCWs) at King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC), the biggest tertiary-care center in Jordan. METHODS: Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire on cigarette smoking distributed among 760 HCWs. Questions were designed to collect various demographic parameters and different aspects related to cigarette smoking. RESULTS: Six hundred HCWs returned the completed questionnaire. Responders were divided into 3 groups; physicians, 260 (43%); nurses, 250 (42%); and other HCWs, 90 (13%). Mean age (+/-SD) for the whole sample was 35.3 +/- 6.9 years. Men constituted 52%. The overall prevalence of smoking was 65%. Fifty-six percent of smokers smoked daily, with a mean consumption of 10 cigarettes per day. Smoking was more common among men (82%) than women (47%). The 31- to 40-year age group constituted nearly half the population studied; 58% of HCWs in this category were current smokers. In the physician group, the highest smoking rate was observed among family practitioners working in the emergency department (75%). Of the internists, 44% were current smokers. There was no statistical difference between the resident and specialist subgroups in this category (P = .45). All pulmonologists were nonsmokers, the second-lowest smoking rate was seen in the dermatologist subgroup (10%). The women in the nursing group had a smoking rate of 17% compared with the 49% of the men in the nursing group who smoked. In the other HCW group, 70% smoked cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a very high percentage of cigarette smoking among HCWs at KHMC. Smoking cessation programs should be introduced among Jordanian physicians.

Tracheobronchial straight metallic pin aspiration in young Jordanian females.

OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical spectrum of tracheobronchial straight metallic pin aspiration in adults, assess predisposing conditions, evaluate the efficacy of bronchoscopy, and determine the outcome and complications at the largest 2 hospitals in Jordan. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive clinical cases from 2 referral-based medical centers (32 patients at King Hussein Medical Center [KHMC] and 28 patients at Al-Basheer Hospital). Medical records of adult patients (>13 years of age) who presented with history of straight metallic pin aspiration over 6-year period (July 2000 and July 2006) were analyzed. Clinico-radiological features and location of the pins were studied. The flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) was used for foreign body (FB) identification and removal in all KHMC patients; video assisted rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia was used at Al-Basheer Hospital. RESULTS: All patients were females <28 years of age. Fifty-six patients (93%) presented within the first 24 hours after aspiration. Medical history was suggestive of FB aspiration in all patients. Chest x-rays demonstrated the radio opaque pins in all patients. At bronchoscopy, the intermediate bronchus was the most common site of FB lodgment (62%). Ninety-two percent of patients were discharged on the same day of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Tracheobronchial straight metallic pins are relatively frequent FB in Jordanian young females and can occur in a very specific clinical setting. Removal of these FBs can usually be accomplished successfully by FFB.

The pattern of active pulmonary tuberculosis in adults at King Hussein Medical Center, Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the pattern of the clinical, radiological, and diagnostic procedures of the diagnosed cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients presented to the Respiratory Medicine Division at King Hussein Medical Center over the last 10 years. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the medical records and chest radiographs of 137 active pulmonary TB patients who were diagnosed between March 1995 and October 2005. Patient's symptoms were recorded and analyzed. Radiological findings were assessed. Procedures used to identify Mycobacterium TB were identified. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients medical records were retrieved and analyzed (84 males and 53 females). The mean age (range) was 48.43 +/- 14.65 (14-83) years. The most common presenting symptoms were cough (79%), weight loss (74%), and fatigue (69%). Other presenting complaints were fever (69%), excessive night sweating (55%), chest pain (41%) and dyspnea (39%). Thirty-one percent of the cohort presented with hemoptysis. Seventy-one patients had different types of opacities and infiltrates in their chest x-ray. Micro- or macro- nodular lung changes were reported in 22 (16%) patients. Lung cavitations and pleural effusions were present in 13% of the studied patients. In 7% of cases, bronchiectasis was noted as a sequelae of long-standing lung disease. The right lung was involved in 51% of cases; the left lung in 27% and bilateral lung involvement was noted in 22% of patients. The upper lobes were involved in 63%. Sputum for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) Z-Nielson stain and culture was positive in 51%, bronchial wash was positive in 27% of cases. The diagnosis was made by histopathological examination in 15% of cases. CONCLUSION: This study showed that active pulmonary TB patients vary in clinical presentation. The radiological manifestations of pulmonary TB are heterogeneous. Sputum for AFB remains an important, easy and inexpensive measure for TB diagnosis, but may not be always helpful in early diagnosis. Bronchoscopy with bronchial washings for Mycobacterium stain and culture is an important method, and it helps in confirming the diagnosis in sputum negative patients. In sputum and bronchial wash negative cases histopathological diagnosis can identify an important proportion of active pulmonary TB cases.

Association between Epstein-Barr virus and classic Hodgkin lymphoma in Jordan: a comparative study with Epstein-Barr virus-associated Hodgkin lymphoma in North America.

An association between Epstein-Barr virus and Hodgkin lymphoma has been shown in several parts of the world. The reported incidence of Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin lymphoma varies significantly from one country to another and ranges from <30% in Swedish patients to 100% in patients from Kenya. Using in situ hybridization for detection of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA and immunohistochemistry for detection of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein, we analyzed 28 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma from Jordan and 30 cases from the United States. Eight of 28 Jordanian cases and 9 of 30 North American cases were Epstein-Barr virus positive. Our studies show that the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus among Jordanian patients with Hodgkin lymphoma is similar to the rate in patients from the United States. This rate appears to be low to intermediate compared with rates in other parts of the world.

Purification and characterisation of acyl-CoA: glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) tissues.

Glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT, EC 2.3.15) catalyses the first step of the Kennedy pathway for acyl lipid formation. This enzyme was studied using high-speed particulate fractions from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) tissue cultures and mesocarp acetone powders. The fractions were incubated with [(14)C]glycerol 3-phosphate and incorporation of radioactivity into Kennedy pathway intermediates studied. Optimal conditions were broadly similar between the two preparations but those from fruit mesocarp clearly contained more active enzymes for the subsequent stages of the Kennedy pathway - as exemplified by the appreciable accumulation of radioactivity in triacylglycerol. Experiments with different acyl-CoA substrates showed that the GPAT in both high-speed particulate preparations had a significant preference for palmitate. Glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase was solubilised from both preparations with optimal solubilisation being achieved at 0.5% (w/v) CHAPS concentrations. Solubilised GPATs were purified further using DE52 ion-exchange chromatography and Sephadex G-100 molecular exclusion chromatography. Purifications of up to about 70-fold were achieved. The purified GPATs showed a strong preference for palmitoyl-CoA compared to other acyl-CoA donors, in keeping with the importance of palmitate in palm oil.

Adaptation.

PIP: Indonesia still lacks reliable data on the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because only gonococcal infections and syphilis must be reported. The reported syphilis prevalence rate in high-risk groups ranges from 2.4% to 5.4%, while the gonococcal infection rate ranges from 14% to 30%. Much lower rates are reported among family planning clients, blood donors, and the general population. In 1994, the Indonesian Ministry of Health (MOH) adopted the STD syndromic management scheme recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first step was to prepare STD syndromic management guideline and training modules based on the international standard and adapted to the local community by implementing suggestions gleaned at a series of technical meetings involving MOH officials, STD specialists, health educators, primary health care providers, and representatives of nongovernmental organizations. The first of seven WHO workbooks was divided to produce eight workbooks for Indonesia that cover: introductory material, the transmission and control of STDs, the use of flowcharts for syndromic management, history taking and examination, diagnosis and treatment, patient education, partner management, and recording. Field testing in two districts involved training of 30 physicians and 14 nurses over a three-day period. Participants compiled a list of recommendations to improve the overall STD prevention and control effort.^ieng